OT: RIP Ed Tipper, U-M and Easy Co.
(Mods: This happened 10 days ago, and therefore, may have already been mentioned. If so, sorry for being repetitive, and please delete. But if not, I felt it deserved a mention.)
Edward J. Tipper, B.A., University of Michigan, died on February 1 at the age of 95 in Arvada, Colorado. Tipper became known to the general public as a sergeant in Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division, which was the subject of the Stephen Ambrose book “Band of Brothers,” and the 2001 HBO mini-series of the same name.
Fans of the series will recall Episode 3, “Carentan,” when Tipper’s character is badly wounded in a mortar barrage in the French town. In real life, Tipper lost his right eye, had both legs shattered, and was severely burned. He was evacuated to England, spent a year in military hospitals, and returned to the U.S. in 1945.
Under the G.I. Bill (which he referred to as “One of the very best things this country has ever done”), Tipper earned his B.A. in English at U-M, and his M.A. at the University of Northern Colorado. He began teaching in 1951, and spent over 30 years in public schools in Iowa and Colorado. He taught English, Literature, and Drama, sponsored ski clubs, led student field trips to Europe, and was a loyal advocate for liberal arts programs. In 1961 he was recognized nationally for his talents and awarded UC Berkley’s John Hay fellowship for excellence in education. He also remained active in Easy Company reunions, and was interviewed on camera several times in the mini-series.
Tipper is survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and of course, is remembered by his remaining comrades - and by the many who are grateful for his service.
Thank you, Sgt. Tipper - and Go Blue!
February 11th, 2017 at 3:12 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 3:23 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 3:41 PM ^
There can never be enough said about this generation of young men/women. It is very unfortunate that there are very few of these fine people living! In this day and age it is hard to imagine the sacrifices they made at home and abroad and deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. It is very special to shake the hand of anyone who served in this conflict and thank them for their sevice.
RIP Sgt. Tipper
Thank you to ALL who have served!
February 11th, 2017 at 3:39 PM ^
double post
RIP Sgt. Tipper!!!
February 11th, 2017 at 3:43 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 4:35 PM ^
It is a must see. There are many good books on the Screaming Eagles and their accounts of the many battles they were in. Just finished reading Seven roads to hell by Donald Burgett. A very good book and will be reading his other books of his accounts on WWII. I might add that Mr. Burgett is a native of Detriot.
February 11th, 2017 at 5:25 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 5:06 PM ^
RIP Sgt Tipper.
February 11th, 2017 at 3:44 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 3:58 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 4:05 PM ^
My Dad also earned a BA in English from UM on the GI Bill after serving in Italy in WWII.
RIP after a long and fruitful life.
February 11th, 2017 at 4:11 PM ^
Thanks for posting OP. Did not know that he was an alum. It's very sad to know how few of The Greatest Generation are left. Hopefully we can all be mindful of their sacrifices as we live our lives.
February 11th, 2017 at 4:35 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 5:01 PM ^
From time to time I'll pull up on episode On Demand. Great series, better book. Very few of these heroes left, appreciate them whenever you can.
February 11th, 2017 at 5:16 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 6:02 PM ^
Thank you for posting this notice.
His passing should not go without the appropriate condolences and respect for a man who lived his life so well.
I would have liked to have had the honor of meeting him.
Maybe on the other side...
February 11th, 2017 at 6:02 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 8:10 PM ^
What I find amazing is the horrors of war that these young men witnessed before they ever had a chance to even grow up. I can not even begin to imagine some of the things these young men/women went through and yet many of them came home and were able to have productful lives and careers. It speaks volumes of their character! Absolutely the GREATEST generation America has produced and they will ALWAYS have a very special place in my heart. We all should be so proud of them.
February 11th, 2017 at 8:11 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 9:30 PM ^
Hats off to your dad! I wish I had a dad with a story like that. I am sure you are very proud of him as any son would be. Just imagine surviving WWII and coming home to lead a somewhat normal life. Hell, normal everyday life (If one could say that) would be a cake walk for these guys as they have already been dealt the worst life can throw at them.
"No one is shooting at us".....WOW!!! I can't even imagine!
February 12th, 2017 at 8:39 PM ^
Appreciate the kind comments.
No offense to all the other fathers in the entire galaxy, but mine's the best. He taught me more about life by the time I was 6 years old than most people learn ever.
Life was a demanding tutor for him--and for most of his generation.
February 11th, 2017 at 6:02 PM ^
February 11th, 2017 at 10:12 PM ^
February 12th, 2017 at 8:12 AM ^
"Were you a hero grandpa?" Room goes dusty everytime.
February 12th, 2017 at 9:24 AM ^
February 12th, 2017 at 10:47 AM ^
If you'd like to more fully understand how average Americans beat the professional German Army, read Citizen Soldier and Band of Brothers. Truly amazing.
February 12th, 2017 at 11:05 AM ^
This guy and the others who share these type of stories.
February 13th, 2017 at 6:03 AM ^