Mills County, Iowa
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WILMA WILLIAMS FUCHS SCRAPBOOK
World War II Era Articles
These beautiful articles were generously donated by Wilma Fuchs in 1999.
PAGE 7
COMPANY I BOYS WOULD LIKE TO BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Boys of Co. I write of life over there in letter to Opinion-Tribune, Praise Home Guard September 6, 1942
Dear Wayne:
We have been sitting around the orderly tent for the last few nights sort of talking over old times, and have decided that you haven't heard from us for quite some time so we thought we should let you know at least we are still alive.
We have really been having quite a time here lately. We have been on what the army calls a 7 day week, but in reality it is an 8 day week and 26 hour day. We haven't had much chance to do much running around. It sure does make
letter writing touch, there is really very little to write about.
Is Maxwell Homesick?
Red Maxwell says that he sure would like to have that northeast paper route and the 85 cents a week. In fact he says he would gladly do it on the double and in his spare time. We sometimes wonder if maybe he doesn't like it here
across the waters and that he would rather be home. We can't imagine anybody wanting to go home. If the truth was known we are all in the same boat. We are hoping that some of these predictors are right about this war being over
by Christmas.
Co. I Has Swing Band
We have sort of a string band in the company now and they really do all right as morale builders. They can play anything from the best hillbilly music to the intest swing music. The band consists of an accordion, fiddle, guitar
and banjo and they can really play them. Nights when we are sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves they strike up a tune and we usually forget about all of our troubles and really have a jam session. They usually keep the
whole battalion awake, but it doesn't seem to bother anyone so they keep playing. The boys who do all of the playing are selectees who were transferred to Co. I just before we left the states. All of them are a very fine bunch
of fellows. They come from all parts of the U.S., some from Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Georgia and New York. Every now and then we have to fight the Civil War over, but us Northerners usually come
out on top. I don't know whether it is the fact that there are more of us or whether we can talk the longest. Incidentally, they are always verbal battles.
Proud of Home Guard
We have heard what a swell showing the Home Guard Company has made at Camp this year and we certainly are proud of them. We think they are a swell bunch and know that they are just as good as everybody says they are. We are
hoping they will keep up the good work and sometime when they are working the hardest think of us. We have also heard what they are doing for us and believe me we haven't words to express our appreciation and only hope that we
deserve all that they and the people of Glenwood are doing for us. Maybe someday we can say thanks in person, we hope that won't be too long.
We realize that you folks back there are having quite a bit of trouble with the rationing and everything. We certainly hope that it doesn't have to get too bad. It is bound to hurt all of the businesses, we often wonder just
how everybody is getting along. All of the letters that we get lead us to believe that everything is going just as it was before we left but we know that you people are having a lot to put up with. You are all trying to buy
as many War Bonds as possible and give to every little charity that comes along. It is bound to keep everybody on the jump to make ends meet. We are hoping that you won't worry too much about us. We have had training that
really enables us to take care of ourselves, and we have been practicing it for a good long time.
The training we have received has been of the best and by instructors who know what they are talking about. We have taken the training much more seriously than ever before and have really been working hard. When this bunch
is turned loose against our friend to the east of us he will think he is fighting a buzz saw. Most of us have promised our folks we would be home by Christmas and we just can't let them down.
Parks to the Rescue
During one of the day problems that he had the 1st Sgt. (Hubbell) climbed over a fence and noticed there was a peat bog on the other side so he stepped on over it, some little fellow from Pittsburg came along right behind him
and stepped right in it. He let out a little squeal and Hubbell looked around and could see nothing of him but the top of his helmet sticking out of the mud. Sgt. Burl Parks and his runners came along and pulled him out.
He was really a mess. The peat bogs here are really bad. These people dig in them and let them alone for some time at least until grass is grown over them and while running through one of these fields several of the boys
have fallen in to their necks. It is always a pleasant experience.
Visit Historic Castle
There is an old castle near the camp and several of us have visited it. It really is an old place. I think it dates back to 1700. The family still lives in it. Of course it has been modernized some since that time, but
mainly it is the same as it was in the olden days. It is one of those old feudal castles that we all have read about in history books. The furniture is something that would drive an antique hunter crazy. The first room has
two fireplaces one on each side of the room with rifles and spears mounted in a complete circle. Inside that circle they have the bayonets mounted in a smaller circle. They told us that all of the rifles and spears had all
been in use at some time or another and that they are all still in working order. It was really an interesting place, we could have spent all day or so and never have seen it all.
Well Wayne that is about all we can think of for this time. Be sure and tell all the boys in the home guard that we really appreciate what they and the people of Glenwood are doing for us and we will make it up to them soon.
So Long and Lots of Luck to Everybody,
THE BOYS OF COMPANY "I"
P.S. Tell everybody to write.
DRAKE ADVANCED TO RANK OF MAJOR
William B. Drake, Glenwood attorney who while in the Iowa State University has enrolled in Reserve Officers Training Corps from which he emerged with a commission of second lieutenant and who entered active service about two
years ago, has been advanced to the rank of major according to a telegram received here by his wife in Wednesday. Upon entering service Lieut. Drake was first stationed in California and later transferred to southern camps
and advanced to the rank of first lieutenant. On February 15 he was ordered to Fort Belvoir in Virginia for a three months' course of intensive training in advanced engineering after which course of instruction he received
his captain's commission.
He was then ordered to Fort Knox in Kentucky where he is now stationed as division engineer, 53rd Armored Engineers Battalion. With his being advanced to the rank of major he was also temporarily placed in command of the
battalion as its commanding officer. Colonel Bauer is at present in the hospital.
