Alumni Hall of Fame
Military Service to Country (2022)

Herbert C. “Tex” Linville, Jr. was a member of the St. Marys Memorial High School Class of 1938. He was nicknamed “Tex” because he was born in San Angelo, Texas. While at Memorial High School, “Tex” was a member of the Roughrider football team where he served as a Co - Captain. The football coaching staff described “Tex” as one of their most valuable linemen.

Herbert C. “Tex” Linville, Jr. enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard and served for two years. He briefly left the service and resided in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. He re – enlisted on October 15, 1940, the same day the 37th Infantry Division was called into Federal service, along with fellow MHS graduate, Charles V. “Chick” Kettler. They joined fellow MHS graduate, First Lieutenant Charles Henne, who was already serving in Company M of the Ohio Army National Guard.

Linville and Kettler, trained at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in Pennsylvania. Ultimately, “Tex” achieved the rank of Sergeant.

Linville and Kettler, were assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division. The 37th Infantry Division earned the nickname the “Buckeyes” during World War I because the core of the division were Ohioans in the Ohio National Guard. The 37th Infantry Division trained for service in the European Theatre. However, in June 1942, they were ordered to the Pacific Theatre to counter Japanese victories there. Linville and Kettler arrived in the Fiji Islands and prepared for vigorous jungle training and to set up a coastal defense. They moved to Guadalcanal in April 1943 to stage for the Munda Campaign. Munda is on the southwestern side of the main island of New Georgia in the Solomon Islands. The Japanese had built an airstrip there that was the target of the Munda Campaign. The 37th Infantry Division encountered heavy fighting on July 11, 1943, as they fought to take the Munda Airfield. Sergeant Herbert C. “Tex” Linville, Jr. and Staff Sergeant Charles V. “Chick’ Kettler both lost their lives during combat in separate incidents on July 11, 1943.

On that fateful day, the 3rd Battalion was assaulting the Japanese strongholds on the outskirts of Munda Airfield. Sergeant Linville’s actions on that day were witnessed by fellow MHS graduate, Captain Charles Henne, with Company M. Captain Henne noted that Sergeant Linville volunteered to lead a patrol against a Japanese Salient that had entered the Battalion’s perimeter. As the patrol reached a point thirty – five yards from the enemy machine gun, Sergeant Linville chose to advance alone in an attempt to accomplish the mission rather than jeopardize the entire patrol. “Cognizant that to do so would cost him his life he nevertheless continued forward, attracted the attention of a Japanese machine gunner, and was killed instantly. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.” (Silver Star Medal Citation) Unbeknownst to him at the time, his friend, Staff Sergeant Charles V. Kettler, would be killed in action on the same day in a separate act of selfless courage and valor. Both men would be awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action.

The 37th Infantry Division would go on to take Munda Point and the airfield.

The President of the United States of America, Franklin D. Roosevelt, awarded the nation’s third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal, posthumously to Sergeant Herbert C. Linville, Jr. He was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Asia – Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Mr. Linville’s body was returned to St. Marys, Ohio, and he was laid to rest at Elm Grove Cemetery.



For his courage, bravery, valor and gallantry in action, his sacrifice for his fellow soldiers and country for which he was honored with one of the nation’s highest military honors, for representing the best characteristics of an MHS graduate of patriotism, service, and honor, and for making the ultimate sacrifice for his country, the St. Marys Memorial High School Alumni Foundation inducts Sergeant Herbert C. “Tex” Linville, Jr. into the St. Marys Memorial High School Alumni Foundation Hall of Fame for Military Service to Country.