JACKSONVILLE  -  Lieutenant Colonel William Stephen Gerichten, USMC (Retired), age 96, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at The Kempton of Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was born December 1, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York to William Gerichten and Julia Swiez. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps near the end of World War II and rose to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He was commissioned in 1952 upon returning from his brave service as a machine gun section leader with Dog Company, 2nd Bn, 5th Marine Regiment in the Korean War. He was a member of the elite Honor Guard of the United States Freedom Train Detachment, served aboard the cruiser USS JUNEAU, and served with units of the First, Second, and Third Marine Divisions. His service concluded with the First Marine Air Wing in support of forces in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart while serving with the Fifth Marines at the Chosin Reservoir, often referred to as the Frozen Chosin, and was also awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, and Meritorious Service Medal among many others. He was also awarded the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Ministry of Patriots and Veteran Affairs by the Defense Attache' Major General Pyo, Se Woo, of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. for his brave service and sacrifice in the Korean War. Upon retirement in 1973, he moved to Kernersville, NC where he served the community as a volunteer Little League Umpire from 1974-1986. He was very active at Holy Cross Catholic Church, serving 30 years as Sacristan, Lector, Usher, and as an elected member of the Parish Council. A member of the Knights of Columbus since 1960, he served in several offices and was a member of the Fourth Degree. He was educated at East Carolina College and the University of Georgia. Bill Gerichten was a devoted, loving husband and father, and proud, doting grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Catherine Evans Gerichten, who he met in Philadelphia, PA, while serving on the Freedom Train, and his loving wife Joan Walter Gerichten, USMC retired, who was "the answer to his prayers",  and his beloved son David Walter Gerichten, Coastal Carolina Community College, sisters Jeanette Adolff, Round Rock, TX, and Marie Moser, Middle Village, NY. Survivors include his son, Lt Colonel William S. Gerichten II and wife Anne, daughter, Karen E. Gerichten Salefsky- Vice President PNC Bank, and husband, Larry, son, Major Glenn E. Gerichten, and wife Kandy, Eight grandchildren - Dr. Corinne S. Edwards, (Wingate), Lt Col William B. Gerichten, (Sandy), Larry T Salefsky II, (Hannah PA), Sarah E. Gerichten, Victoria L. Gerichten, Kaitlin E. Gerichten, RN,  Hayley L. Stijak (Gordan), and Emilee M. Gerichten, Ten Great-Grandchildren- Ella, Vanessa, Walt, Layla, Lydia, Isla, Weston, Winston, William David, and Jaxon David, Sisters - Wilhelmina Jordan of Marion, IA, Judith Cordts, Mt Pleasant, PA, Carol Ferguson, Narrowsburg, NY, and Brother, James Gerichten, W Sugarloaf, PA. Special  families - Brian & Michelle Cleckner & family, Dawn & Michael Bellas and family, and his devoted caretaker, Demetria have been treasured family friends.

With his love and devotion to God, family, country, and community, Bill Gerichten leaves a lasting legacy of bravery, leadership, compassion, and service to others. His memory and his love will live on forever and always in Heaven and in all of our hearts. Semper Fi.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a difference in the lives of other brave veterans with a donation to the Disabled American Veterans or with his love of dogs, caring support for the ASPCA.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, January 15th at Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Jacksonville, at 11:00. Prior to the Mass, the family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 am at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville, NC.  Burial with Military Honors to follow Thursday,  January 16th at 12:00, noon, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, NC.