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!