Mills County, Iowa

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

Page 41

HAROLD HARLESS FINDS HAWAII BEAUTIFUL PLACE

Harold C. Harless, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Harless, who reside south of Bartlett, in a letter to the Opinion-Tribune this week says, "To each and everyone of you concerned in the sending of the good old home paper, I want to extend my sincere thanks.  Today I received one sent at a time I was still stationed at Kearns Field, Utah.

"It certainly seemed good to read about all the folks at home and to read where some of my close friends who are now on active duty in the service are.  Sorry to read of some of the Company I boys listed as missing or captured but as we all know, war is no bowl of roses in any man's language.  But I do know those Company I boys are giving them a fit over there.

"As for myself I am stationed here on the Hawaiian Islands and am in the engineering department of the work.  I have studied and worked hard to get in that department.  As I am in the service, naturally I am more than satisfied with the situation that confronts me.  Pleasure is a thing of the past for we are all putting our shoulders to the wheel and giving our very best.  The men with whom I work are all first rate and seem more like close friends than total strangers.  This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

"Our officers here are really swell and their cooperation is 100 per cent.  I feel that I am very fortunate to be where I am.  Not one time have I ever seen any of the boys from in or around Glenwood though.  I have also been separated from my buddy as he was assigned to another fighter squad.  A buddy in the army is almost the same as one's own brother.

"Each of us guys buy our share in bonds each month for we feel that we can afford to take a few dollars of our pay to help buy some of the things we really need so badly.  All of you at home just keep sending those good planes and equipment and we will do the rest for the good old Yank and Southern boys just won't give up.  We'll give those Japs and Germans something to remember us by."

Harold's address is ASN 3811-6347, 45th Fighter Squad A.A.F., 15th Fighter Group, A.A.F., APO 959, c/o Postmaster, San Francisco, California.

LT. C.P. NOLL HERE ON FUROUGH

Lt. C.P. Noll, who has been stationed at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina and Mrs. Noll are visiting in Glenwood this week.  They arrived in Glenwood Thursday morning and are the house guests of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ridenour.

CLIFFORD C. SNUFFIN HERE ON FURLOUGH

PFC. Clifford C. Snuffin and wife, who have been at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, where he is stationed with the U.S. Army, arrived here Tuesday, June 8, to spend his ten-day furlough.  They are visiting in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Snuffin of this city.

JACK MESSINGER MEETS EVERETT FASNACHT

In a letter received by Mrs. Faye Messinger, Monday, from her son, Cpl. Jack Messinger, who is in North Africa, he says:  "There are three of us here from Glenwood, one I never expected to see, Everett Fasnacht, a sailor, dryland.  He came out to see me the other day.  He looks swell.  I remember his face, but took me quite awhile to figure out just who he was.

"I am sorry to hear about the old skipper (Major Seitz) being sent back to the States on account of his health, but hope he is OK now.  He's had enough army for three men anyhow, and it's better to be back in the States, even in a hospital.

"I get the Opinion-Tribune, a little irregular, but it gets here and how I do go for that.

"I am in good shape and feel fine.  Have had a bad cold but am getting over that OK.  Tell all the folks back home that we are thinking of them."

 

STANLEY DAVIS NOW AT FORT BENNING, GEORGIA

Stanley Davis, former band instructor in the Glenwood schools, who has been stationed at Camp Wolters, Texas, is now a candidate for officers' training at Fort Benning, Georgia.  Mrs. Davis, who has been visiting for a time with friends in Glenwood, left for Columbus, Georgia, Tuesday night to be with her husband.

Those wishing to write him should address Cand. Frank S. Davis, Jr., 11th Company, 2nd S. T.R., Fort Benning, Georgia.

 

FORMER GLENWOOD BOY STATIONED IN KENTUCKY

Lyle Cooper, former Glenwood boy, who resided at Marsing, Idaho before entering service, is now stationed at the basic training center at Fort Knox, Ky.

He is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Cooper, former Glenwood residents, and would enjoy hearing from any of his friends.

His address is Pvt. Lyle W. Cooper, Co. C, 527th I.A. Bn., 1st Armored Inf. Tng. Group, Fort Knox, Ky., U.S. Army.

WILLIAM LUGSCH WRITES FROM NORTH AFRICA

Mr. and Mrs. William Lugsch of this city are in receipt of a letter from their son, Sgt. "Bill" Lugsch, Jr., who is in North Africa, in which he says:

"At last North Africa is completely wiped clear of Jerry.  It was a long tough go but its over now.  It all seems like a bad dream or a movie that has a bad effect on you.  All of us are plenty lucky to be here, but the way I look at it Jerry is going to have to shoot straighter and faster to get me.

"Right now we are getting the first real rest any of us have had since February 1, 1943.  Believe me, that is a long time to stay on the beam.  At any rate, this part is all over now and we are plenty glad of it.  Now the tough part comes in.  Sure hate to dive back in, but it is something that has to be done, so I guess we will do it whether we like it or not."

The letter was written May 11, 1943.

 
WEDDING BELLS FOR SOLDIER AND BRIDE

Cpl. William Siref and Miss Esther Brown of Council Bluffs Married May 29 in Mississippi

Wedding bells tolled on Saturday, May 29 at eight o'clock as Rabbi Finberg read the wedding vows for Cpl. William Siref, son of Mr. and Mrs. M.G. Siref of his city and Miss Esther Brown, daughter of Mrs. J.E. Brown of Council Bluffs.  The marriage took place at Biloxi, Mississippi near Camp Shelby where the groom is stationed.

The couple was attended by friends of Cpl. Siref from Camp Shelby.  Following their marriage they went to Gulfport, Mississippi to the Edgewater Gulf Hotel where they spent their brief honeymoon.

The bride is a graduate of Abraham Lincoln high school in Council Bluffs with the class of 1941 and the groom is a graduate of Glenwood high school with the class of 1939.

They will be at home at 205 West St., Hatiesburg, Miss.

CPL. ELDON DONALD HONORED AT PARTY

Cpl. Eldon E. Donald who was scheduled to spend a 30-day convalescence leave with his mother, Mrs. Theo. Dorman but who became ill and had to return to the navy hospital at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago on Thursday, May 27 was honored at a farewell party on the evening before his departure.

At this time his sisters presented him with a white gold wrist watch.  Those attending the farewell were Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson, Alvin and Betty from Council Bluffs, Virgil Anderson from Council Bluffs; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Knight, Kenneth and Marilyn from Lincoln, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Goodman, Theodore and Frieda from Glenwood; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hopp and Darrell from Glenwood; and Mrs. Cora Rector from Bartlett.

Refreshments of angel food cake and fruit whip and coffee were served at a late hour.

Eldon wrote friends this week that he is slowly improving at the navy hospital and has hopes of returning to his home in Glenwood this fall.  He would greatly appreciate hearing from his friends.  His address is Navy Hospital, Ward 8, Great Lakes, Illinois.

He mentions having seen Delmar Wiley who is also receiving treatment there and says that he is rapidly improving.

SGT. EVERETT KISBY WOUNDED IN NO. AFRICA

A wire from the War Dept. in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday notified Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Kisby that their son, Staff Sgt. Everett Kisby, of Co. I. had been wounded slightly in action in North Africa on May 6.  Mr. and Mrs. Kisby were reassured, however, when a letter also arrived on Wednesday from Everett, which had been written May 14, in which he told them he was recovering in good shape and urged them not to worry about him.  This is one of the first messages to come from the remnant of Co. I which escaped capture and took part in the final battle for Tunisia.

PILLS FOR MALARIA "WORSE THAN POISON"

Winston Holmes, who is in North Africa in letters to his mother, Mrs. Grace Holmes of this city says, "You ought to be here when we take the pills for Malaria.  Sick, I reckoned.  Its just like being poisoned, only worse.  If it will really help prevent us from getting malaria, I'll stay sick.  We take the pills after a good big meal and after about 1:00 p.m. there is a never ending line to the latrine until about 4:30 in the morning.  Its really summer over here.  The flowers are all in bloom and sure do put out a perfume.  Smells somewhat like "Evening in Paris" somewhat.

"The trees are changing and it looks like Indian summer.  There are sure a lot of good looking girls running around over here.  Their hair is beautiful.  When they put on that perfume and the flowers throw off their aroma, boy, my resistance sure goes low.

"Easter Sunday I made a trip down to Dean Maxwell's resting place and put flowers on it for the folks back home.  I guess that's the least I could do to show my appreciation toward him.  I think he would have done the same for me or any other fellow from the home town.

"I haven't seen any other fellows names so he is the only one from Glenwood laid to rest here."

ROBERT BOYCE IS NOW LT. IN NAVY

Word reaches us this week of another Glenwood man, member of World War I Company I who has enlisted in the services of his country.  This man is Robert Boyce, who enlisted a week ago in the Construction Battalion of the United States Navy and was given the rank of Lieutenant.

"Bob" as he is familiarly known to his many friends here, has for many years been a Government Engineer and is stationed at this time at Camp Perry, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Keith Boyce, oldest son of Lt. and Mrs. Robert Boyce, a Naval Air cadet, is stationed at the Naval Air Training School at Topeka, Kansas and spent the weekend here with his mother, brother and other relatives.

Mrs. Boyce the former Miss Pauline Sawyers and son, Robert Jr., who has been visiting here in the home of her mother and family, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Sawyers, plans to leave soon for Denver, Colo., where they will reside for the duration.

IRA L. GOOD GOES TO FLIGHT SCHOOL

Aviation Cadet Ira L. Good, son of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Good of this city, has completed his basic flying training at the Army Air Forces Basic Flying School, Gardner Field, California.  He has been sent to an advanced flying school to finish his pilot training.

Upon the successful conclusion of this course, he will receive a commission as a Flight Officer or a Second Lieutenant in the Air Corps Reserve.

CURTIS KIER PROMOTED FROM 1ST LIEUT. TO CAPTAIN

Curtis Kier who is located at present in Kansas City, Mo., has been promoted from 1s Lieut. to Captain.

WAYNE LINCOLN RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED CROSS

The Associated Press this week carried the story that Wayne E. Lincoln, son of S.C. Lincoln of Pacific Junction is one of twenty-nine young men to receive a distinguished service cross for extraordinary achievement because he operated a "flying freight-train" across the mountains and jungles of New Guinea.  He qualified for his award by taking part in at least 50 round trip missions.

Wayne was born and raised in Mills county.  He has been actively engaged in farming with his father on their farm two miles west of Pacific Junction.  Besides his farming operations, Wayne has long been interested in the betterment of farming conditions.  He was directly responsible for the organization of a Rural Young People's group in Mills county in 1936.  He served for a number of years as president of this group and later served on the Executive State Board as vice president.  Wayne has also served as 4-H Club leader in his local community as well as serving on the County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

He entered the armed forces February 14, 1942 and graduated from Airplane Mechanics July 3, 1942 at Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas.  While receiving his practical training, Wayne was either in or over 33 states of the Union as well as parts of Canada.  In October, 1942, he was sent across, first landing in Hawaii but soon going on to New Guinea where he has been stationed.

ORVILLE E. TACKETT IS HERE ON FURLOUGH

Pvt. Orville E. Tackett arrived in Glenwood Monday evening from Camp McCain, Mississippi to visit with relatives and friends here during his ten-day furlough.  He is stationed at Camp McCain with the Anti-tank Company and is sporting a medal qualifying him as expert on the rifle range.  He will leave again for Camp McCain Sunday evening.

DON JACKSON HERE ON FURLOUGH FROM NAVY

Yeoman 3/c Don Jackson arrived in Glenwood Tuesday morning of last week from the 11th Naval District Base, at San Diego, Calif., for a visit with his father, Dean Jackson who resides south of Glenwood.

Don returned to San Diego Friday.

JESS JORGENSEN IS STATIONED IN DETROIT

Word has been received here that Jesse Jorgensen is stationed with the United States Navy at Detroit, Michigan.  His address is Jesse John Jorgensen, S 2/c, U.S.N., Co. 12, Section D. 7600 E. Jefferson Street, Detroit, Michigan.

GEORGE WHITE RECEIVES PROMOTION IN NAVY

George William White, who has been stationed on the west coast with the U.S. Navy has been promoted to the rating of Fireman 1st class.

His address is George William White, Fireman 1/c, U.S.S. California, B. Division, c-o Fleet Postmaster, San Francisco, California.

Page 42

 

COUNTY TO HONOR DELMAR WILEY

Delmar Wiley, navy aviation radioman, believed lost when his plane was shot down August 24, off the Solomons in the southwest Pacific, and whose commander wrote a letter of condolence to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Wiley, which was published in this paper, arrived home last Friday.  Word that he was alive had been wired his parents earlier in the week when the craft which rescued him docked at an American port.