MRS. W.E. SLEZAK JOINS HUSBAND IN OKLAHOMA
Mrs. William E. Slezak, who visited this week with her sister-in-law and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Williard Wollenhaupt in Wayne, Nebr., was entertained at a luncheon given in her honor there Tuesday. On Wednesday she received
a wire from her husband, Lt. William E. Slezak, who is now stationed at Muskogee, Okla., and she returned to Glenwood Wednesday evening. She was joined in Omaha by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gray who accompanied her here to the
home of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. G.R. Estes and Mrs. Gray left with her on the midnight bus going as far as Sidney where she will visit over the weekend with Mrs. Lawrence Pease while Mrs. Slezak continued on to Oklahoma to
join her husband at Muskogee, where they will make their home while he is stationed there.
REX YORK ENLISTS IN U.S. MARINES
Rex York, who enlisted in the U.S. Marines several weeks ago, has been called into active service, reporting in Omaha on Tuesday morning. He expects to be sent to the Marine Corps base near San Diego, Calif.
FORMER GLENWOOD BOY PROMINENT IN SERVICE
John M. Hamilton, son of the late Charles P. Hamilton, veteran Glenwood barber, is visiting in this vicinity for a week, being the house guest of his cousin Mrs. H.L. Bouquette in Pacific Junction. Young Mr. Hamilton has
been a merchant seaman the last five years, and so important is his work that he is deferred from military service and has had his wages doubled since the war began to keep him sailing. He has made several trips to Europe,
but in recent times has sailed mainly to South America and has developed into a fluent Spanish linquist. On several trips, his boat has carried soldiers and equipment to points in the Caribbean. He has operated on a tanker
the last few months. He witnessed submarine attacks on the fleet of tankers with which he was traveling and saw several sister boats sunk. Mr. Hamilton, who wears the uniform of the U.S. Maritime Service, had training at
New London, Conn., and maintains his headquarters in New York.
WARREN STONE SENDS NEW TYPE SERVICE LETTER
Mrs. J.F. Stone this week received one of the new type overseas letters from her son, Warren, who is stationed with the troops in Great Britain. The letter is typewritten and then reduced by a special process to what is known
as a microfilm. The development which arrived here was 4 1/4 by 5 1/4 inches.
The letters are so small they can scarcely be read without a magnifying glass. This new type of correspondence has been made available to the boys in order to reduce the mail in bulk and weight.
Warren says, "This is called "V ..." mail. It is next to air mail in delivery. Let me know when you receive it." The letter had been written June 21. He further says, "Things over here must be agreeing with me. I am
putting on some weight and am putting on some weight and am feeling fine. There is only one thing wrong. I can't seem to get enough sleep. The days are so long."
HARRY NIEMOLLER ON U.S.S. KANAWHA
A letter was received by the Opinion-Tribune this Thursday morning from Harry Harlan Niemoller who is on board the U.S.S. Kanawha somewhere in the Pacific. It was written June 10 and was a brief note which simply stated that
he wanted his friends around Glenwood to know that he was feeling fine and in good spirits.
While Harry doesn't say so, there is no doubt but what he would appreciate word from his friends back here. His address is Harry Harlan Niemoller, S 1-c, U.S.S. Kanawha, U.S.N., Care of Postmaster, San Francisco, Calif.
There is another Mills county boy, Glen Robertson, of Silver City, who is also stationed on this same boat according to word received this week by his mother, Mrs. Lillie Robertson of Silver City.
SOLDIER PRAISES RED CROSS WORK
In a letter to Mrs. F.V. Kemp, Wayne Fasnacht who recently entered military service and who is now stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, says, "You know I never thought much about the Red Cross work until I came down here.
You and all the others who give freely so much of your own time and money to the Red Cross have as much right to call yourselves soldiers as do the fellows who shoulder arms. It is your effort and work that bridges the gap
between this and home. Your work reaches far into every branch of the service. It covers everything that has been neglected by every one else. Just the knowledge that the Red Cross is waiting, ready to serve and help us
no matter what the reason, gives us all a feeling of security.
I like this camp fine and hope that I will be stationed here indefinitely. Nearly all of the fellows who have been to other camps say this one is better than the average.
I spent last Friday evening with Vic Downing. I ate supper there and then they took me sightseeing and then to a show.
FRANK BROADFIELD IS AT CAMP PICKETT
Mrs. Beatrice Broadfield is in receipt of a letter this week from her son, Frank Broadfield, who left here recently for service with the U.S. armed forces, stating that he is now stationed with the field artillery at Camp
Pickett, Virginia. He writes that this is a new camp, still in the process of construction, and that he likes the army life in this lovely Virginia country.
Frank's address for the present is Pvt. Frank A. Broadfield, Battery A, 904 F. A. Br., APO 79, Camp Pickett, Virginia.
FRANK BROADFIELD HAS BEEN MADE CORPORAL
Mrs. Beatrice Broadfield has just received word from her son, Frank, who is stationed with the U.S. Army forces at Camp Blanding, Florida, that he has been advanced to the rank of Corporal. This advancement so soon after
his entrance in the service is a recognition of his ability which all his friends will be glad to hear he has received.
PAGE 8
MAJOR SEITZ IT IS BUT "CAP" SEITZ HE IS TO HOME FOLKS
Many friends Eagerly Sought Opportunity To Greet Popular Military Man During His Visit In Home Town
It is now Major R. Seitz of the U.S. Army Air Force but to folks here in the old home town who eagerly sought the opportunity to shake hands with him and exchange a few words of greetings during a hurried week end visit here,
he is and always will be "Cap Seitz," he having spent so many years as captain of the National Guard Unit in which so many of the boys of this community have been trained for military service.
