1944 . . .
LeMars Globe-Post
January 1, 1944
JIM CAREY MAKES NAVY V-5
James H. Carey, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Carey, who passed the Army tests for Army air corps flyers at the LeMars high school last week, thought he’d like to take a look at the Navy program, too, so he went to Minneapolis Friday and took the Navy V-5 test, which he also passed. He took the Navy physical examination too, and passing this, was sworn into the Navy Saturday morning. He will be allowed to finish high school and will report for duty after the first of July.
SOLDIER NEWS
Friends here received word that Robert Aitken, son of Dr. and Mrs. Aitken of Merrill, is now with the composite platoon, the marines and is now stationed at San Diego, Calif.
Will Scheitler received word that his son, Cpl. Raymond Scheitler, arrived safely in India. He was stationed at Camp Carson, Colo.
Michael F. Means, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Means of Marcus, received his wings when he graduated as second lieutenant from the Marfa, Tex., A.A.F. pilot school. The new pilot completed a course in training in twin-engine planes. H was assigned from Merced, Cal. He is a former student of Meriden Consolidated school, Meriden, Ia.
Mrs. Marlin McDougall returned Thursday for a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Frerichs. She has been staying at Tucson, Arizona, to be near her husband, a cadet in the Army air corps, but it cost her $4 a day for a room alone in Tucson, so she decided to come home until Marlin completes his training. He is still slated for fighter pilot, and is now starting to fly the very “hot” ship, the P-38, which is aid to be capable of attaining 400 miles per hour, although its exact speed is a military secret.
Elmer Kuehn, chief of the officer’s mess stewards at San Luis Obispo, California, was home on a week’s furlough at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Kuehn. He has been in the Army a little over 20 months. He says where he is now is a paradise compared to the desert country in which he has lived until recently.
Estere M. Bohlke, Sp. (T) 3/c left Wednesday evening to resume her duties as a link instructor at Grosse Ile, Mich., after spending five days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe B. Bohlke.
T/Sgt. And Mrs. Joe Dominick arrived here Thursday from Camp Hale, Colo., to spend a furlough in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Dominick. Sgt. Dominick was married on Jan. 10, to Wanda Steinmetz of Grand Junction, Colo. He will return to camp Friday and his wife will make her home at Grand Junction.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Baack, Mr. and Mrs. John Bultman Sr., Mr. and Mrs. John Bultman Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Huebner, all of Akron vicinity, attended memorial services for their brother, nephew and cousin, Harry Baack, of the U.S. Navy, held at Lawton, Ia. The service was held at Bethel Lutheran Church. Harry Baack, 23 years of age, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Baack, of Lawton, was killed in action on Nov. 20, 1943, and with 37 buddies, was buried at sea. He enlisted in the Navy in August, 1941.
Lubbock, Tex.: Aviation Cadet LaVerne C. Varenhorst of 430 7th Avenue SW, LeMars, arrived here this week for the final phase of flight training before winning “wings” and being commissioned as an Army air forces flying officer. LAAF is an advanced pilot training school, a part of the nationwide army air forces flying training command. Located in the flat plains of west Texas, it was early chosen as an ideal location for the intensive training necessary to equip cadets, who come here from basic training, as pilots of the army’s giant fortresses, Mitchells, Marauders, and other mul-to-motored ships now spreading destruction on enemy installations in all theaters. The commanding officer is Col. Ralph E. Holmes, a command pilot with 17 years experience in the air forces.
Cpl. T/5 Detlef A. Christensen, son of Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Christensen, formerly of LeMars, has been granted a discharge from the Army of the United States. Mr. Christensen states that while overseas he visited Palestine, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Africa. He has also seen the Tomb of Christ, Garden of Olives, the Stable where Christ was born and tells much about the people who are called Wags. Cpl. Christensen has merited four ribbons, one for good conduct, one for Middle East campaign, one for Veterans of Foreign Wars and one for the American theater and has three gold stripes for his time over there. He was attached to the British 8th army, being under fire in Tripoli and Bengazi. Two other brothers, Cpl. T/5 B.R. Christensen of the Rep. Opr. Battalion has gone over recently and Pvt. L.B. Christensen of the air corps is stationed at Douglas, Ariz.
Lt. John H. Dennison, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dennison of Davenport, and a grandson of Mrs. J. A. Neill of Hawarden, has been reported missing in action since Dec. 20. Lt. Dennison was a navigator on a Flying Fortress and was stationed in England.
Aviation Cadet Robert Moritz of the Las Vegas, Nev., air base, is spending a furlough in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Moritz Sr., of Kingsley.
Ensign Manfred Cassin arrived here Monday from New York on a leave to visit in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Stoltz. He is en route on transfer to Florida, says the Kingsley News-Times.
Farragut, Idaho: Lieut. ( j.g.) Charles H. Wormley, dental corps, USNR, has recently reported for duty at this US Naval training station. Lieut. Wormley was commissioned last November 1. Before entering the Navy he practiced dentistry at Davenport. He received his degrees from the University of Iowa and University of South Dakota.