With his pilot and gunman killed when their plane was shot down by Jap airmen, and with shrapnel in thigh and ankle, he escaped on a rubber raft with three canteens of water before the ship sank.  He drifted for fifteen days with no food except the raw meat of a seagull which came his way and with water rationed to six teaspoons a day toward the last.  His experience and his display of courage and self possession has no parallel except in that of Eddie Rickenbacker, and he had companions to divert his attention while Delmar was along on the vast expanse of the Pacific waters with nothing but memories and imagination to keep the spark of life alive and the mind sane.

On the fifteenth day he drifted in sight of a small island inhabited only by natives who rescued him and nursed him back to health.  He became a modern Robinson Crusoe, in this island fastness where the natives did not even know there was a war.  Here he lived for several months until one day another raft containing other American fliers shot down in this enemy-controlled area drifted in and together they affected their return to an American base.

Official navy and air forces reports together provide this account of Wiley's adventure:

Taking off from a carrier in a Grumman torpedo plane August 24, Wiley and it's pilot attacked a scouting Japanese cruiser.  Soon Zeros swarmed upon the torpedo plane.  Wiley's pilot was killed, and the young radioman was hit in the thigh by a cannon shell.

The Grumman crashed into the sea.  Despite his wound, Wiley managed to inflate his life raft.  He drifted for 15 days.  In that time his only food was the bitter flesh of two seagulls he killed.

On the fifteenth day he was carried ashore upon an island inhabited by friendly but bewildered blacks who previously had not been aware there was a war in the Pacific.

Capt. Thomas J. Classen, 24, of Stevens Point, Wis., the Fortress pilot, said Wiley had become well adjusted to castaway life and observed it was lucky for him the army fliers arrived, for otherwise probably would have had to sit out the war on his island.

"Wiley thought of trying to reach Buka because he believed the Americans should have taken all of the Solomons in the weeks his wound was healing," Classen said.  "It's a lucky thing he didn't try it."

With a native steersman, Wiley, Classen and two others of the army airmen set out from their island March 29 in a canoe equipped with palm leaf sails.  On the second dawn they found themselves less than 10 miles from a busy Japanese port.  Small craft were headed their way.

Providentially, a heavy squall blew up.  Their canoe nearly was wrecked.  But when the storm blew over, Wiley and his companions were alone on the open water.

A little later two Zeros roared slightly more than one hundred feet over the canoe.  The tattered Americans could see the Japanese pilots grinning, and resignedly they awaited burst of murderous fire.  But the planes went on without shooting.

Stopping at a second island, the four men encountered friendly natives who took them in larger canoes to a point where they made contact by signal with a navy patrol bomber.

The bomber picked them up and took them to Florida island.  The six other army fliers, who had remained behind on Wiley's Island, were rescued and returned to Guadalcanal, their starting point, April 6, 66 days after they had begun what was to have been a routine search mission.

Commenting on Wiley's experiences, his navy commander said:

"His tenacity, courage and resourcefulness through this long period accounted for his return to our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States naval service."

When his leave is over Wiley is due for a session in a naval hospital to have the piece of shrapnel removed from his ankle.  And in the meantime he hopes to regain some of the 20 pounds he is still shy on his best fighting weight.

GLENWOOD BOY SHOT DOWN IN PACIFIC LIVES TO COME HOME

Delmar Wiley, Thought Lost, Drifted on Raft Alone for 15 Days. Cared for by Natives on Island.

The story of how Delmar Wiley, Glenwood youth who has been missing since August 24, 1942, reached safety after 15 days in a rubber boat on the Pacific ocean seemed almost like a fairy tale to friends here who had almost given up hope of his being alive, so remote seemed the chances.

On September 16, 1942, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Wiley of this city, received word from the United States government that their son, who was serving with the Navy as a radio operator, had been missing since a skirmish with Japanese planes over the Pacific waters.  Delmar was in an aeroplane with two other men and the plane, known to have been crippled, was believed to have sunk after crashing downward to the waters.  His station was Pearl Harbor, Hawaiian Islands, and no word was heard from him until Friday, April 23 when Mrs. Wiley received the following telegram:

"Greetings.  All well and safe.  Letters sent. Delmar Wiley."

The following day a letter arrived which read:  "I suppose you've been wondering where I've been hiding for the past 7 1/2 months.  It's too long a story to tell right now so I'll just let you in on the high spots.  I met up with two Zeros on August 24, 1942.  My pilot and bombardier were killed.

"My right leg was shot up a bit.  I got a piece of shrapnel from a 20 mm. in my right ankle, and another one clipped me in the thigh.  They are all healed now.

"After we crashed, by some miracle, I got the rubber boat afloat and got in.  I spent 15 days almost to the hour in the boat before I finally landed on a small island.  I can't tell you the name of this island.

"The natives took me in, fed me and dressed my wounds as best they could.  The only way out was by canoe, and not being familiar with the lay of the islands up there, I couldn't very well set out alone.

"The only planes that flew over were Jap, so I couldn't very well signal one.  After six months, a Flying Fortress crew drifted into the same island.  The pilot and navigator and I set out in an outrigger canoe, with no chart, and only a small pocket compass, sailed and paddled that canoe out to safety.

"I've had enough experiences to write a book.  I'm rushed now, but as soon as I can get around to it, I'll write the whole story.  It's stranger than fiction, believe me."

Monday morning at 2:00 o'clock a phone call came for Mrs. Wiley.  Delmar was in San Francisco and said that he would be home in less than a week.  He had come to the United States on the Clipper and said that he was feeling fine.

After having never heard a word for over six months and not knowing where he was or if he was alive, Mrs. Wiley said it was almost "too good to be true" to hear his voice again.

Delmar graduated from Glenwood high school with the class of 1940 and enlisted in the Navy as soon as he became old enough.  He took his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training station and has since been stationed at several posts in the United States.

Besides his parents, two sisters, Una of Kansas City and Lois at home, and four brothers, Austin

(incomplete).

DELMAR WILEY AND MOTHER JOIN V.F.W.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary met in regular session at the IOOF Hall Friday evening.  At this meeting the Post and Auxiliary each, welcomed one new member into their order.

These new members were Delmar Wiley and his mother, Mrs. Edith Wiley.  The post and auxiliary met in joint session and the new recruits were placed at the altar at the same time, where Delmar received the obligation from Past Commander O.M. Ross and Mrs. Wiley received the obligation from Mrs. Gladys Kemp, past president of the local auxiliary and present chaplain.

WILEY PARTICIPATES IN RADIO PROGRAMS

Aviation Radioman 2/c Delmar Wiley spoke over radio station WHO in Des Moines on Wednesday night at 10:30 and over KSO of the same city at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.  He is also to be featured Sunday night over the coast-to-coast broadcast, "We The People," which, in courtesy to Delmar, will originate in Des Moines this week.

Page 43

DELMAR WILEY DAY HERE ON MAY 21

Friday, May 21, will be Delmar Wiley day in Glenwood.  The Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions, State Guard, Fire department and the American Legion are joining in preparations for a celebration worthy of the occasion.

Russell Ridenour is general chairman on arrangements.  He has on his committee A.F. Standiford from Rotary; Ward Slothower from Lions; B.N. Maxwell from Chamber of Commerce; Dr. D.W. Harman from the Legion; Ralph Raine from the State Guard and Lewis Robinson from the Fire Department.

The State Guard will have charge of publicity.  The Chamber of Commerce will have charge of decorations; the American Legion the parade; Lions and Rotary clubs join in arranging the program and the firemen are arranging for a free dance with a good orchestra.

Watch next week's paper for more details.

DELMAR WILEY IN DEMAND AS SPEAKER

Glenwood Lad Who Had Miraculous Escape in Pacific Waters to be Honored by Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

Following his radio appearance with Foster May over station WOW last Sunday, Delmar Wiley, aviation radioman second class who was shipwrecked in the Pacific, has had a busy schedule.  On Monday he spoke before his alma mater, Glenwood High school, and afterwards, as a courtesy to a little friend of his, went to the second grade to answer some very special questions they had on his "school" in the Pacific.

Tuesday, he spoke to the Iowa State Guard unit.  On Thursday evening he addressed the Rotary club on Friday , the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and on next Monday will speak before the Lions club.  He goes to Des Moines to be the guest of the Chamber of Commerce of that city at luncheon on May 13, and will be the speaker at a Bond Rally in Ottumwa on May 18.

Many other high schools and organizations have approached him, but in view of the fact he is really home to rest and recuperate.  Delmar is not sure how many more invitations he can accept.

His brother, Owen Wiley, with the veterans' bureau at Knoxville, has arrived and is self-appointed his brother's secretary.  Fan mail is arriving in considerable bulk, and even requests for autographs.

PARADE AT 6 P.M. FOLLOWED BY PROGRAM AT REVIEWING STAND ON SQUARE. DANCE AT ARMORY

With flags flying and bands playing Glenwood this Friday will extend its official welcome home to Delmar Wiley, a home town boy, who drifted for 15 days on a rubber raft after his plane was shot down in Mid-Pacific by the Japs, and finally landed on an island among friendly natives.

His remarkable courage and self-possession which enabled him to endure this ordeal and come safely through, has won attention and brought him acclaim from the people from the west to the east coast.  This plucky lad, who only three years ago was a member of the graduation class of Glenwood High school, immediately entered the service of the U.S. navy, and was serving as an aviation radioman on combat duty last summer was wounded in the attack which killed his pilot and gunner and sent their plane to the bottom of the sea.  He has lived to return to family and friends.

Events of more than the usual lifetime have been crowded into these three short years, yet he remains the same gracious, un-affected lad who left this community three years ago offering himself for training for service for his country in its hour of need.  The plans that had been made by the various committees of local citizens indicate that there will be no doubt left in his mind as to the fact that the home folks are glad to have him back and proud of the courageous spirit he manifest under such trying conditions.

Business Houses to Close

Mayor D.W. Harman has requested all business places to close at 5 p.m., in preparation for the parade which according to Mrs. R.J. Allen, who assumed chairmanship of the parade committee, this week announces that the parade will form at the post office corner extending south on Vine street to the athletic field.  The reviewing stand where it will be described by Lyle DeMoss of radio station WOW who goes on the air for the radio audience on the national hookup at 6:30 o'clock.

Preceding the parade the Glenwood State school band will give a concert at the reviewing stand.  In the reviewing stand, it is expected there Gen. Charles H. Grahl of Des Moines; Col. G.V. Caughlin of Council Bluffs; Lt. Col. Oliver P. Bennett of Des Moines; Lt. Commander Truman Jones of Des Moines; Maj. Forrest H. Davidson of Clarinda; Lt. R.J. Mahoney of the navy recruiting station in Omaha, and other military officers and distinguished guests.

Four Marching Bands

Four marching bands, Delmar Wiley and his family and Ed Donald, home from Guadalcanal, will be highlights in the parade, which will also feature the Gold Star Mothers of the first World War.  Four State Guardsmen on horseback will lead the State Guard company in the parade.  There will be numerous floats from several business houses, service clubs, patriotic and civic organizations such as Rotary, Lions, Red Cross, Woman's club, Chamber of Commerce, Legion and Auxiliary, V.F.W., various churches and in the school division from the fourth grade up.

Program at Reviewing Stand

The parade which will proceed down the west side of the square across the south and down Vine street will disband at the athletic field.

The program will follow immediately at the reviewing stand with Attorney K.R. Cook presiding.  The address of the day will be given by Justice Frederic M. Miller of the Iowa supreme court, and Delmar Wiley will be presented and asked to tell of some of the experiences of his miraculous escape from death while on combat duty.

Free Dance at 9 P.M.

A free dance at the armory will immediately follow the program.  Music will be furnished by Johnnie Cox and his nine-piece orchestra from Lincoln.

Store Windows Decorated

Glenwood business houses are giving special recognition this week to all the boys in service.  Each business place is exhibiting in its window display numerous pictures of local boys in service.  W.H. Rodabaugh of the Nebraska Power Company has given special recognition to those who have been reported as "missing in action" in the one window, while the other window is given over to a memorial tribute to those who have made the supreme sacrifice in behalf of their country.

SUN SHINES ON WILEY DAY CROWDS HERE LAST FRIDAY

Parade and Program Carried Out as Planned.  Wiley Given G.H.S. Letter Sweater and $100 War Bond

The sun broke through the gray clouds which had hung menacingly low during all the days of the week up until Friday which was Wiley day in Glenwood.

