T. MARK RADCLIFFE
Colonel T. Mark Radcliffe fought his last battle on April 1st, 2012, wrapped in the love and care given by his family, the wonderful dedicated staff at Aspen Gardens, and Hospice of St. Peters.
Mark was born September 6, 1918 in Shiprock, New Mexico, the first of three boys, to Marcus and Evelyn Radcliffe. He spent his early years in New Mexico and Salt Lake City, Utah, attended the National Defense School at the University of Utah and was ordered into active duty in 1941.
Mark was stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. After the attack, he was sent to Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1942 Mark was interviewed and selected for duty with the First Special Service Force at Fort William Henry Harrison in Helena as Company Executive Officer. He was trained as a paratrooper and a member of the elite Devil’s Brigade. He was assigned to the European Theater and participated in all the major force combat missions. Mark commanded the troops that captured and secured the enemy on Mt. Magio in Italy, was captured and wounded, and lead the first troops into Rome to secure their liberation. He was awarded the Silver Star, six Bronze Stars, three Army Accomodation medals, the Purple Heart with three clusters, the combat infantry badge, parachute wings, commendation for superior combat operations, and an official commendation for leading the first combat patrol into the City of Rome. He holds battle credits in North Africa, the South Pacific, Asiatic Pacific, Naples, Foggia, Rome Arno, Corsica, Southern France, Franco Italian border, Rheinland and Norway. After returning from the war in 1944, Mark continued his military career by joining the Army Reserve as Deputy Commander, then becoming Commander of the Helena unit. He served in many capacities, retiring in 1978 as a Full Colonel.
While training in Helena, Mark met the love of his life, Edith Kathleen Bauer, at a USO dance…….the beautiful girl across the room. He wrote his mother that he had met the girl he was going to marry. Two months later on September 3, 1942 they were married at St. Paul’s Methodist Church.
Mark was a professional engineer and started his career at McKinnon and Decker Construction Co. in Helena after the war. He was Deputy Director of the Montana Aeronautics Commission and retired as Deputy Director of the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Mark designed the First Special Service Force Monument at Memorial Park and the Cenotaph that stands behind it. He was instrumental in the development of the Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison and after retirement worked to secure the designation of Fort Harrison as a high altitude training facility.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother Robert Radcliffe. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Edith Radcliffe of Helena; a daughter Carolyn (Chuck) Doering of Helena and a son Bob (Jeannette) Radcliffe of Bozeman. Grandchildren; Annette (Randy) McDowell of Bozeman, Lynne (John) Armbruster of Snohomish, WA., and Mark Radcliffe Jr. (Anna) of Belgrade. Step-grandchildren: Stephanie Borash of West Yellowstone and Suzie Hockel of Bozeman. He has eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bruce Radcliffe of Tempe, Arizona, and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service and Reception will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, starting at 1:00 pm. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave in Helena. A burial with Military honors will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mark’s name may be sent to the Montana Military Museum Foundation, PO Box 125, Fort Harrison, Montana 59636-0081 or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, FL. 32256. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Carol E. Kalberg Bonner says
Edi & family,
Having been neighbors of twenty plus years at Canyon Ferry, I have grand memories of the kindness & assistance given! My Dad, Colonel Louis Kalberg & my father in law, General John Bonner, held Mark in the highest of esteem. They let us know of the honor of being w/the Devil’s Brigade. As neighbors, I will always remember Tam picking flowers while you were away & feeding Shadow ~ the reciprocation while we were away gave a safety factor unsurpassed!
I am sending you my biggest hugs & understanding having lost Tom in 1972.
With fondest memories,
Carol Bonner
Carolyn K. Pelletier says
To The Radcliffe Family – So very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. At least he and Joe were able to cross over together. I am so honored to have known Mark and your family for so many years. I feel as though I have lost the last of my ‘surrogate’ fathers as well. I know you have many, many memories to help you through this difficult time. Please know that many people are thinking of you and your family. My deepest sympathy. Carolyn K. Pelletier
Charles J Robertson says
May God be with you, and also with your family
Debra Michael says
My condolences to the family of Colonel Mark Radcliffe. He was a true hero and patriot.
Sincerely, Debra (Spidle) Michael,
FSSF Association member
Aubrey Spidle FSSF 6-1
1921-2010
Dudley&lee Williams says
Condolences to the family. Especialy to Edith. Mark was a good man.
Gianni Blasi says
As an Italian I am greatful to Mark for his important contribution to liberating my place of birth; as a Canadian I am honored to have had fine men like Mark associated with my co-nationals in the FSSF. Every time I enter Rome, Mark Radcliffe is with me. Gianni Blasi, Liri Valley, Italy.
Jim & Carol Jacobsen says
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mr Radcliff had a long & wonderful life and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Jim and Pat Monger says
Edith,Carol,Robert;We share your sorrow; never will one find a more honest,ethical and patriotic person than Mark.In 1959 he was my first boss out of college and I will always treasure his professional mentoring. Godspeed friend,Jim M
Joe, Tracey and Rachel says
Dear Edith,
On behalf of my family, I would like to give our condolences to you and yours. We enjoyed seeing you and Mark on many occasions at the Waterford for dinner along side my grandparents Joe and Dorothy. I have had the privelege of listening to a few stories from Mark and my grandpa. They will be sorely missed!!
Respectfully,
Joe Jette
Judy A. Davies says
Deepest Sympathy to Mark’s family. Mark was truly a gentleman. I was privileged to be his secretary at FHA and he was a wonderful boss. He will be missed by all.
kathleen givan says
What a remarkable life! the world was so much better for us because of him.
Kelly Radcliffe says
Dad was so proud of his oldest brother. Especially his military service. The Radcliffe boys didn’t seem tight family wise, but you could tell there was a special bond between them. Maybe just the way life was for them.
My sister Susan will carry the Radcliffe spirit with her when she comes for the funeral. That spirit is strong in me as it is with her. All of Rip’s kids are proud to be a part of the lineage.
Sincerely,
Kelly Radcliffe
Rip’s youngest son
Houston, TX
LUCIANO Bucci says
thats a terrible moment for me… i had the honour to have is sign on my fssf picture during the Helena reunion… i will preserve it forever in our musm… the worst enemy is the tie, we all miss you …
Luciano Bucci
President of
Winterline Venafro association
Nelson Family says
It is rare when a neighbor has a profound effect on an entire family. But Mark did. He befriended my son when he was his paper boy and hired him to mow his lawn. Mark’s friendship inspired him to build an Eagle Scout project at Fort Harrison Military Museum, restoring what remained of the last original officer quarters that the First Special Service Force used to train for WWII. My son laid the foundation, but there was a lot more restoration needed, taking both his sisters to complete the restoration work with Girl Scouts. (Since Mark got married, he was not required to live in these quarters, so Joe Glass also helped describe the finishing touches for the final display.) We are truly going to miss these men who fought for all of us in war and then helped us grow in life afterward. It was an honor to know them and to gain understanding of their lifelong Special Service.
Dirk and Norlynn Nelson, Jonathan (Eagle Scout), Sonja (Gold Scout), Lynnea (Gold Scout)
Richard Ringo says
To the Radcliffe Family,
You have my deepest sympathy
at this difficult time. My
late father, Lt. E.A. Ringo (1918-1991) was also in the Force (Svc. Co.), so I feel that I have lost a family member. You are in my
thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Richard Ringo