Veteran's Day Program

Denny Weisgerber enlisted in the Marines in 1949 and was assigned to Infantry at the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950.  While in Camp Pendleton for training he was rapidly promoted to Corporal and Sergeant in 1951 and then Staff Sergeant in 1952.  

After reenlisting he was assigned to combat duty in Korea in July 1952.  During an assault in October  he was severely wounded. In recognition of his heroic actions on October 2nd 1952 Denny was awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor in Combat. Denny’s other awards include the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Campaign Medal, with two stars, United Nations Korea Medal, Navy Unit Commendation medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Medal.  He was medically discharged in 1953.

In the late 1950’s and 1960’s, Denny Weisgerber served in a non paid, volunteer capacity, as a tactical instructor and small arms instructor for the United States Marine Corps Reserve unit San Jose, California.

Denny has spent decades working with Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps League and multiple veterans’ organizations. He has also spent numerous years working directly with wounded warriors at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Assisting them with their benefits and mentoring them through the difficulties of living with their wounds. This work has been something that has been a continuing desire and drive for the past 65 years since Denny was medically retired

In December 2011, as a result of a lifetime of accomplishments, he was selected for honorary promotion to Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps under authority of the Secretary of the Navy , Ray Mabus. 

Denny Weisgerber is a graduate of the University of San Francisco, with a BA in Business Administration. He is very active in community affairs and has served on numerous commissions in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Santa Clara County, Bay Area Governments and the State of California. He is a 55-year member of Rotary International, serving two terms as Milpitas Rotary Club President and was District 5170 Governor 1999-2000. He served 12 years on the City Council in the City of Milpitas, California, serving 3 two-year terms as Mayor during that time. He also serves in a leadership role in numerous Veterans Committees and Commissions.

Denny Weisgerber and his wife Marianne were high school sweethearts who married at an early age. They have raised two children who have blessed them with five married grandchildren and six great grandchildren.