OBITUARIES OF THOSE WHO DIED DURING WORLD WAR TWO Military Newspaper Clipping Files, Musser Public Library (MPL)
HERSHEL ACUCUTT – DEAD AT OAHU, WIFE HERE TOLD - Military Files, MPL, 4-26-1944
News of her husband’s death through a letter of sympathy was received Saturday by Mrs. Hershel Acucutt, 1012 Lombard street, and was corroborated Tuesday by his mother, Mrs. Tom Acucutt, who resides at Edina, Mo. Sgt. Acucutt, a cook in the U.S. army and based at Oahu, in the territory of Hawaii, was drowned on April 13, according to the official telegram received by the mother on April 19. The wife here did not receive a message due to the fact that the sergeant’s papers listed his mother as the next of kin. The mother did not get in touch with the wife immediately because she assumed the wife has also received a governmental message. The letter of sympathy was received from Sgt. Acucutt’s brother, Howard, who is in training at Stockholm, Calif. Mrs. Acucutt immediately got in touch with the Muscatine chapter of the American Red Cross and those officials are endeavoring to gain information as to how Sgt. Acucutt’s death occurred. No details were given in the telegram other then that the Sgt. met his death by drowning. He was not in a combat area and it is believed death resulted in an accident of some kind. Sgt. Acucutt entered the army three years ago and had been overseas since July of 1942. Sgt. and Mrs. Acucutt have been married for two years and formerly lived in Missouri, he at Edina and she at Trenton. Mrs. Acucutt had made Muscatine her home for the past eight months. Sgt. Acucutt was 24 years old. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009PVT. CHARLES W. ADKINS DIES IN ACTION IN ITALY - Military Files, MPL, 5-7-1945
Pvt. Charles W. Adkins, of 1049 Stone street, was killed in action April 15 in Italy, according to information received from the war department by his wife, who makes her home at Milan, Ill. Pvt. Adkins was employed as a machinist at the Carver Pump Co. before entering service. He had been a resident of Muscatine for 17 years before entering service Feb. 22, 1944. He went overseas in November, 1944. He was born Jan 19, 1913, at Arrol, Mo., being the son of Anna and Simpson Adkins. His early years were spent at Wafford, Mo. He married Alvie Liphart of Milan, Ill., Feb. 20, 1943. He was a member of the Walnut Street Baptist church. Surviving are his widow, one son, Charles, Jr., four brothers, Ira Adkins of Del Paso Heights, Calif., William Adkins, Davenport, Robert Adkins of Wapello, and Clebe, in service with Seabees in the South Pacific, and two sisters, Mrs. Fred Coulter, New Boston, Ill., and Mrs. Victoria Terril of Salem, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009MARINE 2ND LT. PHILLIP R. AIKENS - Military Files, MPL, 12-30-1947
Marine 2nd Lt. Phillip R. Aikens, West Liberty, killed July 31, 1942, it the Hawaiian territory, buried overseas in Halowa Cemetery at Pearl Harbor. Final internment November 3, 1947, Oakridge Cemetery in West Liberty. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Aikens.--- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on April 23, 2009PFC ALEXANDER BODY TO ARRIVE HERE WEDNESDAY - Military Files, MPL, 8-9-1948
The body of PFC John J. Alexander, 27, who was killed in action on Anzio beachhead on May 31, 1944, will arrive here at 11:18 p.m., Wednesday and will be taken to the Fairbanks home for funerals. Services will be held there at 2:30 pm Thursday in charge of the Rev. F.H. Harwell of the four Square Gospel church, assisted by the Rev. J.E. Chastain, of Marlow Okla. Burial will be in the Memorial Park cemetery where Edward H. Bitzer post No. 27, American Legion, will be in charge of services. PFC Alexander went overseas in 1942 and following his death in action, his body was interned in the cemetery at Nettuno, Italy.--- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on April 22, 2009CAPT ANDERSON SERVING IN U.S. ARMY SUCCMBS - Military Files, MPL, 11-22-1942
Word has been received here of the death of Capt. Frank Anderson of the U.A. Army, formerly of Muscatine at an army hospital in Springfield Ill. Capt. Anderson was employed as an engineer for the Stanley Engineering Company prior to his enlistment on July 28, 1941. Funeral Rites will be held at the Turner Funeral home in Cedar Rapids at 2:30 pm Wednesday afternoon. Capt Anderson is survived by his wife and one son. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on April 23, 2009MESSAGE STATES SGT. ARIHOOD DIED IN GERMANY - Military Files, MPL, 5-29-1943
