Mills County, Iowa

WILMA WILLIAMS FUCHS SCRAPBOOK
World War II Era Articles
These beautiful articles were generously donated by Wilma Fuchs in 1999.

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Park Boys Write of Soldier's Life in North Ireland - Cars Size of Nimic's Bantam Made By Ford and Bicycles Traverse One-Way Lanes Twilight Last Till Midnight.

The Tom Parks family recently received a pack of letters from the boys Burl, Henry and Virgil who are with the American troops in North Ireland.

Henry wrote five letters and Burl three. Virgil, they explained, was on military police duty with "Corky" Twaddle in a nearby town. Burl, in a postscript, admonished the family not to worry if they didn't hear from Virgil as he was all right, but that it "just isn't within his power to manipulate his pen over a piece of paper."

Henry, in his letter, postmarked June 11, sounds a warning which should be observed by all who are writing to the boys, saying, "Don't write on the back of paper because your letters have to be censored, and might have to be cut out. None of mine have been cut yet but some of the boys' letters one can hardly read. Leave your return address one inch from the edge of the envelope. They cut the end off of it to open it."

Burl's first letter was postmarked May 5. It had been written on the boat going across. He announced that he had been made sergeant and said he was having "one heck of a time trying to sew the stripes on," not being used to the rolling of the boat. He related having made the acquaintance of an Australian on board whose brogue was quite like the English he had met and that he had told him the climate in Australia was the same as that in the United States with the exception that in Australia one goes north to a warmer climate and south to a cooler one. He said his friend had given some Australian cigarettes which were put up shorter and not so big around. The tobacco he said, was finer cut, but tasted much like the American cigarette. Cigarettes, he said were selling on the boat at 7 cents per pack, but that matches were scarce.

His next letter was postmarked May 24 and was written after he had been in Ireland two weeks. The climate he described was different from here at home. The bicycle, he said was the best means of travel. In fact, he said, it was either that or walk. The few automobiles seen, he described as "about the size of Nimic's bantam and made by Ford." The roads, he wrote, are very narrow and all one way travel except on the most prominent thoroughfares. He remarked that he would liked to have sent a graduation gift to his brother Bob and sister Dixie, member of this year's graduating class of Glenwood High School but that gifts were hard to find there because so many things were rationed.

He said they were rationed to five packs of cigarettes a week and one bar of soap a month. These, he said, they get at the army canteen and are American made. He doesn't seem to be impressed with the Irish girls as he says that the song about "Irish eyes are laughing" leaves one with the wrong impression concerning Irish feminine beauty.

His third letter was postmarked June 11 and in this he refers to the fact that Dick Honig had been transferred to a unit of the United States Army, saying "I sure hated to see him go because in my estimation he was the best sergeant in the company. But that's what he wanted." He further wrote, "It's really beautiful here where we are stationed. There's a big lake just about a stone's throw from my door and the fish are pretty thick there." "I went to Belfast the other day," he says, "and had dinner at the best hotel in that city, but it wasn't any better than Herndons."

He says, "It is difficult to get enough sleep over here as the sun doesn't go down until nine o'clock and it doesn't get dark until about midnight." In a letter postmarked May 23, which was written on the boat going across Henry said, "I do not have to do any cooking now so I'm getting a little rest. They are feeding nearly 8,000 men on this ship. I have been from one end of it to the other and it certainly is a sight." The voyage, he reported, was being made under ideal conditions with the sea calm.

In his next letter, he tells of their having docked at Belfast and that the driver of the bus which they took, drove on the left side of the road which he had a hard time to reconcile as proper. "They call barracks over here "billets" he wrote, saying further that "the trains are about as big as hayracks and look like them too, with wheels about the same size."

He wrote next on May 26 saying, "We went to Belfast last week. Everything is horse and buggy. You can't buy anything around here, not even a meal. Fish and chips is all you can buy to eat. Having a time learning this money system. Pounds and shillings is what we are paid in now." He further tells that he is instructing groups of the boys on how to cook, conducting three hour classes four days out of the week.

