Iowa
Old Press
The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo co., Iowa
Saturday, December 13, 1941
North Iowans are Reported to Be Serving in War Zones -
Nora Springs Youths in U. S. Marines at Midway, Pearl Harbor
NORA SPRINGS – Mrs. Louise Jerrell received her
first word Thursday evening from her son, Philip Jerell,
stationed with the U. S. marines at Midway Island in the Pacific,
when she received a telegram from that point which simply read,
“Okay, Mom.” Grave concern was held among Jerrell’s
family and friends here for his safety, since Midway island was
reported attacked by the Japanese last Sunday and several times
since. Jerrell was graduated from the local high school in 1938
and joined the marines shortly after his graduation.
Charles Kennedy, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Kennedy, and Burr
Squier, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Squier, are two more Nora
Springs boys in the marine corps who are stationed in the danger
zone at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and relatives are anxiously
awaiting word from them. Dwight Baker of the United States navy,
son of Roy Baker of Nora Springs, is also at Pearl Harbor.
Lloyd “Dynamite” Anderson of Nora Springs was stationed
at Shanghai according to the last information local people
received, and anxiety is also felt for his safety.
NUMBER OF GOLFIELD YOUTHS IN PACIFIC
GOLDFIELD – A number of Goldfield youths are
located in the war zone in the Pacific. No word has been received
from any of them since hostilities began with Japan on Sunday.
Those from this vicinity include Shirley Griffith, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Ray Griffith, who has been employed as a painter on Midway
island the past several months. His parents received a letter
Sunday, mailed on Dec. 3, stating they are amply protected on the
island.
Bernard Folkedahl, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Folkedahl, is
stationed on the U. S. S. New Orleans at Pearl Harbor.
Duane Bonwell is located in the vicinity of Manila and his
brother, Allen, who is in the army, is stationed at Pearl Harbor.
Both boys are the sons of Harry Bonwell.
The two sons of Mr. and Mrs. Jess Anderson, Morris and Clarence,
are stationed on the U. S. S. Concord and U. S. S.
Maryland, respectively.
James Edwards, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Jones, who has been
attending a naval school at Norfolk, Va., has been called into
active service.
C. H. Cochrane, husband of the former Miss Elizabeth Rulettes of
this city, is located at Pearl harbor on the destroyer Alwyn.
BELIEVE MILLER ON BATTLESHIP OKLAHOMA
TITONKA – William Kennedy, son of Mrs. Elizabeth
Kennedy, and a sailor in the United States navy, when last heard
from, was on board the battleship Oklahoma, reported by
the enemy to have been damaged by Japanese action. Mrs. Kennedy
has received no news from her son or navy headquarters.
NO WORD OF HARM TO WRIGHT COUNTY YOUTHS
EAGLE GROVE – Wright county has many soldier and
sailor boys in the Pacific war zone, but so far there has been no
word of death or injury to any of them.
Charles Hall, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hall, has been stationed
in the Philippines for more than a year; Leif Kloster, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Hallvard Kloster, was recently sent to the war zone in
the air corps.
Duane Bonwell is believed in the vicinity of Manila, on the U.
S. S. Blackhawk, and his brother, Allen, is in the army at
Pearl Harbor. They boys are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Bonwell. Pete Turgeon is working as a machinist on Wake island.
Max Groves is on a tanker, making regular trips between Hawaii
and the mainland. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Groves.
Shirley Griffith of Goldfield is on Midway island. He is the son
of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Griffith of Eagle Grove.
Nels Shurson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Shurson, is on the U. S.
airplane carrier Lexington, presumably with the Pacific
fleet. Ed Hartsook and Don Butler of Clarion are on Midway
island. Charles Messer is on a U. S. ship sailing between Hawaii
and Wake island. Charles Keppers Jr., is supposed to be on a ship
sailing in the vicinity.
OSAGE PARENTS HEAR SON, HIS WIFE SAFE
OSAGE – Mr. and Mrs. Fred Smith have received word
from their son, Lawrence Smith, that he and his wife are safe in
Honolulu, Hawaii, where they have made their home a number of
years.
Paul Teegardin who is stationed at Bellows Field in Hawaii, wired
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Teegardin, that he is safe.
