Walter C. "Chris" Heisler was born on October 21, 1916 in Albion, Michigan. He received a bachelor's degree in education from Western Michigan University before being drafted into the army to serve during World War II.

As a member of the 507th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Division, Lt. Heisler jumped with his troops into the night sky over Normandy, France the night before D-Day. Captured three days later, he became a prisoner of war at OFLAG64 camp until the end of the war. He received several awards for his service including the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal and the Purple Heart.

Upon returning stateside, he earned Masters and Doctorate Degrees from Michigan State University. In 1950 be became Superintendent of Schools in Kingsley, Mich. In January 1954 he moved to Hebron, Conn. to become Superintendent of Schools in Westerly, R. I.

He moved to Matunuck in 1958 and in 1964 he began teaching in the Department of Education at the University of Rhode Island until retiring as a Professor Emeritus in 1988.

He had a busy retirement enjoying travel with his wife, gardening, and fishing in Potter's Pond.

He was active in the Democratic Party and was a big fan and season ticket holder for 40 years of URI basketball and football. In 2007, he and his wife were honored as the URI Fans of the Year.

He passed away on June 6, 2010 (the anniversary of D-Day) at the age of 93. His remains were cremated and his ashes were scattered in Amfreville, France, site of his fighting during the D-Day invasion.

Source of information: Narragansett Times, The (Wakefield, RI) - Wednesday, June 16, 2010