DIAZ, John (died 1944)

DIAZ

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 9/29/2010 at 12:12:09

JOHN DIAZ

#1:

War Department Says 1,036
Americans Being Held in
Philippines.

Osage, Iowa — Pvt. John Diaz, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Waldo Diaz of Osage, reported missing since August, 1941, now is reported as a prisoner of the Japanese in the Philippine Islands, according to a message received Sunday by the parents from the war department.

A graduate of Osage High school, John enlisted in 1940. Mr. and Mrs. Diaz have two other sons in the armed forces, Tech. Sgt. Phillip Diaz, Camp Shelby, Miss., and Corp, Richard Diaz, in Africa. A fourth son, Lupe, received a medical discharge from the army six months ago.

The elder Diaz is custodian of the Mitchell county courthouse.

[Waterloo Courier, Monday, February 8, 1943]
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#2:

OSAGE, IOWA - Pfc. John Diaz, who has been a prisoner of the Japanese since Pearl Harbor, has succeeded in getting a card through to his parent, Mr. and Mrs. Baldo Diaz. The family was not sure that he was alive until a few months ago they learned, through the American Red Cross, that he was. Mr. Diaz says John's signature on the card is authentic.

A younger son, Sgt. Felix Diaz, gunner on a bomber, was killed in action recently over Germany. Another son, Pvt. Lupe Diaz, was discharged from the army because of illness and died in the Veteran's hospital at Des Moines soon after.

[Waterloo Courier, Sunday, January 31, 1945]

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#3:

THIRD DIAZ SON
DIES IN ACTION

Osage G. I. Gives Life
as Japanese Prisoner

Osage, Iowa — A 3rd war casualty came to the Baldo Diaz family with a message from the adjutant general stating that their son, Pfc. John E. Diaz, was killed in action, Dec. 14, 1944, while a prisoner of war of the Japanese. Pvt. Diaz was captured shortly after Pearl Harbor.

Mr. and Mrs. Baldo Diaz have had 6 sons in service. Lupe Diaz died at a veterans hospital following a medical discharge from the army. Sgt. Felix Diaz was killed in action as an aerial gunner.

One son, Richard Diaz, has been discharged and the other 2 sons are still serving.

[Mason City Globe Gazette, September 9, 1945]
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NOTE: Felix and Lupe are buried in the Osage City Cemetery.

#4:
Photo of John Diaz.

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