Memories Of Judith Barber Newcomb, My Mother's Half Sister...

"Mom’s parents divorced when she was 16 – a scandal it was – her father Clarence marrying her mother Bessie’s younger sister Mildred Laraway, (Billie) and her mother Bessie Claressa Laraway marrying Norman Van Tassel, another farmer and friend of the family, who had once been married to Bessie’s cousin. All four persons accompanied each other to Las Vegas for the divorce and remarriage of the new couples. 

In later years, after Mom had a child or two of her own, along came a half-sister, Judith Barber, whom Mom also loved, but with whom never established a close relationship, as she had her own family to tend to. 

The Laraway sisters kept a close bind with each other despite the scandal, and with the rest of their brothers and sisters, and their friendships and relationships continued the rest of their lives. Their lives had changed, but they still were accepted by each other. 

But, for Mom, although she visited with her family back and forth as though all was well, she was wounded from the shame and embarrassment it had caused her at the tender age of 16, and I don’t believe she ever really recovered from that fully."

Here is a link the full version of Susan's Memories Of Her Mother and also to the news paper coverage of Mom's sixteenth birthday:

http://gerryhubbard.blogspot.com/2005/06/susans-memories-of-her-mother_25.html

http://gerryhubbard.blogspot.com/2005/07/moms-sixteenth-birthday-party.html

Norman Van Tassell, Clarence Barber, Judith, Billie

Grandma Bessie, Her Sister Billie, Judith

Judith, Billie, Mom

Award Of The Bronze Star For Heroism: Scutt, Lawrence, Staff Sergeant, United States Army

Award Of The Bronze Star For Heroism:  Scutt, Lawrence, Staff Sergeant, United States Army, Company D, 2nd Battalion 12th Cavalry ( Airmobile)
Awarded:  Bronze Star Medal With "V" Device
Date Of Action:  7 May 1970
Theatre:  Republic Of Vietnam
Authority:  By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962

Reason:  For heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Kingdom Of Cambodia.  Staff Sergeant Scutt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 May 1970 as Squad Leader with the D Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry (Airmobile).  When his unit became engaged with a determined enemy force, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved forward to the point of heaviest contact and began placing a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the insurgent forces.  His actions were an inspiration to the other members of his unit and were instrumental in the successful completion of the mission.  His Display of personal bravery and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army