Stephentown – David H. Silvernail, of Vancouver, WA died peacefully on March 26, 2015. Born and raised in Stephentown, NY, he was the son of the late Albert and Irene Silvernail. David attended Berlin High School and in 1948 after finishing his junior year he joined the Army. His basic training was at Fort Benning, GA Paratrooper school. Following basic he served as a member of the 187th Airborne Regiment in Korea. During his time in Korea he was seriously wounded twice and sent to Japan. While recovering in Japan he finished his education. He returned to Korea until the truce was signed. Later he served three years in Germany, returning to serve as a ROTC instructor at Bucknell College. Prior to volunteering for service in Vietnam, he was also an instructor in George Washington School in San Francisco, CA.
Master Sargent Silvernail’s tour in Vietnam was serving as an advisor with the Vietnamese Montagnard troops. He was the only advisor in a unit of six to survive and he was wounded twice. After serving 30 years, he retired as a Command Sargent Major. The Army was his life. In retirement he was involved in the VFW, and enjoyed spending time with friends, and golfing.
David Silvernail is survived by his daughter, Faith Anne Listebarger and husband Kevin of Vancouver, WA; sisters, Jane McCumber and her husband Daniel of Petersburgh, NY and Anne Stubbs of Coeur d’Alene, ID. He is also survived by nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Interment services will be Friday, May 1 at 3 pm in the Garfield Cemetery, Stephentown, NY.