Iowa Old Press
Sioux City Journal, Thursday, December 2, 1943
LIEUT. MITCHELL AGAIN MISSING.
Mother Here Informed of Disappearance Over Norway.
For the second time in recent months, First Lieut. Edward R. Mitchell, 201 Webster apartments, has been reported missing in action by the War Department.
His mother, Mrs. Ida Mitchell, recently received the following telegram:
“The secretary of war desires me to express his regret that your son, First Lieut. Edward R. Mitchell, has been reported missing in action since November 18 over Norway. If further details or other information are received, you will be notified promptly.”
Lieut. Mitchell first was reported missing soon after he took part in the air raid on the Ploesti oil fields August 1, 1943. According to late reports from the War Department, he was interned in a neutral country, presumably Turkey.
Mrs. Mitchell was notified October 6 that her son had returned to his former unit. A letter written by Lieut. Mitchell November 6 stated that he had completed 50 flying missions and was eligible to return home, but that he had signed up for another 50 missions.
Lieut. Mitchell already has been awarded the distinguished flying cross and the silver star. A native of Sioux City, he attended Trinity high school and college and took a course in aeronautics at Morningside college before enlisting in the air corps January 1, 1942.
[transcribed by L.Z., Aug 2020]
Sioux City Journal
15 December 1943
TWO "MISSING" MEN PRISONERS
Wife and Sister Here Learn Whereabouts of Loved Ones
After a long silence, with mystery surrounding their fate, two Sioux Cityans, presumed to be "missing," were reported prisoners of the Japanese in widely separated locations.
Mrs. Gladys M. Stevens, 4901 Third street, received official notice from the navy department that her husband, Frederick J. Stevens, 47, who was on Wake Island when it fell to the Japanese December 23, 1941, had been interned by the Japs at Suwoki, a prisoner camp on the island of Honsyu, Japan. That was the first word Mrs. Stevens had concerning her husband since Wake was captured, although he had been reported missing in action.
A welder and sheetmetal worker, Mr. Stevens was a member of a construction crew which left for Wake in June, 1941, employed by the Waterways Construction company of Onawa, la. In August, 1941, he joined the marines stationed on the island and saw active duty with them.
Two sons of Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, are in the navy, Robert Louis, in Puerto Rico, and LeRoy Fred at Norfolk, Va.
Miss Bonnie M. Hallett, 2502 Pierce street, learned that her brother John B. Hallett, 63, is a prisoner in a Japanese camp at Santo Tomas in the Philippine islands. Mr. Hallett, a veteran of the Spanish-American war and of the first world war, had been living in the vicinity of Manila for 10 years.
Miss Hallett said that the message bore her brother's signature but was on a printed form. It was her first direct word from him since 1918.
[transcribed by C.S. Mar 2023]
The Sioux City Journal
Friday, December 24, 1943
3 Divorces Are Granted; Another Petition Filed.
Three divorces were granted and one divorce petition was filed in district court Thursday.
Angelina Ciccarello was given her freedom from Amedio Ciccarello on a charge of cruel and inhuman treatment. She was awarded custody of two children. They married in New York City June 8, 1942.
Mildred Shaputis won a divorce from Tony Shaputis on allegations of desertion and cruelty. They married at Danbury June 14, 1936.
Frank Baker, 52, was granted a divorce from Verle Baker, 40, ending a second marriage for both. He charged cruelty. They married in September, 1936, at South Sioux City.
Rose Ann Geary filed a petition for divorce from Lester Earl Geary. They married at Sac City, Ia. She alleges cruelty and asks custody of a child and $30 a month alimony.
[transcribed by L.Z. Jan 2020]