Iowa Old Press
LeMars Globe-Post
June 5, 1944
KINGSLEY BOY WRITES HOME ABOUT LIFE AT ANZIO BEACH
Pvt. Rimmer Says Nazi Propaganda Makes The Boys Tough
(Letter in the Kingsley News-Times)
Just came back from church a few minutes ago and have time to write a few lines. I promised you a regular letter in my last V-mail, so here it is. I’ve been to church the last four Sundays except Easter Sunday, and that day it just poured rain. I took part in Communion last Sunday. Our chaplain delivers some good sermons but I’ll be glad when the day comes that I can go into a church again and no longer have to be outdoors. We go to church here at 3 in the afternoon and that about 9 o’clock in the morning, making you and I getting ready for church about the same time.
How are all of you at home? I’m fine, and Mom, please don’t worry. The odds are all in my favor you know. Hope tonight’s mail call is better than it has been. Right now it’s none too good. Some of the fellows got their Christmas packages only yesterday, some of them mailed as early as October.
We have really fixed up our dugout. We have the sides boarded up and its deep enough so we can stand up. Also built us bunks and installed an old radio after working over it quite a spell. We also put in a telephone and have calls coming in day and night. The only drawback to the phone is who should answer it? When it rings, one or maybe both of us hear it but just pretend to sleep and see what the other guy will do about it.
We get our PX ration tomorrow. We get these about once a month and they usually consist of a couple bars of candy, gum, and other smaller articles. We get another battle star for the Cassino area—that’s before we came here, and we get another one for here. They are a small bronze star that goes on our campaign ribbon, for each campaign we are in different fronts. When we get the one for Anzio, I’ll have three.
We went to the hospital to see some of the boys Sunday, and then stopped and took a nice hot shower.
We hear a lot of German propaganda on our radio. Sally of the Axis is on every night. She plays a lot of swing records and Bing Crosby recordings. I guess the idea is to make us homesick. A bunch of leaflets were dropped last night; they were really a laugh. We never pay any attention to them. They boost our morale, if anything.
Right now I’m in the Division Signal supply. We issue signal equipment to the rest of the division. You would be surprised at the things we have in our warehouse. Anything from stove bolts to Piper Cubs.
Tomorrow we get schooled again on booby traps and mines. I’m on the graveyard shift and start at eleven tonight. Tomorrow night I get to sleep all night.
Nature has finally changed her uniform over here. The trees are all leafed out and the grass and flowers are up. A little natural camouflage is that much harder on the enemy. Well, Mother, this will be all for tonight. Take care of yourself and I’ll do the same. Have to eat a bite, and then back to Army routine. ~Kenneth
LeMars Globe-Post, June 12, 1944
SHELDON MEN MEET IN NAZI PRISON CAMP
Norbert Rowenhorst, Howard Finch and Milford Beldt met recently in a Nazi prisoner of war camp, according to word just received here, says the Sheldon Mail.
Sgt. Norbert Rowenhorst writes from a German prison camp to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Al Rowenhorst, Sheldon, in which he states that he is well. The letter, written April 5, was received here this week Monday. He says, in part: “By now you know I am a prisoner of war and it is only by the grace of God that I am here. I can’t complain about the treatment being given me.”
He also said that he was making new acquaintances and for his parents not to worry that everything would be O. K.
Sgt. Rowenhorst is in Stalag Prison Camp 2 B, according to a letter received from Milford Beldt, who has been a prisoner there since February 19 of last year. In the letter, which was written April 20 to his parents, he stated that Norbert and Finch arrived the week before. This was the first word the Finch family have had concerning Howard since he was first reported missing in action.
LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, June 16, 1944
John P. Mersch Taken By Death
One of Remsen’s Oldest Residents
John P. Mersch, 89, resident of Remsen fifty years, died Wednesday afternoon.
The funeral will take place Saturday morning at 7:30 in St. Mary’s church in Remsen.
John Pierre Mersch was born on March 27, 1855, in Bettemburg, Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Europe, and lived there with his parents, brother and sisters until the age of 28 years. He married Mrs. Margaret Duster of Remsen in 1899. Mrs. Mersch passed away in March 1941, and a son John J. Duster died 14 years ago. Surviving are the stepchildren: Mrs. Henry Foxen, Remsen; Anton J. Duster, Remsen; Joseph Duster, LeMars; and Mrs. Herb Zimmerman, Remsen. The deceased man was the last of a family of four children.
