AUSTIN, James A., Lieutenant 1922-1943

AUSTIN

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/19/2012 at 16:11:41

#1
[Iowa Recorder, Wednesday, September 08, 1943, Greene, Iowa]

LIEUTENANT JAMES
A. AUSTIN KILLED IN
SERVICE OF COUNTRY

Government Notified Parents,
Mr., Mrs. Glenn Austin,
Last Thursday. Memorial
Service Planned on September 19

Following the telegram of last Tuesday telling Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Austin that their son, First Lieutenant James A. Austin of the army air corps, was missing in action came a second wire last Thursday notifying them of his death on August 25.

The telegram told only that he was killed by accident on August 25, the same day he was reported missing in the first, telegram. Then following the second wire message, Major General J. A. Ulio, adjutant general, wrote Mr. and Mrs. Austin saying, "I profoundly regret that it is necessary to confirm my telegram in which you were informed that your son, First Lieutenant James A. Austin, who was reported missing since August 25, died on August 25, as the result of an, accident, in the Asiatic area.

"I am sorry that no-additional information is available at this time, as casualty reports prepared as they are under war conditions, are of necessity brief.

"However, you may rest assured that his remains were reverently interred and his grave properly marked for future identification. Upon termination of the war, consideration will be given to their return to the United States. If added information is received, I assure you that it will be promptly forwarded.

"May the thought that he gave his life unselfishly in the service of his country be of sustaining comfort to you. Please accept my deepest sympathy."

Mrs. Austin said last night that a memorial service to "Jim" is being planned Sunday, September 19, in the Methodist church, in Greene. This will be during the furlough period of the Austin's older son. Merland, who is expected home from Fort Riley. Kansas, September 16.

--------------------------------
#2
[Mason City Globe Gazette, Wednesday, September 15, 1943]

HOLD MEMORIAL FOR IOWA FLYER

Services to Be Sunday
for Lt. James Austin

GREENE- Union memorial service for Lt. James Austin, who was killed in an airplane xrash in the Asiatic area August 25 will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the local Methodist Chursh. Corrienne Hamilton will be accompanist for Mrs. Ulfers, soloist; the Rev. John A. Ludermann will deliver the sermon and the Rev. H. F. Mercer, pastor of the church, will direct the service.

Lieutenant Austin was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Austin. He is survived by his parents and a brother Merland, who is also in military service at For Riley, Kansas, and who expects to be home on furlough.

All local patriotic bodies and all service men or women home on furlough are invited.

----------------------------------
#3
[Waterloo Courier, Sunday, January 9, 1949]

James Austin's Rites at Greene

GREEN, Iowa — Military services were Saturday at 2 p. m. at the Hann Funeral Home here for Lt. James Austin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Austin, Greene. The body arrived Thursday for reburial. Rev. Charles Kimbrell, pastor of the Methodist Church conducted the services.

He was born January 2, 1922. He graduated from Greene High School in 1938, and worked for Maxson Cleaners until the time of his enlistment. He enlisted in the army air corps February 25, 1942, and was honorably discharged in November of the same year. He accepted appointment as a second Lieutenant in the air corps reserve two days after his discharge and reported for duty the same day.

Lieutenant Austin died August 25, 1943, from injuries received in an airplane crash at Kunming, China, while serving as a member of the 425th bombardment squadron.

Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Austin, Greene and a brother, Merlyn, Waterloo.

------------------
Note: Similar articles in numerous local newspapers.

------------------------------
#4
Greene Recorder, January 12, 1949]

Out of Towners Attend
James A. Austin Funeral

Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Austin came from Waterloo Friday to attend the services for the former's brother, Lt. James Austin. They returned to Waterloo Saturday evening. Others attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Pringle of Mason City, Mrs Lola Pringle of Marble Rock, Mr. and Mrs. Herm Reagan of Hampton and Mr. and Mrs. Port Beattie* of Waterloo.

----------------------
Note: *In the newspaper the name Beattie was separated and several letters typed over each other. This researcher may have that name wrong.