A recent graduate of the Naval training school for yeomen on the Oklahoma A & M University campus, Stillwater, Okla., Yeoman third class, Edna Irene Monckton,daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Art Monckton of Kingsley, has reported for active duty at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington D.C. Selection to the specialty school was made on the basis of the feminine bluejacket’s past civilian experience and her recruit training aptitude tests. The completed course of study included shorthand, typing, filing, and general naval office procedures. The college slated course included pleasant periods of social and physical recreation. After further experience at her new post, the newly graduated yeoman will be eligible for still higher advancement in the petty officer ratings.
Remsen Bell-Enterprise: Mr. and Mrs. Edw. L. Lloyd arrived home last Friday after having spent a month with their daughter, Mrs. Robert L. Parker, in San Francisco, Cal. Mr. Parker is with the Navy overseas. Although the visitors spent nearly all of their time with the daughter, they made several side trips to visit Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Kass and others in Los Angeles; the Henry Kass family and the Joe and Jack Loetz families in Oakland, and several friends in various nearby places. In the absence of Mr. Lloyd his position as manager of the McGregor lumber establishment, was handled capably by Peter J. Homan, who in former years had much experience in this industry.
S1/c Lyle Henkel and S1/c Leon Henkel arrived the last of the week from Norfolk, Va., and are spending a 15-day furlough visiting in the home of their brother-in-law, Joe Beck, at Hinton and with relatives at Sioux City.
Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Roehrich of Hinton, that their son, Pvt. John R. Roehrich, stationed at Tampa, Fla., has recently been awarded the “good conduct” honors.
Cpl. Milo Woodley left for Long Beach, Cal., after spending a furlough in the Dave Woodley home at Hinton and also visiting Cpl. Chester Woodley in Missouri.
Mrs. Carl Eberhard of Hinton received word from her brother, Cpl. Chester Woodley,from O’Riley General Hospital in Springfield, Mo., where he is recovering from malaria. He had been in the South Pacific for one and one-half years and expects to come home in about a month.
Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Hames received word that their son, Pfc. Hames was recently promoted to a corporal. He was transferred from Ft. Sill, Okla, to Camp Bowie, Texas, where he is now located.
Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Bollin, whose paratrooper son, Barney Bollin, is a prisoner of war in Germany, have succeeded in contacting Don Boam, a member of the company to which Barney belonged, and he sent them a little information as to how Barney happened to be captured. Apparently, Barney was left in charge of a radio while other units went ahead. The Germans flanked the lone radioman and captured him. His “buddy” writes that he hears all of the paratrooper who were captured that day are still together and well treated. The Bollins’ also learned that their other son, Sgt. Gayland Bollin, and Hilbert Ludwigs, both of LeMars, are now in India.
Aviation Cadet Harley J. Rollinger, 20, of LeMars, has completed his basic flight training at the Coffeyville, Kan., army air field and has gone on to an advanced field where he will finish his cadet training and win his wings in the army air forces. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Rollinger of LeMars.
Cpl. Vitus Wiederholt, now stationed at Tenker Field, Oklahoma City, Okla., is spending his 12-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Wiederholt of Remsen. While home he called on friends in LeMars.
Russell B. Kaufman was recently transferred to the ASTU at the A & M College of Texas at College Station, Texas.
Pfc. Cylvester (Curly) Bornhorst, former LeMars barber and now a member of the armed forces at Austin, Texas, informs friends here that he now has completed nine months of service in the Army, driving a jeep. He says maneuvers are plenty rough, but he is due for another furlough before long. He sends his regards to his many friends around LeMars and Remsen. Mrs. Bornhorst has joined him at Austin and is working for a beauty shop on the university campus.
GEORGE MARTFELD ON GUARD DUTY AT WHITE HOUSE
Pfc. George Martfeld, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Martfeld, who was recently returned to the United States on the one percent furlough system, is now on guard duty around the White House in Washington, according to a letter received Saturday by the young man’s parents.
Pfc. Martfeld was one of the original members of K Company and was with that organization in Africa. He took sick and was operated on at a hospital in Oran, Africa, and later returned to this country.
He states that it isn’t as cold in Washington as it was here and that they have a nice place to stay. The building is right next to the White House and the food is good.
LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
January 4, 1944
NEWS of the Boys in the Service.
Jack Harker, seaman 2nd class, has been transferred to Texas A. and M. to complete his training as a Radio Technician. He took his preliminary training at Wright College in Chicago.
Pfc. Robert Rees returned Monday morning to New River, North Carolina, after spending a furlough with his parents in Carroll and his grandmother, Mrs. E. J. Rees, Sr., in LeMars. Bob is in the Marines.
Lieut. (j. g.) Paul Dull and Mrs. Dull are visiting in the parental E. H. Dull home in Cherokee and Mrs. Burton Dull, in LeMars. Paul is in the naval air corps and is stationed at Wildwood, N. J. They will leave Thursday.
Gerald Walden, aviation machinist mate 1st class, is spending a 30-day furlough with his wife and small daughter, Karen Sue. Gerald has been stationed at Guadalcanal for 13 months. He arrived home December 24 and he will report at San Francisco at the end of his furlough.