Grandview- Staff Sgt. John Ahlman Arihood, 25, gunner with a U.S. Bomber squadron in England, who had been reported missing in action since May 13, 1943, died in Germany on that date. This message, cleared through the International Red Cross, today, came to his aunt, Miss Esther Ahlman, who had reared him. Staff Sgt. Arihood had been in the service for about a year and was assigned to South America before being transferred to England. The son of William and Jennie Ahlman Arihood, he was born March, 1918, at Owatonna, Minn. His mother’s death occurred in 1920 and his father died in 1934. Surviving are a brother, Dale, serving with the United States army at a camp near Los Angles, Calif., and his aunt Esther Ahlman, who resides on a farm two and a half miles east of Grandview. No additional word has been received concerning Lieut. Hartley Westbrook, also of near Grandview, who was reported missing in action in the same theater of war on the same date. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009MEMORIAL RITES HELD SUNDAY FOR PFC. ARTHUR BASS - Military Files, MPL, 8-29-1944
Conesville – Memorial Services for PFC. Arthur E. Bass, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Bass, of Conesville, who was killed in action July 16 in the Italian war theater, were held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church. The Rev. Horace Ireland had charge of the service and spoke on the subject “The Soldier of Christ.” Mrs. Rose Jean, accompanied by Miss Hilda Owen, sang two songs and Mrs. Kelly McKee read “So Long, Son.” Flowers were in charge of Miss Rosetta Barnhart, Mrs. Lester Johnson, and Mrs. Raymond Cutkamp. Frank Barnhart and Hal C. Wolford served as ushers. PFC. Bass was born April 25, 1921 at Quincy, Ill. He attended school at McGregor and Wapello before moving to Conesville. He entered service Oct. 21, 1942 and was training at Camp White and Camp Adair, Ore., before going overseas, where he saw service in Africa and Italy. Surviving are his parents, three sisters, Blanche, Louise and Anna and four brothers, Frank and Harvey at home, Pvt. Raymond Bass of Ft. Riley, Kas., who was present at the service and Jesse of the U.S. Navy, who is now at sea. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009STAFF SGT. BIRDWELL IS KILLED IN FRANCE BATTLE - Military Files, MPL, 8-9-1944
Staff Sgt. John W. Birdwell, former Muscatine man, was killed in action in the Normandy assault on July 11, according to word received by his wife, Mrs. John W. Birdwell, at Seymour, Ia., relatives here have been advised. Sgt. Birwell, 31, had made his home with his step-sister, Mrs. Vera Essex, 302 1/2 East Second street, before entering the army three years ago. He had been employed at the Rock Island railway here at that time. Sgt. Birdwell received his training at Camp Barkeley, Tex. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Elliott of Seymour, Ia. His wife is making her home with her mother at Seymour at present. In addition to the parents and his wife, Sgt. Birdwell is survived by two brothers in action overseas, Clarence and Elmer Elliott; two sisters, Mrs. C.B. Mulford, Pasadena, Calif., and Miss Eula Elliott, Detroit; one step-brother, Frank Elliott, Rock Island; and a step-sister, Mrs. Vera Essex, Muscatine, and two sisters at home at Seymour. One step brother, James Elliott of Muscatine, preceded him in death on May 29, 1944. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009VIRGIL BIXBY IS KILLED IN ACTION, RELATIVES LEARN - Military Files, MPL, 4-11-195
Nichols- Virgil Bixby son of F.A. Bixby, former resident of this community was killed in action March 25 in Germany, according to word received by relatives here. His widow, Phyllis Bixby, lives in Iowa City. He was serving with an infantry unit.--- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on April 23, 2009MILITARY RITES FOR CPL. BLAKE SET FOR FRIDAY - Military Files, MPL, 11-9-1944
Services for Cpl. Donald Theodore Blake, whose death occurred at his home in Letts on Tuesday, will be held Friday at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals. Dr. R. M. Shipman, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church, will be in charge of the service with John Harold Kemble post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, conducting military rites by the grave in Greenwood Cemetery. ----- Cpl. Blake received wounds at Anzio Beach in Italy and he had received treatment at several military hospitals before getting a medical discharge and returning to his home. He was a member of the 34th division and had received the Purple Heart medal. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009PVT. K.G. BLANCHARD KILLED IN WAR ON ITALIAN FRONT - Military Files, MPL 8-10-1944
