Sioux Cityans at State Party
Two Sioux City marines, Pfc. Clarence Howard and Pvt. Philip A. Desy, and a Correctionville marine, Cpl. William A. Stelck, were among seven Iowans in the First marine division of the South Pacific, who met at a “state party” given by the Red Cross. Pictured above, the marines exchanged home addresses so that their new friendships may be continued “after Tokyo.” From left to right are:
Pvt. John P. Strehmaier, Keokuk;
Pfc. Alfred D. Clark, Sabula;
Cpl. Stelck;
Pvt. Ralph Liljidahl, Missouri Valley;
Pfc. Howard;
Pvt. Desy,
Pvt. Joseph Morales, Oelwein.
Pfc. Howard is the son of Mrs. Mathilda House, 2215 W. Second street; Pvt. Desy is the son of Albert Desy, 1701 Center street, and Cpl. Stelck is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Stelck, Correctionville.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, April 11, 1945 (photo included)
Ralph Raymond Liljedahl was born Oct. 17, 1920 to John Mauritz and Irene E. Liljedahl. He died Feb. 10, 1997 and is buried in Essex Cemetery, Essex, IA. Ralph was a World War II veteran serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Source: ancestry.com
