MAJ. EDWARD J. STEINER
A Tribute By Capt. Art Heiden
"Syd, with deep emotion, my mind has an imperative that a tribute must be created for the two most beloved people of the 20th FG. For justice, that tribute should be written by the most expert and eloquent of writers. If you know of such and could employ such a person, I know all 20th FG survivors would be more than grateful.
"For these three days, October 8-9-10, 1998, Ed and Kay will be at the 20th FG reunion in Houston. I would wish they could be honored with the knowledge of our love, respect and appreciation." (Note: This tribute was read aloud at the 1998 20th.FG reunion and subsequently printed in King's Cliffe Remembered) Capt. Heiden, no more eloquent tribute can be made than that of a brother in arms. I think you should let these words speak for all of the 20th. FG. --Syd Edwards. |
In any group of people, at any given time, few people rise to the level of
becoming a legend. In the 20th FG, in WWII, we were blessed with at least
three. One was Edward J. Steiner, JAG, 79th FS, and 20th FG Intelligence
Officer (S-2). A 79th pilot's first memories of Ed was after a mission. Starved hungry, frozen, intoxicated with an adrenaline surge and a shot of Doc Roberts' medicine he was welcomed with the most delicious snack the world will ever know. Ed and his gang had set up a grill and was serving big, thick, juicy, wonderful SPAM SANDWICHES...unforgettable!! From this bunch of pumped up outfit with loud talk and waving hands, Ed and his people had to make sense of what had happened on the mission and write up his intelligence reports.
With Ed's firm but gentle manner, lending his shoulder and ear, he became our single parent, father figure. He was always there to hear our joys, fears, problems and talk it through with us. Oh yes, he could give advice and gentle admonition too. He told us of his life, the most beautiful and wonderful wife that was home waiting, of his bicycle trips through Europe and about its people and how the land laid, and what his plans were for after the war.
Ed organized Sq. and Gp. beer-busts. He served as master of ceremonies and read to us the great poetry he had written. He even forgave our indiscretions.
If there had been a back-seat in a fighter, Ed would have found it and rode along. This wish was fulfilled when the Group make its shuttle raid to Russia. He sneaked out and commandeered a ride on a B-17 that was carrying maintenance crews. So there he was showing up in Russia and Italy.
The war was hardly over before we had in our hands in our hands a beautifully done, hard bound, unit history "King's Cliffe". This was often referred to as the best unit history compiled of any combat unit in WWII. Conceived and edited by Edward J. Steiner.
Together with the legendary and indomitable Jack Ilfrey, Ed and Kay Steiner revived the cohesion of the 20th FG with the first unit reunion in 1980 and have contributed their efforts, abilities, and personalities each year hence.
Through the years, Ed and Kay have been available to us as friends and family. They have operated their family law practice with one of their sons. They have another son who has earned professional ambassador status and works at a high level in our Department of State. Their daughter has dedicated her life to the helping of unfortunate children.
Ed and Kay we are so proud we have known you. You have been so important in our lives. You have given us so very, very much. We try here to thank you!!!
Art Heiden