Pvt. Kenneth G. Blanchard, 18, only son of Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Blanchard, 215 Clinton street, was killed in action somewhere in Italy on July 23, according to a message received by the parents this morning from the war department. ----- Pvt. Blanchard had been slightly wounded in action in the Italian theater of operations on Jan. 26, a previous message had informed the parents, and had recovered sufficiently to return to action. The last letter received by the parents recently from Pvt. Blanchard was dated July 21, just two days before he received his fatal wounds. ----- He enlisted in the United States Army on June 15, 1943, after an unsuccessful attempt to get into the Navy. He took his first training at Ft. McClelland, Ala and then was transferred to Ft. Meade, Md. He arrived in North Africa early in December of last year and took part in many of the major Italian battles. ----- Pvt. Blanchard was born Oct. 5, 1925, at Illinois City and spent most of his life there. He had made Muscatine his home for about a year and a half before entering the military service. He was an only child and is survived by his parents. He attended the Illinois City Methodist Sunday school and was a member of the John Harold Kemble post Veterans of Foreign Wars. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009BODIES OF FOUR MUSCATINE COUNTY VETERANS BEING SENT BACK FOR BURIAL
Military Files, MPL, 12-28-1948
Bodies of four Muscatine county war dead are being returned to the United Sates aboard the U.S. Army Transport Barney Kirschbaum coming from Europe with war dead originally interred in France, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. According to an announcement by the army today, the 76 bodies being returned upon instructions of next of kin residing in Iowa include: Tech Sgt. Merle E. Daufeldt, air force, son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Daufeldt, 2113 West Fifth street, Davenport, formerly of Muscatine. Tech. Sgt. Karle E. Kolmerer, air force, son of Mr. and Mrs. Karl A. Kolmerer, 913 East Sixth street, Muscatine. Pvt. Dale C. Motis, army, husband of Marian L. Motis, 1019 Calhoun street, West Liberty. Pvt. Clarence A. Plank, army, son of Jessie L. Freise, 1232 Dale street, Muscatine. Plans for burial in Muscatine of the bodies of Tech Sgt. Kolmerer and Pvt. Plank have already been announced by their families. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009MEMORIAL FOR PVT. ROY BOND BEING ARRANGED- Military Files, MPL, 7-13-1945
A memorial service for Pvt. Roy E. bond who was killed January 3, 1945, while serving with a paratroop division, in action in Belgium will be held Sunday being at 3 pm at the Lincoln Boulevard Baptist Church. Pvt. Bond, son of Mrs. Laura O. Predmore, 514 West Sixth street had served overseas six months. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on April 23, 2009LAWRENCE BRAYTON - Military Files, MPL, 1-14-1949
Lawrence Brayton, 11th airborne division, was killed in action on February 24, 1945. He was 29 years of age. His body is to be returned to Muscatine and will be taken to the George M. Wittich funeral home. Burial will be in the Illinois City cemetery. Entering the army in March of 1941, he was stationed at Camp Grant, Ill, Fort Bragg N.C. He later volunteered for the paratroops and trained at camp Beauregard, Camp Polk and Camp Livingstone, LA. Overseas about a year before his death, he was stationed in Australian and the Netherland East Indies before going to the Philippines. Surviving are his brother, John L. Brayton, of Eliza ill. And his step father C.E. Beardsley, of Muscatine.--- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on April 23, 2009PVT. C. BURK SUCCUMBS IN PHILIPPINES - Military Files, MPL, 8-28-1945
Pvt. Clayton Harold Burk, 39, serving with the quartermaster corps of the U.S. army, died July 30 in the Philippine islands, according to a message from the war department at Washington, received Tuesday night by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Burk, 615 East Sixth street. The message gave no particulars, advising the parents that a letter would follow. ----- Pvt. Burk was born Feb. 12, 1906 at Hopkins Park, Ill. He came to Muscatine at and early age with his parents and attended school in this city. He had been employed a number of years by William Glatstein before entering service, Jan. 6, 1942. He was in training at Camp Young, Calif., before going overseas two years ago. He had been in service in New Guinea according to last information received by his parents, who had not been advised that he was in the Philippines. In addition to his parents, Pvt. Burk is survived by a son, Harold Burk, and a brother, Raymond Burk, all of Muscatine. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009DETAILS LEARNED OF PVT. CASWELL DEATH IN ACTION - Military Files, MPL, 7-19-1944
