Blog Archives

Omega Mu Athlete

3/28/2021

Truthfully, there is no fraternal brotherhood quite like Omega Mu at the University of Maine. We are proud of our history, and we are proud of the impressive number of fraternal brothers who played on many University of Maine athletic teams. With conviction and commitment, our Omega Mu athlete brothers brought a great deal of joy and satisfaction to the university community, creating many wonderful memories since the first baseball team was established at Maine State College in the 1870's. The worked together for the success of each Maine team, and the overall civic good of the University of Maine. The sheer number of Omega Mu athlete brothers is an unqualified triumph for the University of Maine. They each gave their best efforts on each team, and what they achieved perfectly compliments what we fraternally believe: drive and determination. It is a heady athletic legacy. Accordingly, their accomplishments claim our fraternal attention and respect. For the eminence of their athletic success; and, above all, for being our Omega Mu brothers, we are proud. Therefore, in the linked soul and spirit of our long fraternal history, we gratefully remember and celebrate our QTV and Omega Mu brothers who participated on many varsity athletic teams at the University of Maine. Their sacrifice of time was worth the effort for them and the student body at the University of Maine who watched them play. They created many warm memories since the early 1870’s. For the eminence of their athletic success; and, above all, for being our Omega Mu brothers, we are all very proud.

Thoreau said it best: “What a difference, whether in all your walks, you meet only strangers, or in one house is one who knows you, and whom you know. To have a brother…How rare these things are.” How true that is, and we remain that way to this day. That is a heady fraternal legacy.

Omega Mu Athlete
Ralph B. Pond,
1910

Hebron Academy

Omega Mu Years

House pictures, 1910

Maine Masque

Sophomore Declamation

Ivy Day, 1910

University of Maine Athletics

Football

Baseball

Track

Boston Red Sox

Huntington Avenue Grounds, now the site of Northeastern University, where the Boston Americans (Red Sox) played until Fenway Park opened in 1912.

"Ralph Pond was an outfielder, and the very day he joined the Red Sox he saw service. The Sox had likely been impressed when, on May 28, Pond won the state intercollegiate championship for his team in Orono with a big three-run homer in the first inning of the deciding game, beating Colby 3-0. June 8, 1910, was a big day for youngsters joining the Boston team – not only did Ralph Pond come up that day, but so did fellow UMainer Marty McHale and Hap Myers, a first baseman. Pond’s debut (and swan song, as it turned out) was a rough outing, not just for the 5-foot-9 Pond but for the team in general. It may have been an imposing task to be asked to fill in for Tris Speaker for the day.

Tris Speaker

Fellow U-Maine players with Ralph Pond:
Mary McHale and Hap Meyers

"Our man Pond started in center and failed to get a hit off veteran White Sox hurler Frank “Piano Mover” Smith. He struck out his first time up, leading off in the second, though the Red Sox scored later that inning when Duffy Lewis drove in Larry Gardner. Chicago came back with two runs in the bottom of the third, taking the lead. With one away, Red Sox shortstop Harry Lord booted pitcher Smith’s grounder. White Sox leadoff hitter Charlie French flied to center but Pond misjudged it and the ball got by him, enabling Smith to scamper all the way around from first. Pond threw the ball in to Lord, covering second, but Lord mishandled the ball and French took third, scoring when the next batter, Doc White, flied to Harry Hooper in right. (White, one of the White Sox’ regular starting pitchers, was playing center field that day.)

In the fourth, Pond slapped a hot shot back to the mound, but Smith snared it and fired to first for the out. In the fifth, the Red Sox took the lead back with two runs of their own. Lord made his third error of the game in the sixth and French was safe. He made it all the way from first to third on a 5-3 sacrifice by White, because Red Sox pitcher Charley Smith, who had run over to cover third, dropped the ball, then fired back across the diamond. French scored by taking a huge lead off third, and when catcher Carrigan fired down to third base to pick him off, French dug for home and the third baseman threw the ball back in the dirt as French ran for the plate. Dougherty hit a double into center, and Pond chased after it, inadvertently kicking it all the way out to the center-field wall in the process. Pond singled in the sixth and stole a base -- qualifying him for momentary membership in that year’s “Boston Speed Boys” -- (Bill Lee’s The Baseball Necrology)"

“What if the space be long and wide,
That parts us from our brother’s side
A soul-joined chain unites our band,
And memory links us hand in hand.”
(Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)

Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82
Perge

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Omega Mu Veteran

3/26/2021

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Our Omega Mu veteran-brothers who served in the military are cherished and constant fraternal friends, and we would like to say thank you for the steadfast, purposeful commitment you made to our nation to defend those four freedoms we all believe in: “Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” For those brothers who were killed in defense of these freedoms, they will always occupy a consecrated place in our linked fraternal heart because they exemplify the idea of superlative commitment, strength, and fortitude for the good to the end itself. The greatness of their collective purpose and will, on our nation’s behalf, will never be forgotten. By their “clear-eyed faith and fearless heart,” these brothers have left us a fraternal legacy that echoes what we often say about Omega Mu Fijis: “Perseverance and determination are omnipotent.” Their code of integrity, courage, duty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice on behalf of our nation is a powerful legacy we can all be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis.