Parks Sends Copy For Column "I's Left"
24 December, 1942
North Africa

Dear Wayne:
This is the I's Right talking--We're practically all still alive and kicking with few complaints. The old company is gradually losing contact with each other and as a result of this a subject was brought up in one of gab sessions the other day and we decided we would write to you and send you a list of the boys that are left and call the column "I's Left." On looking at the roster we find that there are exactly 45 of the fellows who left Glenwood with us on Feb. 10, 1941. These fellows are actually with us right now. There are 16 that are still carried on the roster but they are on duty with other organizations. Following you will find a list of the names of these men and where they are:

With Co. "I" Now;

Verris C. Hubbell, Robert E. Honig, William C. Lugsch, Harold F. Slaughter, Thomas D. Vandershule, Edwin L. Barkus, Ross B. Garrett, Blaine C. Hayes, Alvey A. Hostetter, Donald T. Kirkendall (C.B.), Earl H. Krecklow, Raymond H. Mintle, Kenneth W. Myers, Burl A. Parks, Leonard W. Bateman, Joe L. Dawson, John A. Bailey, Artie C. Evans, Guy Hunter, Verle A. Johnson, Orville L. Krecklow, Shirley D. Mayberry, John L. Rasmussen, James B. Surber, Abe W. Thomas, Wilmer J.C. Jens, Henry M. Parks, Carl E. Bateman, Ross E. Boyce, Dale Boyd, Warren W. Clites, Paul L. Devers, Wally G. Elizondo, Lester A. Haynie, Joseph F. Kelly, Arnold A. Kelso, Shirley J. Meredith, Virgil W. Parks, Franklin B. Shuffler, Hubert D. Stone, Lawrence D. Turner, Ben C. Twaddle, Noah B. Hunt, Walter A. Marshall, Earl N. Trimmer.

The following men are carried on the roster but are not with the company. They are doing special duty with other troops:

Everett W. Kisby, Jim O. Evans, James F. Gearhart, Harold E. Kidwell, Delbert F. Leet, Dean G. Maxwell, Gerald L. Flinn, Neal H. Dusenberry, Robert B. Harris, Donel L. Hartley, Gerald J. Mosier, Miles G. Reazer, James W. Trimmer, William J. Edmonds, Donald A. Gamble, Donald E. Strand.

We received air mail yesterday for the first time in several months and it was really a treat for us. It was the best Xmas present we could have gotten. It was not only the first air mail but the first letters we had received.

Our Christmas won't go so badly-right now the cooks are preparing turkey for our dinner and the orderly room has taken on a Christmas appearance. We all threw in 100 francs a piece and bought the turkey so it better be good. It sure beats our Thanksgiving dinner which consisted of stew.

Miles Reazer who has been on special duty with other troops sent a message to Sgt. Hubbell the other day. He's in a nearby hospital so we expect him back with the company soon. Jim Evans is in the 135th Infantry--we have seen him too. But to top it all off Hod drops in on us yesterday fresh from England. He's a full fledged war correspondent now so I suppose he'll give us all the inside dope.

We realize this won't reach you before Christmas but we are taking this late opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We're signing off now,
The boys of Company "I".

Robert Parks Writes High School Principle
Mr. Bryan, principle of the Glenwood High School is in receipt of a letter from Robert Parks, son of Mr. and Mrs. T.B. Parks, who just recently left for service in the Merchant Marines. "Bob" who is stationed in training at Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn New York, says.

"Dear Mr. Bryan: How's the scholastic world treating you? I'm doing fine, in fact I've put on eight pounds. They keep it pretty well worked into a fellow.

This morning when we went out on the Bay, it really turned out to be fun. The wind was blowing, the water plenty rough. The boat tossed so that I could hardly sit still. On top of that it has been raining since Sunday nite and it is still at it.

We have been having very extensive training schedule. What I mean by that is they give us a little of everything, such as gunnery, life boats, life saving, first aid, boat equipment, swimming and, Oh yes, we got a week of KP, 14 hours a day. They really try to make men out of us. Do you think their is much chance? We take a test next Friday in Lifeboats. We must pass that before we can go any further. It may turn out to be pretty complicated.