Pvt. Henry J. Caswell, whose death in North African area was reported in an Associated Press dispatch Tuesday, is the son-in-law of Mrs. N.A. Korte, 212 Dolliver street, it was announced today. Pvt. Caswell, 34, entered the service from Collinsville, Ill., but had made his home in East St. Louis. He had never resided here but his marriage to Miss Elvera Klusacek daughter of Mrs. Korte, took place on Nov. 13, 1939. Mrs. Caswell was with her mother when the message arrived telling of her husband’s death. Pvt. Caswell had been in the service only since Aug. 19, 1943 embarking for the North African theater in January of this year. A certificate of the Purple Heart award has been received by Mrs. Caswell, but the medal itself has not yet arrived, Mrs., Korte said today. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009MILITARY FUNERAL HELD AT LONE TREE FOR LT. G. L. CLINE - Military Files, MPL, 8-14-1944
Military funeral services were held Friday at the Lone Tree high school auditorium for Second Lieut. Gerald L. Cline who was killed Monday in an airplane crash at Abilene, Tex. Services were in charge of Rev. Ward S. Hatfield of Camp McCoy, Wis., and Rev. Hansen of the Reformed Evangelical church. The Lone Tree American Legion marched in a body with Legion members from Riverside and Nichols. The Women’s Relief corps and the American Legion corps and the American Legion Auxiliary attend in a body. Pallbearers were Pfc. John L. Ford of Camp Howze, Tex., Pfc. John O’Connor of Camp Murphy, Fla., Orville Walker, Glen Gerot, Harry Sievers and Lawrence Kessler of Lone Tree. Flowers bearers were Mrs. C.M. Cantrell, Mrs. E.C. Green, Mrs. Lon Adams, Mrs. Ross Rayner, Mrs. Coyt Westfall, Mrs. Frank Filke, Amanda Mumm, Mildred Wolford and Elsie Smid. Lieut. Cole and Mrs. Gerald Cline of Abilene, Tex., accompanied the body here. ----- Lieut. Cline was born at Iowa City, Sept.9, 1923. He was graduated from the Lone Tree high school where he was active in school affairs and in athletics. On July 22, 1944, he married Miss Louise Gufford of Muscatine, the ceremony being solemnized in the base chapel at Harding Field, La, and had since been transferred to Abilene, Tex. ----- He is survived by his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cline, one sister, Mrs. Paul Pappas, of Iowa City; his grandmother, Mrs. Fred Morrison, his grandfather, John Cline, and a host of friends. Burial was in the Swank Cemetery southwest of Lone Tree. Approximately 800 attended the services. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009K. COCHRAN DIES IN CRASH; WILL BE BURIED HERE -Military Files, MPL, 4-16-1945
Kenneth LeRoy Cochran, aviation mechanic third class with the U.S. Navy, aged 26 years, was killed Saturday in a motorcycle and truck accident at Norwalk, Calif. He was the son of Roy C. Cochran, 154 Sherman street. The son of Roy C. and Carrie Meyer Cochran, aviation Mechanic Cochran was born in Muscatine Aug 1, 1918, and lived here until moving to California about six years ago. He entered the Navy in August of last year. He was unmarried. Surviving are his father; his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Isabelle Phillips; two brothers, Lorin of Muscatine, and Robert of Muskegan, Mich.; five sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Syphrit, Mrs. Verda LaRue, Mrs. Bessie Gray, and Mrs. Viola Mathis, all of Muscatine, and Mrs. Dorothy Essex of Letts. His mother, one brother and one sister preceded him in death. The body will be returned to Muscatine for services later this week with the Fairbanks Home for Funerals in charge of arrangements. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009FINAL SERVICES FOR PVT. COHEN TO BE SUNDAY - Military Files, MPL, 12-2-1948
Last services for Pvt. Donald M. Cohen, killed in action in Italy Oct. 7, 1944, will be conducted Sunday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home. Dr. Claude W. Cooper, pastor, of the First Methodist church, will officiate. Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery and military rites at the grave will be in charge of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The body is to arrive in Muscatine Friday. ----- Pvt. Cohen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cohen, 502 West Eight street. He was born Oct. 25, 1924, and graduated from Muscatine high school in June of 1943. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Betty. He entered military service Sept. 17, 1943, and was sent to Camp Blanding, Fla., for his basic training. Later he went to Fort George Meade, Md, and was assigned to overseas duty in February of 1944. He was attached to the 351st infantry regiment of the Blue Devils 88th Division. Pvt. Cohen was 19 at the time he met his death in action. His body was buried in Mt Beni U.S. Military Cemetery near Peitramola, Italy and was returned to the United States in November aboard the USAT Lawrence Victory. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009RED CROSS TOLD MALARIA CAUSED LT. CONNOR’S DEATH - Military Files, MPL, June 1943