A day given over to the official welcome of the home town people for a young naval aviation radioman whose plane was shot down in mid-Pacific last summer and who drifted alone on a raft for 15 days and then spent 218 days on a small island with some 98 natives, who nursed him back to health, he having been wounded in thigh and ankle by the Jap bullets which had killed the pilot and gunner and sent their plane to the bottom of the sea.

The town was appropriately decorated with flags for the occasion.  (Incomplete)

Wiley is Ill

"Wiley is ill.  He's at the doctor's office.  He won't be able to be in the parade," were the words which were heard in the crowd which had assembled for the occasion.  But promptly at six o'clock the parade moved onto the square and Wiley was in the parade, riding with the family in the car which was at the head of the procession.

Little Miss Judy Holliday and Master Kenton Jens, blacked up and costumed to depict the islanders among whom Delmar spent his days as a castaway, walked behind the car and won rounds of applause from the hundreds who thronged the sidewalks along the line of march.

The Pacific Junction High school band, colorful in their red and white uniforms and the Glenwood High school band, resplendent in their uniforms of black and gold, provided music along the way.

Ed Donald in Parade

Ed Donald, just back from Guadalcanal where he was seriously injured by enemy shrapnel, also rode in the parade.  The Iowa State Guard company, led by four mounted guardsmen, added a military touch and floats from business houses, school, churches, and civic organizations made it an enjoyable and colorful procession.

Program Broadcast

In the reviewing stand, Delmar with his father and mother were greeted by K.R. Cook, chairman of the day; Mayor Harman and Radio Announcer Ray Clark of station WOW.  He went on the air immediately in an interview carried over that radio station.  The broadcast of the program of the day was called to order.  Ed Donald, who had been expected to appear on the program had become ill and had to leave.  It was later learned that he was suffering from malaria which he contracted from mosquito bites at Guadalcanal and it was also learned that Delmar Wiley, who had been at Guadalcanal on his return trip home, had come in contact with the malarial mosquito and that the illness he felt prior to the parade was due to a malarial condition.

Mr. and Mrs. Wiley were presented, as was also Brig. Gen. Charles H. Grahl and Lt. Col. Oliver P. Bennett of Des Moines and other military officers from the Seventh Service Command.

Justice Miller Speaker

Chairman Cook presented Mayor Harman, who on behalf of the community, extended an official welcome to Delmar and emphasized the fact that in honoring this young man the community was not forgetful of all those others who are in service, some of whom have made the supreme sacrifice and others who are held as prisoners by the enemy.

Chairman Cook introduced the speaker of the day, Justice Frederic Miller of Des Moines, who called attention to the fact that this county has sent 884 young men into the various branches of the service and that of this group 60 are missing or held as prisoners, and 11 have been reported as having made the supreme sacrifice.

Justice Miller paid a glowing tribute to Delmar as a typical American boy, the son of an average American family, and who has manifested that courage, bravery and resourcefulness so typical of the American men in service.

Delmar naturally won rounds and rounds of applause when Chairman Cook presented him and he responded to the interview with Mr. Cook, relating interesting incidents of his life on the island and his miraculous escape.

Presented "G" Sweater

Superintendent of Schools C.F. Kilpatrick then came to the platform and explained how, when Delmar was in high school he had always taken an active part in all school affairs and that the students of the high school now had elected him honorary captain and purchased a "G" sweater with a captain's star on the sleeve which he presented to him on behalf of the school.  Delmar graciously responded and then in conclusion.  Mr. Cook, on behalf of the citizens of the community, presented him with a $100 war bond.

Unable to Attend Dance

The free dance at the Glenwood armory that evening with music by Johnny Cox's orchestra of Lincoln, was a gala affair, a grand finale for such a day, but Delmar Wiley and Ed Donald were not present, and it was not because of any lack of desire on their part, but rather because of (incomplete).

PARADE, PROGRAM FOLLOWED BY FREE DANCE AT ARMORY

Business Places to Close at Five O'clock Next Friday for Homecoming Celebration for Distinguished Navy Flier.

The Wiley Day committees have been working feverishly the past few days to perfect a program and to make all arrangements for the Wiley Day celebration May 21.

The chief speaker for the day besides Delmar Wiley, himself, will be Justice Frederic M. Miller of the Iowa Supreme Court. Attorney K.R. Cook of Glenwood will preside over the program which will be held at the northwest corner of the square on an improvised platform and carried to the crowds by means of loud speakers.

 

Page 44

ROTARIANS HONOR MEMORY OF WAYNE D. CHOATE

The Glenwood Rotarians sponsored a Memorial service for the late Wayne D. Choate, one of their Charter members and former President, at their regular meeting Thursday evening, July 15.

Invitations had been extended to each of the Rotary Clubs in nearby towns where Rotarian Wayne had so often visited and assisted with programs, to send representatives.  When the dinner hour arrived some sixty Rotarians had assembled at the home of Mrs. A.P. Myers.

From Council Bluffs came Dr. Mac Hanchett, William Keenan, Allen Dudley, Ray Myers, John Wadsworth, B.A. Gronstal, John Waddingham, Ed Evans, E.V. Gustafson, and Jay Stivers.  Red Oak was represented by M. Coppage, Virgil Spicer, Malcolm Lomas, Earl Butler, L.E. Kuester and Fletcher Boggess.  Plattsmouth by Fred Lugsch, Robert Walling, Frank Cloidt, Lowell DeVoe, Clem Woster, and Judge Duxbury.  Tabor, by Dayre Williams, H.C. Reed, Walter Reeves and Dr. B.B. Miller.

Malvern was represented by State Representative J.R. Hall.  At the close of the dinner President Chas. A. Herndon, presented the special guests for the evening, Mrs. Wayne Choate and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Choate, wife and parents of Rotarian Wayne, also welcomed the visiting Rotarians, among them being two past District Governors of Rotary International, Ray Myers and E.V. Gustafson each of Council Bluffs.

Dr. Frederick W. Long, pastor of the Congregational church, who had known Wayne from Childhood presided, paying glowing tribute to his memory, as one who, in his daily life, ever exemplified the principles of Rotary.  Dr. Mac Hanchett of Council Bluffs spoke of the great interest he had ever taken in the Glenwood Club as their club had assisted in its organization and considered it their child.  Rotarian Wayne being one of its Charter members was outstanding in his memory, as one who in daily life, exemplified its motto "Service Above Self" recalling the many times he had come to Council Bluffs and assisted in their programs endearing himself to them all saying "Our love for Rotarian Wayne is a sort of mortality."

Dr. B.B. Miller of Tabor recalled memories of Glenwood's assistance in the organization of their club, outstanding among which was the services of Rotarian Wayne, who gave the instructions at their first meeting, so forcefully explaining the principles of Rotary and outlining its history and its wonderful work, throughout the world.  He also spoke of the many times he had helped with their programs, saying "We have come to think we could not have a Rotary Ann meeting without his making a talk."

J.R. Hall of Malvern, said "I feel somewhat handicapped not having known Rotarian Wayne as long as some of you, but I feel I knew him well" spoke of his ever being impressed by his cheerful optimistic outlook of life in spite of his physical afflictions saying "I never visited him in his office, without feeling I was a better man for the visit."

Ralph Overholser, editor of the Red Oak Express had planned to be in attendance and speak for the Red Oak Club, but was prevented by illness, but wrote the following tribute which was read by their secretary Virgil Spicer.

A Tribune to Wayne Choate

Gone is a good neighbor and a fine friend.

Wayne Choate, a self-effacing individual, bore acquaintance.  One had to dine with him, chat with him, and drink in his good humor, to appreciate his character and his personality.

Wayne Choate found a niche in Rotary's family because he could always be found on the giving end of genuine fellowship.  Where men met, Wayne met, there to visit, there to give zest and fun to the gathering.  He was quick with wit.  In anecdotes and stories he had a treasure.

Many of us may not have known that our good friend never complained of handicaps nor did he envy those who were blessed with all the physical advantages of life.  Yet, this little man, frail of body, was strong of mind.  He overcame obstacles by sheer will power and proceeded to carve out of life the respect of his associates, the admiration of his friends, and the success of his undertakings.

Life was not always kind to him but Wayne Choate took the bitter with the sweet, coming up with his usual wholesome smile and his hearty greetings.  He lived well, but he lived frugally.  He worked hard but he found time for relaxation.  Always did he find time for his friends, no matter what his trials or tribulations.

His column, in his newspaper, was chock-full of humor and commonsense.  He was learned without flaunting it.  He defended the  principles of Americanism.  He succored the opportunity of private initiative.  He would not want it said that he was a great editor, but who will not say that his philosophy and his commonsense in all things influenced many hundreds of people with whom his newspaper made contact.

And so we bid farewell to a good neighbor and a fine friend, a fellow who loved life and all its zest, a fellow who met and mastered life while strength and perseverance were his to command.  Wayne Choate is gone, a traveler trudging into the western sunset, and against those glowing heavens is the silhouette of his friendly smile and his cordial greetings.  These will be our lasting memory of Rotarian Wayne Choate, a gentleman who emanated the fellowship he advocated.

Judge A.H. Duxbury of Plattsmouth spoke feelingly of his associations with Rotarian Wayne saying "our thoughts turn to resignation and reverence as we honor his memory with the tribute of our praise.  In recollection of when he was here among us, beautiful unpainted pictures, appear in our minds of how much sweeter life is, because he lived.  How distinctly we recall this lovable character, whose voice still rings in our ears.  Today that voice is still, but the soul which is the man himself, has surely gone to that bourne, from whence no traveler returns and where there is no death.  To him this transition cannot be the last sleep.  It must be the final awakening.  It is the golden key that unlocks his place in eternity.  The recollection of his life of service and our pleasant association and companionship with him while living, will ever be to us a sacred and precious memory."

He closed with reading the following poem which he considered most appropriate at this time.

"WE CALL THIS LIFE"

We call this life, that is life's preparation

We call this life, a little time of tears,

But thank you God for this designed creation

A few short years?

If this is all, then why these worlds around us,

And unseen skies, and undiscovered stars?

I wonder, through one little world we found us

Why God made Mars?

A million spheres, and our one tiny planet,

Eternity, and earth a little span;

I cannot think for this that God began it,

That God made man.

I eat, I drink, a little gold I win me,

One world enough for me necessities;

But something else, some other thing within me,

Does non of these.

My soul has little use for eartly treasure.

Comes not to table, wears no silk nor wool;

With all our playthings, finds it's only pleasure

The beautiful.

So many things my soul has naught to do with,

To which the man of flesh so fondly clings;

Shall that soul die when these things I am through with

The Fleshly things?

Sherman.

As the program closed song leader Frank Cloidt of Plattsmouth requested all to stand and join in reverently singing as a prayer "God Be With You Till."

EDITOR WAYNE D. CHOATE SUMMONED BY DEATH EARLY FRIDAY A.M. JUNE 18

Funeral Services were held Sunday, June 20, at 3:00 o'clock at the Raynor Funeral Home, Dr. Frederick W. Long, pastor of the Congregational church officiating.  Large concourse of friends paid tribute to his Memory

Seldom, if ever, has our little city and this entire community been more deeply shocked and grieved than when the word was passed about from one household to another early Friday morning that Wayne Choate had that night entered into the sleep that knows no awakening.  While it had been known that he had never fully recovered from a mild attack of flu several weeks ago and only been able to be at the office occasionally, preferring to turn their living room at home into his "Editorial Sanctum."  Here he had dictated each issue of the paper even the edition they were reading when the news came.  Only a few outside the family circle knew that he had been suffering since Sunday from an asthmatic attack which was apparently responding too medical treatment.

He had spent Thursday forenoon dictating the most important front page news, completing one after lunch.  Being quite weary he laid down on the couch to rest, soon fell asleep apparently resting fine until about seven o'clock he seemed to be struggling to awaken but was unable to speak, those in attendance summoned the physician who knew at a glance it was a heart attack which necessitated the use of oxygen.  He soon revived, seemed himself, talking in his usual joking manner thanking those who had come to his rescue then wearily sank to rest  again having been assured by the Doctor that should he need his services again he would be right with him.

His wife and his parents remained on duty even though he apparently was sleeping naturally, breathing more easily than he had for several days.  Suddenly he ceased to breath.  His spirit had taken its flight as he lay quietly and peacefully sleeping.  Being so totally unexpected it was a great shock to those nearest and dearest to him, as they realized he had not only edited his last edition of the paper that had so long been his joy and pride but he had finished his life work as well.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon June 20th at 3:00 o'clock at the Raynor Funeral Home conducted by Dr. Frederick W. Long pastor of the Congregational church who read comforting passages of Scripture and spoke feelingly of his love for Wayne whom he had known from childhood, he and his eldest son having been classmates and very dear friends.  He stressed the fact that he had so bravely and courageously carried on his life work despite his many handicaps and afflictions.  In closing he read the following life sketch and eulogy prepared by W.C. Rathke, a close friend who had known him his entire life.

