VICIAN, Capt. John J., WWII

VICIAN, PETERSON, COX, AMOS, HORRMAN, LOBDELL, POLACEK, GILBERT, BRACKLEIN, HART, BRUCE, CARLSON, WHIPPLE, MATHEWS, HYDE, COOPER, SCHULTZ, ROWLEY, ADAMS, TILTON, PATTON, KREGOTIS, NEIDERHEISER, NICHOLAS, DEGEN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 5/8/2013 at 00:12:09

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Wednesday, April 01, 1942, Page 11

Returns to New Jersey for Duty

Top Sgt. J. J. VICIAN returned to Camp Dix, N. J., this week, after spending a week's leave in the city visiting relatives and with his mother and wife at 1308 Delaware avenue southeast. Sergeant VICIAN left Mason City with the national guard companies in February of 1941 and had his initial training at Camp Claiborne, La.

~ ~ ~ ~

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Monday, April 30, 1945, Page 11

In Presentation of Tokens
At Memorial Service

Pictured [on website] are the next of kin of servicemen honored at the 9th joint public memorial service held at Music hall Sunday afternoon. They were present to receive the U. S. burial flags and Gold Star citation scrolls presented by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Rev. Paul Peterson of the Wesley Methodist church gave the eulogy.

Lt. Col. Arthur T. Lobdell of the 7th service command was in attendance to present the bronze star medal to Mrs. John J. Vician, a posthumous award for her husband, Capt. Vician.

Above, left to right are: Mrs. Viola Cox, wife of Warren H. Cox; Mrs. Frances Amos, wife of J. B. Amos, with children John and Judy; Miss Marjorie Horrman, sister of Richard Horrman; Mrs. Vician and Judy; Lt. Col. Arthur T. Lobdell; Mrs. Elizabeth Polacek, mother of Capt. Vician; Mrs. August Horrman and Mr. Horrman, parents of Richard; and Mrs. Gilbert, mother of Nolan M. Gilbert.

Not pictured, but present to receive the flag was Mrs. Madeline Bracklein, mother of William C. Bracklein.

Mr. Peterson centered his talk around 2 lines of verse from Emerson:

“’Tis man’s perdition to be safe
When for the truth he ought to die.”

“I didn’t know any of these 5 boys personally,” said Mr. Peterson, “but I venture that 2 things dominated them: They didn’t want safety, and for the truth of a world democracy they were willing ‘to give’ their lives. Three things made them heroes: They didn’t play safe; they died for a cause; and they have their immortality . . . that which motivated their lives, lives on.”

Councilman Adrian Hart, in the absence of Mayor Howard E. Bruce, who was unable to be present, read a letter of condolence from the city. It said in part: “It is only fitting that we this day dedicate our lives to comforting and aiding their loved ones, and strive to the utmost to establish a lasting peace – for the future generations – this a tribute to our departed members.”

Mrs. Carl H. Carlson played “Largo” by Handel at the opening of the program. Mrs. Peterson sang “Prayer” by Guion and “There Is No Death” by O’Hara, with Mrs. Carlson accompanying.

The honor guard at the soldier’s shrine and the firing squad were from Company E of the state guard under the command of Capt. Leslie R. Whipple, Participating were 2nd Lt. George C. Mathews, T/Sgt. Dale E. Hyde, T/Sgt. William Cooper, S/Sgt. Carol Schultz, Sgt. Ralph D. Rowley, Cpl. Resser Adams, T/5 Terold T. Tilton, Pfc. Robert Patton, Pvt. Constantine Kregotis and Pvt. J. H. Niederheiser. Bill Nicholas played taps.

The program was under the direction of the American Legion and the V. F. W. with Nick Degen, commander of the V. F. W., presiding. All patriotic organizations participated with their colors. (Lock photo, Kayenay engraving.)

Photo of award presentation on website below.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2013

Obituary ~ Capt. John J. Vician, WWII
 

Cerro Gordo Obituaries maintained by Lynn Diemer-Mathews.
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