We have our own shows right here on the base and they have good shows also. Herb (Honig) and I went to Washington over Christmas vacation. We got four days off. We saw all the important places in D.C., and some of them were really interesting to see. We saw the Capitol, House of Representatives, Senate House, Lincoln's Monument, White House, and quite a number of places. It was all new to me as you can understand that it was all very exciting.

Our barracks are pretty nice . We have all modern shower rooms and such as that. The steel bunks are the only thing I don't especially care for. If there are any of your pupils that are thinking of enlisting you can tell them that I can recommend This branch. I'll see you after the war."

Robert's address is: Robert L. Parks, AS., U.S.M.S., Sheepshead Bay,Brooklyn, New York Section 212

THREE PARKS BOYS TOGETHER IN ALGIERS
Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Parks are in receipt of a letter from their son Sgt. Burl Parks, a member of Company I, who is "somewhere in Africa." The letter sent air mail was written November 23, and received here on January 13, in which he says:

"Dear Folks: I have written you one letter since I have been here but there must have been some military information in there, as I got it back. I'll keep on trying until I do get one through. "We are now in Algeria and I have seen a little action but nothing to crow about. I suppose you have heard more on the radio than I can tell you.

The city of Algiers is the most beautiful city I have ever been in. I can never describe it to you, but will try and get hold of some postcards and send to you. There are many Arabs and French here. The weather, so they tell me, is identical with California. There are oranges and tangerines galore. The country is literally covered with vineyards so you readily see they have a great supply of wine. That seems to be Leonards (Bateman) chief for the country. We have not only seen Algiers but also Scotland, England, Ireland and many of the main cities of those countries. Have been in Belfast, Glasgow, Liverpool and Algiers. Of all these cities Algiers is the most beautiful, but Glasgow was the best reminder of the good old U.S.A. I had my picture taken in Glasgow--the one I sent to you and hope you have it by now.

My only wish is that you folks could be with me and share the sights only under different circumstances. As yet I haven's sent but one souvenir. I'll try to send more from each country we enter. Keep them all so I can have them as reminders when I get home.

Please don't worry about us because the three of us are all together yet and all well and happy Hank (Henry) is doing all of the company cooking as Leonard (Bateman) is in the hospital, nothing serious, only a bad cold. He'll be back in a day or two.

There are many things I cannot mention now but when I get home I'll sure have a lot to tell you. From all the reports things look very favorable for us, don't they?

In case it slipped your mind I was 21 the 18th of November, but I don't feel a bit older. It was 2 days after we landed. Several bullets whizzed past me, but none touched me.

Hank is getting to be a good cook, Mom, so maybe he can change off with you when he gets home. I think every man in the company is a friend of his. So long, your loving son, Burl."

MRS. KIER RECEIVES LETTERS FROM SOLDIERS
Mrs. H.I. Kier reports a letter received from "Hank" ----written May 2 from North Africa, in which he says his brother, Virgil Parks is there with him. He also said that all the Glenwood boys he knows about, are all fine. She has also received another letter from Kenneth Killmon who is now at Fort Lewis, Washington. His address is Md. 383 Infantry APO 96. This camp is about ---miles from Mount Rainier,---says it is a beautiful country--very cold now.

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"HANK" PARKS WRITES OF LIFE IN AFRICA
Mr. and Mrs. T.B. Parks, are in receipt of a letter from their son, Cpl. Henry Parks, who is with Co. I in North Africa. The letter which was written March 15, says in part,

"I suppose that you know by now that Virgil is back with us after his stay in the hospital and is now a Sergeant, or will be as soon as his papers can get here."

He further says "Everything is ack here it was a month ago. Haven't been able to locate Burl, have about give up trying. (Burl) is the brother who reported to be Missing in Action.) We have seen a lot of Africa in the past few weeks, I didn't know that an Army could move so fast. We have covered more mountains and deserts than I thought was in the world. We hit one sandstorm, that nearly cut my face off."

"I guess luck is still riding with me. I've had enough close calls to kill a cat with sixteen lives, but I'm still 'fit as a fiddle' yet. Guess I had better knock on wood before ''Jerry' sets one of his perforating machines at me."

"I understand that the World Herald had some pictures of the work that we have fixed up for Hitler. You know that we have a scrap drive over here too, sending it to Hitler, by air of course. We have a few machines over here and have it fixed up so that when it gets there it is divided up among his army."