Major and Mrs. Seitz and daughter, Verla, arrived in Glenwood Thursday, and Maj. Seitz left this Monday to resume his duties with the Army Air Force at Ogden, Utah. The family came at this time for a reunion with their younger
son, Marvin, who has just been commissioned second lieutenant and is en-route to Camp Gruber, Oklahoma.
June is a favored month in the army annals of the Seitz family. The father was promoted to his present rank of Major on June 3 of this year, and received his initial commission of second lieutenant on June 20, 1918. His elder
son, Raymond, now reported missing in action in the Philippines, was commissioned lieutenant on June 1, 1941, and the younger son, Marvin, was made an officer at Ft. Benning, Ga. on June 15 of this year.
It was in June of 1911 that the Major, then a private in the ranks of Company L, United State Infantry Unit with which he had enlisted for Ft. Shafter, Honolulu in the Hawaiian Islands. There he served for seven years working
his way up to Corporal, Sergeant. 1st Sergeant, and Regimental Supply Sergeant. When the war clouds gathered over Europe in first World War, he was assigned to the Third Officers Training Camp at Schoffield Barracks in Hawaii
where he received his commission as Second Lieutenant and upon this country's entrance into the conflict, he was returned to the States and assigned to duty as instructor serving at various officers training camps throughout
the United States.
MARVIN SEITZ WRITES FROM FT. BENNING, GA.
Mrs. H.I. Kier received a letter today, Monday from Marvin Seitz, who has been attending an Officers training school at Fort Benning, Georgia. He and Wm. E. Slezak are each in training there. Their training closes June 14 at
which time they are to be given a brief furlough to visit their respective home folks.
He writes that out of their class of 200, it is expected that only a very few will fail to pass creditably. He expects to spend his furlough visiting the old home town. His father, Captain Seitz, who is stationed in Utah,
will endeavor to get a leave of absence and visit him here. His mother and sister will also meet him here. He hopes to be in Glenwood by June 16.
At the close of the World War having risen to the rank of First Lieutenant, he returned to Glenwood and resigned his commission but he was not out of military life long for soon thereafter Company I 168th Infantry, I.N.G. was
organized here and on October 2, 1920, he entered its ranks as Second Lieutenant. On February 17, 1928, he was commissioned as Captain of the Company which he commanded when they left here for Camp Claiborne, La.
February 29, 1941.
On March 27 of that year the men of his Company presented him with a watch in commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of his entrance into military service. He was later transferred from the Company command shortly before
its departure to Camp Dix, New Jersey, being transferred to a position of equal rank in the Air Corps and assigned to duty at Ogden, Utah. He, at that time held the distinction of having the longest period of uninterrupted
service with the regiment of any officer in the 168th Iowa Infantry.
Mrs. Seitz and daughter will remain for time, at least, in Glenwood as the Major thinks it likely that he will be sent to an unknown destination in the very near future.
LT. MARVIN SEITZ HERE ON FURLOUGH
Lt. Marvin Seitz, son of Major and Mrs. Charles R. Seitz, spent the week end in Glenwood with relatives and friends. Marvin, who has been stationed at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, for the past several months, left Monday for Ft.
Benning, Georgia, where he will enter advanced training in the operation of large guns and cannons.
RUSSEL CHEYNEY NOW A MASTER SERGEANT
Word has been received here that Sgt. Russel Cheyney has been promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant.
Russel, the son of Mrs. P.G. Cheyney, was a member of Company I at the time of the company's departure for Louisiania. Last November, Russel received his discharge from the company and returned to Glenwood.
Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Russell reenlisted and hoped to return to his old company, but was sent to Fort Leonard-Wood, Missouri, with Co "M" of the 63rd Infantry.
At the present time Russell is with his company on maneuvers some twenty miles west of Nashville, Tennessee. In his letter, he says that part of the 63rd was sent to Chicago, the past week, on strike duty. At the time the
letter was written, they were on the alert, with no one being permitted to leave the company area, and the men who hauled the water, were not allowed to leave the truck.
HAROLD ECHTERNACH GOES TO GREAT LAKES STATION
Harold Echternach, well known Glenwood boy, and son of Mr. and Mrs. William Echternach, who enlisted some ten days ago in the U.S. Navy, reports for duty this Thursday afternoon at the Omaha station. He will entrain this
evening for the Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago.
SGT. BUCKINGHAM SENDS COLLECTION OF FOREIGN GIFTS
Unique Display of Brazillian and African handmade articles in Jamison Store window.
One of the most interesting collections of handiwork ever brought to Glenwood is being displayed this week in the window of the D.G. Jamison store.
This collection belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Buckingham residing south of Glenwood. They received this valuable and rare collection from their son Staff Sgt. Eugene Buckingham, with the Ferry Command of the United States
Air Corps stationed at Natal, Brazil.
Eugene, in his work has made frequent trips to various parts of the South American continent as well as Africa. On these trips he has acquired various works of art of the natives of both continents. Among these are beautiful
hand carved chests of various sizes, inlaid with rare woods native to that country.
One of the most unique articles in the entire collection is the glass topped serving tray the gorgeous design under the glass being formed of butterfly wings. Other interesting articles in this collection are the money belt
and bill folds made from snake skin as well as two huge snake skins, one being between sixteen and eighteen feet long. The longer of these snake skins has the texture of well tanned leather. Also among the more beautiful
articles is a scarf of gorgeous colors which Eugene got on one of his trips to Egypt.
Probably among the most valuable of the articles is the fork and spoon of ivory carved from elephants tusks. He also included in the collection a box of Brazilian cigars of a brand which would retail in this country for
50c apiece.