Staff Sergt. Lowell Betsworth, a member of Co. K, 34th Division, arrived home Thursday evening on 20-day furlough. Lowell was with Co. K on the front lines in Italy when he was notified of his furlough. He has been in many of the big battles in Africa and Italy. He does not know where he will be reporting at the end of his furlough, but will receive his orders from Washington, D. C.
HOPED FOR SNOW.
On her first visit to the northern part of the United States, Mrs. Donald Goings hoped that it would snow. Mrs. Goings, wife of Sgt. Donald Goings, formerly of Nashua, has always lived in the south and had never seen snow.
The Remsen Bell-Enterprise
Thursday, January 6, 1944
FOLLOWING THE FLAG.
~Mrs. Alma Rohde of LeMars, formerly of Remsen, informs The Bell-Enterprise that her son Edmund, aviation cadet formerly at Kingman, Ariz., has been transferred to Deming, N. M.
~Informing The Bell-Enterprise of his change of address, Pfc. Elmer Kroeger, with the infantry, says he has been sent from the west to the east coast, with an APO address. Elmer is a son of Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Kroeger.
~Arriving after Christmas, nevertheless received with thanks, was a handsome Christmas greeting folder for The Bell-Enterprise from A/C Joseph F. Krogman, who is with the air forces, bombardier wing, at Ellington Field, Texas.
~Pvt. Jim Beck departed Saturday morning for Camp Young, Calif., to report for army duty after having visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Beck. He was given a “delay en route” while transferring from Lincoln, Nebr., to the west coast camp.
~Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Sievers and Bill, have received word from their son and brother, Cpl. Raymond Sievers, informing them on his arrival in England. Good fortune has been following Cpl. Sievers, inasmuch as on entering the service he was assigned to duties pertaining to photography, which has long been a hobby, and his recent arrival in England, which also had been his hope.
~The Bell-Enterprise last Friday enjoyed a visit from Pvt. LeRoy Ahmann, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ahmann, who was home on furlough from Long Beach, Calif. LeRoy has been in the Army 16 months, and is in the anti-aircraft division of the Coast Artillery. He arrived here just in time to hang up his socks for Santa Claus, and was obliged to depart last Friday, being home exactly one week.
~Cpl. Oliver Pfeiffer of Mitchell Field, N. Y., was home on a very brief visit, which terminated Saturday when he was called back to camp. He arrived last Thursday and expected to her here about ten days, although he had been told that he might be recalled. Cpl. Pfeiffer was a visitor with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Theo. C. Nothem. He expects to go overseas. He has been in the army since November, 1942.
~From a desert training center in the far West, S/Sgt. Wendell Phillips writes The Bell-Enterprise under date of December 26. He formerly was stationed at Camp Barkeley, Tex. He says he has gone through some rigid training and spent two months in the mountains, but refrains from giving his present location. Sgt. Phillips hints of preparations for an overseas trip and says he will supply a new address within two weeks. Meanwhile he says, “I am wishing you folks a very Happy New Year.”
~This week we received a lengthy letter from Joseph A. Wersinger, AOM 1/c at the naval air technical training center, Jacksonville, Fla. He wishes everyone in the home community a Happy New Year “and many more to come.” He says he is attending an advanced ordnance school and it is very interesting. Joe, who is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Wersinger, says he missed the customary Christmas snow, and “it seems that around the holidays one misses his loved ones back home more than at any other time.”
~Another letter this week from Lee Schultz, Ph. M. 1/c. He says , “Am no longer in New Caledonia, have moved to a different group of Islands and wer are a good deal closer to the actual fighting zone although there is no enemy in this part of this particular island. It has been raining about every day. There must be quite a few fellows from home in or around this area, but I have not seen anyone from home since meeting Melvin Kipp in New Caledonia. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends back there.”
~Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kramer enjoyed a visit from their son Wm. Kramer Jr, on Navy leave and who arrived last Thursday, departing today to report for duty Friday. Young Bill entered the Navy, July 1, and for four months attended classes at Kansas University, at Lawrence, after which he spent two months at the Great Lakes naval training station where he completed his basic training December 29. He now is rated as a Seaman second class, and on his return to the Great Lakes will be transferred to some naval hospital as a hospital apprentice, second class.
SOLDIER BORN HERE IS KILLED IN ITALY
Through a Pomona, Calif., newspaper comes a report of the loss of Sgt. Darrell J. Mangles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Mangles, former residents here, who was killed in action in Italy on October 26, 1943.
Born in Remsen on Armistice day, November 11, 1918, Mangles would have celebrated his 25th birthday anniversary this past year [1943.] He moved to California with the family in 1923.
When inducted into the Army, he was assigned to the infantry and sent to Camp Roberts for his basic training and received additional training in Washington, California and Virginia. He landed in Africa, November 8, 1942, later served in Sicily and Italy, as a member of a ranger infantry company and was on the front lines most of the time.
In addition to his parents, Mangles is survived by a brother, Irwin Mangles of Ontario and a sister, Mrs. Hilda Kremer of Los Angeles. The dead soldier’s mother is the former Emma Mathiesen, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Chris Mathiesen, early Remsen settlers.