Mr. Mersch conducted the first bowling alley in Remsen and was in the pool hall business until his retirement from business. In his younger days Mr. Mersch worked in the Gehlen Mills in LeMars and lived in LeMars for several years. Mr. Mersch was one of the most popular and well liked citizens of Remsen.
Former Westfield Girl Is Married At Naples, Italy.
Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Martin of Westfield announce the wedding of their daughter, Lieut. Marguerite Martin to Lieut. Paul Donnelly of Sault Ste Marie, Mich.
The wedding took place May 15, at the base hospital chapel near Naples, Italy. Lieut. Paul Donnelly is serving in the army and Lieut. Martin is an army nurse and has been serving overseas a year.
Sgt. Bergman Dies In Air Raid Over Austria May 29.
Staff Sergeant William E. Bergman, who was reported killed in action over Austria, May 29, was married to a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Crouch of Perry township and a great granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Crouch of LeMars.
Sgt. Bergman was radio operator-gunner on a Liberator in the Fifteenth air command and was home in Sioux City, April 23, when a daughter was born to him and Mrs. Bergman. He had been back in Italy only two weeks before his death. Sgt. Bergman graduated from Central high school, Sioux City, in June 1942.
When Sgt. Bergman was a boy of four, his mother died and for a number of years he made his home with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fisher, who lived in Sioux City at that time.
LeMars Globe-Post
June 19, 1944
TROBAUGH WOUNDED
Miss Dorothy Downing has received a letter, written by a hospital attendant in an army hospital in the Mediterranean area for Sgt. Trobaugh, one of the original members of K Company, in which he states that he was wounded in the right arm and leg during the Italian campaign, on May 29.
The last time he wrote, he said he was on the Anzio beachhead, and it seems probable that he was wounded in the advance which drove the Germans out of Rome. Due to his wounds, he is unable to write himself, and had to wait his turn to get the letter written on June 9. In the letter he says that he will write again just as soon as his turn comes for the use of the secretary.
Sgt. Trobaugh has been mentioned by several former K. Co. men for his absolute fearlessness in battle, and he has seen action in practically every major battle since American troops first landed in Africa.
MRS. J. SIEBENS DIES SUDDENLY
Mrs. John Siebens died suddenly at her home Sunday morning, June 18, of a heart attack. The funeral will be at Brunsville at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Flentje conducting the service. Burial will be in the LeMars city cemetery. The day and hour of the funeral have not been set, pending the arrival of a daughter from Olympia, Wash.
Lena Reiken was born October 16, 1897, in Grant township, where she lived. On January 27, 1920, she was united in marriage to John Siebens where she has since resided. At the time of her death she was 46 years, eight months and eight days of age.
Besides her husband, John, she is survived by the following children: Mrs. Joe Krogman, Olympia, Wash.; John, jr., Marlis, Orville, all at home; her mother, Mrs. Henry Reiken of Brunsville, and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Wm. Bruns, Mrs. Jessie McHale, of Brunsville; Mrs. Jack Bowman, Correctionville; Mrs. H. Bowman, Sioux City; and Wm. Reiken, of Brunsville.
She was preceded in death by her father.
MERSCH FUNERAL.
After almost a half century a resident of Remsen, death Wednesday afternoon claimed John F. Mersch, well known former business man and one of the community’s most beloved citizens. He was 89 years old and a native of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg. Surviving Mr. Mersch are two stepsons and two stepdaughters. The funeral took place Saturday morning, services in St. Mary’s Church of Remsen at 9 o’clock.
Ruth Meyers, Geo. Norris Married Thursday Near Sioux City.
At a garden wedding Thursday at Shadow Lawn farm near Sioux City, Miss Ruth Dawn Meyers, daughter of Mrs. Marjorie Meyers.
Former LeMars Girl Retired After 30 Yrs. With Telephone Co.
Cherokee Times: Mrs. R. Pritts, long time Northwestern Bell Telephone company employee at Cherokee, retired June 1, 1944, it was announced by W. N. Lander, jr., manager. After more than 30 years of faithful service, Mrs. Pritts has announced her wish to take advantage of the company’s pension and benefit plan, Lander states, “We will miss her, but inasmuch as she will continue to reside in Cherokee, we hope to see her often.”
Mrs. Pritts’ telephone experience dates back to 1913 when she became a switchboard operator with the New State Telephone company, predecessor of the Northwestern Bell Telephone company in Cherokee. When the exchange became a Bell company in 1919, Mrs. Pritts continued with that company and in 1920 became its Chief Operator. A year later, she was appointed to her present clerical position in the office in which she served all departments of the business.