HAMPTON PERSONS AWAIT NEWS FROM HONOLULU
HAMPTON – Relatives and friends are awaiting word
from Alvah George Gillett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Forest Gillett of
Alexander, and Leo Kenninger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kenninger
of Faulkner; stationed on the U. S. S. Oklahoma at Pearl
Harbor, and Miss Clara Blank, former Franklin county home
demonstration agent, how home demonstration agent near
Kealakekua, Hawaii.
RADIOGRAM ASSURES RELATIVES ARE SAFE
THOMPSON – A radiogram was received Thursday
afternoon informing them that their two daughters, Mrs. William
Hodgins, who lives on Lanai island, and Miss Louise Alquist at
Honolulu, and their sister, Mrs. Ted Colett, also of Honolulu,
were safe from the recent bombardment by the Japanese. The
message came by radio to San Francisco and from there by air mail
to Thompson.
[transcribed by S.R.B. November 2014]
The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo co., Iowa
Tuesday, December 16, 1941
2 NORTH IOWANS KILLED IN HAWAII
Mason City’s First, Hancock County First War Death
Reported
North Iowa’s second and third World war II deaths were
reported Tuesday. Both men were sailors and lost their lives in
the Pearl Harbor naval engagement.
Guy Wayne Carroll, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter G. Carroll of
Lehigh addition, Mason City, is Mason City’s first casualty
in the war. Carroll, a quartermaster second class, lost his life
aboard the ill-fated destroyer U. S. S. Shaw. He has
been in the navy six years.
Wilbur Theodore Smith, son of Frank Smith and Mrs. Pearl Smith of
Crystal Lake, is Hancock county’s first war casualty. He has
been in the navy one year. No report has arrived on his brother,
Orlan Floyd Smith, who was on the same ship. Both were seamen
second class.
Cerro Gordo county and North Iowa’s first World war II
fatality was Melvin Laskowski, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. A.
Laskowski of Sheffield.
Relatives Receive Word North Iowans In War Zones Are Safe
Nashuan in Marine Corps at Hawaii Is “Safe and Well”
NASHUA – Mr. and Mrs. Lew Wayne have received a
cablegram from their son, Lieut. Russell Wayne, stationed with
the marine corps, Pearl Harbor, to the effect that he is safe and
well. Lieutenant Wayne went to Hawaii in October and his wife had
just recently joined him, about a week before the bombing of
Pearl Harbor.
FENTON WOMAN IS SAFE IN HAWAII
FENTON – Word has been received here by relatives
of Luella Newel, who is in Hawaii, that she is safe. Luella who
is on leave of absence from her teaching duties at Chicago, is
attending the University of Honolulu which is 12 miles from Pearl
Harbor. Luella plans to visit her sister, Sylvia, who is home
demonstration agent at Hilo, Hawaii, at Christmas time and plans
to be back in Chicago by January.
FORMER WESLEY MAN WAS ON “ARIZONA”
WESLEY – Relatives here are concerned over the fate
of the occupants of the U. S. S. Arizona which has been
officially reported as sunk in Pearl Harbor during the recent
attack by the Japs. It is known here that Morton Sturdivant, son
of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Sturdivant of Winlock, Wash., formerly of
Wesley, had been assigned to this ship. No word has been received
here Monday from the Sturdivants. Mr. Sturdivant was formerly
editor of the Wesley News-World in Wesley.
WAUCOMA YOUTH AT HICKMAN FIELD SAFE
WAUCOMA – Mrs. Hazel Webster received a cablegram
Sunday from her son, Neil Webster, a radio-tower operator
stationed for two years at Hickman Field, Honolulu, Hawaiian
Islands, stating that he is well.
PLYMOUTH MAN AT PEARL HARBOR SAFE
PLYMOUTH – Mr. and Mrs. John Pearce received a
telegram Sunday morning from their son, Alvia of Pearl Harbor,
saying he was safe.
MANY FROM CORWITH ARE IN WAR ZONE
CORWITH – Corwith youths located in the war zone
include Harry Gordon, son of Hugh Gordon, U. S. S. Lamson,
who has been at Pearl Harbor for more than two years; Charles
Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Martin, and Donald Brown, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Brown, both with the U. S. coast guard at
Honolulu; Guy T. Swanson, son of Mrs. Freida Swanson, with 16th
Coast Artillery, Headquarters Battalion, Fort Ruger, Honolulu;
Paul Bousion, brother of Mrs. John Daniels, H-8 Batter 84 Coast
Artillery, Fort Shaffer, Hawaii.