Wayne DuVal Choate was born at the farm home in Mills county September 23, 1896.  There he grew to manhood, taking an active interest in the farm youth movement that culminated in the 4-H Clubs.  At the age of 15 he exhibited the sweepstakes champion 10 ears of corn at the Mills County Farmer's Institute.

He graduated from the Glenwood high school in 1916, attended Park College in 1916-1917 and the School of Journalism at the University of Nebraska in 1917-1918.  While studying there, he was a reporter on the Lincoln Journal, gaining experience that later proved invaluable.  In the fall of 1918 he joined the staff of the Glenwood Opinion, he and Harry Swan purchasing the paper in May 1919.  Later, Mr. Swan retired from the partnership and the paper was purchased by Wayne and his father, Frank Choate.  In 1927 they purchased the Mills County Tribune, combining them into the Glenwood Opinion Tribune.  In July 1939, he purchased the Silver City Times.

During the years he served as the editor of these papers, he has always been recognized as one of the outstanding editorial writers of the State of Iowa, one achievement being the winning of the State American Legion trophy in 1939 for the best Legion editorial.

Strong in his convictions, he has been an outstanding figure in civic and state affairs, in the political party of his choice and in his championship of the American Way of Life.

He is a member of the Glenwood Masonic Lodge, an honorary member of the Glenwood Rotary Club and an active member of the Iowa Press Association.

On November 24, 1920 he married Hazel Jane McPherron, who has worked with him and assisted him in all his many activities.  Rising above the handicaps of poor health and failing eyesight, he has been a kindly but expressive editor, a staunch friend to a host who mourn his passing and a stalwart champion of truth and right as he saw it.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Hazel Jane Choate, his father and mother, Frank and Caroline Choate, all of Glenwood and one brother, Leonard, now living in California.  One brother, Richard, preceded him in death last March 4th.

The busy hands are still today, the brilliant mind at rest but the indomitable spirit soars free at last.  May Wayne Choate, where he is today, realize more clearly than ever before the truth he carried at the heading of his column, "God's in his heaven, all's right with the world.

Music for the service was furnished by Mrs. W.H. Rodabaugh who sang two of Wayne's favorites, "Saved by Grace" and "I've Done My Work" with Mrs. W.C. Rathke at the piano.

The floral offerings were beautiful and profuse mutely bespeaking the love and sympathy of friends from near and far.  In addition to the Masonic Emblem were floral remembrances from the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, Mt. Gerizzim Chapter, Radio Station K.O.I.L., Veterans of Foreign Wars, Western Paper Company, Omaha,  the class of 1916 Glenwood High School, Iowa State Guard, The 4-H Club, Christian Church, The Library Board, Glenwood Fire Dept. Fullerton Lumber Co., The Congregational Church and a group of special friends around the square.

Those caring for the flowers were Mrs. L.C. Dean, Mrs. Chas. Herndon, Mrs. D.D. Wheeler, Mrs. Harry Widows, Mrs. Harold Stranathan, Mary Evelyn Logan, Mrs. L.A. Hollingshead and Mrs. W.C. Rathke.

Interment was made in the family lot in the Glenwood cemetery.  Those serving as Casket Bearers being W.H. Rodabaugh, Dr. L.A. Hollingshead, Chas. Herndon, of Glenwood, Harold Stranathan of Bellevue, Nebr., Thomas Sigler of Council Bluffs and W.C. Rathke of Omaha.

Page 45

SEEMS TO ME

by BEA

A precious one from us has gone,

A voice we loved is stilled,

A place is vacant in our hearts,

Which never can be filled.

We sometimes speak of birth as the beginning of life, and of death as the realm of darkness.  The period between is our journey, and each must carry a burden.  For some it is heavy; for others it is light.  We fit into the creation of all things and when we no longer journey with the other travelers, our place is vacant.

Wayne Choate has traveled his life's journey and God has blessed him of his home.  He has carried his heavy load well and has helped to guide others along life's pathway.

Other's burdens were Wayne's burdens and he carried the torch high for his friends.

Out of his mind and over his lips poured the words of inspiration and encouragement for those he loved.

Wayne had high ideals and his brilliant mind was constantly at work building ladders toward those ideals for himself and for his companions.

He had a gift of inspiring confidence in others as he was confident in himself.  He did not pass lightly upon a subject.  Always he was thinking.  Because he did think he had an excellent memory and a wonderful philosophy of life.

In the face of the hardest handicaps to bear, physical affliction and blindness, he carried on his life work, and found his way into the hearts of many people because of his steadfastness.

Life was an adventure to him and he enjoyed living it.

He was able to dream, and by way of dreams he lived in a world much better than his own and could see much further than his dimmed vision would allow.

Wayne has not died.  He is resting and so we cannot waken him but only recall what he inspired when he was with us.

"For when Earth's last picture is painted,

And the tubes are all twisted and dried,

When the oldest colors have faded,

And the youngest critic has died,

We shall rest, and faith, we shall need it--

Lie down for an aeon or two

Till the master of all good work-men

Shall put us to work anew."

PICNIC DINNER

In honor of Robert Ord and Harvey Ord who will soon leave for the Armed Service was honored at a family picnic dinner Sunday at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Ord and family.  All the family was present but two.  Their father who is employed in Council Bluffs was unable to attend and one daughter Mrs. Ellen Harper.

Page 46

GEN. SNIDER'S INVITE CAMP ROBERT BOYS

A letter comes this week from the Glen Snider family, well known former residents, who are now residing in California, saying "I saw in recent issues that several Glenwood boys are stationed at Camp Roberts, Calif., which is only 200 miles from here.  Many Turlock boys come home for week ends from there.  Hitchhike and otherwise.  So we are extending an invitation to lonely Glenwood boys to visit us over weekends at any time.  We know most of their parents even if we do not know the boys.

Our address is Glen Snider, Rt. 2, Box 34, Turlock, Calif.  We live only two miles west of Turlock on corner of Fulkerth and Tully roads, 1/2 mile west of the Army Rehabilitation camp.  Would be glad to see any Glenwood friends who are out this way.  Tell our Glenwood or Mills county friends to write in more news and let their Calif. friends know what they are doing and where they are."

ELLISON VAN PELT AT PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS

Word has been received here that Ellison Van Pelt, who has been stationed with the Army Air Force at San Antonio, Texas, is now stationed at Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  His new address is A/C/ D.E. Van Pelt, 312th A.A.F.F.T.D., Bks, G, Pine Bluff, Arkansas

HOMER MITCHELL TAKING SPECIAL NAVY TRAINING

Homer Raymond Mitchell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Mitchell, Glenwood, Ia., has entered the Farragut, Idaho, Service School for a sixteen-weeks specialized course.

At this school, which is one of the many Navy Service Schools in operation at this U.S. Naval Training Station, he will learn the latest technical information in the field in which he will serve the Navy and our country.  Upon completion of this course, he will be given an opportunity to qualify for a rate of petty officer and assigned to a unit of the Navy, either ashore or afloat.

ABE FISHER COMPLETES "BOAT" TRAINING AT FARRA

Abe Fisher Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Fisher Jr., of the Old Pacific community arrived here last week, for a visit with his parents.

Young Fisher has just recently completed his "boot" training at Farragut, Idaho and will at the end of his leave, return there to receive new orders.

LT. KEITH HOPP RETURN TO FLORIDA

Lt. and Mrs. Keith Hopp are here for a short furlough.  Lt. Hopp of the Air Force returned to Madras, Ore., on Wednesday for a brief training period before beginning service overseas.  In Lt. Hopp's honor, Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Marshall were hosts at a dinner Sunday with the following guests:  Mr. and Mrs. Leo Hopp, Virginia Hopp and Marion Shook of Malvern.

RALPH IRBY PROMOTED TO CORPORAL'S RANK

Mrs. Will Irby has received word that her son, Ralph Irby, who had been serving overseas is now a corporal.  The word came as a very pleasant surprise to Mrs. Irby.

WRITES OF VISITING '"TAF MAHAL" IN INDIA

2nd Lt. Richard A. Combs, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Combs of Pacific Junction, is a Bombardier in the United States Air Corp.  His travels have taken him over several continents and he has touched India and Africa and has now reached his destination in China.

In a letter received here recently by his parents, he tells of having visited in India and says, "I first went to see the Taj Mahal, or Crowned Palace which contains the remains of the Emperor Mahal of hah Johan (1627-1658) and his favorite wife, Mumtaz.  Mahal had 14 children by her.

"The Taj was started in 1631 and completed in 1648.  20,000 workmen worked day and night on it for all of this time.  It is all solid marble carved with every type of jewel known and carved and inlaid with every type of flower known.  The cost of the Taj was 4,000,000 pounds in British money or about 16,000,000 in American money.

"The ceiling of the upper chamber is 80 feet high and carved and inlaid with stones and gold.  It contains a tomb which is a duplicate of the emperor Mahal's and one of his wife's.  They are surrounded by lattice work walls about eight feet high all of ivory and marble, carved in very intricate designs.

"In a chamber below is the tomb which contains the bodies of the emperor and Mumtaz.  This vault is 7 feet high and is below the other chamber.

"After seeing all of the Taj Mahal and the surrounding buildings and museum, I went to see Fort Agra which is about 300 to 499 years old.  I went down in the dungeons, up in the towers, in the tunnels and all.  There is a most all the way around the foot which marks it as medieval except that it has steel girders riveted together.  The architecture is wonderful.  The riveing compared to modern day works.  This is all located in Agra, the ancient capital of India, which has been replaced by Delhi and New Delhi."

Lt. Combs was in Africa at the time he wrote of his travels.

WALTER FADER REPORTED JAPANESE WAR PRISONER

Mrs. Nell Fader of this city has just received the official notice through the International Red Cross that her son, Walter D. Fader is a prisoner of war of the Japanese Government in the Philippine Islands.  The notification said that a letter with more detail information would follow.

EDWARD DODDER SELECTED AS SQUADRON COMMANDER

Edward Dodder, who is an advance Twin plane Flying school at Blytheville, Ark., has been selected for advance training as Squadron Commander.  He will complete his course of training on this field on July 28.

DR. MARGARET COMPLETES FLIGHT SURGEON TRAINING

Word has been received here from Mrs. E.C. Margaret that Dr. Margaret, who is a Lieutenant in the Air Corp and who has been stationed at San Antonio, Texas, graduated from the Branch School of Aviation Medicine there on June 2.

He has been transferred to Key Field, Meridian, Mississippi where he will do flight surgeon work.

Mrs. Margaret and two daughters expect to remain with him until August unless he should be ordered to foreign duty.

 
LAVERN HUNT HAS JOINED THE NAVY

LaVern William Hunt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude D. Hunt, of this city, has enlisted in the United States Navy, it was announced by the Council Bluffs Navy recruiting station.  He has been sent to the Naval training station at Farragut, Idaho.

IS PETE KIER WITH THE HULAHULA GIRLS?

A letter comes this week from "Pete" Kier which inclines one to believe that he may be with the hot Hawaiian honeys.  He says, "We did leave, it has rained, it is hot and pineapples are cheap."  He also says to pass the word along to Paul Phillips to make the trio a quartet and that he will see him in Glenwood next Christmas.  His new address is Fleet Postmaster, San Francisco, California.

PFC ROY COGLEY HOME ON FURLOUGH

Pfc. Roy Cogley of Camp Barkeley, Texas, is here for a 14-day furlough at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Cogley.

MAX ROSS SOUNDMAN IN U.S. NAVY IS HOME

Max Ross, son of Mrs. Cecil Ross, arrived in Glenwood Sunday morning for a few days visit with his mother and other relatives.  Max, a soundman 2nd, in the U.S. Navy has just recently arrived in the States from six months on the water, which has taken him to various ports in the Pacific.

PETE KIER HAS FLOATING ADDRESS

This newspaper last week indicated that Pete Kiers address was in care of the Postmaster at San Francisco.  Now this individuals location is more or less certain, at least until there is a change in political administration which has a habit of changing Postmasters.  Pete's address really should be c/o Fleet Post office which indicates rather a floating location.

CPL. ARNIM YOUNG HOME ON FURLOUGH

Cpl. Arnim Young, who has been stationed with the U.S. Army at Camp Barkeley, Texas, arrived in Glenwood a week ago Monday for a 14-day furlough, which he will spend at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Young.

LT. HAROLD WILKINS HERE ON FURLOUGH

Lt. Harold Wilkins was greeting friends in Glenwood Wednesday.  He is stationed at Chicago in the air corp and is spending a two weeks furlough with his wife and little daughter and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wilkins of Tabor.