All of Mrs. Pritts’ telephone service has been in Cherokee and during her period of service she has seen many changes take place in the telephone business as it has grown to its present state of development.
(Mrs. Pritts will be remembered as, Rose Gunther of LeMars.)
RAILROAD WASHOUT NEAR CRAIG
Heavy Rains Forced Rerouting of Some Traffic.
~The torrential rains Sunday night caused some washouts on the railroad here, but the section crews were able to repair them quickly. Some of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul trains were also routed through here, as there were more serious washouts on that line, taking until Tuesday to repair.
~Mrs. Tena Albright and Hilbert, also Miss Colleen Luschen, left by car Thursday morning for California.
~Mrs. Sophia Johnson moved Friday into the house formerly occupied by Albrights.
~Mrs. Anna Croon continues critically sick at her home here. Mrs. Linda Kluter of Ireton is taking care of her.
~Many relatives from a distance attended the funeral of H. F. Ladwig here Thursday. Two nephews, Cpl. Harvey Ludwigs, who is in the European war theater, and Pvt. Herman Eggebrecht, who is somewhere in the Pacific, were unable to attend.
LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, June 20, 1944
Maj. Don Muller Among First To Arrive In Rome
Has Been With Heavy Artillery In Italian Campaign
Major Donald Mueller, who is with the invasion forces in Italy in charge of an artillery outfit, wrote his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Mueller, of LeMars, recently relating his experiences fighting which resulted in the capture of Rome. He had previously written of his battery’s part in the fighting around Cassino. His last letter, written June 6, says:
“It took quite a while for us to get started but we really traveled when we started. We have been moving so fast and often that we nearly had to fire on the run. I don’t think we have missed a day looking for new positions and sometimes we could not move into them quick enough to fire because our troops moved ahead so fast.
Yesterday was the big day and Col. Douglas, Lieut. Morris and I were in the big city just 3 ½ hours behind the first troops. We weren’t supposed to be there, but we managed to get there O. K. They surely showered us with flowers and probably would have kissed us if we should have stopped. It was quite an experience.
The people there were much nicer looking than any place I have yet seen over here.
Now the big show is started over in England so maybe it won’t be long in ending. Anway we hope not. We are getting tired of the whole thing.”
LeMars Globe-Post
June 22, 1944
SOLDIER NEWS
Pvt. Ray Baack of Remsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Baack of LeMars, is home on an emergency furlough to visit his wife’s mother, Mrs. Wilberding, who is seriously sick at the Sacred Heart Hospital. Pvt. Baack entered the Army on March 31, and is stationed at Camp Stewart, Ga.
Floyd Miller, son of Mrs. Tena Miller, who enlisted in the Navy, has been transferred to the Marines and is now stationed at San Diego, California.
Bill Kuppke of Naperville, Ill., arrived this morning for a visit in the Ralph Marcue home.
Mrs. Edward Pech and Mrs. Henry Ioos have received letters from their brother, Corporal Lawrence Utech, who is stationed somewhere in New Guinea. Cpl. Utech joined the Army 2 ½ years ago, and has been overseas 2 years and 3 months, in Australia and New Guinea. This is the first news they have received from him for 8 weeks, as the mail was held up. He wrote that he is feeling fine, after a vacation in Australia.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Toel have received word from the son, Wilbur Toel, who has been in the South Pacific for some time. He is now stationed in the Admiralty Islands, and is at a base less than 25 miles from the Japs.
An Army headquarters release from England states that Corporal Bonnie (Brodie) Hassebroek of LeMars is among members of the first mobile army unit, composed entirely of WACS. They are the first WACS assigned to a tactical army ground forces unit in England, and will follow hard on the heels of the invasion troops as they chase Hitler’s armies in the general direction of Berlin.
Irwin (Bud) Masuen wrote to his family here, mentioning his promotion to seaman first class. He said he is unable to state the present whereabouts of his ship, except that “it’s in the South Pacific where we can see the yellow of the Jap’s eyeballs, and where marbles are played for keeps.”
Mrs. Dale Kounkel returned yesterday after spending a month with her husband, Dale Kounkel, at Camp Stewart, Ga. On the morning of the invasion every boy in camp put in a dollar to buy war bonds. They bought $25 bonds and the boys drew lots to see who'd get them. Dale was fortunate enough to win one of the bonds.
Sgt. Elmer Bruns arrived Friday to spend his furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Bruns. Sgt. Bruns is stationed at Camp Campbell, Ky.
