Melfred Forsman

Melfred L. Forsman, 84, formerly of Midland, entered into rest and joined his loving wife, on Dec. 1, 2005 in Kerrville, TX.Mr. Forsman was born March 22, 1921 in Alpena, SD to Gustave and Nellie Forsman. He grew up in Iowa Falls, IA where he entered the U.S. Navy in 19. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Houston that sank in the South Pacific on March 1, 1942 during WWII. He was captured and remained a Prisoner of War for approximately 3 years. During this time he worked on building a railroad in Burma and the bridge over the River Kwai. He was liberated from a POW military prison and returned to his family in Iowa. He left the Navy in 1946 and married Dilene Jean Schuler on September 30, 1947 in Kansas City, MO. They spent 50 wonderful years together until her death in 1997. During their marriage Mr. Forsman also served the U.S. Army in helicopter aviation for 25 years which also included a tour in Vietnam. During his military career, Mr. Forsman earned 27 medals including a Purple Heart, 3 Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Commendation V Medal, a Presidential Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w Palm Leaf, and Airman Crew Member Wings. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, DAV, EXPOW Organization, CAF, American Legion, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. To those who knew him, he was our hero. This brave and humble man displayed the characteristics of a patriot that many aspire to achieve. He taught many of us that the human spirit continues to endure, regardless of the hardships you may face throughout life. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, and his beloved wife.He is survived by his daughters, Dawn Lodge and husband John of Midland, TX and Diane McIntosh and husband Richard of Kerrville, TX grandson, Jason Lodge, granddaughters, Sarah Loudenback and husband Daniel, Lindsay McIntosh, Stephanie McIntosh, and Kelsee McIntosh greatgrandchildren, Sierra McIntosh and Gaven McIntosh.Graveside services will be 2:30 PM, Friday, December 9, 2005 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.

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