HARRY NEIMOLLER ADVANCED IN RANK

Harry Niemoller writes that he has been advanced from the rating of first class Seaman to Coxswain on board the U.S.S. Natchez and asked this newspaper to express his appreciation to all the friends who so kindly assisted at the time of the death of his father.  Harry explains he was unable to return at that time owing to the fact that he was on high seas.  His address is Harry Harlan Niemoller, Coxswain U.S.S. Nachez, c/o Fleet P.M. New York City, N.Y.

'PHILY" READS WILEY STORY IN AUSTRALIA PAPER

28th Surgical Hospital

APO 923 c/o/ Postmaster

San Francisco, Calif.

Australia, Sun. Eve. June 6th, 1943

Dear Wayne:

Just a few lines this evening to let you know I am still around.  "Yaeh Way around, down Under."

Wayne, I am enclosing a copy of a newspaper story that was in one of the daily Australian papers last week.  It caught my eye in that I believe that is the one and same person that came from Glenwood, Delmar D. Wiley.  It was in an evening paper sometime last week and I thought I would send it along to you knowing that you would like to know that we in Australia read of the story in our paper.

Yesterday I received a letter from Betty Humphrey Brown saying she had been back in Glenwood and that Delmar had been home on a furlough after his experience in the Islands, and that he was looking fine.  Sure glad to hear it and wish I could be back in Glenwood a few days myself.  Although I really think I would rather wait until all the boys can be back there again.  I imagine the old home town is kinda lonesome.

I haven't seen Judkins, Miller or Funk for some time but expect I will in the next week when I get a three days pass.

As ever,

"Phily"

 
ERNIE ZELLER HERE ON NINE DAY FURLOUGH

Ernie Zeller who has been stationed at Midland, Texas is spending part of his nine day furlough with Glenwood friends.

HODENFIELD ATTENDS IOWA DINNER IN LONDON

Word is received here through the American Red Cross news service that Lt. G.K. Hodenfield, of Glenwood, was one of twenty-three soldiers from Iowa who met for an "Iowa Night" dinner recently at the American Red Cross Mostyn Club in London, at which time greetings were sent to the Hawkeye State Governor B.B. Hickenlooper at Des Moines.

Hodenfield, author of "I's Write" a popular feature concerning Company I boys when they were still within the United States and which was carried on for a time after they reached England., now a member of the Stars and Stripes, the official army newspaper, in England.

HAVE THREE SONS IN SERVICE OVERSEAS

A letter received here from Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Haynie of Birchwood, Wisconsin states that their son, Paul D. Haynie, has sent word that he has arrived safely in North Africa.

Mrs. Haynie writes that they have four sons in service, three of whom are overseas.  The youngest son is in training in New Jersey.

Friends around Pacific Junction will remember Mrs. Haynie as the former Lillia Watts.

EVALD JENSEN PROMOTED TO RANK OF SERGEANT

Word has been received here by Mr. and Mrs. Sanning Jensen of Lyons Township that their son, Evald, has been promoted to Sergeant.  At present he is on maneuvers in Tennessee and is with the Field Artillery.  Evald has been in the service just a year.

MERWYN ANDERSON ON LEAVE HERE WITH PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Anderson, of this city, are enjoying a visit with their son, Merwyn, who arrived Friday morning on a two-week leave.

Young Anderson, an Aviation Machinist Mate, first class, is now serving his second enlistment in the United States Navy and the service bars that he wears, indicate that he has seen service in both theatres of war, the American and Asiatic.

He has, for the past several months, been assigned to convoy duty.  This is his first leave since the outbreak of the war.

ROBERT OSTERHOLM WRITES FROM NORTH AFRICA

O.C. Osterholm has just had a letter from his son, Robert written from North Africa May 28th in which he mentions having visited the grave of Dean Maxwell and having seen Winston Holmes and Clark Carroll.  He also tells of the narrow streets traversed by dirty Arabs and mentions that he has heard that Jack Messinger is doing Military Police duty in the town and hopes to look him up.

 

Page 47

PAUL RADFORD RETURN FROM FURLOUGH HERE

Paul Earl Radford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Radford Jr., left for the east coast Tuesday, following a furlough of one week spent here with relatives.

CPL. CLIPON VISITS SILVER CITY RELATIVES

Cpl. James C. Clipson, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Clipson, of Silver City, and grandson of Mrs. Dora Clipson of this city returned to Fort Bliss, Texas, on Thursday of last week, following a few days visit here with relatives.

'Junior" as he is known to relatives and friends is stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he is a radio operator with the Signal Group.  His address is Cpl. James Clipson, U.S. Army First Signal Group, First Cavalry Group, Fort Bliss, Texas.

WANDA PEIN AND SGT. PIERSON WED AT MARFA AIR BASE

Married June 12 at Marfa Air Base By Post Chaplin, groom is Wayne, Nebraska resident, will live at Marfa, Texas

Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Pein, Jr., are announcing the marriage of their daughter, Wanda to T. Sgt. Kenneth R. Pierson at the Marfa Army Air Base Chapel at 11:00 a.m., June 12, by Herman E. Dirks, post Chaplain.

Preceding the ceremony Pvt. Alvin Hunter, formally a radio entertainer sang "Because".  Throughout the entire ceremony organ music was softly played.

The bride wore a powder blue dress with beige accessories and carried an arm bouquet of blue delphiniums.  The brides attendant Mrs. Lois Nelson, U.S.O. hostess of Alpine, Texas wore a beige dress and a corsage of gardenias.  The groom and his  attendant, Lt. Brook H. Snow, Assistant Base Intelligance Officer, were attired in official uniforms.

After the ceremony the bridal party enjoyed a dinner in the private dining room of the Crews Hotel, Marfa, Texas.  Immediately after the bride and groom left by train for El Paso later going to Mexico and New Mexico.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Pierson of Wayne, Nebr., and both bride and groom attended the Wayne State Teachers College.  The bride has taught school the past two years.  The groom has been in the Army Air Force for a year and a half and is now serving in the Intelligence Office at the Marfa Air Base.

After the wedding trip T. Sgt. and Mrs. Pierson will reside at Marfa, Texas.

ALBERT CROUCH LEFT FOR FOREIGN PORT

Mr. and Mrs. George Crouch received a telegram from their son Albert June 19th which states all well and safe and don't worry.  Albert who is a gunner on the Merchants ship left in a Convoy about six weeks ago for foreign port.

LT. KIRKENDALL TELLS OF DAYS IN AFRICAN CAMPAIGN

Mrs. O.F. Kirkendall, who is at the home of her sister, Mrs. D.E. Van Pelt, assisting in the care of their father, Ellion Everham, has received a most interesting letter from her son, Lt. James Kirkendall, of the Air Force, telling of the days immediately following the end of the African Campaign.  Says Lt. Kirkendall, "For us who had gotten in on the end of the campaign, it was sort of a disappointment that is was all over as we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves, but for those who had come all the way from El Alamein, it was a great relief."

He speaks of viewing something that only 20 other Americans saw, namely.  "The surrendering of 20,000 Italians and Germans that had held out to the last in the mountains.  They came down in trucks, cars and on motorcycles.  Their huge diesel trucks were loaded with 30 or 40 men each, with officers riding in the cabs.  We spent part of the morning and all afternoon just observing the continual string of vehicles, bumper to bumper, coming down the single road out of the mountains.  The trucks, cars and motorcycles were all new, good tires, etc., and the men were all well-equipped, well-fed and happy."

Lt. Kirkendall commandeered a fast jeep that belonged to an Italian General that completely solves his transportation problem.  He recounted a conversation with the General's chauffeur, who had been away from his family 6 years and who said he was very happy to have the campaign over and just to be a prison of war.

Lt. Kirkendall tells of many interesting souvenirs he gathered from the battlefields.  Reaching the city of Tunis, which he found "full of soldiers punch drunk with victory," he was happy to meet some Americans, as he had been operating with the British.  He also spoke of seeing 119 German and Italian aircraft which were left at the airport at Tunis.  All in all, T. Kirkendall closes by saying that he is well and happy and that he realizes that "a war is really harder on you there at home than on us who are over here getting a few thrills out of it, at least."

DR. WARD A. DEYOUNG ARRIVES OVERSEAS

Dear Wayne:

Arrived on the Island recently and am well situated in a Station Hospital on the land of a great estate.  The home is as large as our high school and I am going to give myself an invitation to it some day soon.  Officers have been invited to one of the Estates and were requested to bring their own ration.   Bicycles are not rationed here so I will get one today and pedal about this very lovely countryside.  Very little rain or fog at present.  This is a morning made for the God's.  British newscasts are often a repetition, are not as informative as our own and are not entirely correct.  We miss your newspaper.  We find the people very friendly.  Women and children loved to see us in every village.  I am expecting my accumulation of May and June mail to start arriving in another fortnight and am I anxious!  Address me from now on 28th Station Hospital A.P.O., 513, New York.

Your friend,

Ward.

VERN JOHNSON IN 258 AIR RAIDS

Ed Johnson of Pacific Junction received a letter last week from her son, Vern, which was written May  23, in which he states that he has been advanced in rank to the corporal and relates some interesting information concerning some of the combat service he has seen.

He mentions that it was with regret that he learned that his brother, Burl, who was with Co. I in North Africa, has been taken prisoner by the Germans.  He says "but if they have been captured they're probably well off as this war is hell.  This isn't just what I've heard, it's what I know.  I have seen action and have seen many of those little yellow rats blown to hell.

"A person thinks no more of killing one of them than he would a rabbit and we had to hunt them out about the same as if they were rabbits, they would stay hid during the day and then come an attack at night but never did get away.

I have been here for several months and was here through the worst of the battle.  Up until now I have been through 258 air raids and there is sure not many people back there that knows the feeling a person has when he hears those bombs whistling through the air.  The only thing a dog face can do is lay in a fox hole and pray they don't land to close, but boy it is sure a grand feeling when they get the Jap bombers in the search light beam, then one of our P38 or P70 slips up above him and pours a stream of 50 caliber tracers into him, then the big flash as it blows up, then a streak of fire trailing it to the ground as he is headed for the last landing."

EXTRACTS OF LETTER FROM MERLE MEACHAM

Extract from letter written by Major Merle A. Meacham from German Prison Camp--Aflag 9 A/Z.

"Have been going thru the same routine.  Get up a little past 7, breakfast at 7:45, morning parade at 8:45, that is when they count us, adjutant meeting at 10:00.  I am adjutant for the U.S. Officers.  Class from 10:30 to 11:30, dinner at 11:45, and so on during the rest of the day.  In the evenings we read, study or play cards.  Lights out at 10:30.

The Wednesday before Easter we got some U.S. enlisted men's blouses and trousers.  I got a pretty good fit and by trading around got some Insignias.  Put in quite an appearance at Good Friday services and also for church parade on Easter.

I got to go outside the camp yesterday (May 4) six of us with a camp representative, went to pick out a place to swim in a river that runs near here.  It was about 2 miles each way and I sure did enjoy it.

We expect to get our first mail about June 1st.  Just got "Gone with the Wind" from the library and am going to read it this time.  Am getting so I can read French fairly well but am not much good at speaking it.  There are about 300 British officers here and they are pretty keen on Bridge, so I am learning to play contract.

 Everyone is trying to think of something to write, Clyde Herring has been setting on his bunk muttering "Dear Helen" for 15 minutes.  That is as far as he has gotten.  Guess I will stop and write the letter for him.

"HOD" CRITICIZES ENGLISH JOURNALISM

Columnist Sgt. "Hod" News Editor of Stars and Stripes has let tendencies of English Journalism "get in his Hair"

June 7, 1943

Dear Wayne:

This has been sticking in my craw for a long time now, and we'll interrupt the war long enough to get it off my chest.  That may sound silly, because I'm not sure whether it's physiologically possible for something to be in your craw and on your chest at one and the same time.

Anyhow, it's the London papers.  Considering war-time paper restrictions et al, they do a swell job.  But they have one little habit which acts as sort of an irritant.  It's like this:  A party of maybe 30 London reporters last week was herded into a huge bus and, in company of the Army public relations office, was taken to the air field where Capt. Clark Gable is stationed.  Gable, as one has put it, is fighting the toughest war possible, because he hasn't a chance of being left alone, and the guy is really OK.  He can't even go into the nearest village for a pint of beer, which is after all not so great a misfortune, English war-time beer considered.

