EASTERN IOWANS ARE GRADUATED AS ARMY PILOTS.
A number of men from eastern Iowa became combat pilots last week in graduation ceremonies of the AAF training command in Texas and Oklahoma. All received commissions as second lieutenants.
In the group were David H. Battin (see photo), son of Mrs. Franklin Battin formerly of Cedar Rapids and now of College Station, Texas, who was graduated from Moore field, Mission, Texas;
Robert B. Martin (see photo), son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Martin, 613 A avenue NW, Lubbock field, Texas;
Gene A. Moes (see photo), son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Moes, 1619 First avenue SW, Blackland field, Waco, Texas;
Robert E. Morris (see photo), son of Mrs. Jenny Morris, 887 Daniels street NE, Aloe field, Texas.
Also among the graduates were:
Curtis L. Schnell (see photo), of Center Point, Frederick field, Okla.;
Donald A. Boemgren, of Decorah, Lubbock field;
Eugene B. Thomson (see photo) of Garrison, Pampa field, Texas;
Stanley G. Steiner (see photo) of Monticello, Foster field, Texas;
Kenneth D. Taylor (see photo) of Springville, Frederick field;
Leo W. Smith of West Union, Pampa field.
Robert E. Harrington of Postville, was graduated from Foster field with rank of first lieutenant.
Source: Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 21, 1944 (eight photos included)
Kenneth Dennis Taylor was born May 27, 1921 to Willard D. and Bessie Hagerman Taylor. He died Feb. 6, 2012 and is buried in Springville Cemetery, Springville, IA.
Kenneth served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II.
Source: ancestry.com