LeMars Globe-Post, January 20, 1944
SGT. VERNON E. MILLER IS KILLED IN ACCIDENT
Army Reports Death In A Liberator Bomber Tuesday Morning
Mrs. Tina Miller, of Fredonia township, received word yesterday that her son, Sgt. Vernon E. Miller, a waist gunner on a Liberator bomber, was killed in line of duty at 1:10 o’clock Tuesday morning.
The dispatch did not state how Sgt. Miller met his death and it is not known whether the bomber crashed or whether the Plymouth County boy was the only victim.
The body will be shipped back, and funeral arrangements will be made as soon as it is known when the body will arrive.
Sgt. Miller had been in the Army about two years. He was taken in the draft April 10, 1942, and was not married. He was born in Fredonia township, attended the country schools near his home, and worked at farm work til drafted.
According to Sgt. Miller’s sister, he had been expecting to go overseas soon. It was not know exactly where he was located, but is believed to be in California.
SOLDIER NEWS
Altus, Okla.: Aviation student Elvit W. Falk, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Falk, route 6, and husband of Mrs. Elvit W. Falk, also of LeMars, has reported to the AAF training command’s advanced flying school here to begin the final nine weeks phase of his pilot training. After flying 70 hours in two engined training planes and taking 70 lecture-hours of combat subjects in ground school, Cadet Falk will be awarded the silver wings of an AAF pilot and appointed a flight officer or commissioned a second lieutenant. From Altus he will either go on to train with the multi-engined bombers or fighters that he will ultimately fly in combat zones, or he will be sent to Central instructor’s school at Randolph Field, Texas, to learn how to instruct other young men training for their silver wings.
Bimbo Koppert, seaman in the merchant marines has notified his parent that he has made one trip across the Atlantic Ocean, delivering supplies. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Al Koppert of this city.
San Antonio, Texas: At the pre-flight school of the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center, 77 cadets from Iowa, including one from LeMars, are receiving training designed to mold them into Army air forces pilots. The nine-week course at the cadet center prepares the cadets for actual flight training. Curriculum includes physics, mathematics, code, naval and aircraft identification as well as rigorous physical training schedules. Completion of preflight school will bring promotion to the aerial classrooms of primary schools. The cadets include Ralph N. Wiltgen, 45 Fifth Avenue NE, LeMars.
Jim Pavlik is now spending his boot leave with relatives in LeMars. Upon completion of his boot training at Camp Perry, VA., he received his rating of Petty Officer. Jim and Vincent trained at camps about 50 miles apart but never had a chance to visit each other.
Word has been received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hartman of Merrill, that Cpl. Floyd Hartman has arrived in Sicily. He is a member of the U.S. air corps ground crew and is a mechanic on a bomber.
Raymond S. Lee was recently promoted Private First Class in the Marines. His address is Pfc. Raymond S. Lee, H & S Tk. Bn. T.C. area 1, P.O. San Diego, Cal.
SENEY: (Special Correspondence)
A large crowd of about 200 guests were present at a party in the hall Monday evening given in honor of the boys from our neighborhood who are in the armed services and home on furlough. The program for the evening commenced with community singing, short talk by the pastor, after which the boys took their places before the audience and given a cheerful hand clasp. Each one was interviewed as to his part of the service by Rev. L. E. Lombard. The remainder of the evening was spent socially. Lunch was served in closing. The honored guests were: Sgt. Donald Berkenpas of South Carolina, Pfc. Willie Olson, of Pennsylvania, Robert Zevenberger, Navy aviation, Corpus Christi, Tex.,Norman Berkenpas, aviation cadet and Eddie Forman, apprentice seaman of Farragut, Idaho, and Cpl. Albert Olson, AAC of Scottfield, Ill.
LeMars Globe-Post
January 24, 1944
SGT. RAY WITT VISITS K. CO. AT THE ITALIAN WAR FRONT
Listening In On German Radio He Finds Them Praying Fast and Furiously
Mrs. Janet Witt, wife of Sgt. Ray Witt of Remsen, who is now with the signal corps in Italy, has given the Globe-Post permission to use some of the more interesting parts of several letters received from him.
In a letter received December 8, he says: “Was up on the front lines yesterday where old Co. K. is, and found out where some of the home boys are. Just a little while ago I talked to “Vets” Ruden from Remsen. He told me he would have the other boys call when they came in. Makes it nice in the signal corps to always have a phone at your side.”
On December 12, he wrote: “While writing this letter I am listening to a church program. A fellow picked up an old Italian radio and brought it over for me to fix. I can get the BBC and German stations on it. Seems as if the Germans are turning to religion as a last resort. The fellow on now sure is a-praying fast and furious.”
The last letter written on Christmas day says: “Christmas even another fellow and I went to an old Italian lady’s home and had supper. Had spaghetti, French fries, roast beef, and wine. It was more than we could eat. The old lady tried her best for us but in all it was a poor substitute for home. Are you going to have a big dinner back home? We are supposed to have turkey today. Cooks say it is going to be a very special meal. Had a fried egg for breakfast. First egg I’ve had for many, many months and it really tasted good.”