Harold K. Clapsaddle, son of Frank Clapsaddle, who has been in
service for seven years, is stationed at the U. S. Naval
Ammunitions depot, Cavile, in the Philippines. Ralph Beckman, son
of A. S. Beckman, is at France field with the 9th Bombardment
Corps, Canal Zone.
In the U. S. navy are Eli Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Brown,
on the U. S. S. Texas; Kenneth Stephens, son of Shelby Stephens,
U. S. S. Maryland; Hugh Kelch, son of Peter Kelch, U. S. S.
Colorado; Ralph Hunsley, son of Mrs. Maude Hunsley, wrote from
Angel Island, after his ship turned back from its trip to Hawaii.
Bruce Suthers, son of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Suthers, chief petty
officer, now at the naval hospital, Chelsea, Mass., notified his
parents that the expects to receive orders this week to go to a
new location.
Orvis Clapsaddle, son of Frank Clapsaddle, A and R division,
Naval Air station, Alameda, Calf., and Sgt. Milo Risvold, brother
of Alvin and Carvel Risvold, of Mather field, Cal., both had
their furloughs cancelled after hostilities began and returned to
their posts from Corwith.
Clyde Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Johnson, completed his
furlough at home and left Corwith Monday to return to First Base
Guard company, Marine corps base, San Diego, Cal. Paul Johnson,
son of Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson, is with the Marine corps base,
Company A, San Diego, and Leroy Wolf, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Wolf, is with Platoon 17, Marine corps base, San Diego.
Also on the west coast at Camp Roberts, Cal., are Robert G.
Barracks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Barracks, Batt. C. 51st P.A.;
Lester Mertitle, brother of Mrs. Robert Rockwood, 31st Inf., and
Phillip Arfreon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Arfreon, Co. B., 89th
Inf. Robert Houston, brother of Mrs. John Daniels, is at Camp
Callen, Cal., with Batt. C., Coast artillery.
CORWITH – Sergt. Milo Risvold left Saturday for Mather
Field, Sacramento, Cal., after receiving word to report back for
duty. Sergeant Risvold had spent one week of his 30-day furlough
with his brothers, Alvin and Carvel and their families in Corwith
and with his sisters, Mrs. Clem Schultz at Rutland and Mrs. Don
Enderson of Dickins.
ORCHARD – Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Morse have word from their
son, Dwight, in the army in California, that he has been in the
hospital with skin trouble on his hands for the past six weeks.
[transcribed by S.R.B. November 2014]
The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo co., Iowa
Thursday, December 18, 1941
DEATH OF 4 NORTH IOWANS REPORTED IN PEARL HARBOR ATTACK
Chaplin Was On “Oklahoma”
Smith (sic Schmitt) Is Killed on 6th Anniversary of Ordination
CALMAR – Relatives received word late Wednesday of the death
of the Rev. A. Smith (sic Schmitt), chaplain on the U. S. S.
Oklahoma, which was bombed during the raid on Pearl Harbor.
The Rev. Mr. Smith, formerly of St. Lucas, had been ordained into
the priesthood six years on the day he was killed in the attack.
He is the brother of Mrs. Ernest Hauber of Calmar.
Northwood Youth Killed In Action
NORTHWOOD – Forrest Perry, son of Henry Perry of Northwood,
was killed in action during the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor,
Hawaii, on Dec. 7, his father was notified by the navy department
this week. Perry had been in the navy two years, and visited at
his home here while on furlough last summer. He is the first
World war II victim in Worth county. Surviving are his father and
11 brothers and sisters. He was the youngest member of the
family.
Wilbur and Arlan (sic) Smith of Crystal Lake Die in
Attack
CRYSTAL LAKE – Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith received a
telegram Tuesday morning stating that their son, Wilbur Theodore,
lost his life in action for his country on the Pacific. A short
time later another word arrived that their son, Arlan (sic)
Floyd, too, had lost his life in action on the Pacific. Both boys
were second class seamen and on the same ship. Wilbur was 22
years of age and joined the U. S. navy Jan. 6. Arlan was 20 and
joined the U. S. navy Feb. 10. The boys were at Pearl Harbor when
last heard from. A card arrived from them Tuesday night after
word of their deaths.
