Mincher, Alfred O.
Alfred O. Mincher
United States Army
1942 — 1945
Alfred graduated from Waterford High School in 1937. He became employed by General Electric in 1940. He retired from General Electric in 1980 after 40 years of service. He retired as the Manager of the Large Steam Turbine Department.
He joined the Army in February 1942 and served until 1945. He was a Tec 3 Sergeant in the 5th Armored Division, Intelligence NCO. He served in Normandy, Ardennes Central Europe and Northern France. He was awarded the following Medals—Army of Occupation, LaFrance A—Ses Liberateurs, European African Middle Eastern Campaign, American Service Campaign, Presidential Citation, Good Conduct and 5 Battle Star and 1 Gold Star ribbon.
He married Mildred Jennings in 1946 and had 2 daughters and 2 sons. He was a member of the Amity Reformed Church and served as elder and other offices. He was also a member of the On-Da-Wa Chapter Royal Arch Masons and served as High Priest. He was past President of the Saratoga Oriental Shrine Club. He was also a member of the Delta Lodge—Scottish Rites Valley of Troy & Albany; the Turning Point Veterans Chapter #52; Saratoga turning Point #169; VFW Post #1498- Halfmoon; and the Halfmoon Historical Society.
Alfred was an avid woodworker. He did projects for the United Church of Cohoes and the Amity Reformed Church. He constructed a Christmas Creche and donated it to the City of Cohoes where it was displayed yearly in Silliman Park across from the Cohoes City Hall. He taught wood crafts to elementary students in the Shenendehowa School.
He and his wife have traveled extensively across the United States visiting their children and their families. They have traveled across many countries of Europe and spent time in England. Alfred and his wife also have enjoyed years of bowling and playing cards with friends.