In another letter he wrote: “I get the Globe-Post in bunches, but when they do arrive the whole outfit reads them.”
HARM KOCH WROTE LETTERS TWO DAYS BEFORE HIS DEATH
His Widow, Rev. L. L. Belk, and Dr. Bendixen Receive Belated Messages
Mrs. Nora Koch, Rev. L. L. Belk, and Dr. Bendixen, have received letters written to them by Harm Koch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ulrich Koch. The letters are dated Jan. 6, two days before Harm died in England, according to a War Department telegram to his parents. His death occurred Jan. 8, and the telegram came Jan. 13. Memorial services were held at St. John’s Lutheran Church January 16.
In none of the letters does the soldier say anything about not feeling well, indicating that his death must have been very unexpected.
MARCUS BOY IS KILLED BY WAR WOUNDS
Marcus News: A telegram delivered to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Meryl Weicht Monday evening by Dr. F. M. Joynt bore the following message:
“The Secretary of War desires that I tender his deep sympathy to you in the loss of your son Staff Sergeant Veryl W. Weicht, report received states that he died on 1 December, in North African area as a result of wounds received in action.”
Previous word received by the family Dec. 29, declared that their son Veryl had been slightly wounded on December 1. According to the telegram he died the same day he was wounded.
VOLUNTEERS FOR JANUARY DRAFT
22 Out of List of 27 Offer Services For Armed Forces
Twenty-seven men left Sunday for Fort Crook, Neb., to be inducted into the armed services of the United States. Of this number 22 were volunteers, four coming from Beacon Airways.
Those selected for service in the Army will give the regular three weeks furlough and those taken by the Navy will have a week to get ready for service.
The following volunteered for service:
Bernard A. Margus, Akron
Iver H. Pollock, Akron
Robert A Wiedenfeld, San Diego, Cal. (transferred for induction to San Diego, Cal.)
Merlin H. Mohning, LeMars
Dick Mulder, LeMars
Dale D. Ahlfs, LeMars
Walter J. Johnson, Remsen
Robert L. Priborsky, Hinton
Arnold D. Morehead, Akron
Robert L. Kenney, Remsen
Robert L. Taylor, Westfield
James F. Pick, Remsen
Wayne J. Jones, Hinton
James W. Morris, LeMars
Robert J. Joynt, LeMars
Fred J. Schmidt, Remsen
Junior Herbert Barr, Akron
James W. Hauck, Kingsley
The following were included in the draft:
Leonard G. Dirks, Merrill
Alvas A. Hartman, Merrill
John M. Hart, LeMars
James F. Sampson, Kingsley
Five men were transferred to the local board for induction. Four of the group were flight instructors at Beacon Airways. They are:
Gordon O. Harper, LeMars
Clifford P. Adkins, LeMars
Kenneth C. Jeffrey, LeMars
Thomas D. Pomeroy, LeMars
SOLDIER NEWS
The Remsen Bell-Enterprise reports that Luverne E. Kirchoff has now completed his glider training and is now taking special infantry training at Camp Polk, La. He says: “Just before coming to Louisiana we completed the first airborne maneuvers in history. They landed 10,000 troops with 211 C-14 planes, each pulling two gliders. Only two men were killed and 4 injured. Most of the injured were paratroopers.”
Dated Dec. 29, in India, a letter fro Cpl. Art Werginger reached the Remsen Bell-Enterprise Sunday, a V-mail letter. He says: “I had my Chistmas on the high seas and it wasn’t a very happy Christmas for me. Am now somewhere in India, but can’t tell you where. I always thought I had seen the dirtiest slums in the United States, but the people here live poorer than in the poorest barn back home. I was up town once, and don’t care to go again; saw sights that would turn anyone’s stomach. The people use ox-teams, or carry ‘most anything on their heads. There are always some natives waiting at our mess-hall to pick up the pieces of bread and meat that we throw away. The cattle are thin and in poor shape and wander all over the streets.”
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Johnson, northwest of Akron, received word that their son, Pvt. Roger E. Johnson, has gone overseas and is now somewhere in England. He received training at Lincoln, Nebraska and St. Louis, Mo., and more recently was stationed at Camp Grant, Ill.
Rev. Oscar F. Bohman of Akron, who has been serving as an Army chaplain at Camp Breckenridge, Ky., with the rank of lieutenant, has been promoted to the rank of captain. Capt. Bohman was former pastor of the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Akron and his wife and children still live at Akron.
Pvt. First Class Clarence Milbrodt, whose father, Herman Milbrodt, lives in Preston twp., has returned to Camp Van Dorn, Miss., after a furlough visit at home.
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Keller have received word that their son, Sgt. Wesley J. (Lee) Keller, who is in the Army medical department, has safely arrived in India. He wrote that he was on the water since Nov. 5, and is glad to set his feet on dry land. Joe Gollhofer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Gollhofer, is in the same outfit and has also arrived in India.
LeMars Globe-Post, January 27, 1944
SIXTEEN TAKEN IN U. S. NAVY
Draft Board Receives Official Word on Navy Inductees
Of the 27 men who went to Ft. Crook, Neb., Sunday for induction in the armed forces, sixteen were selected for the Navy. Volunteers in this group numbered 13.
