Merle Sober

Merle grew up around Kiski and he remembers when this high school was an airport. Merle had a sister and a brother that both have since passed, his brother was in the army. Merles mother was a music school graduate from Ohio northern. She graduated in 1913. Merle played the clarinet in the band and he really enjoyed his times with the band and orchestra. Merle graduated high school twice once when allegheny school closed and again when he graduated from Freeport where they decided to hold graduation and a second time as a senior. 

He was almost 21 when he was drafted, and his brother was also around the same age as Merle when he was drafted. Merle, “waited to be asked”. He had anticipated being drafted and was curious and excited to see the world. He went to Maryland then went to basic training in Kentucky, he then took a 13 day boat trip from Seattle to Japan. He was stationed in Japan at the base of Mount Fuji for the majority of his stay, he performed ski training, shooting training, and refused to gamble. Merle took trips to Tokyo and the Army supplied stays in very nice hotels. Merle has climbed Mount Fuji. Merle never saw combat he stayed behind the lines running supply lines and training. Merle was in the 24th division, but he trained under the 101st air force division. He training with very high caliber weapons under the Air Force. Merle's captain in Japan had served in WWII. One morning Merle woke up and there was a reconnaissance plane that had hit a flag pole and he remembered seeing the plane crashed on the ground the next morning. Merle loved airplanes since he was young and came here to see the planes fly he always thought he would like to join the Air Force but he decided that the Army was the place for him. He didn't want to be away from work or his family. Merle believes that if you have ambitions you should follow them while you can. Merle got to Yokohama when sergeants had taken him up to the base of Mount Fuji and he was very relieved to not have to go into the Mountains. Merle said “It was a let down, but a very pleasant let down” Merle broke his ankle while climbing and said it was the “best break of his life.” 

Merle had a Spanish friend in the war who was part of the Texas national guard, and every weekend he would show up with and empty bottle of wine. Merle said that after discharge he was sent photos from him. Merle had another good friend in the war from Philadelphia who he visited after the war. Merle worked in the Allegheny Ludlum office and he would inspect and observe the workplace. Merle then became a foreman for 24 years. Merle was interested in going back to school but decided to stick with work because he really liked it. 

Merle said that the army taught many valuable traits to him such as, leadership, public speaking, and working in social environments. Merle bought a house in 1959 and has lived there since. Merle was married in 1955. He lost his wife in November of 2016 they had been married for over 60 years. Merle said that he was treated very well in Japan. Merle has been to Italy, Scandinavia, New Zealand, and Austria. Merle was awarded a stripe on his uniform for graduating leadership school but decided to lay low because leaders “always seem to be in trouble.” Merle still calls a sergeant that he remained in contact with and last year he visited him. Merle regularly donates to the wounded warrior charity. Merle regularly attends the upper elementary veterans memorial.