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)
Joseph Robert Morales was born June 8, 1920 to Vidal and Michaela Hernandez Morales. He died May 28, 2002 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, IA. Cpl. Morales served in World War II with the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Marine Division in the Pacific area and China.
Source: ancestry.com