Word was received today through the National Red Cross that the death of Lt. Howard Connor on June 16, was caused by malaria. Lieut. Connor was a prisoner of the Japanese at the time of his death which was reported to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. O Connor, 106 Holly street. No word had been received from him since he was reported missing. At the request of the Local Red Cross officials, the Washington office of the Red Cross sent notifications of the cause of death to Staff Sgt. Robert B. Connor, Yuma Ariz. and Seaman 2/c William C. Connor, U.S. Navy, brothers of Lieut. Connor. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009SGT. J. C. COOKSEY RITES ARRANGED FOR THURSDAY - Military Files, MPL, 6-6-1949
Funeral services for Staff Sgt. James C. Cooksey, 21, who was killed in action in Holland on Oct. 1, 1944, will be conducted at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home Thursday. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. W. L. Hannon, pastor of St. Mathias church, will officiate and burial will be in St. Mary’s cemetery with military rites at the grave in charge of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars. The body will arrive in Muscatine Tuesday night and will be taken to the funeral home to await services. ----- The son of Peck N. and Hazel Lee Cooksey, Sgt Cooksey was born in Muscatine on Jan. 29, 1921. He had moved to Burlington about five years before entering service. He was educated in schools in Muscatine and Burlington. He married the late Genevieve Naber in Muscatine on Jan. 30, 1942. Sgt Cooksey was member of the St Mathias church in Muscatine and of Muscatine lodge No. 304, B.P.O. Elks. ----- Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Hazel Cooksey of Burlington; one brother, Kennedy of Burlington; one sister, Mrs. Chester Cook of St. Louis, Mo. His wife and two brothers precede him in death. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009MEMORIAL FOR GREGORY CROCK BEING ARRANGED - Military Files, MPL, 10-10-1944
Memorial services for Tech. Sgt. Gregory Burdette Crock have been arranged for Sunday, Oct.22, it was announced today. The services will be conducted at the South Bethel Methodist church, near Tipton, with the Rev. Harold Lurch, pastor, in charge. ----- Tech. Sgt. Crock, a tail gunner in a Flying Fortress, was killed in action over Germany on Dec. 19, 1943. He was listed as missing in action in January and reported killed in July of this year. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in May, 1942 and was assigned to duties overseas in April of 1943. He had been awarded the Purple Heart for injuries in action and the air Medal with Three Oak Clusters. ----- Sgt. Crock was born near Tipton and spent his early childhood there. He is the son of Mrs. Fred Schermer, 1208 East 4th street. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009LAST RITES FOR PFC. DARTING HELD AT WILTON - Military Files, MPL, 7-3-1948
Funeral services for Pfc. Raymond J. Darting, 21, killed in New Guinea on Nov. 31, 1942, were held this afternoon in the Methodist church in Wilton. The Rev. J.M. Newgard, pastor of the Grace Evangelical and Reformed church, officiated and was assisted by the Rev. Elmer K. Kidwell, Methodist pastor. Burial was in Oakdale cemetery under the direction of the Griffith Funeral home. Wilton Post No. 584, American Legion, conducted the military rites at the grave. In tribute to Pfc. Darting, all Wilton businesses houses were closed form 1:30 to 3:30 during the funeral rites. ----- Max Lauser served as soloist and flower attendants included Mrs. Gene Lenker, Mrs. Edwin Wacker and Mrs. H.W. Kretschmar. Pall bearers were Melford Knouse, Raymond Knouse, Wayne Drumm, Wayne Ford, Robert Chaudoin and Clifford Doran. Charles Corle, Robert Hansen, James Sheetz and Edward Moylan were color guards and members of the firing squad were Paul Hain, commander, Lester Brenner, Charles Brenner, John Wyatt, Kenneth Coss, Ralph Scharff, Elliott Cole, Allan Dolan, John Hillman and Arthur Giese. Buglers were Kenneth Grunder and Jerry Moylan. Pfc. Darting was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Darting. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009LAST RITES FOR PVT. MARVIN DAUFELDT CONDUCTED HERE - Military Files, MPL, 4-26-1948