The county draft board at 2 p.m. today, did not have the official list of men passing for the United States Army, but hose selected for the Navy are as follows:
Volunteers: Bernard A. Markus, Akron; Iver H. Pollock (Marines), Akron; Merlin H. Mohning, LeMars; Dale D. Ahlfs, LeMars; Robert L. Priborsky, Hinton; Robert L. Kenney, Remsen; Robert L. Taylor, Westfield; James F. Pick, Remsen; and James W. Hauck, Kingsley.
Other volunteers transferred to the local board are: Gordon O. Harper, Clifford P. Adkins, Kenneth C. Jeffrey, and Thomas D. Pomeroy, all of Beacon Airways.
Others for the Navy included Leonard G. Dirks, Merrill, Alvas A. Hartman, Merrill andJohn M. Hart, LeMars.
~Cpl. Karl E. Schultz, now in the ASUTC at Camp Linedale, Calif., is spending his 15-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Schultz. This is Karl’s first furlough since he entered the service over a year ago.
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR SGT. MILLER
Veterans of First World War Honor Victim of Crash
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 24, for Sgt. Vernon E. Miller, who died in the service of his country on January 19, in California. Remains arrived at Marcus, Iowa, January 23, under the escort of Sgt. R. E. Cox of Fairfield, California.
Services were held at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Oyens, Ia, with Rev. John Christensen of Marcus, Ia., officiating. He was assisted by Rev. Fred Jacobsen of Graettinger, Ia., who delivered the sermon. During the service, songs were sung by Nis Kloster, Niels Kloster and Kenmore, Jordahl, accompanied by Mrs. Kenmore Jordahl. They sang “The Way of the Cross Leads Home,” “Have Thine Own Way Lord,” and “Day Is Dying in the West.” The latter song being a favorite song of Vernon’s.
It was a military funeral in charge of Pieper Post of the American Legion and the Dieckman Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Remsen.
Pallbearers were Martin Larson, Stanley Mohning, Melvin Bouma, Henry Muller, Louis Mohning and Allen Lundgren.
The funeral was under the direction of the Nelson funeral home of Marcus. Interment was at Remsen.
OBITUARY
Sergeant Vernon E. Miller was born to Tina and Carl Miller in Fredonia township, Plymouth County, Iowa, on May 29, 1920. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Before he reached the age of five years his father passed away, and with his mother, brothers and sister, he went to make his home with his grandfather, C. P. Kloster.
After completing his school career he assisted his grandfather with the farm work until he was inducted into the armed service of his country on April 20, 1942, at Fort Crook, Neb., from where he was sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Here he was signed up for his first training as an airplane mechanic, from which he graduated in October 1942. After graduation, he was sent to the Lockheed Vega Service school, North Hollywood, Calif. Upon completion of the prescribed factory service course, he received a second diploma, and was sent to March Field, Calif. Here he enlisted as an aerial gunner. He was transferred to Kingman, Ariz., where he earned his silver wings. He was then sent to Clovis, New Mexico. His next training was received at Biggs Field, Texas. Here he was teamed up with his crew members. From this center he was granted a short furlough around the first of September. Early in December his crew was sent to Topeka, Kan., where they were issued a new Liberator bomber. Two weeks ago they were sent to California to prepare for overseas duty.
On January 19, 1944, at an early hour an aircraft accident ended the life of Vernon. Left to mourn his departure are his mother, Mrs. Tina Miller; two brothers, Floyd and Wilbur; one sister, Doris; his grandfather, C.P. Kloster; his grandmother, Mrs. Dorthea Miller of Marcus; and many other relatives and friends.
Vernon was dear to the hearts of all who knew him, being of a kind and Christian character. He was devoted to his family home circle, especially to his mother to whom he wrote daily. In his last letter from Topeka, Kansas, two weeks ago, he wrote, “One never knows which letter will be our last one. But have trust in the Lord. He will carry us through. He has never failed us. I’m putting you all in God’s care ‘til I come back from over there. Again, don’t worry; when I get my new address, I’ll send it as quickly as possible. But, as Kate Smith says in a song, “Say A Prayer for the Boys Over There.” Later on in his letter he wrote, “I know it’s hard for ‘cause Daddy is dead, but Mom I’ll take good care of you when I come back. God bless you always. Remember us all in your prayers. Thank you for coming down to see me and for your many letters. Love, Vernon”
God’s will, not ours, be done!
L. R. WINTER REPORTS THAT HONEY BEAR IN ONE’S FOXHOLE AT NIGHT IS NUISANCE
Describes Jungle As Beautiful and Poisonous Place
L. R. Winter, C.M.2/c, who has been fighting the Japs in the same general area as Leonard Purcell, whose letter was printed in the last issue, is finally getting his Globe-Post, and so, after brushing away assorted snakes, centipedes, and Nipponese, sat himself down and wrote a letter as follows:
Editor Globe-Post: Just a few lines to let you know I received my first copy of The Globe-Post (Jan. 15) which was a Christmas gift from the folks back home, and being deposited—
“on a South Sea tropic island, ten thousand miles from home; where your mails is always late—a Christmas card in April is considered up to date—where we always have payday, but seldom never draw a cent; we never miss the money, for we’d never get it spent—on a South Sea island where your beards grow long and grubby, and your hair too short to comb—where you’re sure to go to Heaven, for anyone can tell, this God-forsaked outpost is a substitute for Hell—“
--that’s when one really appreciates reading news from back home, and reading about your mates and buddies in other parts of the world.
