IN THE MILITARY

Phi Kappa Psi is proud to recognize and honor our members who have served and are currently serving in the military. We invite all brothers to share their military service with us for a chance to be featured in future editions of The Shield. Your service reflects the bravery and dedication we deeply value, and we’d love to showcase your story. While photos are not required, they are greatly appreciated and add a personal touch to your submission.

Below is a list of recent submissions from brothers in the military, including those featured in the Winter 2026 issue of The Shield.

Submit your own military service to us by clicking the button below!

California Gamma – UC Berkeley

SSgt. Peter Margolies ’69 served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965-68 and was deployed to Southeast Asia for one year. His commendations include Marksman, Good Conduct and Vietnam Service Medals.

Illinois Delta – Illinois

Major (Dr.) Tom Koritz ‘72 served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon with the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron. A Top Gun pilot, Brother Koritz was killed in action January 16, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm. A plaque with his name is displayed in the chapter’s Hall of Honors.

Capt. John B. White Jr. 1934 served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. Killed in action during a storied mission, White’s B-24 Liberator crew is memorialized at the National Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. There also is a life-size photo of the crew at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England.

Indiana Beta – Indiana

Sgt. Matt Palmatary ’20 has served in the U.S. Army since 2024 and plans to continue until 2030.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Canaday ’87 served in the Coast Guard from 1991-95.

Indiana Iota – Ball State

Seaman Jacob King ’25 served in the U.S. Navy from 2021-22. 

Iowa Alpha – Iowa

Col. James Bartlett ’77 was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Iowa Army National Guard in 1982 and served in Army National Guard and Reserve units until 1992 when he transferred to the 132nd Medical Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard.  He served in the 132nd Medical Squadron from 1992-2004, except from October 1997 to May 1999 when he served in the Air Force Reserve. He graduated with distinction from the Aerospace Medicine Course in 1996.  With the 132nd, he held the positions of chief, aerospace medicine and chief, professional services.  He was the commander of the 132nd Medical Group from May 2003 until he transferred to Joint Forces Headquarters, Iowa Air National Guard in April 2004 as the state air surgeon. From 2009-12, he was the 132nd Medical Group Commander, 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard. As a senior flight surgeon, Bartlett logged more than 400 flight hours, was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and received many commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal.

Maryland Alpha – Johns Hopkins

U.S. Army Specialist Webster Gray ’65 served from 1970-73 and was deployed to Vietnam for 10 months, four days, eight hours and 13 minutes (to be precise). Brother Gray received the following: two Bronze Star Medals, Good Conduct Medal, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Ribbon, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Michigan Beta – Michigan State

Capt. Donald Bonine Jr. ’60 served in the U.S. Army from 1964-68 and spent 20 months stationed in South Vietnam. He received the following: Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and South Korean Whitehorse Infantry Division commendation letter.

Pennsylvania Lambda – Penn State

Cpl. George McTurk ‘58 served as a sharpshooter in the Marine Corps from 1954-62, and he earned a National Defense Service Ribbon.

Rhode Island Alpha – Brown

Capt. Walter Cederholm ’61 served in the U.S. Navy from 1965-92, during which time he was stationed in the eastern Atlantic and received several awards and commendations.