OK.  They see Clark Gable, he answers questions and given them all a set little speech.  So the Sunday papers came out, and every reporter on the sortiex has a little story, which usually starts like this:  "Yesterday Clark Gable told me---etc."  Then later: "Capt. Gable escorted me through the latest type Flying Fortress and showed me the guns he uses on raids."  If you read one paper you think, "Humm, there's an enterprising reporter who went out and got himself a good story.  But every other paper in London carries the same story, and every one is bylined, and everyone says I, me, I me at least 267 times.  Not even once do they so much as use the word us.

Personal journalism at it's loudest and smelliest.

That's not unusual over here.  It happens every time an English reporter writes a story.  Their defense against such crimes is that it gives the story more authority.  Maybe.

I met a reporter once that I thought was a very nice sort of person.  Smart too, which is unusual in blondes.  I thought she was quite the journalistic stuff, but I read one of her stories in the Daily Express in which she was covering a funeral.  A dignitary, no less, has passed away.  The story ended thusly: "At the conclusion of the services, the corpse set up in his coffin and remarked to me, "Blooming" good show, what?"

You don't believe it?  I can get proof, a signed statement from the corpse himself.  More later.

Hod

June 8, 1943

Dear Boss:

I guess maybe I ain't eatin' so well, Maybe it's the Brussell spouts.  Anyway, I wrote you a letter of small complaint yesterday, mostly regarding the London newspapers, and then this morning I remembered a lot of things I left out.

Little things--like the Evening Standard's daily story from the zoo, which takes about five inches of type.  The first paragraph always end--writes Craven Hill.  Always, everyday without fail, we have to read that the three or four lines directly above have been written by Craven Hill.  And about zoos, yet.

Then of course sports writers aren't considered quite nice over here.  There's a sort of stigma attached to their duties (personally I think it's because American films always portray sports writers as drunkards).  So they write under such names as "Rover, Timekeeper," "Goalie," and "Fisherman."  Myself, I think "Rover is the best name.

Everyman who writes for a London newspaper is an expert.  Under each byline is generally carried something like this, in italics:  Daily Express Air Analyst," "Daily Standard Naval Correspondent." Evening News Expert On Goldfish Breeding."  It's a well-known fact that the Daily Express Air Analyst has never been for a ride in an airplane in his life.  And I can't vouch for the experience of the Goldfish breeder.

Not to forget the common habit of having a story written in the first person with the following inserted somewhere near the end: (writes and Express Correspondent).  Most disconcerting.

Then too, most of the London papers have a column called "Londoner's Diary," or something fancy like that.  Filled with chatter, nearly always interesting, but always the--I heard today, or he told me today, or I have seen this and that.

In this country the I's always have it, and we always have the I's.

More later--but why don't I get the paper now?  Hod

P.S. You've heard the song--There Are Such Things. Are there still such things as cottage cheese, ice cream, watermelons, cokes, malted milks, steaks, hamburgers, oranges, lemons and grapefruit?  After 15 months overseas I'm beginning to wonder.

G.K.H.

 

MILLS COUNTY BOYS LEAVE FOR SERVICE

Four young men were assigned to Navy going to Naval Training Station at Farragut, Idaho.  Ten will go to army reception Center

An informal reception will be held at the Mills County Local Board, Glenwood, on Thursday afternoon, July 1st, at 4:30 o'clock for a group of inductees who will entrain from the reception center.

Going to U.S. Army will be:  Robert L. Barkus, Glenwood, Leonard F. Reafleng, Pacific Junction, Arthur M. Surber, Glenwood, Elwin E. Hayes, Glenwood, Fred O. Herzog, Malvern, Wayne D. Bomer, Jr., Glenwood, Harold R. Radford, Glenwood, Earl E. McClary, Glenwood, Edward L. Trimmer, Glenwood, Burl J. Krecklow, Glenwood.

Assigned to the Naval Training Station at Farragut, Idaho, are William J. Thomas, Emerson, Paul W. Roenfeld, Mineola, Delno W. Karr, Glenwood, Donald W. Filkins, Glenwood.

Page 48

ARTHUR THIESCHAFER NOW IN SOUTHERN PACIFIC

Having had no word from Arthur Thieschafer since December 28, 1942, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thieschafer were extremely happy to receive a letter from him Thursday, March 25.  His letter was dated March 11.  Art stated that he is somewhere in the South Pacific, that he and five of the boys with him elevated their tent on five-foot poles and made a split pole floor in order to keep their clothing and bedding more clean.  He says he's standing the extreme change in weather better than he expected and adds that they shouldn't worry about him as he is as safe there as in the states.

Since he believes mail may come to him regularly now, he would enjoy hearing from any Glenwood friends.  His address is:  Arthur John Thieschafer, S/2c, Navy 1240, c/o Fleet Post office, San Francisco, California.

CONFIRM REPORT GARRETT IS ITALIAN PRISONER

The report that Ross Garrett of Company I is held as a prisoner of war in Italy, which was heard in Omaha by short wave last Thursday, was officially confirmed Monday when the following telegram was received.  "Your son, Sergeant Ross B. Garrett, reported a prisoner of war of the Italian government.  Letter follows. Ulio, the Adjutant General, Washington, D.C."

The Garrett family were advised in a telephone message from Frank Royer of Omaha that he had heard last Thursday noon a broadcast from Ross Garrett to his mother, stating he was a prisoner in Italy.  The report was later confirmed in a letter received by Attorney K.R. Cook from his friend, Philip E. Damon, state highway engineer of Ames, who had heard the broadcast.  Letters later came from George E. Bigler of Camden, New Jersey; Scottie Johnson of Wayzata, Minnesota and also one letter came from a party in Canada, who had heard the broadcast.

These persons had the correct serial number of Sergeant Garrett.  The response made by these persons in passing the word along to the family is a fine illustration of the interest of all in all service men.

RICHARDS WHITE ENTERS MARITIME SERVICE

Richard White, son of Mr. and Mrs. Everett White of this city, went on Wednesday to Omaha where Thursday morning he reported for duty with the U.S. Maritime Service.  He will be sent to a merchant Marine training center before being ordered for sea duty.

HOD NOW LIEUTENANT RETURNS TO LONDON

C.B. Hodenfield of Monrovia, California, was visiting old friends here and other points in south-western Iowa.  Mr. Hodenfield reported that his son, Gaylord, better known to many readers of this newspaper as "Hod" who has furnished so many interesting columns of "I's Write" since the boys went into service and who as a sergeant served as news editor of the Stars and Stripes in North Africa, has been advanced to the rank of Second Lieutenant and is being returned to England where he will serve on the staff of Stars and Stripes in London.

LT. COMMANDER SCOINS AND FAMILY HERE

Lt. Commander Dr. W.H. Scoins of the U.S.N.R. has been transferred from the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery at Washington D.C. to Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  He will assist in establishing a base hospital at that place and remain on duty for an indefinite period of time.  He was accompanied by his wife and family and was here the last week with Mrs. Scoins parents, Dr. and Mrs. J.M. Donelan and with her brother's wife and family in Omaha.  They left for Colorado Wednesday morning, March 24.

MAX MYERS RECEIVES WINGS MARCH 10

Glenwood friends have received word of the graduation on March 10 of Max E. Myers from the Army Advanced Flying School at Yuma, Arizona.  He is now at Randolph Field, Texas, where he is taking further instruction after which he will be an instructor in the Advanced Flying School at Yuma.  He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Myers of Sacramento, California, formerly of Glenwood.

LUGSCH ADVANCED TO RANK OF 1ST. SGT.

In a letter written March 3 which arrived in Glenwood Monday March 22 Sgt. William Lugsch of Co. I informs his parents Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lugsch that he is still safe and states that he feels he has been "Pretty Lucky."

In his letter he refers as directly as it is possible for him to the capture of the most of the men of Company I and if you read Ernie Pyle's story in the daily papers Tuesday concerning the digging of safety ditches in the sands of North Africa you will appreciate better what Bill refers to in his letter when he says "A shovel is practically my right hand now."

In the course of his letter he said, "I realize that I have neglected you something terrible in the last month or so, but we have been in fairly warm territory with very little chance to write.  This letter is mostly to let you know that I am alive and in the best of health.  As you probably have noticed, I have received a promotion to 1st Sgt.  I am not at liberty to give you the details on that, anyhow you will very likely find out the reason shortly after you receive this letter.  There is really very little that I have to say.  I have tried several times to sit down and write a letter, but so far haven't gotten one mailed.  This new job has really been keeping me busy, and incidentally has quite a bit more responsibility attached to it.  I am sorry to hear that most of the fellows from home have had the same thing happen to them that happened to Raymond Sietz at least we hope that is what happened and that they are all safe.  It looks like somebody could find out, but from what I hear it is hopeless.  I could really qualify as a foreman on the W.P.A. as many holes as I have dug in the last month.  Remember when I used to hate to scoop a little snow from our driveway.  I might have disliked a shovel then, but a shovel is practically my right hand now.  We are hoping that the mess here in North Africa went last much longer.

I got all the Christmas packages that you sent me, but I lost the whole works.  I am sure hoping that your last package gets here soon, I could sure use it.  So far I have been plenty lucky and I am hoping that old lady luck stays with me."

 
ARTHUR BARNES VISITED WEEK WITH PARENTS

Arthur Barnes has spent the week with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Van F. Barnes.  Arthur has been attending the Signal Corps School which is being conducted by Philso Radio Co., in Philadelphia.  He is to report to the Signal Corps Depot in Harrisburg, Pa., on next Monday, where he will be located indefinitely.

LT. WALKER SENDS COPY OF ARMY PAPER

Lt. Louis E. Walker, son of Lou Walker of this city, who is serving with the Medical Administrative Corps, 72nd General Hospital, Camp Atterbury, Indiana, sends a copy of the newspapers the boys are getting out there which is known as the "Splint Litter."

Lt. Walker says, "This paper is edited and published by the enlisted men during their own free time.  My position with the paper is merely as a commissioned representative, which the boys deemed necessary.  Actually I have very little to do with its editing and printing.  This paper may be published on foreign soil one day in the near future, no one knows for certain, of course."

It is a little four page sheet which one may be sure the boys enjoy and it should serve as a good morale builder.

RADFORD REPORTS SNOW IN NORTH AFRICA

George Radford, who is a veteran of the first world war, is in receipt of a letter from his son, Charles, written February 25 from "somewhere in North Africa," in which he says,

"Well, I'm still kicking.  Maybe its just luck that I am.  We've had it pretty tough since my birthday.

"If you've been following the newspapers, maybe you can follow where we are.

"Don't let anybody tell you it doesn't snow over here.  I nearly froze to death.

"Floyd Hunt is in the hospital.  We probably won't see him for a long time, now.

"Dad, I don't think you had it as rough as we are.  Everybody takes care of himself and send me a bucket of water and I'll be okay."

LYMAN FOSTER LOCATED ON PACIFIC NAVAL BASE

Another former Glenwood boy writes friends that he can be added to the list of those having "Floating" addresses as his address is L.B. Foster, SK 3c, Aviation Overhaul, Navy, 140, care of Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, California.  He writes that he is fine but that he lost considerable weight in crossing the equator, giving the impression that he is now located on some southwest Pacific Naval Base.  Foster, who holds the rank of third class petty officer, following his graduation from the Navy Store Keepers school at Toledo, Ohio, was ordered for duty on a naval base some three months ago.

ROBERT HUNT NOW IN AMARILLO, TEXAS

Robert Hunt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Hunt of this city, who left Glenwood May 28 for Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, is now in the U.S. Army Air Corps, stationed at the Amarillo Army Field at Amarillo, Texas.  He is studying to be a radio operator and  second Gunner.

Robert was selected with six others to take examinations to become an air cadet.

Robert's address is:  Pvt. Robert Hunt, 37480457, 904 T.G., Sq. 41-B, Br. T-13338, Amarillo Army Air Field, Amarillo, Texas.

HAROLD ECHTERNACH ASSIGNED TO SHIP

A letter comes this week from Harold Echternach, giving a new address for his paper.  Harold says, "I have been transferred so often lately that my mail hasn't had a chance to catch up with me.  I am now assigned to my ship so will have this address, at least, as long as there is such a ship."  His address is:  Harold Echternach F 1/c, U.S.S.L.S.T. 475. c/o Fleet Postmaster, San Francisco, California.

ROBINSON HERE FOR BRIEF VISIT WITH FAMILY

Lewis Scott Robinson, third class petty officer in the coast Guard Service, visited briefly in Glenwood Wednesday on his way back to Boston after having spent a short furlough with his wife in Arizona.  Mrs. Robinson, who is teaching in a private school for boys, plans to join him in Boston when school is out providing he is still located there.

NUSS AND DURKEE ARE NOW IN IRAN

Miss Doris Williams was a week end guest in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Nuss near Pacific Junction.  Her fiancé, Gerald Nuss, who is with the army medical corp, it has recently been learned, is in Iran.  He sailed some time ago for an "unknown destination."  Melvin Durkee, another Pacific Junction boy is also stationed with him in Iran.