"I was called back to take care of the kitchen, so haven's seen the outfit for a few days."

"HANK" PARKS HINTS OF ITALIAN INVASION
In two letters received here this week from "Hank" Parks, one of the cooks with Company I in North Africa, he says, "Finally found some stationery. All was sent me went up in smoke along with my other things, but guess I shouldn't kick, as I am lucky it wasn't me."

And after that the letter had been censored. In the other letter he says, "If you see Sam at the Kandy Kitchen, tell him that I might see some of his folks in the next few months." This reference is to Sam Garbarino, whose folks live in Italy.

HENRY PARKS WRITES FROM NORTH AFRICA

"We have been getting cigarettes and food. Not the best, but we can get by with them" He also says that there are rumors that the boys might get to come back to the States when the North African campaign is over, but that he doesn't expect --.

TEACHERS-HELMET FROM AFRICA
The Mills County Council of Teachers had a dinner meeting Wednesday night in the home of Mrs. A.P. Myers. Miss Lois Sayler announced a program which included: Flute solo-Dorothy June Scott; Vocal solo-Mrs. Margaret Lindall Hull.

A symposium from the Social Science Department of Glenwood High School, with Miss Mildred Surface in charge. Pupils participating were Norma Jean Lipsett, who gave developments in the Pacific battle front; Martin Roll, who discussed the Russian front; Rhuel Parks, who had for his subject, the African front. Incidentally, Rhuel displayed the helmet of a German aviator which had been picked up by one of his brothers who took part in the capture of Algiers. Ella Mae Honig, who recently took a trip with her mother to Washington and New York, gave her impressions.

Miss Sayler announced the following officers for the Council in the coming year; President, Mary Adeline Buffington, Malvern; Vice President, Della Holtz, Glenwood; Secretary, Dorothy Sieck, Silver City; Treasurer, Dorothy Henderson, Malvern.

BOB PARKS SPENDS FURLOUGH HERE
Mr. & Mrs. T.B. Parks are enjoying a visit with their son, Robert, who is on leave from the Maritime service. Bob, who is a Steward, second class, has just recently returned from convoy duty, which took him to the coast of Northern Africa. While at the African port he tried, without success, to locate his three brothers, who were stationed in North Africa. It was only on his return to the states that he learned his brother, Burl, had been reported a prisoner of the Germans.

BOB PARKS VISITS WITH HOME FOLKS
Bob Parks, member of the United States Merchant Marine, is spending a 14-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.B. Parks and family. Bob's travels in the Marine Corps have taken him many interesting places and he recently returned from a trip on which he touched the shores of North Africa.

BURL PARKS WRITES FROM PRISON CAMP
Asks Parents To Send Can Opener, Candy, Cigarettes and Whet Stone to Him in German Camp. Was taken Prison on Feb. 17th. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Parks are in receipt of a letter from their son, Burl Parks, member of Company I, who is a prisoner of the Germans telling that he is O.K. and that their main worry is about their other sons, Hank and Virgil, also members of Company I, but who were not captured when the other members of the company were in February of this year.

This letter which was written from a prison camp in Germany dated on March 19th:

Hope you haven't been too worried about what had happened to me. I was captured by the Germans on the 17th day of February and this is the first chance I've had to write but from now on I'll write regularly about two times monthly. As far as I know Hank is O.K. and not in my predicament and Virgil is with Hank so I was the only one of the three captures. I am O.K. and have nothing to do but sit around and smoke so consequently I'll need plenty of Cigarettes. The Red Cross will send you a pamphlet telling you what else to send and when you can send it, so read it carefully. Practically the whole company is here so I am among friends. Please don't worry about me because when I say I'm O.K. that's just what I mean. I could use a can opener and a whet stone and I can use some candy too. Remember this, Hank and Virg are your only worries now. I've seen my action and I'll tell you about it some day.

All my love, Burl.

