Peter Yarus, Command Sergeant Major of the US Army retired, age 83 of Orlando, Florida died on Thanksgiving Day Nov 26, 2009. Born in Somerville, NJ on Aug 12, 1926 Peter was a WWII , Korean War, and Vietnam War Veteran. Peter was a proud veteran who served his country in a long military career starting with his enlistment in the US Navy in 1943 as a young man then transitioning in 1946 to the Army where he served the US Army for over 33 years. His service to his country included combat duties and service in Samarn, Philippines, Korea (of Scarwarf), Eleuthera British West Indies, Greenland, Germany and multiple tours in Vietnam including hospitalization in Saigon before retiring from Oakland, CA. He was awarded numerous decorations including the American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Philipine Liberation Medal, Victory Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Professional Engineer Corp Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct and Service Medal 3rd Clasp and the Carbine Sharpshooter Medal. During his service time he particularly enjoyed his active participation in post activities and as a member of the Board of Governors of the Rod and Gun Club in Kaiserslautern German. After his military career he continued service to the Army as a civilian engineer at Fort Dix, NJ where he directed the restoration of the post training rifle and artillery ranges and was repeated recognized by the Dept of the Army Rifle Marksmanship and Field Artillery Committee for service, professionalism and expertise. He was a long time resident of Browns Mills, NJ where he resided with his late wife, Helen Mary Yarus. Throughout his life Peter was an avid carpenter, outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman most often enjoying these times with his son, Donald. He was a member of the American Legion and the Handyman Club of America. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen Mary Yarus of Sterling, Mass. He is survived by his two sons Richard A. Yarus of New Windsor, NY and Donald P. Yarus of Southampton, NJ and his daughter Donna G. Yarus of Orlando, FL along with his sister Olga Kane of Somerville, NJ and nephew John Watkins of Myrtle Beach, SC. He was preceded in death by his siblings, John, Steve, Catherine, Paul, Helen, Anne, Francis and Josephine and his parents Joseph and Mary Yarus. The family would like to thank the staff and friends of Davita Dialysis Hunters Creek and St. Cloud FL for the kindness and care shown to Peter. During his time of illness a personal note from Ret. LtCol Oliver North served as a credo, ""CSM Peter Yarus, Soldier On!"" He continues to do so in our hearts. Graveside sevices will be held on Friday, December 11 at 10:00 AM at the Chapel of the BGWCD Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Road in Wrightstown, NJ. Arrangements are under the direction of the Tilghman Funeral Home, 52 Main Street in New Egypt (www.tilghmanfh.com).