It is hard to estimate the value of this collection because many of the articles are unobtainable in this country. Those who have not seen the display should endeavor to do so as it will be in the Jamison store window the
rest of this week.
WAYNE BUCKINGHAM KILLS ALLIGATOR IN BRAZIL
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Buckingham are in receipt of a letter from their son, Staff Sgt. Eugene Buckingham, who is with the Air Transport Command in Brazil.
In this letter, Eugene tells of going hunting into the deep jungles of South America with a buddy and had the hunting luck of killing three alligators.
SCHNECKLOTH LOCATED ON STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.
Mrs. Earl Schneckloth writes her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Mintle, that she and Mr. Schneckloth, who is in the Coast Guard service, have taken an apartment at 162 Beach Street, Stapleton, Staten Island, N.Y., and
that Mr. Schneckloth is able to be at home about two-thirds of his free hours. She has taken employment in a store in New York City.
VERN JOHNSON IS NOW IN HAWAII
Pacific Junction boy writes interestingly of people and mode of life on Pacific Island
Vern Johnson, who is with the armed forces in Hawaii, writes interestingly of the people and their mode of life there, in a letter to his father, Ed Johnson, of Pacific Junction.
"This is quite a place outside of the mosquitoes, flies and sandburrs," he says.
"People over here go barefooted and their is about nine or ten kids in each family and four or five dogs.
"The houses do not have chimneys as it never gets cold and they have no use for stoves except to cook with. Coconuts and bananas are sure plentiful. There is a stalk or two of bananas in each barracks.
"There is another kind of fruit over here called 'pipies.' They grow on trees and look and taste something like muskmelons.
"So you see we don't worry much about eating as there is something you can get to eat almost anywhere one looks.
"The people also have a favorite dish over here which is made out of roots of plants which look like water lilies. They are raised in fields which are covered with water all the time. They use water buffalo to get
the ground ready to plant. I saw a native wading around in the mud plowing with a buffalo and the old buffalo was into the mud up to his belly and was plodding right along.
"Something else they raise a lot of over here is sugar cane and pineapple."
Vern's address is Pvt. Vern Johnson, A.S.N. 37189599, APO 958, Company "G" 16th Infantry; c-o Postmaster, San Francisco, California.
JOHNSON BOYS IN FERRY BOAT SERVICE
Mr. and Mrs. Elias Johnson are in receipt of a very interesting letter from their twin sons, Wesley and Wayne, 20, who are now in government work near San Francisco, Calif., where they are employed by the Mare Island
Ferry Company which operates from the mainland to the navy yards which are at Mare Island. These ferry boats transport a large number of defense workers across the bay. Wayne is employed as a deck hand and Wesley is
a ferry operator or pilot. They write that they make 5 landings each day. Some of the bigger boats in operation carry 1200 passengers and 30,000 persons are transported across the bay each day. The ferrys are
propelled by 80 horse power diesel engines and their speed averages about 15 knots per hour.
The boys write their parents that extensive preparations are being made in case of a possible evacuation of San Francisco and that ferry buildings are being equipped with bunks so that employees of the company will
be taken care of. 80 persons are employed by this company.
Wesley and Wayne reside at 26 Adams St., K30, Caquinex Heights, Valleyo, Calif., making their home with an older brother Orville, who is a crane operator in the ship yards near there.
KENNETH JOHNSON WRITES TO FRIENDS HERE
Silver City friends have received word from Kenneth Johnson, son of Dr. and Mrs. C.O. Johnson, that he is nicely located at Bloomington, Illinois.
Kenneth, who recently entered the service of the country was transferred from Camp Robinson Arkansas, to Bloomington early in September.
He states that he was on MP duty one night recently when a war bond auction was held. 102,000 dollars were sold during the evening. A banquet was held with the plates each costing a hundred dollar bond and that
five hundred persons attended the affair.
During the evenings entertainment the star from the road show, sold a kiss which brought the sum of five hundred dollars.
He further states that Bloomington is the wealthiest place he has ever been in.
Mr. and Mrs. Elias Johnson received word last week from their son, Kenneth, who joined the U.S. Navy the latter part of May and who has completed his preliminary training at the Great Lakes station near Chicago and
who has since been stationed at Norfolk, Va., that he was assigned to service on one of Uncle Sam's ships and was scheduled to take to sea Saturday.
ALAN DUVAL STATIONED AT CAMP ON ISLAND
Mr. and Mrs. Frank DuVal received word from their son, Alan, who having enlisted in the Coast Guard, and been assigned to Alameda, Calif., that they are now stationed on the island, and assigned their duties, hours
being from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is a new camp, he writes, with everything new and clean and a fine group of young men in training. His address is A.S.R., U.S. Coast Guard, Government Island Training Station, Alameda, Calif.
THOMAS VANDERSHULE A STAFF SERGEANT
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Vandershule have received a letter from their son, Sgt. Vandershule stating that on arriving at Fort Dix after his short furlough home, he was greeted with the news that he had been advanced to staff
Sergeant. Tomas was assigned the duties of Platoon Sergeant shortly after mobilizing here in February of 1941 and has commanded what is known in Company I as the famous fourth.
Thomas says "not because of my leadership but because of the high efficiency of my men." Those ranking at the head of the class are known in Glenwood as "Duck" and "Jim."
MRS. NEBITT HAS TWO SONS IN SERVICE
Mrs. Alice Nebitt of this city has received word from her son, Kenneth Nebitt, who has been stationed at Ft. Blanding, Fla., that he has been transferred to Camp Chaffee, Ark., and that he is now a radio operator.
Her other son, Loran Nebitt, who has completed training at the Great Lakes Naval Training base, is stationed on guard duty on the Niagara river.