Whether it was at San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Easter Offensive, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Bien Hoa, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always be grateful for the military service of every Omega Mu veteran from the Spanish-American War to the present. Thank you.

Omega Mu Veteran
Robert M. Moore

High School Years
Higgins Classical Institute

Robert, right, with his twin brother Russell, 1935

Omega Mu Years

Military Career

Second Lieutenant Robert M. Moore, was an exceptional combat fighter pilot in the 5th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group.

5th Fighter Squadron Patch

He flew a Spitfire and a P51 Yellow Tail Mustang in England, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, and Corsica.

Spitfire

Yellow Tail Mustang

He was declared missing in action near Elba Island, March 15th, 1944.

Florence, Italy

Second Lieutenant Robert M. Moore, Maine

Second Lieutenant Robert M. Moore's grave in Orland, Maine

Second Lieutenant Robert M. Moor was a warded the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, the American Defense Service Medal, and the Eastern-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze stars.

Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82
Perge

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Omega Mu Veteran

3/12/2021

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Whether it was at San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in their defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always be grateful for the military service of every Omega Mu veteran from the Spanish-American War to the present. Thank you.

Omega Mu Veteran
Paul L. Stimpson,
1964

Omega Mu Years

Military Career

Lieutenant Paul L. Stimpson was the Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander attached to the First Aviation Brigade, 145th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 118TH Assault Aviation Company in Vietnam.

Paul's United States Army Aviator Badge and ribbons

First Lieutenant Paul Stimpson, first on the left.

118th on a mission.

118th chopper pilots in action. Note the unit insignia on the helicopter.

Paul died on April 22, 1967, Bien Hoa Province, South Vietnam. He crashed in a cemetery near Long Binh due to fuel starvation. Stuart W. Gerald, an Omega Mu brother who was serving in Vietnam at the same time, flew his helicopter over the cemetery were Paul died. His picture and comment about Paul and the crash are below.

Stuart W. Gerald

"When I was a freshman rushing Fiji, Paul was a senior and one we were all so impressed with- given his good looks and great demeanor. He always treated us little Zobies with respect. He was the one who came to my dorm room late one night to inform me that I was a pledge! He was in ROTC, and we all knew his strong desire to fly when commissioned. He married a beautiful girl before going to chopper training. We learned of his death after flying many missions in one day, landing in a booby trapped LZ. All of us in my pledge class were shocked and really saddened to lose this classy big Brother." Mike McInnis, '68

Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82
Perge

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Omega Mu Veteran

3/3/2021

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Whether it was at San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always be grateful for the military service of every Omega Mu veteran from the Spanish-American War to the present. We thank you.

Omega Mu Veteran
Stephen J. Hayward,
1973

Military Career
1966-1969

Stephen Hayward served in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam

"Steve was field promoted from private to captain in the 101st Airborne. On his last mission, on June 21st, 1968, Steve was leading a helicopter assault and was shot out of the door before the helicopter landed. He was shot again on the ground and his jugular vein severed. He was fortunate enough to fall next to a medic who sutured him under fire. While his jugular was being sutured, he was shot again in the buttocks. He continued to command his troops, and he was the last man off the ground and was shot for the fourth time entering the helicopter before lift-off. They thought he wouldn't make it and even called his Dad, Col. Hayward (the "Bear") over to Nam to see him. Needless to say, the big guy survived. Thank God the big boy made it, and we all got to know one of the great ones while at Omega Mu. His nickname was “Bimbo” the baby elephant! In fact, there is a Bimbo burger on the menu at Pat’s in honor of Steve. Steve was my roommate my freshman year. Steve received numerous citations including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, and was he nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor." (Jim McLean, '72)

Steve receiving the Silver Star

Omega Mu Years,
1969-1973

"Three brothers in front: left to right are Paul Wood (no shirt), Stephen Hayward, Jim Hayes.
Behind Stephen Hayward's right shoulder is Bob Meneally. In the middle, wearing glasses, looking at the camera in the white shirt is Fred Gallela, and behind him is Mike McInnis. Behind McInnis's left shoulder is Ted Crowell. To the of Fred Gallela, wearing a V-neck sweater is Bob Van Dyke. To his left is John Duffy, who is looking to his right. To the left of John Duffy, hind in his pocket, is Jim McLean. Behind Jim, his left shoulder, is Bob Gandolfi. Third row, left side, wearing a light shirt and dark sunglasses looks like George Wiest. On the left edge of the photo, wearing a white belt, is Tom Richardson. Left rear, second from the back row, in white shirt with long blonde hair is Bob Duetsch. To his left is John Halloran, and behind Halloran could be Peter Stanwyck. On the right side of the photo, with the finger peace symbol behind someone's head could be Jim Walsh. Behind his right shoulder, the brother with a great deal of hair, could be John Zinno." (Jim McLean, '72 )

"His nickname was “Bimbo” the baby elephant! In fact, there is a Bimbo burger on the menu at Pat’s in honor of Steve. Steve was my roommate my freshman year." (Jim McLean, '72)

Jim McLean, first on the left, freshmen class president; senior portrait picture.