THORTON YOUTH IS SAFE IN HAWAII
THORNTON – Mr. and Mrs. Emil Jacobsen received a
telegram Wednesday morning from their son, Irving, who is in the
United States navy, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, saying he was safe.
Mr. Jacobsen was a storekeeper on the mine layer Oglala
that was sunk in Sunday morning’s surprise raid by the
Japanese.
MEN FROM CLARION AREA SAFE IN PACIFIC
CLARION – The following men from this locality
stationed in the Pacific war area have notified their families of
their safety: Kenneth C. Russie, aviation machinist’s mate,
first class, A and R. department, Pearl Harbor; son of Mr. and
Mrs. Eldon Russie; Emory Barker, private, first class, marine
corps, Midway, son of F. L. Barker; Richard Doherty, U. S. S.
Keosauqua, Pearl Harbor, son of Mrs. Lena Doherty; and Lief
Kloster, lieutenant in air corps stationed in Manila,
Philippines, son of Halvard Kloster of Eagle Grove.
Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Burhan received word from their son, Leslie,
who is on the U. S. S. Portland, that they were in Pearl Harbor
Dec. 5 and were leaving the next day.
CALMAR YOUTH WAS AT PEARL HARBOR
CALMAR – Clarence Brom left Wednesday for Des
Moines to take examination for service in the army. Clarence is
the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brom to be in the service.
Two sons, Walter and Leo, both have served in the U. S. navy for
several years. Walter has spent the past week here with his
parents while his ship is in for repairs, while Leo is stationed
at Pearl Harbor. Another son, George, was released several weeks
ago from selective service only to be called back last week.
Besides their four sons, Mr. and Mrs. Brom have one daughter,
Eleanor, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Brom have not yet received word
from Leo since the raid on Pearl Harbor. Walter will go to
Brooklyn and from there to Boston, where he will board his ship
for Iceland.
YOUTH AT PEARL HARBOR SAFE
CHESTER – Mr. and Mrs. Robert Larson received a
letter Wednesday morning from their son, Ensign Robin E. Larson
from Hawaii, stating he was o.k. He went to Hawaii in September.
NEW HAMPTON YOUTH IN HAWAII REPORTED SAFE
NEW HAMPTON – Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Carney of New
Hampton received a wire Tuesday stating their son, Ensign Gerald
Carney, who is stationed at Pearl Harbor, was well. The wire
stated that a letter would follow.
VENTURA – Mrs. Rasmus Nelson returned home Monday from
Ankeny, where she spent the weekend with her husband, who is
employed at the munitions plant there.
HUTCHINS – Ellsworth Spencer, who was at the induction
center at Des Moines has been sent to Camp Claiborne, La.,
according to word received here. Mr. Spencer is the husband of
the former Miss Adeline Wirtz, who made her home here with her
sister, Mrs. Paul Montage, for three years.
GOODELL – Virgil Sellers, who is in the army and stationed
at Southgate, Cal., is enjoying a two week’s furlough with
his home folks.
CLARKSVILLE – Raymond Rhoads, Camp Claiborne, La., son of
Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Rhoads of Clarksville, is spending a 16 day
furlough with his parents.
[transcribed by S.R.B. November 2014]
The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo co., Iowa
Saturday, December 20, 1941
Former Iowan Dies of Jap Raid Wounds
Richard Coster, grandson of A. B. Coster of Burlington
and a former Burlington junior college student, died of injuries
received in the Japanese air raids at Pearl Harbor. He ws
attached to Hickman field.
PLAN MEMORIAL FOR CHAPLAIN
Services for Pearl Harbor Victim to Be at St. Lucas,
Dubuque
WEST UNION – Memorial services for Father Aloysius Schmitt,
U. S. navy chaplain killed in action at Pearl Harbor Dec. 7,
1941, will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Lucas by Father John Schmitt
of Manchester, a cousin. Another service will be held at St. Mary’s
church in Dubuque at 10 a.m. Monday by the Archbishop F. J. L.
Beckman. The Rev. Mr. Schmitt was assistant pastor of St. Mary’s
until March, 1940 when he entered the service.