PAGE 9
FEATURE WRITER MET SGT. GODSEY
Farmer of Old Pacific City neighborhood in Mills County veteran of first World War is back in action in Ireland.
Mrs. Bert Butterfield a well-known former Glenwood resident who now resides in San Diego, Calif., in a letter to the Opinion Tribune says "I am working for the Navy, my daughter is on the Aircraft and her husband is
in Civil Service". She sent a clipping from the San Diego Tribune Sun concerning a story of a well-known resident of the Old Pacific City neighborhood here in Mills County written by Ernie Pyle a noted feature writer
now reporting his visits with the boys over in North Ireland. This account of his meeting with Carn Godsey over there follows.
SOMEWHERE IN NORTHERN IRELAND, AUG 24 (BY WIRELESS)
Now take First Sergeant Carn Godsey, for example. He's about as American as they come.
He's an Iowa farmer, tall, skinny, with a weather-beaten face. He gripes, cusses, smokes three packs of cigarettes a day--but he isn't really hard at all. He's just about like any farmer you know back home.
He wouldn't have to be over here at all if he hadn't chosen to be. He's 43 years old. He has a wife and seven children at home. He's been in the army for 18 months. He owns a big farm on the bank of the Missouri
river about 20 miles south of Council Bluffs. It was his father's before him.
Unlike many farmers, Sergeant Godsey absolutely loves farm life. He's eager to get home, but he takes that yearning philosophically. He knows he won't see Iowa's tall corn again for a long time, and so he doesn't
fret about it.
Sergeant Godsey's wife has a good business head, and she is in charge of the farm while he's away. Their oldest son, who is 19 years old, does most of the heavy work.
When Godsey saw the war coming he stacked up his farm with the finest machinery money could buy, so his folks are well fixed at home. In addition he allots them more than a hundred dollars a month out of his first
sergeant's pay.
His own wants are few. He has only about $6 a month left from his pay.
In all these months in the army, Godsey has never missed a day writing to his wife except when he has been on maneuvers or while he was at sea coming over here. She in turn, hasn't missed a single day writing to him.
They don't merely add a few words or sentences each day on the end of yesterday's letter--each writes a complete letter and mails it daily.
Godsey lives in a Nissen hut with six other sergeants. The hut is also the company office. You can hardly call Sergeant Godsey a commuter. He takes only two short steps to get from his "home" to his "office".
His desk is a home-made table with a home-made set of pigeon holes perched on top of it. An electric light hangs low over the papers on the desk, for even the days are often dark. There is a colored photograph of his
eldest daughter on the desk.
Godsey puts on spectacles and wears house slippers when he's working inside. Getting up before daylight is no hardship to him, for he did that on the farm, anyhow. Still it isn't every farmer of 43 who could stand up
to the long marches our troops are getting over here. Godsey's outfit once marched 38 miles on the first day of maneuvers, following up with 25-mile marches every day for a week.
Godsey went through it all, and I've heard his company commander say he felt it was a good thing to have a few "old guys" in every outfit. Godsey for example, wouldn't quit on that long march because he was too proud to
let the boys think he couldn't take it, and some of the youngsters have told me frankly that the only reason they kept going was that they were ashamed to fall out as long as "that old guy up front" was still pegging away.
Sergeant Godsey is thoroughly serious about this war. He's over here to fight, not to have fun. His outfit has been at its present camp for three months, and except, for marches and maneuvers, he hasn't been outside the
camp gates at all. He wants to get the war over with so he can go back to his farm.
So far, in this war, I have heard almost no complaints from American soldiers about their officers. The greatest complaint among soldiers in the last war was about army food and army lieutenants. Both complaints seem to
be out this time.
I have as yet to hear soldiers gripe about their food. It is of high quality, and it's cooked immeasurably better than it was in the last war.
In a lifetime of being a reporter I've been short-answered and high-hatted by officers so many times that I've sort of got a chip on my shoulder about them. Yet I'll have to say that the chip is disappearing, for during
these weeks in Northern Ireland, and on many visits to camps back home, I've met hundreds of officers, from second lieutenants clear up to generals, and I haven't run into a single, blessed one who wasn't spent almost
nothing on himself during his army career, and has courteous and human and who didn't seem able to keep his balance under all circumstances.
I feel that over here I've made some lifelong friends.
The boys say that regular army officers are the best of all, but reservers often called from civilian life, National Guard officers and even the new "quickies"--though they aren't numerous over here--all seem of a more
human stripe than in the last war.
Why that should be I have no idea, but it's good. And so, to sum up, I would say that things are all right with our army in Northern Ireland, that morale is high, and that no really serious problems have arisen.
DR. DEYOUNG CALLED TO SERVICE AS CAPTAIN
Dr. Ward A. DeYoung received a telegram this Monday morning ordering him to report for duty at the induction center in Omaha, August 30. He enters the Medical Corps with a Captain's commission.
The doctor, who was in service in the last World War volunteered for service again soon after this country was attacked and has been holding himself in readiness to report whenever called.
STEDMAN FRENCH MADE LIEUTENANT IN NAVY
Stedman French made a brief visit to the old home town last Tuesday preparatory to leaving for service in the U.S. Navy, he having received his commission as Lieutenant with orders to report at an officers training station
in Rhode Island.
Stedman, who has advanced rapidly in the legal profession, has been connected with the Security Exchange Commission for the past several years being head of the gas and oil division during the past year. He was given a
leave of absence at this time to enter naval service.
He and his wife reside in Washington, D.C., but his work has kept him in St. Louis quite a bit of the time. He came to Omaha by plane from St. Louis Monday, visited briefly with his mother, Mrs. Bess French of Council
Bluffs and with Glenwood friends Tuesday, leaving Wednesday for the east.
