Our Men In Service
Jack Welton, machinist first mate is spending a leave with his mother, Mrs. Mary Welton, 3263 Garretson Avenue. A veteran of three battles, he now is studying diesel engineering.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, August 20, 1942
Sioux Cityan Served as Honor Guard at Funeral of President Roosevelt
Jack Welton Writes He Wept When Tragic News Came
Jack Welton, petty officer first class, was an honorary guard at the funeral services for President Roosevelt at Hyde Park.
In a letter to his wife, who lives at 2713 Fifth avenue, Mr. Welton wrote: “It was quite an honor to be chosen from all the thousands of sailors to be an honor guard to President Roosevelt. I cried when I heard the news of his death just as I would if I lost one of my best friends. I knew that he meant to do a lot for the service men when it was all over and he would have done it, too. I just returned from Hyde Park and it was so cold, but it was so beautiful, too. There were thousands of dollars spent for flowers and sent by countries and friends all over the world.” (Despite the fact that the Roosevelt family had requested no flowers.)
Mr. Welton talked with President Roosevelt at Casablanca and had seen him many times aboard ship. The Sioux Cityan has been in the Navy for six years and 10 months and has participated in 10 invasions. He also has been awarded the presidential citation. He now is in New York waiting reassignment to a ship.
He is the son of Mrs. Mary Welton, 3236 Garretson avenue. He attended Trinity high school.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, April 19, 1945 (photo included)