He is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Will, West
Union; Nick, St. Lucas; Mrs. L. T. Sloan, St. Lucas; Mrs. Ernest
Hauber, Calmar; Sister M. Germaine, teaching at Pocahontas; Matt
Schmitt, St. Lucas; and Mrs. Richard Burcheit, St. Lucas.
The Rev. Mr. Schmitt was educated in the parochial school at St.
Lucas, attended Loras college from 1929 until 1933; attended the
American college in Rome from1933 to 1936 and was ordained in
Rome Dec. 8, 1937. He served as assistant pastor at the cathedral
in Cheyenne, Wyo., from Sept. 1938; then assistant pastor of St.
Mary’s, Dubuque, until March, 1941, since when he had been a
chaplain in the United States navy.
MITCHELL MAN SAFE IN HAWAII
Youth Serving as Marine on Midway Island Also Safe
MITCHELL – Mr. and Mrs. Matt Clayton have received word that
their three sons, Harold, Robert, and Kenneth, who are serving in
the United States navy in the vicinity of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,
are unharmed.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schmidt have received word that their son,
Clifford, who is serving with the United States marines on Midway
island is safe. Another son, Alvin, who is also with the marines
at Pearl Harbor has not yet been heard from.
Mr. and Mrs. Tony Lorene have received word that their son,
Stanley, who is serving in the U. S. navy, is safe.
Decorah Man Was Shipmate of Kidd, Killed in Hawaii
DECORAH – Rognvold Jacobsen of Winneshiek county,
who has been assessor for many years in Glenwood township, was a
shipmate in the World war of Rear Admiral Kidd, who was killed in
the bombing of Pearl Harbor. At that time Mr. Kidd was a
lieutenant.
RUDD – Willard Ryner came Monday from Camp Bowie, Tex., to
spend his furlough with relatives here.
ROWAN – John Bottom and Morris Drury left Des Moines to
enter the coast guard in the state of Washington.
ROCK FALLS – Pvt. K. Jerome Wilkinson has been called back
to Chanute Field, Ill., cutting his furlough short on account of
the war.
LUVERNE – Walter Brayton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Brayton,
is home on furlough. He is stationed at Fort Sill, Okla.
POSTVILLE – Adrian Stockton, who is located at Fort Sill,
Okla., is here on a furlough visit with his sister, Marguerite.
SPILLVILLE – Pvt. Robert Swehla of Fort Leonard Wood is home
on a two week’s furlough.
THOMPSON – Milton Stewart arrived here Wednesday from
Alexandria, La., to spend the Christmas holidays with his
parents, Dr. and Mrs. E. E. Stewart. Milton was released from the
army six weeks ago, and joined an orchestra in Alexandria since.
He expects to be called back in the army at any time.
ST. ANSGAR – Richard Chancellor of Fort Sill, Okla., is
spending a furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alva
Chancellor and family.
[transcribed by S.R.B. November 2014]
The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo co., Iowa
Monday, December 22, 1941
Titonka Youth Killed in Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor
TITONKA – William Henry Kennedy, 24, son of Mrs. Elizabeth
M. Kennedy, was the first Titonka casualty in World war II, it
was learned Sunday when his mother was notified he was killed in
the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7. The youth was a fireman
first class in the United States navy. He enlisted in the navy on
July 9, 1940. He was born April 6, 1917, at Swea City, and was
educated in the Titonka schools, being graduated from Titonka
high school in 1934. He took a Diesel course at Des Moines and
then attended a business school at Tyler, Tex., before enlisting
in the navy. His mother resides one and three-fourth miles
southeast of Titonka. Other survivors are his father, in
Nebraska; two sisters, Minnie Kennedy, at home, and Mrs. Betty
Sturdevandt of Fort Dodge, and three brothers, Homer and Paul
Tienan of Titonka, and Frank Tienan of Garner.
BROTHER OF GARNER WOMEN IS KILLED
GARNER – Coach and Mrs. Watt Kiester received a
telegram from the navy department stating that Chester Kleist was
killed in the recent attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Mr. Kleist
was a brother of Mrs. Kiester’s and had been in the navy for
the past 13 years.