He expected that after a few weeks in the officer's training school, he would be assigned to service on some aircraft carrier as it is the custom of the navy to place an officer who has legal training in charge of
statistical departments on such boats. His rank of Lieutenant in the navy compares with that of rank of Captain in the army.
CHAS BUFFINGTON SENT TO OKLAHOMA CAMP
Mr. and Mrs. Rollin Buffington are informed that their son, Lt. Charles Buffington is leaving Camp Roberts, Calif., to come to Ft. Sill, Okla., to take the Battery Commander Course for the next three months. Their
younger son, Lt. Lawrence Buffington is to leave Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga., to enter a Motor Transport Course at Ft. Benning, Ga.
JACK EDMONDS LEAVES TRANSPORT SCHOOL
Jack Edmunds, son of Mrs. Minnie Edmonds of this city graduated July 3, from the Motor Transport division of the United States Marines.
Miss June Edmonds who on Tuesday morning returned from a visit to San Diego, Calif., visited with her brother Jack while there. Another brother, Arthur (Buck), is also in the Marines, but is stationed near San
Francisco and although his sister talked to him by phone, she was unable to see him. June reports that both of her brothers are well pleased with their selection of the armed forces. Still another brother William,
is serving with Company I now in Ireland.
MELVIN DURKEE HOME ON FURLOUGH OVER WEEK END
Melvin Durkee, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Durkee of Pacific Junction, who is a private in the Engineer Corp at Ft. Wayne, Indiana, was granted a three day furlough over the week end and came back for a brief visit
with relatives and friends in the home community.
He had the pleasure on Sunday of visiting his cousin, Glen Swisher of the U.S. Navy who was in the seige at Corregidor and who is now home on a furlough which he is spending with his folks in Council Bluffs.
A large group of relatives, who had driven up from south of Kansas City Sunday to visit Glen Swisher, came down to the train in Co. Bluffs Sunday noon to bid Melvin farewell as he was leaving to return to Ft. Wayne.
TWO MORE SONS OF CO. I VETS IN SERVICE
Some time ago this newspaper carried a list of the men in service whose fathers saw service in Old Company I in the first World War. Since that time more names have been called to attention.
Frederick McDole, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne McDole, formerly of Glenwood, but now living in Chicago is serving in the U.S. Navy on a submarine chaser off the Atlantic coast.
Wayne Lowden, son of Mrs. Faye Lowden and of the late "Pete" Lowden, who is with the U.S. Army being stationed at Camp Swift, Texas. Both Wayne McDole and "Pete" Lowden were members of Old Company I.
EARL HAWKER ADVANCED TO RANK OF SERGEANT
Relatives here have received word that Earl Hawker, former Glenwood boy now serving in the Coast Guard has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Earl enlisted in the Coast Guard February of this year and has been stationed at San Diego, California since that time. He is the son of Mrs. Merle Hawker and also the son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. John Howard of this city.
DALE ROSS PROMOTED TO RANK OF CORPORAL
Dale M. Ross formerly of Glenwood has been promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Army Air Forces at Randolph Field where he is stationed in the Army Air Corps Services.
MARK BRENEMAN HOME FROM TEXAS CAMP
Mark Breneman is enjoying a ten-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Breneman, from his station at Shepard Field near Wichita Falls, Texas.
Young Breneman, who is already a licensed pilot, has just recently graduated from the mechanics school at Sheppard Field. He has taken examinations for officer's training in the Air Corps and expects to receive his
appointment soon after his return to the Texas camp.
ORVAN GRUDLE ENTERS SERVICE IN SALT LAKE CITY
Orvan Grudle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Grudle, graduated from the Air Corp Training School at Roosevelt Field, Long Island, N.Y., Friday evening, October 9th. This is a privately owned school. Following a banquet,
which was held in the Roosevelt Inn, diplomas were awarded to two combined classes of fifty-six technicians. Of these combined classes, six graduated with distinction, Orvan receiving fourth highest grades.
He was transferred from there to Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents were able to see him for an hour when he passed through Omaha. He was recommended as a specialist by his instructor, but he was unable to state whether
or not he was being sent to his new destination for that purpose.
LT. WENDELL STEELE FLYING IN BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
Wendell Steele, a Carson boy who was a member of the Company I National Guard Unit, going with them from here to Camp Claiborne and on to Fort Dix where he transferred to the air corps for special training, now has his
lieutenants commission and is flying with the 371st Bombardment Squadron at Ephrata, Washington. The news of his rapid advancement will be of interest to his many friends in this community.
EDGAR DEITCHLER IN CAMP HOSPITAL
Word has been received here from Edgar Deitchler, who is with the army, being stationed at Camp Barkely, Texas, saying the he is in the hospital, awaiting an operation for hernia.
Edgar states that he will be in the hospital for at least four weeks, after which he hopes to be able to secure a furlough, so as to visit relatives and friends while recuperating.
WARREN MUNSINGER NOW STATIONED IN KANSAS
Warren Munsinger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Munsinger, who enlisted in the Army Air Force August 24, has been assigned to the basic flying school at Coffeyville, Kansas, as a motor technician. He writes that he is the only
Iowa boy stationed there.
PAGE 10
LAVERN ANDERSON NOW IN CANAL ZONE
Mrs. Matie Stubberfield is in receipt of a letter from her son Private LaVern Anderson stating that he is now stationed in the Canal Zone near Balboa. LaVern who was just recently sent to New Orleans, Louisiana, from Cheyene,
Wyoming, evidently stayed but a short time in that city.
