Anna Billo Hritzko

Col. Hritzko was born November 25 , 1918 in Chisholm , Minn. , one of 11 children , a son of the late Dimitri and Anna Billo Hritzko.He began his service career as an enlisted man in May 1942 , which spanned three decades and included service in World War II , Korea , and Vietnam.He began his experience in the topographic field in May 1956 when he was assigned to the Inter American Geodetic Survey.He was appointed as Chief of the Military Division , Army Map Service and the Commanding Officer of the 64th Engineering Battalion which was engaged in extensive survey activities in Iran , Libya , and Ethiopia.He was Assistant Chief of Staff for Mapping and Intelligence in Vietnam and Europe and was named an honored member in the Engineer Office Candidate Hall of Fame at Ft. Belvoir , Va. In addition to the Silver Star , he was awarded the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Commendation Medal and numerous other medals and citations.He is credited with eight combat campaigns and retired from active duty on March 31 , 1971.Col. Hritzko also retired from teaching and coaching at Jefferson Forest High School in 1984.He attended West Lynchburg Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife , he is survived by a daughter , Shirene Hritzko Gentry and her husband , Dr. Joel Gentry , of High Point , N.C. , both formerly of Lynchburg ; two grandchildren , Austin Daniel Gentry and Forrest Staton Gentry , both of High Point ; two brothers , Tom Hritzko of New Brighton , Minn. , Michael Hritzko of Buhl , Minn. and a sister , Helen Johnson of Santa Maria , Calif..

A memorial service will be conducted at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 : 30 p.m. Thursday , July 26 , 2001 at the funeral home.

Tharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family.