By: Mark Holtsberry
When we see names of people who served in the military, we assume that they served in one war. Well, here is the story of a man from Paulding County, who served in three wars, and here is his story.
Riley Finley Ennis was born April 23, 1897 in Paulding, Ohio. The son of Samuel Wilson and Martha Riley (Findlay) Ennis. Samuel was born July of 1866 in Maryland and Martha was born March of 1874 in Ohio. The couple was married in 1894. Samuel was Captain of Company M. 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish American War.
The family was living in Paulding on North Cherry Street by 1900. Samuel was a lawyer building his base for clients. Riley, being the only child, was sure to receive a lot of attention. By 1910, with the family still living on North Cherry Street, Riley was a student at Paulding School. Riley’s interest in the military was unclear, but as war loomed in Europe, he apparently set his sights on serving. He was at Fort Sheridan, Illinois serving as a corporal in 1918. He received a promotion to 2nd Lieutenant September 20, 1918. Also served with the 10th Replacement and Training Troop Company, Grant, Illinois, to May 1, 1919. Then was Camp Supply Depot Company, Grant, Illinois where he received an Honorable Discharge, October 28, 1919. Riley went to the Universities of Miami and Ohio State where he graduated.
By 1920, Riley was back home with his parents in Paulding on North Cherry Street, still single and 22 years old. That changed December of 1920. He married a gal named, Helen Margaret Pemberton, the daughter of Carl H. and Ada (River) Pemberton. Helen was born in Ohio, January 12, 1900. Riley went to Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, July 1, 1921.
Riley stayed in the Military, and the couple moved to Beecher Avenue, Apartment 4, Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois. The army sent Riley for training in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 27, 1923. While in the military, Riley was an Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics. Riley had been at Knox College since 1928. AIso in 1928, Riley graduated from Infantry School for Company Officers Course.
By 1930, Riley and Helen were still living at Beecher Avenue and Riley was still an Assistant Professor. In 1933, Riley completed Tank Courses and Tactics Courses. Sometime before 1935, Riley and Helen moved to Ft. Devins, Mount Desen, Massachuetts. By 1936, Riley was promoted to Captain. In 1939, Riley graduated from Army War College. He also completed Field Officers Chemical Warfare Studies. They moved to Washington D.C. at 4550 Connecticut Avenue North West, Washington D.C. In 1940, Riley and Helen lived in Salinas, Monterey County, California. In April of 1941, Riley was promoted to Captain. Also in 1941, Riley was sent to Honolulu, Hawaii, April 3, 1941, then on to Singapore, unclear what the trips were for, he returned to San Francisco on August 28, 1941, on the ship “Anzac Clipper”. October 1, 1941, he was assigned with the British Army in the Libyan Campaign as an observer. After that, he stayed with the British Middle East Forces.
With a Second World War looming, this story will continue!
Until Next Time…