In the letter written June 11, LaVern says, "I go to work in the bakery tomorrow. It is really swell here. The eats are the best, in fact much better than they were in the states. The food is the best I ever did eat--no foolin'.
Ham and eggs and everything to go with it. Plenty of fruit all the time. I may gain weight, if I don't sweat it all out."
"We had a lovely trip down. I stayed on deck all the time and didn't get a bit sick, but some of the boys fed the sharks most of the way down."
LaVern is telling of his work says "we don't do much drilling. It is a little warm and the Sergeant said he didn't want to drill anyway and I'm afraid I'm getting a little bit lazy--did I say a little bit? We--23 of us are
still together--that makes it a little more homey. It isn't often that a group stays together as long as we have. At least we are settled in one spot--we hope. We have been moved three or four times since we came down here.
It makes one feel a lot better to know what the score is."
He further says "We have a very nice day room in the Masters Quarters, Pool table, fans, radio, a washing machine, a place to play cards and a very nice theatre."
LaVern tells of breaking his glasses in New Orleans and not being allowed to go after them or telephone for them before he sailed, and asks his mother to send them to him. The letter which was written on onion skin paper
costs one half cent a sheet and the postage is six cents an ounce on this amount, while cigarettes cost the boys but six cents a pack.
CHARLES RADFORD WRITES MRS. KIER FROM IRELAND
Corp. Charles Radford, one of the Glenwood boys now with the American troops in Ireland in a letter to Mrs. H.E. Kier says, "I can hardly believe it myself that I am over here, but I am. I like the country and the people
over here swell. A person doesn't realize a war is on until he gets over here once, and sees the conditions.
"I sure miss the beautiful flower gardens of yours, especially the tulips.
"We have a radio in our barracks. We got a station from Cincinatti, Ohio. That's getting pretty close to home. Maybe some day we'll get Earl May's and find out his seed prices.
"I've visited Belfast a few times. The girls are plentiful there, but don't worry, I won't bring one back."
WAYNE KELLOGG TO ENTER AIR SERVICE
Wayne Kellogg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Kellogg, who enlisted several months ago in the Air Corps, is summoned on Sept 22 to begin training in Nashville, Tenn.
SGT. REAFLENG PRESENT DURING PEARL HARBOR
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Reafleng, former residents of this community, who now reside near Imogene, have had the pleasure of having their son, Harry, home with them on a two-weeks' furlong from service in the U.S. Army. He left
the latter part of the week for Officers' Training School at Camp Lee, Virginia.
Harry enlisted in the U.S. service six years ago, being stationed for three years at Bismark, N. Dak., and for the past three years has been stationed at Bellows Field, Hawaii, having risen to the rank of technical sergeant.
He saw action in the resistance put up against the Japanese invasion in December and although he came through unharmed, he has suffered from the shock and strain of those weeks under fire. He was returned to this country on
a convoy which recently brought back a boatload of American civilians.
Reluctant to talk of the tragedy of the Japanese bombing on the morning of December at Pearl Harbor, he did relate, however, how many of the some --officers at breakfast that Sunday morning on the second floor of their club
rushed out onto the balcony when the planes were heard only to be mowed down by the falling shrapnel. He also told of having seen the sinking of the Arizona at the entrance to Pearl Harbor, all of which he states he would
like to forget.
Upon completion of his course in Officers' Training School, he expects to receive his lieutenant's commission.
LIEUTENANT HARRY REAFLING NOW AT CAMP CLAIBORNE
Mr. and Mrs. Jean Reafling, formerly of Tabor who now reside north of Pacific Junction have received word from their son Harry who has been commissioned a second Lieutenant from the Candidate Officer's Training School in
the U.S. Army. Harry has made quite an advancement as he is only 24 years old. He enlisted in 1939 for Foreign Duty in the Hawaiian Islands therefore was present when the Pearl Harbor attacks came. He was home on a 10
day furlough in June and is at present stationed at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana.
SGT. JIM EVANS WAS HONORED AT DINNER
A cooperative dinner was held last Sunday in the home of Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Evans, near Malvern, in honor of Sgt. Jim O. Evans, who was home on furlough from Fort Dix, N.J., and also in honor of the birthday of Mrs. R.E. Evans.
Those present were Frank Smith of Shenandoah, Mrs. Lucille Dreyer and Carol of Farragut, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Howard and Francis, of Malvern, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Johnson and family of Pacific Junction and Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Willey and Danny, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Fackler and Jean, Mr. and Mrs. Max Evans and Judy Ann and Mrs. J.O. Evans all of Glenwood.
ELDON DONALD NOW IN MARINES WRITES MRS. KIER
Mrs. H.I. Kier is in receipt of a letter from Eldon E. Donald, well known Glenwood boy, who is now serving with the U.S. Marines, and is stationed at San Diego in the Base Athletic Office of the Marine Corp Base. In his
letter he states he is also sending greetings to Mrs. Kier for his friends Jack Edmonds and Chick Evans who are there with him. He sends greetings to all of his old friends back home and seems anxious to be getting into
action. He mentions having seen Dorothy Garrett the other night and she is wearing her uniform which is worn by all defense workers in the plane factory there. He remarks, "You surely see people from all over the good old
USA in here and it seems as if Oklahoma and Texas have moved out here. You can be thankful you aren't in California," he states, "as it hasn't rained here for seven months." He expects soon to be with the Second Engineers
as a cat driver.
At present his address is Corporal Eldon E. Donald, Base Athletic Office, Marine Corp Base, San Diego, California.