ACKLEY YOUTH IS AMONG THE MISSING
ACKLEY – Mr. and Mrs. Frank Keninger received a
telegram early Sunday morning informing them that their son, Leo
Keninger, who was with the Pacific fleet on Dec. 7 is among the
missing. Leon Keninger enlisted in the United States navy one and
one-half years ago.
FORMER RESIDENT OF GREENE IS SAFE
GREENE – Mrs. Anna Stevenson of Rockford, Ill., and
her son, Charles Stevenson, who is located at Fort George G.
Meade, Md., in the United States army, who are visiting friends
at Greene, have received word that her son, Arthur R. Stevenson
of the United States navy and who was at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, at
the time of the bombing, is safe. Mrs. Stevenson and her sons are
former residents of Greene.
THOMPSON MAN AT PEARL HARBOR IS SAFE
THOMPSON – Corporal Clifford Wade of the 34th
division company H, 133rd infantry, arrived in Thompson Saturday
afternoon having been granted a 16 day furlough to visit his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Hamlin. He brought his mother the news
that his brother, Clarence, on board a U. S. ship near Pearl
Harbor was safe and well after the Dec. 7 bombing. Clarence is in
the U. S. navy.
ALEXANDER BOY ON ‘ARIZONA’ SAFE
ALEXANDER – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stoffer have
received word that their son, Bernard Stoffer, on the U. S.
S. Arizona stationed in Hawaii, is safe.
JOICE – Russell Field is home from Camp Claiborne, La., on
sick leave. He suffered a broken wrist. Emerson Evans is home
from Camp Shelby, Miss., on a furlough.
POSTVILLE – Harlan Wegner left Sunday for Camp Claiborne,
La., following a furlough visit spent here with his mother, Mrs.
Charles Wegner.
DECORAH – Jesse Wepler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wepler,
returned to Decorah this week having received a medical discharge
from the army. He had been stationed in the service battery in
Camp Claiborne, La. He is under medical care in Decorah.
LEDYARD – Henry Rieffer, Fort Knox, Ky., is spending a few
days of his furlough at the Jack Lynch home.
POSTVILLE – Cadet Robert Harrington of West Point military
academy arrived here Monday to spend the holidays with his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Harrington.
McINTIRE – Lorain Hockens of Camp Clairborne, La., visited
this week with his mother, Mrs. Geneva Hockens and brothers.
[transcribed by S.R.B. November 2014]
The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo co., Iowa
December 26, 1941
Cresco Boy on U.S. Ship Which Took Vessel of Nazis
CRESCO—Vernie L. Barnes, son of Mrs. Anna Barnes of Cresco, was a member of the crew of the U. S. cruiser Omaha which captured the German ship, Odenwald, in the Atlantic ocean, flying the United States flag, on Nov. 6.
The youth was one of the first in Howard county to enlist in the United States Navy more than a year ago. He was recently promoted to the rank of first class seaman.
The Navy said the Odenwald was flying the American flag in an attempt to break through the British blockade and that when signaled by the Omaha an attempt was made to scuttle her.
Goodell Youth Safe at Manila
GOODELL – Mr. and Mrs. Harve Christensen received a
cablegram Thursday from their son, Stanley, who is in the army at
Manila that he was safe.
NORA SPRINGS – Pvt. H. Glen Hedden of Camp Claiborne, La.,
arrived home Saturday for a 16 day furlough.
RUDD – Marlin Kneisel, formerly of Rudd, has been promoted
to the position of first class cook in the army
RIDGEWAY – Pvt. Carlton Holden of Fort Belvoir, Va., was a
visitor from Monday until Thursday at the Norman Tryllen home.
GARNER – Cholm Houghton, formerly with the Garner Leader and
now connected with the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, plans to join
the naval reserve immediately after the first of the year.
HUTCHINS – Lester Thompson, who is in training at Camp Polk,
La., is home on furlough and is staying at the home of his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Thompson. His furlough expires Dec.
20.
BELMOND – Stephen Hinman has arrived home from Camp
Claiborne, La., to spend his Christmas furlough with his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Hinman.
KANAWHA – Mrs. Dale Conklin and sons, Dale Lee and David, of
San Diego, Cal., came Sunday for the duration of the war at the
home of her parents, Mrs. and Mrs. E. L. Morris. Mr. Conklin is
in the U. S. navy.
