Cleckner, Gerald (1921-1945)

CLECKNER, BLUE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Webster City Freeman, Webster City, Iowa, Monday, January 15, 1945

Ens. Gerald Cleckner Died From Drowning on January 9

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cleckner were notified Sunday morning in a telegram from the navy department of their son's death, apparently in the south Pacific. Further details, the navy department said, would be forwarded as soon as possible.

Ensign Cleckner, 23, had been serving aboard a supply ship as a deck officer and assistant navigator since September. A graduate of the Webster City schools in 1939, the navy officer received his bachelor of science degree at Iowa State college in 1943. Prior to entering the service he was employed with Thompson Products Co., Cleveland, Ohio.

The Webster City officer received his commission in June, 1941, and reported June 28, at Fort Schuyler, N.Y., where he received his indoctrination training. He completed this course Aug. 23, and was home on a short leave before leaving for San Francisco where he reported Sept. 5, and left shortly afterwards for sea duty.

Monday morning Mr. and Mrs. Cleckner received a letter from their son, dated Jan. 8, in which he complained of the hot weather where he was located. Although there is no information to substantiate the belief, it is thought the ensign may have lost his life in a sudden storm at sea.

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, Thursday, February 22, 1945

MEMORIAL RITES HERE SUNDAY FOR ENSIGN CLECKNER

Memorial services for Ensign Gerald Cleckner will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Methodist church in this city. The Rev. J.A. Farnham and the Rev. J.J. Share of LeMars will conduct the service.

Ensign Cleckner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry [Mildred Blue] Cleckner of this city, was reported drowned Jan. 9, in an accident just off a small uninhabited island in the Pacific.

He had been serving on a supply ship as a deck officer and assistant navigator since September, after having received his commission in the navy in June, 1944.