SERGEANT LINCOLN WRITES FROM NORTHERN IRELAND
Sergeant Leverne H. Lincoln, son of Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Lincoln of Pacific Junction, writes to have the address on his paper changed saying, "I have always enjoyed reading the Opinion-Tribune and now that we are overseas
the news from home is ever more welcome. I believe that the last address that I have given you was in California so that would be quite a round about trip for the good old OP to take.
We have been here in Northern Ireland for about a month now and our first mail of any consequence arrived this week in which I received three issues of the Opinion-Tribune, the last being dated July 23.
I haven't had an opportunity to see any of the fellows from Glenwood yet, but I hope to as soon as we can get a little time off to visit the country.
His letter was one of the new V letters and was written September 12 arriving here September 29. His present address is Master Sergeant Leverne H. Lincoln, Headquarters Company, 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion, APO 305,
New York City.
COOK AND ROBBINS ENLIST IN SERVICE
Edgar Cook, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Cook, and his college chum, Lee Robbins, of Hastings, have enlisted in the Ordnance Department of the U.S. Army, and passed their physical examination at Ft. Crook on Wednesday.
On next Saturday they will take the oath of the Army in Omaha and after about two weeks, will be called. The men in this department of service, which is a new division in the Army, repair the machines of battle. According
to present schedule, these two young Mills County men will spend their first 13 weeks in an army camp and then will be sent to a special training school. Their studies at the Law School of the University of Iowa they have
postponed until the end of the conflict.
BUD LINVILLE IN MEDICAL AIR CORPS
Mr. and Mrs. M.D. Linville have received word that their grandson Manford J. Linville is now located at the Air Corp Medical Detachment at Chanute Field, Illinois.
"Bud" as he is known to his many friends here is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Linville, formerly of this community, but now residing in Hollywood, California. He was inducted into service in the armed forces early
in August and remained for several weeks at the induction center in California.
ERVIN MASS NOW AT CAMP WALLACE TEXAS
Information has been received here that Ervin C. Mass, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Mass of this community has just recently arrived at Camp Wallace, Texas, where he is undergoing basic training in the Antiaircraft Replacement
Training Center.
RALPH KRECKLOW ENLISTS IN NAVY ON MONDAY
Ralph Krecklow, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Krecklow, went to Omaha Monday where he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, leaving that afternoon for the Great Lakes Naval Training station at Chicago.
With the enlistment of Ralph, this adds another Glenwood family with three sons in the service. Their two older sons, Sgt. Earl and Cpl. Orville are with Company I and are presumed to be somewhere in Scotland.
JAMES HAFER ENTERS NAVY TRADE SCHOOL
James Hafer, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Hafer, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy several weeks ago, has entered the trade school offered by the Navy to its enlistments.
Jim selected as the course he wishes to study, Fire Controlman. It is the control of the fire of the guns, and consists of checking the electrical apparatus and the parts that are connected with the firing of the guns.
He further states the course requires a lot of mathematics, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry and also quite a knowledge of electricity. This course is considered one of the stiffest the Navy has to offer and he hopes
to make it.
Jim is in class from four in the afternoon until twelve midnight, has regular hours for study and rest. He likes the Navy life fine and considers the trades the Navy offers the best in the service.
Ira Good, who was the first local boy to volunteer for service after the first selective service registration, came last Sunday for a ten day furlough with the home folks. He is now stationed at Barkesdale Field, La.
Pvt. Jim Barbour, who has been here on a furlough, left this Thursday morning, returning to Fort Riley, Kans., where he is stationed.
CORPORAL DALE MATTHEWS HOME ON FURLOUGH
Corporal Dale Matthews of Tabor, who has been stationed with the armed forces in Virginia and who will enter officer's training school at Fort Benning, Georgia, at the end of the his six day furlough, has been visiting
friends in this community.
LIEUT. BENTON ATTENDING ADJ. GEN. SCHOOL
Work is received by Glenwood friends and relatives that Lt. A.T. Benton, who has been stationed at Ft. McClelland, at Anniston, Ala., has been transferred to a division of the war college at Ft. Washington, Md., which is
a suburb of Washington, D.C. He was one of three men picked for a seven weeks' periods of training at the college for an adjutant general's commission.
Lt. and Mrs. Benton left on Tuesday for Fort Washington where they will remain during his period of training.
LIEUT. MCCLUSKEY PICTURED WITH COL. RICKENBACKER
Dr. and Mrs. F.M. McCluskey this week received a copy of the New York Daily News of April 14 which shows a picture of their son, Lt. Richard McCluskey of the U.S. Air Corps taken with Col. Edward V. Rickenbacker, World War
I Ace and Col. Frank O.D. Hunter, snapped as the colonels were conversing with six other aviation officials. Rickenbacker, according to the story which accompanied the picture, is telling the men that United States needs
300,00 pilots to win the present war.
RAYMOND LONG JR. LEAVES FOR ARMY SERVICE
W.S. Hammons received word this week that his grandson, Raymond Long, Jr., was inducted in service with the armed forces on September 23. Raymond was sent to Camp Dodge near Des Moines, but at this time a permanent address
is not available.
LT. CURTIS KIER NOW AT FT. SNELLING
Curtis Kier, son of Mrs. Nora Kier of this city, who served with Company I in France in the first World War, and who for the past ten years has been a member of the staff of military instructors in the R.O.T.C. at Creighton
University in Omaha with the rank of sergeant, has been advanced to the rank of First Lieutenant and transferred to Ft. Snelling, Minnesota
KEITH VINTON HAS ENLISTED IN THE AIR FORCE
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Vinton of Blair, Neb., were calling on friends and relatives in Glenwood last Thursday evening. Keith who enlisted some time ago in the Air Corps is to report later this month at a Flying Field at
Nashville, Tenn.