Major Jesse Eli Foster

Major Jesse Eli Foster was born May 6, 1923, the son of the late Samuel and Sophie (Levy) Fuchs of Flushing, New York. He graduated from Flushing High School at age sixteen and pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the State University of New York. He was active both in the States and in Japan as a Fee Mason. Major Foster was a decorated World War II veteran who received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for meritorious service as a Bombardier in the Army Air Corps. Major Foster was shot down in Italy and captured by the Nazis and bravely endured life as a Prisoner of War. He ingeniously escaped the forced march inflicted by the Germans at the close of the European theater. He was often heard to remark, “I laugh today many years later because I fooled the Nazis.” Mr. Foster was an avid historian and a part of his history is memorialized in the Holocaust Project and the American Veteran’s Archives. His memoirs offer a harrowing account of the sacrifice that our veterans have made to keep our nation free. After the Great War, Major Foster served as a commander of the USO in Japan, where he met his wife, Tomeko Foster, who died in 2008. Major Foster remained in active duty in the Air Force for many years. After the recent Tsunami that devastated his beloved Japan, Major Foster was required to return to the United States after forty-two years of living in Tokyo. Major Foster’s journey back to the states proved the most insurmountable challenge as his strength in body, mind and spirit began to wane. He died at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center on Thursday, July 28, 2011 with his niece and primary caregiver, Dr. Dena Cordes Olivi, by his side and with the words of his compassionate sons echoing in his ears as he made his final journey. The funeral of Major Jesse Foster will be held on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 11 o’clock AM at James A. Dyal Funeral Home, Summerville. A gathering of friends and family will be held one hour prior to the service. Major Foster will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Major Jesse Foster was predeceased by his brother, Douglas Irwin Foster, Esq. He is survived by his son Eric Foster and his wife Brigit of Valparaiso, Indiana, and his son Craig Foster and his wife, Davelen of Visalia, California. He has three grandsons, Eric Foster, Miles Foster and Mitchell Foster. The family remain grateful to the people who cared for Major Foster in his final days, especially his sister in law, Marina Starr, who provided great comfort to him. The staff at Patriot’s Harbor and VA medical Center assisted by Griswold Home Health allowed him to depart this life with dignity and respect. We are honored that Rabbi Refson, from Chabad of Charleston, was present at his final hour. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483.

Major Jesse Eli Foster

May 6, 1923 - July 28, 2011