This is my Island No. 3 since leaving the States. I was in Guadalcanal quite some time before coming here, and was interested in reading in your paper about things which I have also seen and done. I was at Henderson Field, which is known the world over by now, and Carney Field, just below it—a large bomber field.
The natives there were very friendly. A large percentage of them speak our language. On different occasions I went to visit them, and they showed us how they live and weave their grass skirts, and other things, all of which was very interesting.
In general, those natives have a lot of skin diseases. If you ask them if natives ever get sick, the answer is: “Yes, native get very sick and white man die!”
You can’t buy anything on these islands except native souvenirs, such as grass skirts, beads and war clubs, and son on. I think I have mailed enough grass skirts to the States to solve the hay shortage for the duration.
As for fruit to eat, one just goes out and brings in a stalk of bananas, pineapples and papayas. And of course, coconuts by the thousands.
As for this God-forsaken island of swamp and jungle, the main feature is the sweltering heat. Got up to 137 the other day. The next day it was 126, and so on. We work 8 to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We landed here with the Marines, making the beachhead for the invasion of this island. As you can realize, it was plenty tough going for awhile. The Marines deserve a world of credit, for they’ve really got what it takes.
We lived in fox-holes the first month or six weeks. It rains here most every day, and when it rains here it pours. So you see, we just existed in the mud, and the jungle so heavy one has to cut his way through.
Besides putting up with the bombing, gunfire and Nips generally, we have to contend with the whole jungle family of insects.
SOME ARE BEAUTIFULLY COLORED BUT VERY POISONOUS. We have centipedes, scorpions, giant spiders, ants up to two inches long; snakes of all kinds and sizes, tree lizards, giant tree frogs, vampire bats, and some really beautiful parrots. We also have what we call a “honey bear” which is a nuisance when it gets into your foxhole at night.
It’s something like an opossum back in the States. And MILLIONS OF MOSQUITOES, of course.
We also have giant ebony trees, mahogany trees, rubber trees (how many new tires would your like?) Also giant pineapple shrubs, and those impenetrable vines! When they grab you, you just stay put till you cut your way out. The foliage in the trees, including the palm, is beautiful.
SOLDIER NEWS.
~Staff Sergeant Howard J. Dugdale of Fort Dix, N.J., arrived here last night on a 15-day furlough. Sgt. Dugdale has been in the Army 22 months. He has command of three trench mortars in a rifle company. He said he’s glad to get home and see his daughters, Shirley Ann and Diane Boyens.
~An Eighth AAF Bomber Command Station, England: Promotion of Cletus W. Wiebersch from Private to Corporal was announced here recently by the Eighth Bomber Command. Cpl. Wiebersch, who is in the transportation section of this AAF Flying Fortress group, is the son of Margaret Hartman of Akron. He was a service station attendant for the Akron Oil Sales Co., before entering the Army March 12, 1942.
~Pfc. Dick Pfaltzgraff, who is attending radio school in Sioux Falls, S.D., spent Saturday in the home of Rev. and Mrs. E. M. Miller.
~Cpl. Elmer Bruns arrived home Tuesday night to spend a short furlough in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Bruns, of Brunsville. He is now stationed at Camp Campbell, Ky.
~Lieut. F. F. Twogood, stationed at Pensacola, Fla., for two years where he helped direct the athletic program, was here Tuesday while visiting his father, David Twogood, of Hinton. Widely known as an athlete, the officer is on the way to San Diego to receive his new assignment.
~Pfc. Gene Artz, who has completed his boot training in the U. S. Marine Corps at Parris Island, S.C., spent a few days in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Artz at Kingsley. He is now stationed at Cherry Point, N.C. Marine Air Base.
~This item should have appeared in The Globe-Post a week ago, but it seems to have been lost somewhere: Harold Merritt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Merritt, has passed his Federal Communications Commissions tests and is now a licensed radio operator. He will be employed as a radio operator on the U. S. Merchant Marine ship. As a radio operator, he holds the status of a ship’s officer. Radioman Merritt is expected home on a leave before he goes to sea.
~Joseph Hardacre, S/2c was recently transferred to Kodiak, Alaska, from Whitley Island, Washington.
~S/Sgt. Lauren Featherston of the U.S. Army medical corps, now stationed at Camp Barkeley, Tex., returned to camp on Wednesday after spending his 15-day furlough in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gregg Featherston of Kingsley.
~Pvt. Donald Reiter arrived this morning from Camp Haan, Cal., to spend his 14-day furlough in the home of his mother, Mrs. Minnie Reiter. Pvt. Reiter has been in the army 13 months and this is his first trip home.
~Mrs. Mauer was notified that her husband, Dr. Norman Mauer, was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant from Lieutenant Jr. grade.
