I was checking the Web to write the previous “York Town Square” post about actor John Baer, when a surprise actor’s name popped up: York County’s Jacob Loucks Devers.
He’s better known as Gen. Jacob Loucks Devers, the highest ranking military officer in a long list of county military achievers.
Jakie made his Hollywood debut — and finale, except for an Ed Sullivan appearance — by playing himself in “Flying Fortress.” (Check out IMDB.)
Actually, Devers is just about as little-known in York County… .
You ask many county audiences about Devers, and they vaguely mention World War II, or that it’s the name of a York school.
Some get Devers and Alexander D. Goode mixed up. A York school is also named after Goode, a rabbi and one of the four chaplains to give up his life as their torpedoed military transport ship went down in 1943.
Here’s a suggestion to avoid future confusion about the achievements of these two heroes. Study their Murals of York and burn their images in your mind – Devers and Goode.
And check the TV listings to catch the famous York County actor with four stars on his uniform commanding on the big screen.



Welcome to York Town Square, 8 years of daily posts about journalism and history, topics that can easily become plodding and self important. My goal is to keep this blog fun and accessible. And I try to say something in each post. I welcome your comments and respond to every one you write. Please contact me at 


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