LUVERNE – Earl Logler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Logler,
who is stationed at Fort San Houston, Tex., is home on a 10 day
furlough.
[transcribed by S.R.B., November 2014 & LZ, May 2020]
The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo co., Iowa
Wednesday, December 31, 1941
“That They Shall Not Have Died In Vain”
“From these honored dead we take increased devotion
to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of
devotion – that these dead shall not have died in vain
– that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of
freedom – and that government of the people, by the people,
for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” ~ Abraham
Lincoln
Effect of World War Was Biggest Story of ’41 in North Iowa
Many Men From this Sector Battle Japanese Invaders
On Midway, In Philippines, Helped Defend Wake
JAPANESE ATTACK PEARL HARBOR! MANILA BOMBED! GUAM, WAKE
AND MIDWAY ATTACKED BY JAP FORCES!
Those startling headlines of Dec. 7 told Americans that
the United States had been forced into a second World War, they
shrieked the news into every home in this country of the greatest
crisis since the days of 1917 – 1918, and it was news which
was very definitely linked in this sector, as the No. 1 story of
North Iowa, as well as that of the nation.
For there were at least 13 North Iowans in the armed services who
lost their lives in this disastrous sneak Jap raid on Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii, on that terrible Dec. 7 – that at least
seven more North Iowans were reported “missing in action”
and three seriously injured in the initial fighting of World War
II.
While North Iowa joined with the nation in unity and grim
determination toward victory, after recovering from this bitter
stab in the back at Pearl Harbor, the navy department issued its
casualty lists and once again American parents begin receiving
those dreaded telegrams . . . “The navy department regrets
to inform you . . . “
In North Iowa the toll was as follows:
Killed in action:
Guy Wayne Carroll, Mason City.
Erwin Leroy Searle, Mason City.
Melvin Laskowski, 19, Sheffield.
Wilbur Theodore Smith, 22, Crystal Lake.
Arlan Smith, 20, Crystal Lake.
Forrest Perry, 22, Northwood.
The Rev. Alois Schmitt, 31, St. Lucas.
Earl Burch, 22, Elma.
Frank D. Borchers, 33, Charles City.
Lester Zuheck, 22, Elma.
William Henry Kennedy, 24, Titonka.
John D. Hayes, 28, Charles City.
William G. Turner, 22, Algona.
Missing in action:
Edwin Earl Jante, Garner.
Paul Johann, 22, Alta Vista.
Leo Keninger, Ackley.
Karl Glesen, Calmar.
Leo Arick, Mitchell.
Arnold Wilcox, 23, Durmont.
William H. Peavy, Iowa Falls.
Wounded in action:
Harry Keith Manning, Mason City.
Gordon Waters, Hampton.
Irvin Stiles, Clear Lake.
This, however, was only a partially complete casualty list. Each
day brought still more such news, and it was a certainty that
before the aggressors were defeated that lists would mount. North
Iowans were taking an active part in the Battle of the Pacific.
They were among the gallant garrison of Marines at Wake Island,
the were fighting the Nipponese at Midway Island, they were
resisting Japanese invaders in the Philippines, they were
participating with their comrades at every danger point on the
new war front.
Algona Diplomat Amid Japanese
Only North Iowa diplomat reported in the far east when
the Japanese attacked was Harold B. Quarton of Algona, United
States consul general at Keijo, Korea. He had previously served
in the diplomatic service posts in South America, Rotterdam, and
Berlin.
Four German aliens were arrested in Wright county by F. B. I.
agents: at New Hampton 51 year old Don Loane, a veteran of 18
years service in the United States armed forces, enlisted when
the Japs attacked.
First reported North Iowan connected with the air corps to be
killed in action was Frank D. Borchers of Charles City, who was
stationed in the Philippine Islands. He was a mechanic and had
the rank of private first class. Melvin Laskowski of Sheffield
was the first reported casualty in North Iowa. He lost his life
at Pearl Harbor. Mrs. Pearl Smith of Crystal Lake lost two sons,
Wilbur and Arlan, both in the navy, and stationed at Pearl
Harbor. Another North Iowan killed in action at Pearl Harbor was
Father Alois Schmitt of St. Lucas, a chaplain on the U. S. S.
Oklahoma which capsized at Pearl Harbor.
[transcribed by S.R.B. November 2014]