Cpl. Lester Plueger returned Wednesday after spending several days at the home of his brother, Ray Plueger and other relatives. He is stationed at Camp Grant, Ill.
Sgt. N.R. Coad, member of the medical detachment station hospital, Camp Phillips, Kansas, who has been visiting at his home in LeMars, returned Sunday to his camp.
U.S. Army Forces in New Caledonia: Private First Class Clarence H. J. Plueger, brother of Edward W. J. Plueger of LeMars, has been awarded the “Good Conduct Medal,” for over a year of “exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity as a soldier of the U.S. Army.” Pfc. Plueger operated a farm near LeMars prior to his entrance into the Army. He was inducted at Fort Crook, Neb., on May 27, 1942, and In January of last year was shipped to the semi-tropical island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific area. The presentation of the “Good Conduct Medal” took place before a formation of his entire unit.
LeMars Globe-Post
June 26, 1944
MARVIN DAY IS MISSING
Unaccounted For In Italy Since May 26, Says Army Telegram
T-5 Marvin W. Day has been missing in action in Italy since May 26, according to information reaching his wife, June 21, in Sioux City.
The former LeMars soldier has been overseas for 18 months, and will have been in service two years in July. Mrs. Day and their daughter, Judy, are now living in Sioux City.
Corporal Day is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Day of Quimby, and he was born and raised on a farm near Quimby. He came to LeMars in 1940, and was employed by the Devoe paint store. He was united in marriage to Miss Marian Myer, daughter of Ed Meyer of LeMars. Cpl. and Mrs. Day have a baby daughter, whom the missing soldier has not seen since she was 6 weeks old. He left LeMars July 23, 1942, and received his training in Camp Robinson, Arkansas. He was transferred to Ft. Mead, Md., where he served 14 months before being sent overseas.
WOULD SLIT YOUR THROAT FOR A DIME, SOLDIER LEARNS
Sgt. Fred Kindig of Kingsley Yearns For Dear Old U.S.A.
The following letter appeared in the Kingsley News-Times written by Sgt. Fred Kindig, who is now serving in the Army in Sicily:
Dear Aunt Nell:
You’re on the ball, lady. Three letters from you this week. I hope it’s true the little brother is getting a furlough to go home, but wish the little devil had written me that he was going.
Decoration Day has gone by and I’m a year older. Have spent four birthdays in the Army. I’m wondering how many more I will spend here. I hope none. They should send us old guys back home and let new ones in for awhile. Even if I’m not old, I sure feel old some times.
The longer I stay over here the more I think the U.S. is the only place to live and the rest of the world is counterfeit.
These countries are all alike. If you have a dime, they will slit your throat for it.
You asked if we have eggs. Yes, powdered ones, but who want to eat that stuff. It tastes like the devil, but every once in a while we have fresh eggs when we can find enough for breakfast. As for the price, if we had to buy them ourselves, they would charge all they thought they could get out of us. I have paid 14 cents a piece for them and fried them myself. It might be hard to believe, but now I like my eggs sunny side up instead of broken and spread all over the frying pan and fried to a crisp. See what the Army is doing to me.
Now for the radio programs you asked about. I’ve never heard a broadcast direct from the States, but we have delayed broadcasts from London. One reason that we don’t get them direct is because the Germans jam up the air and cut them out. ~ Sgt. Fred Kindig, Q.M. Depot Supply Co., Sicily.
SOLDIER NEWS
A letter written on June 3, in Italy, by their son, M/Sgt. Bob Faber, reached Mr. and Mrs. M.R. Faber of Remsen, last week. He is doing ground service in the air force. Besides much of personal interest to the parents, Sgt. Faber tells of having met Wayne Kennedy, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kennedy, shortly before both left Africa late in May. Wayne Kennedy is a radio gunner on a B-24. When the two Remsen lads met in Africa both were preparing to leave and Mr. Kennedy’s parents since have been informed that Wayne is either in England or France. Both were in high spirits.
Robert (Bob) Howard, who has been working with the signal company in Alaska for the past year, is visiting in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Howard. He has volunteered for immediate induction and expects to go out with the next contingent.
Lieut. Geo. A. Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Anderson of Hawarden, has been reported missing in action over Rumania. He was the pilot of a B-24 Liberator bomber. He joined the Army Air Force in 1942, completed his training at Muroc, Calif., and went overseas in March of this year.