CARL ELLERMEIER TO RECEIVE HIS COMMISSION

Mrs. Carl Eilermeier, who has been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Steiner, left Wednesday for New London, Connecticut, where Mr. Ellermeier will graduate as a commissioned officer from the United Coast Guard Academy.

Before entering the service he was Superintendent of schools in Glenvil, Nebraska.  Enroute there Mrs. Ellermeier will visit friends in Chicago and her brother, Curtis Steiner in Atlantic City, New Jersey, who is in the air corps.

Page 49

LETTERS FROM MEN IN SERVICE

Writes Optomestic Letter From Australia

Sgt. Paul Phillips who is serving with the Hospital Unit in Australia, better known to Glenwood friends as "Phily" and a former member of the Opinion-Tribune force in a letter written March 7 says:

"Received the papers for January 14 and 28 this week.  Have not received 7 and 21 as yet as well as any of the February papers, but one of these days they will be rolling in.

"I've been in this outfit over a year now and when I first joined it in February last year there wasn't an Iowan in it outside of about five that came into the outfit with me from Casual Detachment at Fort Dix.

"Today there are around fourteen or fifteen Iowans, the nearest to Glenwood coming from Onawa, Blencoe and Earling.  When I first joined this outfit we had quite a time holding our own with the Pennsylvanians and New Yorkers.

"We lost one Iowan to the 19th Portable Hospital which was made up out of this outfit and they were the first group to hike over the Owen Stanley Mountain Range in the New Guinea Campaign.  He was from Belle Plaine, Iowa and is now back in Australia.  All these boys hiked over the range in 35 days and came back by plane in 45 minutes.  Some difference!  Aye what?

I am ok as yet and have a feeling that a few more weeks like that last one in which the air corp did such a nice job on that Jap convoy and I'll be back in Glenwood one of these nice bright days.

 MR. HARTLEY HEARS FROM SON DONEL

Mrs. Ethie Hartley, received a letter from her son, Donel, which he states, I am feeling swell and happy, and hope to be home soon.  Donald's address is Cpl. Donel L. Hartley 20706182, Office Port Commander, APO 516 New York, U.S. Army.

PFC. VIRGIL HUNT RETURNED TO TEXAS

Pfc. Virgil Hunt who spent 14-day furlough in Red Oak with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hunt and friends and relatives here returned to Camp Barkley, Texas Monday evening.

C.F. KILPATRICK LEAVES FOR U.S. NAVY

C.F. Kilpatrick, school superintendent in Glenwood, has received his summons to the U.S. Navy, in which he holds the rank of lieutenant, junior grade.  He is to report in New York City on July 28.  Mr. Kilpatrick's successor in the Glenwood schools has been named by the Board of Education and will be Gerald Bryan, who has been the high school principal.

A dinner in Mr. Kilpatrick's honor was held at his home on Sunday when 35 of his close relatives from Randolph, Malvern, Sidney and Omaha were here.

 

PETE KIER QUALIFIES FOR POLAR BEAR'S CLUB

S.W. Kier, Bkr.. 3/c U.S. Navy, better known here in his old home town at "Pete" writes,

"After having been overboard in the icy north Atlantic and taken a few weeks beating in winter's last effort, we are back on solid ground again for a few days.

"Have been given a honorary membership in the "Chicago Polar Bears Club" after qualifying by slipping off the deck at 6:00 a.m. in sub zero weather with heavy clothing overshoes on.  The getting wet wasn't so bad but having to thaw the clothes off was something Murphy hadn't told me about.

"Would like very much to cook up some chow for Bill Lugsch.  It was quite a coincidence that I had roasted a leg of lamb for the crew the day I read his letter in the paper.

"Was rally getting discouraged with my job until I got to the dreaming point.  I imagined myself back on the farm with the galley in a wagon and the big team trotting cross row across the cornfield.  Now when I fill a dish and have the filling slap me in the face as I bounce against the bulkhead, I grit my teeth, wipe my eyes and curse the helmsman because he never misses a wave.  When I fry meat it is quite a show.  I clamp the skillet on the stove, put in the meat and hold onto the railing while I watch the meat jump and turn each time we hit a wave.

"We will be shoving off soon but so far as we know this address will reach us wherever we go.  S.W. Kier, Bkr. 3/c M.T.B. Ron 11, c-o Postmaster, New York

LAWSON BROTHERS MADE CORPORALS SAME TIME

Corp. Neils Lawson, who is stationed at Great Falls, Montana and Corp. Robert Lawson who is stationed at New River, North Carolina, were both made Corporals at the same time.  They were both made Pfc. together.

FAYE DYKE ARRIVED SAFELY IN ENGLAND

Mrs. Faye Dyke has received word that her husband, Staff Sargeant Faye Dyke has arrived safely in England.  He is with the Army Air Corps, maintenance division.  Mrs. Dyke and small son David live on Pacific Junction R.1

PFC. CECIL BELL RETURNS TO CAMP HAAN CALIF.

Pfc. Cecil Bell, who is stationed at Camp Haan, Calif., came last Monday to spend a five-day leave with his mother and sister and their relatives.  On Wednesday Pfc. Bell, Mrs. Daisy Bell of Glenwood and Mrs. Donald Wirth and two children of Council Bluffs were guests at the Arch Hunt home.  Pfc. Bell returned this week to Camp Haan.

WESLEY AND WAYNE JOHNSON HERE ON TWO-DAY LEAVE

Wesley and Wayne Johnson, U.S. Navy 2/c Seamen, twin sons of Mr. and Mrs. Alias Johnson spent two days leave here Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12, having been on sea duty on the U.S.S. Lexington.

Guests in the Johnson home Friday evening were Mrs. Wayne Johnson; Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hasselquist and baby Karen; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Jamison and Connie Sue; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Danielson, daughters, Beatrice and Marlyn; Earl Johnson and daughter Linnea; Normn Kruse; Calvin Dietchler and Keith Haynie.

The two boys left early Sunday morning, June 13, for Boston where they resumed their duties U.S.S. Lexington.

MRS. ELIZA IRBY HEARS FROM HER SON RALPH

Mrs. Eliza Irby, received a letter from her son, Ralph Wednesday morning, saying in part, just a line to let you know I am in best of health.

Ran onto an Omaha World-Herald the other day which had a picture of and story of Delmar Wiley, also found a fellow who bunks next to me that lives in Omaha.  His address is Corp. Ralph W. Irby, Btry, B. 1st Bn 12th Mar. c/o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.

CPL. ELVIN BIRD HERE ON FURLOUGH

Cpl. Elvin Bird, arrived in Glenwood Tuesday morning for a fifteen days visit with his mother, Mrs. Grace Bird and family.

Elvin, who has a technicians rating in the motor division is stationed at the Stockton Ordinance Dept., Stockton, California, which is near San Francisco, and is his first furlough since entering the service last September.

SGT. REX YORK ARRIVED HERE WEDNESDAY EVENING

Sgt. Rex York arrived in Glenwood Wednesday evening, from San Francisco, Calif., where he will have a month furlough with his wife and baby Jacquelyn and other relatives here.

LYNN BOYCE MOVES TO DURHAM, N.C.

Lynn Boyce, who has been stationed in Miami, Florida for several months has recently been transferred to Durham, North Carolina, Mrs. Boyce and the children have moved there, with him.  The address is Physical Training Duke University, Durham, N.C.

EARL MCCLARY IS STATIONED IN TEXAS

Mr. and Mrs. Earl McClary received a letter from their son, Pvt. Gene McClary in which he tells them he is stationed at North Camp Hood, Texas.  After he completes his basic training he will take a special training.

Gene would like o hear from all his friends.  His address is, Pvt. Earl E. McClary, Co. A126-T.D.T. B-4th Blt. 1st regt. T.D.-R.T.C., North Camp Hood, Texas.

MARLIN YOUNG JR. TRANSFERRED TO OKLA.

Marlin T. Young Jr. S 2/c, having completed training at the U.S. Naval Training School at Farragut, Idaho, has been transferred to Norman, Oklahoma for a 7 months schooling in the Technical Engineers of the Naval Air Corp.  Marlin is very happy to receive the Training as he has had 7 months previous experience in the War Departments Experimental Division at Wright and Patterson Field, Dayton, Ohio.

SGT. CHARLES RADFORD WRITES FROM AFRICA

Mr. and Mrs. George Radford received a letter from their son, Sgt. Charles Radford from North Africa saying,

Dear Folks,

Had a pretty swell 4th.  We had ice cream and peach cobbler for dinner.  We went to Tunis in the afternoon to see a baseball game.  Our old regiment beat us 7 to 6.

Floyd Hunt came back from the hospital after being gone for five months.  He looks pretty good.  LaVern is still gone so you see he wasn't just scratched.

Hunt saw Miles Reazer in Oran.  He's been in the hospital eight months for a triple fracture of the leg.  I think he's in a non-combatant unit now.

Sgt. Charles Radford.

LT. CECIL M. KARR WRITES OF ENJOYING PAPER

Dear Editor:

I have begun to receive the Opinion-Tribune paper regularly and certainly appreciate having the opportunity to gain information concerning the home town and the many friends of that community.  I was glad to know how well most of the boys from that vicinity had progressed in serving their country in the various fields of service.

My experiences have been many and very interesting but of course I am prohibited from writing about them.  We men in the service over here realize that you people are doing your part by the many sacrifices you are making in order to supply our needs.  These supplies are absolutely essential to insure our victory so keep up the fine work.

My A.P.O. number has been changed to 528 instead of 700 and the change will speed up delivery of the paper which I enjoy very much to read.  I send my respects to all.  It's very hot here already reaching around 130 degrees at the 3rd of July.  Sincerely, Lt. Cecil M. Karr, Co. A. 909 Air Base Security, A.P.O. 528 c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.

MAYOR SIETZ LEAVES FOR DAYTON, OHIO

Major Charles R. Seitz paid a 3 hour visit to his home town, arriving Tuesday morning and leaving Wednesday evening.  He has been at Westover Field, Mass., and is transferring to Patterson Field, near Dayton, Ohio.  Mrs. Seitz accompanied him by automobile to his next post.  Staying with Miss Verla Seitz at their home here is Mrs. Marvin Seitz, whose husband Lt. Seitz is on maneuvers in Louisiana.  Lt. Seitz contemplates changing to the Air Force branch of the service soon.

LA VERN HUNT TO TAKE RECRUIT TRAINING

LaVern William Hunt, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Hunt, Glenwood, Iowa, arrived at Farragut, Idaho, second largest U.S. Naval Training Station last week to begin his recruit training.

His time for the next few weeks will be occupied in learning the fundamentals of seamanship, military discipline, and undergoing a thorough physical training.  He will also get his first contact with boats on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille,  beside which Farragut is located.

At the conclusion of his recruit training, he will be given an opportunity to qualify for one of the Navy's service schools for additional specialized training in a field which he has chosen.

PETTY OFFICER JORGENSEN HOME

3rd Class Petty Officer George E. Jorgensen Jr., of the United States Navy arrived in Council Bluffs last Monday morning from Brooklyn, New York to spend a few days with his wife and parents, Mr. and Mrs. George E. Jorgensen of Pacific Junction.

He arranged this furlough as a surprise, not letting anyone know he was coming home until he phoned his wife upon arriving in Council Bluffs.  He, in turn, was surprised to learn that his brother, Aviation Machinists Mae, Wayne Warren Jorgensen, who is stationed in Chicago, Ill., was home on a 15-day furlough.

Petty Officer Jorgensen left Thursday night to return to Brooklyn where he reported for duty Saturday noon.

STILES SECOND HIGHEST IN CLASS OF 56 SAILORS

R.W. Stiles, Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class, of Council Bluffs, was second highest man in a class of 56 sailors who were graduated recently from the Aerial Free Gunnery Training School at the U.S. Naval Air Station, San Diego.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Rolfe Edward Stiles of 15 South Eighth St., Council Bluffs, the sailor made a score of 92.7 in the course.  He was trained in the operation and maintenance of machine-guns carried by Navy war planes.

Stiles was graduated from Glenwood, Iowa high school in 1941, where he was a football player, trackman, and member of the school glee club.  After enlisting in the Navy on Sept. 23, 1942, he was sent to the Aviation Machinist's Mate School at Norman, Okla., for technical training. 

D. BARBOUR PROMOTED TO TECHNICAL SERGEANT

Darrel E. Barbour, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Barbour of Pacific Junction, Iowa, has recently been promoted from Staff Sergeant to the grade of Technical Sergeant according to an announcement by the authorities at the Army Air Forces Proving Ground Command at Elgin Field, Florida.