SGT BURL PARKS WRITES FROM PRISON CAMP
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Parks are in receipt of the following letter from their son Sgt. Burl Parks who is a German prisoner, written July 25 in which he says,

Dear Folks: Mail is still straggling in but I have still not received any. Howard Mintle who is my bunk mate has received 2 letters, one from his wife and one from his folks, so I do know the general run of things at Glenwood but I would like to hear how my own family is making out and how Virgil, Hank and Bob are making it. It is my belief that Virgil and Hank are in the thick of it at Sicily. Sorry to hear about Red Maxwell but glad to hear about Delmar Wiley, he graduated with my class. They are going to start several study classes here and I am going to brush up on my bookkeeping and also study Spanish. If my memory is correct Rhuel should be a Senior next year shouldn't he? Time flies, I'm expecting mail most any day now but sure wish it would hurry. Have a present for Dad if I get home with it and I think I will. Tell everyone Hello, and that I am O.K. and safer than most of the fellows. Goodbye and Good luck, be seeing you. Lots of Love, Your son Burl.

EXTRACT FROM LETTERS RECEIVED BY PARKS FAMILY
The Thomas Parks family are in receipt of several recent letters from their son Hank who is in the service somewhere in Italy. In one written, January 8, he says in part, Neal Dusenberry is a prisoner of war now along with one or two others of the old gang. He is a boy Glenwood people should be proud of as he no doubt knew what was going to happen to him. He was trying to get some of the boys out of a trap and not enough men would go with him, so he was outnumbered. He has done more than any other man in our outfit, and without a growl out of him. He had told me he did not think he would come back out of this battle.

General Clark has done more for us than anybody yet, got us a new rest camp in Naples that is really nice. Have not seen it yet but expect to soon. Better hurry this up as I have a 20 mile mountain trip to make tonight, must get my overcoat as 10 below is too much for a field jacket. Virgil is still in the hospital and getting along fine.

In another letter written, January 12, he says in part "I received your package. The candy sure hit the spot. We ate it like a bunch of hogs, Saw Kisby last night, he is fine. Is really making a good First Sargent. He has the boys under control. Have not heard anymore from Dusenberry. Hope he is O.K. I miss him as much as I did Burl. He was sure a good pal.

This country is, or was, a pretty country. Beautiful mountain roads and valleys, olive groves everywhere which are still green. Most of these old towns, hundreds of years old are bombed and shelled to the ground. Some of the people are trying to live in them but have a hard row to hold. They have very little to wear or eat, you can get your washing done for a loaf of bread. I am still taking pictures. Have many I will greatly prize if I ever get them home. I am in the best of health.

In a letter written to his sister he says, "We are fighting up in the mountains and I carry supplies up to the boys on my back and sometimes it takes us all night to do it. One night the Germans shot a big gun at us and the shell bursted right in front of us throwing dirt all over us, but no one was hurt. We have a good trail now, so we put the supplies on a mule back and let him carry them up the mountains for us.

Carl Bateman is in the hospital, he hurt his head a long time ago and it will take him a longtime to get well. I saw a little Italian girl yesterday who was wearing an army shirt for a dress and had no shoes. I gave her a piece of my candy and she went away happy. When I get home we will have a party for your schoolmates and tell them about Italy, Africa, Ireland and Scotland, all about the way they live, what they wear and ear and you can show them the pictures I have taken. Tell all your little friends Hello and that I'll see them after the War."

Your brother,
Henry

HANK PARKS WRITES HIS SISTERS HERE
Hank Parks who is somewhere in Italy writes interesting letters to his sisters under the date of December 16, from which we print extracts.

"How are you? I am fine, I am working today, Virgil is in the hospital now, he got shot in his hand. It went between two fingers on his right hand but did not break the fingers. We have a little boy about your size who comes here every day when we are eating and he will take everything we boys do not eat. He puts it in a little basket and takes it home and his little brothers and sisters will eat it because that is all they have to eat. Will see you after the war.

Your brother,
Hank

Under the same date he writes another sister the following, "Am out of the hospital now and feeling fine. Virgil is in the hospital and I never get to see him. Did not see him for three months. I saw a little Italian girl who had no shoes at all and an old ragged dress and no coat. How would you like to be over here where you couldn't get a coat or any new dresses? Will write you more about the little children over here and will see you after the war.

Our loving brother,
Hank