Private Clemence Karl of the 570th F. A. has qualified as an expert on the carbine. He is stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Mrs. John Flick has received a letter from her son, Staff Sergeant Eugene Weidert, now in England. Sgt. Weidert missed the invasion, and has now been detailed to cook for “high army officers.” It could be that General Eisenhower is one of them.
Frank Clark writes: I guess it’s about time I was letting you know of a change of address. I didn’t notify you of the last one I had, but this time it’s APO 705 San Francisco. Didn’t know if Mom would think to tell you or not. Anyway, I owe you a letter of thanks for getting it to me even if it takes quite a while for it to get here. The latest one I have received was March 20. Let Mom know when my subscription runs out. The population back there must be getting pretty slim judging by the list of draftees’ names I’ve seen in the papers. Out here I have not seen Ernie Root or Smoky Brauch for about 8 months. Saw Roman Schultz about 3 months ago. So long for this time. I’m well and okay.
A number of officer-candidates in the Army and Navy have arrived home on between-term leaves. They will be home from 3 to 10 days, depending on the arrangements of the particular colleges at which they are being trained, and whether or not they transfer to different schools for the next term. Don Marcue was home for 24 hours from Kingman, Arizona Army Air Corps. Jack Koerner, in V-12 at Normal, Ill., will be home until July 1. Donald R. Witt in V-12 at Washington U., Seattle, Wash., is spending his leave there, as otherwise he would spent most of it in traveling. Mark Meis, in midshipman’s school at Columbia University, New York, doesn’t get a leave this time, as there is no break in the training schedule. Don Walz, in ASTP at the State University, Iowa City, where he is a medical student is home on a short leave. Ray McArthur, in V-12 at Ames, arrived home yesterday on between-terms leave. John F. Starzl, in V-12 at St. Mary’s College, Winona, Minn., arrived home last week and will return to the same school to continue his studies. His brother, Tom Starzl, a USNR enlistee, has received his orders and will leave Thursday for Westminster College, Fulton, Mo., to begin his V-12 training. Royal Hawkins, who won his V-12 appointment at the same time, will begin his training for a Navy commission at Ames, Iowa.
Edward Wiltgen, electrician 1C is spending his leave at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. N.W. Wiltgen. The young sailor has been in action again in the Pacific, and will now report to San Francisco, to be transferred to another department in the Navy. Eddie, as his friends call him, was a member of the crew of the Hornet when it launched the planes for the very first bombing of Tokyo, around a year and a half ago. The Hornet was eventually sunk, but young Wiltgen and another LeMars boy, Leo Mayrose, were among those rescued and returned to duty.
LeMars Globe-Post
June 29, 1944
LAWRENCE BRANDENURG NOW REPORTED KILLED
Mr. and Mrs. George Brandenburg, Fredonia township farmers, received word for the war department, stating that their son, Lawrence J. Brandenburg, has been declared dead. In April, 1943, war department reported him missing in action over aerial Europe.
The official announcement that he was dead, arrived over 14 months since the soldier was reported missing. He was inducted into the army February 21, 1942, and has been awarded the air medal and third oak leaf cluster Purple Heart.
[Transcriber note: the rest of the article on the news page is not readable enough on the film to type up. There is a picture of Lawrence Brandenburg on the front page with this article.]
WALTER J. SMITH SUFFERS WOUNDS
Letter To Parents Here Gives Little Information
Sgt. Walter J. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith of this city, has notified his parents by letter that he is back in the hospital again in China, receiving treatment for gun shot wounds in both feet.
The letter gave little information about his condition or how he was wounded. He merely states that there is nothing to worry about and that he is getting around or along pretty good now.
Sgt. Smith entered the army in 1937, serving an enlistment at Fort Lincoln, Bismarck, N. D. He enlisted again soon after Pearl Harbor, and was sent to Camp Rucker, Ala., and later to Camp McClain, Miss., from where he volunteered for service in the Burma-India-China sector and has been overseas about 10 months.
He was in the hospital in China some time ago for an appendicitis operation.
Another son, Marvin E. Smith, who is a member of a Sea Bee unit, is reported in a Naval hospital in the South Pacific.
EIGHT VOLUNTEERS SENT TO DES MOINES FOR U. S. NAVY
Eight volunteers for immediate induction in the navy were sent from this county to the induction station in Des Moines, Wednesday. The list includes the following:
Armon Hodge, LeMars; Robert Pollock, Ft. Dodge; Mac Donald Thorson, Akron; Norman Von Hagel, Merrill; Donald Brown, Merrill; Donald Fry, Merrill; Leonard Witt, LeMars and Lyle Heien, LeMars.