Technical Sergeant Barbour has been in the Army since August, 1940.

The tremendous increase in Army personnel has created a great opportunity for men who can prove themselves capable of holding the ranks of non-commissioned officers.

Page 50

LEONARD BATEMAN COOK IN CO. I WRITES

Miss Pauline Sweeney receives letter from Sgt. Leonard Bateman of Company I, 168th Infantry, North Africa,

North Africa

June 2, 1943

Dear Pauline,

Just got another V-Mail from you.  Thanks, Keep them coming.  I've been writing quite a few letters lately, trying to catch up.  You don't have much time while at the front or at least, you're not exactly in the mood.  Artillery disturbs my train of thought.

Yes, Brother Carl is okay.  Can do a good job of cooking if he has to.  He's not very happy about the war.  Thinks he wants to get home to the girl friend.  None of us fell to well about it.  I'm getting older by the minute, the hair is getting a little thin.  Store teeth might be needed soon.

I read all about Delmar Wiley in the Glenwood paper last night.  Quite an experience, I'd say.  He's lucky to be alive today.  He must be very popular around home.

I went to the Memorial service last Sunday.  Felt it was my duty.  Company "I" has suffered more than all the rest of the battalion.  Have had about twenty killed in action.  God knows how many are missing.  Five of the original company have been killed.  I think you knew Harold Kidwell pretty well.  Hated to see him go as he was a good guy.  Everett Kisby was hit in the leg.  He will get well though may be a little crippled for the rest of his life.

Don't know when we will see action again.  I hope never, somebody has to do it.  This world must be freed of the tyrants who try to take the liberties of other countries away from them.  They say this is not our war, but it is just the same.  Too many good innocent people have suffered.  Remember how the Greeks are being treated.  Americans are known and respected all over the world, even by our enemies.  Little kids hold up their fingers in the form of a V and cheer us.  "American good" they say as you go by.  One little boy who was hit in the head by shrapnel came up to me and shook hands saying "Comrade" Who wouldn't fight for people like that.  The French are very friendly.  Will give you anything they have, even to the bread from their own table.  They are rationed to a loaf a day for a family of three.  Not much, I'd say.

Well, Pauline, write and tell me all about yourself and about what goes on back home.  Give my regards to the family.

PVT. MCDOWELL TO FORT CROOK FOR TREATMENT

Pvt. William McDowell and wife are home on an 8-day furlough from the Army Air Base, Richmond, Va., due to back injury he was extended a longer leave and is now at Fort Crook for treatment.

BOYS WHO LEFT JULY 1ST AT CAMP ROBERTS, CALIF.

The following boys who left for service July 1st are located at the Infantry Replacement Training Center for basic training at Camp Roberts, Calif.  They are Burl Junior Krecklow, Robert L. Barkus, Arthur Surber, Wayne D. Bomer, Harold Radford, Edward Trimmer and Elwin Hayes.

CPL. SHOENING WRITES FROM NORTH AFRICA

Cpl. Fred J. Schoening in a recent letter to the newspaper tells of the things they would like to do to the coal strikers.  The letter was written June 24, from North Africa.

Dear Editor:

It is discouraging and sorrowful to hear of the coal crisis back in the states at a time like this and to hear that defense plants may have to shut down because they lack the fuel that creates weapons for victory.

I wish those coal miners and especially Mr. Lewis were over here.  I would like to show them around.  I would show them the many flanders fields where our buddies dies in the sleep of eternal peace.  I would show them the rows of beds in the hospitals where the men lie with broken hearts and bodies.

You want an increase in pay; perhaps the cost of living is high back home.  But you still can see the sidewalks of New York; the statute of Liberty; the mountains and hills and fields of Virginia and Maryland and the green forests of Vermont and Maine.  You can hear the roar of subways, swim in sparkling lakes, go to a movie when you please.

We left all that behind to drive ambulances, jeeps and trucks, pilot planes and sweat out shells and bullets.  We smashed them at Attu, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Tunis and Bizerta.  Now we're preparing for the final blow.  Many more of us will never see home again but we'll die smiling because we know that America is free and will stay free.

Mr. Lewis and you miners:  You have sons and brothers and friends sleeping in the ground here, their bodies facing toward home.  You never saw them when they clenched their hands in pain and agony and prayed to God to relieve their suffering.  You never saw the doctors and nurses hopelessly trying to mend broken bodies.  We did.

Everyone of you back home must help us.  I pray to God you will

Cpl. Fred J. Schoening

PICNIC HELD SUNDAY HONORING SGT. TERRY

A family picnic was held Sunday honoring Sgt. Leonard Terry who spent 15 days here with his wife and relatives.  Sgt. Terry left July 25th for Yuma, Arizona, where he is taking desert training.

ROY SEEGER TRANSFERED TO CAMP CROWDER, MO.

Roy Seeger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Seeger has been transferred from Amarillo, Tex., to 17131731 Co. C. 35th Fig. Tng. Bn. C.S.C, R.T.C. Camp Crowder, Missouri.

CECIL HARRIS NOW AT FORT LEWIS, WASH.

Word has been received here that Pfc. Cecil Harris, who has been stationed at Camp Adair has been transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington.  His new address is 381st Inf., APO 96, AT Co., ASN 37267566, Fort Lewis, Washington.

DR. WARD DEYOUNG WRITE FROM ENGLAND

A letter from Dr. Ward A. DeYoung written from England to the Opinion-Tribune, tells about things he has been doing over there.  They are in part:

Dear Hazel:

I have received no copies of the paper to date so I know only notations on  home news passed on to me in letters.  Judd worked in the Safeway and made many observations and a lot of new friends but he was so busy with his playing that he did not take the time to transmit his news on to me.  Leaving his work was the only objection he had to going to Sangatuck for the summer.  I appreciate his efforts in Keeping up with bank account.

You know all of the home news so I will go on with a few notes on what we have been doing over here.  This is a very peaceful setting and we would not know that a war is on without the brief British Broadcasts and Stars and Stripes.  You know more of what is happening than we do.

Attended a three day meeting of the British Tuberculosis Society i Oxford last week and took time off to visit their colleges.  Some twenty colleges make up the University of Oxford and all of these beautiful buildings date back three hundred and more years.  I sat in the garden of St. John's for a while to absorb some sunshine.  The gardens are kept up in spite of their great lack of employees and are lovely.  The old buildings are very weather-beaten and the floors at the entrances are worn by so many years of constant traffic.  Workmen were reconstructing some of the gargoyles.  Sandbags protect the bases at more important points.  They have been fortunate in not having any bombings and it is becoming less likely that they will be subjected to any since Jerry is needed on his own front now.

Went to London Saturday afternoon to stay at the Red Cross Jules Club for Officers Jules is just off Piccadilly Circus in Westminister, at the west end of the London area.  Attended the theatre and walked myself around to see the effects of some of the damage.  Night life is very active and would appear quite normal if there were not the absolute black-out precautions.  Sunday afternoon we visited the slums of White Chapel a mile or more from Piccadilly and here we found entire blocks of old buildings had been destroyed.  Note, please, that the old buildings had been bombed and the fine new structures were not touched.  My friend was  a Jewish restaurant to have a Kosher meal of gefeitefish.  Correct my spelling, please.  He informed me that while the owner was at the door, the food was Kosher but that "when the old boy leaves, anything goes."  We also visited one of the synagogues where they were preparing for a wedding.  That is one religious edifice where you keep your hat on if you want to go to Heaven.

The subway system is marvelous.  Fast trains, excellent directive service, and the short trips we made were "tupence rides."  You ask how far a place might be and the reply is a "a tupence rides" or "a thrupence ride from here."  The subway is a couple of hundred feet down and two escalators carry one down.  Each one must be a hundred feet long and I just know you would get your money's worth going up and down the escalators.  They have the old banister beat.  Next time I get down there, I will take in in the trips and see the sights all the soldier boys write about.  You know them all by this time after printing many letters from our boys.

Getting to the end of my V. Carry on, old tops.

Ward A. De Young

BILL LUGSCH WRITES FROM NORTH AFRICA

In a letter to his parents here, Mr. and Mrs. William Lugsch, Bill tells about the big show over there.  The letter in part dated July 10, mailed July 14 and received here July 24,

Dear Folks:

Here it is Saturday night, I suppose the old town is packed with people and I'll bet you can almost tell you the subject of the conversation around the square tonight.  Things are breaking just a shade but the big show is yet to come.  The chances are darn good, that you know more about what is going on then we do.  We will probably find out what actually happened in a day or two, I know just what the boys are going through who are over there sweating it out.

We should have a bunch of those coal miners over here to see what it feels like to have something else to worry about besides the wages and hours, I'll guarantee there would be very few strikes from now on.  When I even think of it, it makes me sick inside to think there are guys dying and getting shot for just such no good so called Americans as they are, maybe some day they will take an inventory of themselves and see just how small they really are.  The trouble is it isn't only them that are no good.  There are plenty of others who are reaping profits and are in general no good.  It just plain gripes my soul then I think about those kind of guys sitting over there doing the most gripping and yowling for a 2nd front without once thinking what it takes to even think about starting such an operation.

Don't get me wrong I realize that there is a big majority of the people who are doing everything they can to get this war over as soon as possible so I guess those are the type of people we should think of when the going gets a little rugged.

I haven't been receiving too much mail lately I don't know what is wrong.  I have blamed it on the heat back there and let it go at that.

We have a German motorcycle in the outfit.  I have gotten so I can turn the thing wrong side out, it is a darn good machine, we have a lot of fun out of it and it comes in handy to have around.

So long,

Bill

CLYFTON VEST VISITS PARENTS IN JUNCTION

Lt. and Mrs. Clyfton F. Vest are visiting in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vest in Pacific Junction this week.

Lt. Vest graduated from Pacific Junction high school in 1936 entering the Armed Forces in 1941 being stationed at Jefferson Bks.  Missouri until he was accepted for Officers Candidate School in April.

Having attended the Officers Candidate School for Ordinance and completing this course at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., is being stationed at Fort Crook, Nebr.

CHET HARRISON HERE ON FURLOUGH

Cpl. Chet Harrison, of Florence, South Carolina arrived Tuesday morning on a furlough with his mother, Mrs. Carl Harrison and other relatives.  Chet is a radioman in the Air Corp.

CAPT. KIRKENDALL INJURED IN NORTH AFRICA JULY 8

Word has been received by Mrs. D.E. Van Pelt that her nephew, Capt. Kirkendall, suffered injuries while operating with the Air Force out of North Africa on July 7.  Capt. Kirkendall's plane was escorting a group of bombers when they were attacked by ten German planes.  Capt. Kirkendall bailed out of his plane after the engine died and spent two hours on his rubber raft in the Mediterranean, until he was rescued by a boat.  He was found to have a broken knee cap and cuts and bruises and will be in the hospital for two months.

LT. DODDER GRADUATED WITH COMMISSION

Among the aviation cadets who were graduated on Wednesday, July 28, in formal exercises at the Blytheville, Ark.  Army Air Field with commissions of second lieutenants was Edward L. Dodder, who before his enlistment in the Air Force, was a chiropractor at Muscatine, Iowa.  Lt. Dodder is now rated as a pilot of a twin-engine bomber.  He has been sent to Smyrna, Tenn., to begin training for a pilot of a four-engine bomber.  Lt. Dodder's mother, Mrs. J.C. Bussanmas, returned to Glenwood Friday from witnessing his graduation.

BURWYN GREENWOOD WRITES FROM NEW GUINEA

Burwyn Greenwood writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Greenwood from New Guinea, Burwyn has been there since January, he says that he had been promoted from Platoon Sgt. to Staff Sergeant.  Some of the natives can speak a little English as some of the younger ones were educated at the Mission before the war.  He said you would get a kick out of seeing the natives.  The women wear only skirts and the men either breech, clouts or a sort of shirt, most of them wear bracelets or bands on their legs and arms.  These are mostly made of braided grass.

The smaller children wear no things.  It looks funny to see some old natives go stalking up the road carrying nothing except maybe a spear and having 4 or 5 wives trailing behind him carrying loads that would break a pack horse's back.

He ends by saying some of the folks who are always griping about ration cards should have to go thru a little of what us fellows have.  I'm not griping though, I'm glad to be able to do my part.

WALTER HUBBELL HAVE THREE SONS IN SERVICE

Charles Franklin Hubbell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hubbell left Monday afternoon for an Army reception center.  There are now three sons of Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell in the armed forces.  Mrs. Hubbell has a son for a former marriage in the armed forces somewhere in Canada.  Private First Class Clarence Hubbell is in Arizona.