~Pfc. Glenn Wood will arrive home Sunday from Iowa City where he is taking advanced engineering in the ASTP at the university. He will visit his family at Akron and his mother, Mrs. Ruby Wood, of LeMars.
~Sgt. Ray Goetzinger, who is a motor mechanic at a Marine base at San Diego, is enjoying a 10-day leave at home.
~Pfc. Warren Hardacre, now stationed at New Orleans, La., is spending his 15-day furlough at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Hardacre of this city.
~Ensign Donald J. Kenaley will report to Cornell University at Ithica, N.Y. on Feb. 1. He is spending his weeks leave at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Kenaley, at LeMars. He recently received his commission at Notre Dame.
LeMars Globe-Post
January 31, 1944
SOLDIER NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Sanow received word from their son, Harold Sanow, that he is now stationed at Oceanside, Calif. He is in the hospital staff. Harold also says the food is the very best and likes it out there very well. They also received word from Private Leslie Sanow, who is now stationed at New Guinea. Cpl. Lawrence Sanow is still in England and is a baker over there.
Edward Siebens, A/C, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Siebens of Hertel, Wis., is in the U.S. Navy and is stationed at Great Lakes, Ill.
Akron Soldiers:
~Cpl. Eldon A. Koplin, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Koplin, has graduated from the naval air gunner school, Purcell, Okla. And has been transferred to the Naval air station at Jacksonville, Fla.
~Howard C. Bubs, son of William Bubs, has been promoted to the rank of corporal. He is now on duty in Italy.
Remsen Service Men’s News:
~Private first class Elmer Kroeger of Fort Dix, N.J., is home on furlough to visit his parents.
~Elmer Theisen, son of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Theisen, has arrived on New Caledonia Island.
~Staff Sergeant Dick Hughes of Camp Carson, Colo., and later at Kiska Island in the Aleutian group, has been transferred to an eastern seaboard port awaiting further orders.
~Lester Hermes, seaman first class, has been transferred from Jacksonville, Fla., to Titusville, Fla.
~Robert Kellen has arrived in England, according to a report from his wife, Mrs. Robert Kellen.
~Word was received from Martin Dorr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Dorr, of the hardships that the men in the 34th division are going through. Martin also said that his outfit has been awarded honors for being the company that has served at the front longer than any other in the Italian campaign.
~Staff Sergeant Wendell Phillips, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Phillips, left for Fort Dix., N.J., after spending his furlough here with his parents.
~Private J. G. Elving, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Elving, is home on a 14-day furlough from his camp at Breckenridge, Ky.
~Cpl. Wayne Kennedy, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kennedy, is spending a short furlough while en route to his new post at Wentover field, Massachusetts. Corporal Kennedy is an aerial gunner.
~Private First Class Bud Witt, son of Mr. and Mrs. August Witt, is home from his camp at Pampa, Tex.
Friends and relatives received word that Pvt. Clarence H. J. Plueger has been promoted to Private First Class. He was inducted into the Army May 27, 1942 and was stationed at the following camps: Camp Walter, Texas; Ft. Custer, Mich.; Fair Grounds, Nashville, Tenn.; and Camp McCoy, Wis. From here he got a 7-day furlough. Then his company, being a quartermaster group, was sent to California and sent overseas in December, 1942. Until two weeks ago his exact whereabouts remained a military secret. He is stationed on New Caledonia Island. He writes he is feeling fine only its so terribly hot and waiting for the day when he can again return to the State of Iowa.
S/Sgt. Donald Lancaster, stationed at Brooklyn, N.Y., was home on a 15-day furlough visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Lancaster, of Kansas City, Mo., and also visited his brother, Vernon and wife in Sioux City and also friends in LeMars. His brother, Wayne, from Radcliffe, Ia., also visited in LeMars and Sioux City.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Donald Rollinger, a son at Sacred Heart Hospital, on Wednesday, Jan. 26. This makes three boys. The father is a private at Camp Fannin, Texas. He was one of the first prewar fathers drafted out of this community, leaving about a month ago for induction.
Pfc. Alphonse Ludwig returned Thursday to duty at Fort Dix, N.J., after a 13-day furlough in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Ludwig, of LeMars.
Mr. and Mrs. Anton J. Sartori at Los Angeles were disappointed recently when their son,Tony Sartori, in Army ordinance came home on a 15-day furlough, from Jackson, Miss. He spent 4 days getting to Los Angeles, and the next day received a telegram ordering him to report back for duty immediately. He spent 10 days away from camp, more than 8 of them in railroad coaches, and had only a day at home. One letter from him stated that he was in Jackson, Miss., but his parents know nothing of where he is now or where he is going.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Lubben receive a letter from their son, Sgt. Henry Lubben, now stationed somewhere in Egypt, that he had just received his Globe-Post, showing the pictures of the mill fire. He told how much he appreciated getting his paper, and thinks people at home should be grateful for enough of anything to make a fire with. Where he is stationed there is only sand and nothing else. He said that even the smoke in the picture was a “welcome relief” compared to the desolate, dry country of Egypt.