Steve Hayward and Jim McLean

Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82
Perge

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Omega Mu Veteran

3/3/2021

0 Comments

Our Omega Mu veteran-brothers who served in the military are cherished and constant fraternal friends, and we would like to say thank you for the steadfast, purposeful commitment you made to our nation to defend those four freedoms we all believe in: “Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” For those brothers who were killed in defense of these freedoms, they will always occupy a consecrated place in our linked fraternal heart because they exemplify the idea of superlative commitment, strength, and fortitude for the good to the end itself. The greatness of their collective purpose and will, on our nation’s behalf, will never be forgotten. By their “clear-eyed faith and fearless heart,” these brothers have left us a fraternal legacy that echoes what we often say about Omega Mu Fijis: “Perseverance and determination are omnipotent.” Their code of integrity, courage, duty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice on behalf of our nation is a powerful legacy we can all be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis, and we are deeply grateful for each of them.

Whether it was at San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always be grateful for the military service of every Omega Mu veteran from the Spanish-American War to the present. Thank you.

Omega Mu Veteran
Mark L. Hersey

Military Career

Mark L. Hersey started his military career by serving in the 9th Infantry at Fort Mojave and Fort Apache in Arizona, working as an Indian Agent with the Hualapai, Mojave, and Apache Indians. He was as a company commander, signal officer, topographer, and quartermaster. He would also serve in the 9th Infantry during the Boxer Rebellion.

9th Infantry

Fort Mojave, Arizona

Fort Apache, Arizona

Maine State College Faculty

1894-1895 Maine State College faculty photo with Mark L. Hersey, first row, wearing stripped pants.

Spanish-American War

Mark L. Hersey served in the Spanish-American War, and he saw action in Santiago, Cuba.

Boxer Rebellion

Mark L. Hersey was a captain in the 9th Infantry during the Boxer Rebellion, and he participated in the China Relief Expedition from Tientsin to Peking.

General Arthur MacArthur, Jr., father of Douglas MacArthur.

Captain Mark L. Hersey

The 9th U. S. Infantry marching toward Peking from Tientsin, China.

Mexico

Mark L. Hersey was part of the 10,000 men U.S. military operation, led by Brigadier General John J. Pershing, to capture Pancho Villa after he had raided various towns, most notably the town of Columbus, New Mexico. President Wilson gave the order to Newton D. Baker, a Phi Gamma Delta brother, to plan the invasion of Mexico by Pershing and his men. Although Villa was not killed or captured, the expedition into Mexico did stop Villa's raids on border towns in the United States.

Brigadier General John J. Pershing and his men going into Mexico.

World War I

Hershey was Phi Gamma Delta’s highest-ranking officer during World War I, and he briefly com manded the 4th Infantry Division during World War I. He Fought in the Meuse Argonne Offensive and St. Mihiel. He led the 4th Division of the 2nd United States Army on a successful assault on the German position at Bois des Loges. For his service during World War I, Mark L. Hersey Hersey was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the French Legion of Honor, and the Croix de Guerre

Meuse-Argonne Offensive Map

Mark L. Hersey's IV Division during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Hersey led the 4th Division on a successful assault on the German position at Bois des Loges.

USS General Mark L. Hersey

The USS General M. L. Hersey (AP-148) was commissioned on July 29th, 1944. The ares served by the Hersey included the Admiralty Islands. the Russell Islands, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, the Palaus, and the Marianna. On its last wartime voyage home, it was reported that a cruiser that was near the USS Hersey, the U. S. S. Indianapolis, was sunk by a Japanese submarine.

“In July 1945, the Indianapolis completed a top-secret high-speed trip to deliver parts of Little Boy, the first nuclear weapon ever used in combat, to the United States Army Air Force Base on the island of Tinian, and subsequently departed for the Philippines on training duty. At 0015 on 30 July, the ship was torpedoed by the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-58, and sank in 12 minutes. Of 1,195 crewmen aboard, approximately 300 went down with the ship.[4] The remaining 890 faced exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks while stranded in the open ocean with few lifeboats and almost no food or water. The Navy only learned of the sinking four days later, when survivors were spotted by the crew of a PV-1 Ventura on routine patrol. Only 316 survived.[4] The sinking of the Indianapolis resulted in the greatest single loss of life at sea, from a single ship, in the history of the US Navy.”

The USS Hersey was the flagship bringing occupation troops to Japan in September 1945, and it received one battle star for her wartime service in World War II and two battle stars for service during the Korean War.