In 1949, long-time owner/editor of The Idaho Enterprise, Marion (Swede) Hanson, and his friend William J. (Bill) Byrd published “The Red Book,” a compilation of the pictures, names, and brief descriptions of many of the Oneida County veterans who served in World War II. A few years ago, after reviewing “The Red Book” (so called because of its distinctive red felt cover), Gene and Kay Caldwell began thinking that all of the veterans of Oneida County – all 1800 – needed to be recognized in such a publication.  

Now that dream has become a reality.  Thanks to the technical wizardry of Brent Bowen, the support of the American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post #65, financial help from several donors, and encouragement of veterans and their families, the book has been published and will be available at a special event on Veterans’ Day – Saturday, November 11, 2023.

The full-color, 400-page book contains pictures and names of as many Oneida County veterans as the Caldwells and Brent were able to find through family history searches, phone calls, emails, and every means available. The process has been both involved and as thorough as possible.  They know that some veterans are still not included but hope that the book will inspire families to send pictures and information to them for a possible future edition.

Beginning with James Peter Jensen, who served in the Spanish-American War, through World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam, to today’s War on Terrorism, the veterans of Oneida County have served our country and community with many paying the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy. Many books include histories of these wars, but this book is unique in recognizing our  Oneida County veterans.

Those who have pre-ordered books, those who would like to purchase books, and anyone who would just like to see the book are invited to the celebration on Saturday, November 11, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Building in downtown Malad. A short introductory program will be at 2:15 after which the books will be available for distribution and sale. 

Gene Caldwell himself will be experiencing an especially significant Veterans Day, as he is scheduled to be a part of a Utah Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit a war memorials as a honored guest.  In 1952, Gene was sworn in as a member of the United States Army and began training for work in the Cryptography division, where he would work coding and decoding messages for the Korean War effort with the 24th Signal Corps in Japan and then Korea where he spent fifteen months.  After the war, Gene returned to the states and graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He went to work for the Army Corps of Engineers, where he remained until retiring 32 years later.  After returning to Malad, Gene continued to serve his country, state, county, and city as a City Council member for five years and County Commissioner for ten.  He has continued active membership with the American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post #65, where he has held a number of offices.

A full accounting of the Honor Flight will be presented following Gene’s return.

Everyone is invited to the book launch event on this, one of the country’s most profound days of commemoration for the countless men and women who have given everything in the service of their country.  The city of Malad and Oneida County sincerely thank Gene Caldwell and all its veterans for their incalculable sacrifices in the cause of freedom over the years and into the present.