SCENERY HILL NORMANDY VETERAN James E. (Ernie) Gatten 90, of Scenery Hill. Died Saturday March 9, 2013 at his home. He was born in Washington, PA on May 7, 1922, a son of Bert T. and Lucy Liming Gatten. He was a member of North Ten Mile Baptist Church and American Legion Post #897. In 1984 he retired from Brockway #7, after 31 years as a machine operator. He also operated the family sheep farm in North Bethlehem Twp., for more than 40 years. During World War II, he served in the Major Campaigns in Europe. On April 25, 1945, he was a member of a 21-man Cavalry Escort Detachment. This Unit provided escort security for two U.S. Army Field Generals (U.S. V Corps and 69th Inf. Div.) and a group of news reporters. They traveled across several miles of central Germany to the city Torgau. Here was held the Ceremony that marked the official historic linkup of the US and Soviet Armies. On July 9, 2004 in Sainteny, France, he was awarded the 60th Anniversary Medal of Liberation from the Government of Normandy. That same week, he re-visited Torgau, Germany to view the large monument that marks the spot where the two great allied armies met in 1945. He was awarded an Honorary Masters of Military Science from Cumberland University, Lebanon, TN in 2012. He celebrated over 60 years of marriage with his wife, Betty Grace Fulton Gatten who died November 30, 2006. Surviving are a daughter Phyllis (Ed) Corgiat of Tennessee , 1 son Ralph (Rhonda) Gatten of Scenery Hill, PA , 3 grandsons Edwin Corgiat, Lukas and Noah Gatten , 1 sister Lucille Hillberry, California, PA and 1 brother, Chester Gatten of Washington, PA Several nieces and nephews. Deceased are 3 brothers John W., Elbert, Norman Gatten and a granddaughter Corey Ann Gatten. Family and friends will be received from 4 until 9 P.M. Tuesday March 12, 2013 In the Nichol Funeral Home 1873 East Maiden Street Washington where funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 13, 2013 at 1100a.m. with Rev. Dr. Gary Schneider officiating. Interment will follow in North Ten Mile Cemetery. Full military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 744 of Marianna. IN lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gideon's International or charity of one's choice.