ROLLO BUDDE IS MISSING
Reported Lost In Action Over France During Invasion
First Lieutenant Rollo L. Budde, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Budde, of this city, has been reported missing in action over France, according to a telegram received by his parents Tuesday evening, from the war department.
According to information gathered by his parents and friends, he had just completed his 18th mission and was fighting in the aerial invasion of Europe.
Lieut. Budde is a bombardier in the army air corps and entered the service on November 14, 1942. His promotion as first lieutenant apparently came just recently, as since the invasion of Europe his parents received three letters from him and all carried a return address of “second lieutenant.” The telegram from the war department referred to him as “first lieutenant.”
A letter received about a week ago, dated June 7, sated that he had completed his 14th mission over France. Another letter dated June 13, received Monday, stated he was okay and feeling fine. He was reported missing since June 14.
Mr. and Mrs. Budde received his air medal Sunday. They also learned that he was a bombardier in a lead bomber which carried two bombardiers with the crew. This lead ship locates the target and drops flares to light up the area to be bombed.
MARVIN DAY WAS KILLED
War Department’s Missing Telegram Followed By Death Notice
A young wife and mother sat mournfully in the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Bollin here today, trying to convince herself that her husband, T/5 Marvin Day had been killed while fighting in Italy.
“I just can’t believe it,” Mrs. Day said. “His letters were always so cheerful and he always talked about coming back to the States and he made so many plans. He even sent me $180 the other day to put in the bank so we could start all over.”
Mrs. Day the former Marian Meyer, daughter of Ed Meyer, was notified on June 21 that her husband was missing in action in Italy. The family lived in LeMars until a few years ago, when they moved to Sioux City.
Upon receiving the wire that her husband was missing, Mrs. Day went to Cherokee to be with her husband’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Day.
The ultimate tragedy was thrust upon the family when they were notified at Cherokee Monday, that T/5 Marvin Day had been killed on May 26 while fighting in Italy. The wire came to her home in Sioux City and was later taken to her brother, Raymond “Preach” Meyer, when the telegraph messenger was unable to deliver it to the home.
Raymond Meyer notified his sister of the announcement by telephone at Cherokee. En route home today from Cherokee, Mrs. Day stopped for a visit in the Bollin home. Her only consolation to ease her grief is Judy, a daughter, who will be 2 years old in August.
T/5 Day was drafted on July 23, 1942 and spent just six months in the United States. He had a 3-day furlough before being shipped to Africa, where he took part in that campaign. He moved up to Sicily and into Italy and was believed to have been fighting on the road to Rome when he was killed. He would have been 24 years old July 5. He has been overseas 18 months and was in the infantry medical department.
The last letter received by Mrs. Day from her husband was dated May 21.
M-SGT POECKES HELPED SUPPLY ISLAND TROOPS
M. Sgt. Henry Poeckes, who is spending most of his furlough visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Poeckes, took an active part in the Pacific theater of war. His visit here has been a tonic to his father, who has been on the sick list.
M. Sgt. Poeckes entered the service on July 23, 1942, and after training in the United States, he was shipped to New Caledonia, where he worked in a canteen for 8 months.
He was later transferred to the quartermaster corps and sent to Guadalcanal, where he took part in supplying troops with necessities of war all over the islands. He left Guadalcanal May 14, after 6 months of service. He says there is very little to do there now except to get up in the morning, work all day, take a shower at night and go to bed.
“We have movies there several nights a week, but they are in open-air theaters, and it rains almost every night, “ M. Sgt. Poeckes stated.
He has been ordered to report to Fort Sam Houston on July 9, and will be reassigned to duty.
LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, June 30, 1944
FORMER LE MARS MAN KILLED IN ACTION IN ITALY
Corporal Marvin Day Worked in LeMars Paint Store
Cpl. Marvin Wesley Day, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Day of Quimby, was killed in action on the Anzio beach head in Italy, May 28 [other accounts say he was reported missing on May 28.
He has been overseas for the past 18 months and has been in the Army since July 23, 1942.
Corp. Day was born and raised on a farm near Quimby. He came to LeMars in 1940 and worked at the LeMars Paint and Wallpaper store. He was married to Marian Meyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Meyer, who formerly lived in LeMars. A daughter, Judy, was born two years ago in August, and Cpl. Day had not seen her since she was six weeks old. Mrs. Day and Judy are living at Quimby at the present time with his parents.
Shortly before his death, Corp. Day wrote that he would be home soon on furlough.