Funeral services for Pvt. Marvin G. Daufeldt, who was killed in action Jan.25, 1945, in France, were held at 2p.m. Sunday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home, with Dr. Claude W. Cooper, pastor of the First Methodist church, officiating. The body of Pvt. Daufeldt, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Daufeldt of Davenport, formerly of Muscatine, was returned from the cemetery at Epinal, France, aboard the Robert F. Burns on April 2. Mrs. George Holliday served as organist and flower attendants were Mrs. Loretta Brown and Mrs. Gertrude Brown. Legionnaires were casket bearers, including Ralph McBride, Walter Truitt, Ben SyWassink, Maynard Fisher, H.O. Carpenter and A.J. Cordwell. Burial was in the cemetery at Moscow with military rites conducted at the grave by the ceremonial team of Edward H. Bitzer post No. 27, American Legion. Members of the team included H.E. Plett, staff commander; Maynard Fisher, post commander; Vernon Franklin, first vice commander; Ralph Connell, staff second vice commander; Paul Peterson, staff chaplain; Frank Vorwerk and P.M. Phillips, color bears; Donald Young and Raphael Lamb, color guards. Serving on the firing squad were Frank Onken, Roy Kramer, Elwood Law, Roy Bieri, Eugene Meyers, Vernon Clark and George Globes. Walter Whitmer was bugler and A.J. Phillips was commander of the ceremonial team. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009MERLE E. DAUFELDT- Military Files, MPL, 12-28-1948
Tech Sgt. Daufeldt, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Daufeldt, formerly resided at 1005 East Seventh street, was first reported missing in action July 18, 1944, in a flight over Germany and was later officially listed as dead. His body is to be returned to Muscatine and arrangements for funeral services will be in charge of the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral home. ----- Sgt. Daufeldt, a radio man-gunner on a Flying Fortress, was a member of the crew of a bomber shot down over Kempten, south of Memmingen, Germany. Sgt. Daufeldt had been a member of a task force making the first shuttle-mission from Italy to Russia in June 1944. ----- Born June 30, 1917, Sgt. Daufeldt received his education in West Liberty schools and attended radio and television school in Los angels before entering the army air corps. He received his training at Scott Field, Ill. And was awarded his gunners wings at Kingman, Ariz., in August of 1943, later being assigned for duty with the 15th air force. His is survived by his parents, and a sister Ellen Lanfier, of Davenport. A brother, Pvt. Marvin Daufeldt, was killed in action in France on Jan. 25, 1945, and his body was returned to the United States and buried in the cemetery in Moscow on April 25 of this year. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009MEMORIAL RITES ARE OBSERVED FRO JOSEPH DAVIDSON - Military Files, MPL, 3-10-1945
Tribute was paid to Joseph Ashcraft Davidson, chief radio man in the United States Navy, whose death occurred aboard a cargo ship in the South Pacific, at a specially arranged memorial service conducted at Trinity Episcopal church Friday evening with the Rev. Stanley M. Fullwood, rector, in charge. A silent processional of the vested choir opened the service followed by the singing of selected hymns by the choir and congregation. The congregation joined in reading of the Psalms. Following the lesson, there were special prayers for the deceased. A hymn was sung and prayers were then offered for those of our country now serving in the armed forces. The service closed with a hymn. Members of the John Harold Kemble post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, were present for the memorial service. Radioman Davidson was the husband of Mrs. Janet Davidson, 113 East Fourth street, and the son of J.A. Davidson and the late Mrs. Davidson. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009PVT. DECAMP IS SLAIN IN PACIFIC WAR - Military Files, MPL, 10-23-1944
Pvt. Phillip Climer DeCamp, of Muscatine, was killed in action in the Southwest Pacific on Oct 7, according to word just received from the war department by his wife. Pvt. Decamp enlisted at Camp Dodge, Des Moines, on Oct. 28, 1943 and reported for military training on Nov. 17, 1943. He received his basic training at Camp Roberts, Calif., and he was later transferred to Camp Ord, Calif. As a member of an infantry unit he arrived in New Guinea in May and had recently been in Dutch New Guinea. The son of Bert and Bertha Neidig DeCamp, 710 West Fourth street, he was born at Fruitland, Ia., Nov.9, 1907. He graduated from Muscatine high school in 1926. On Jan. 25, 1939, he married Madge Deahl. Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by a brother, DeVon, and two sisters, Blanche DeCamp and Mrs. Marvin J. Blaesing. At the time of his enlistment Pvt. DeCamp was employed at Gobbles. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009AUTO WRECK FATAL TO SEAMAN GEORGE DEEMS - Military Files, MPL, 9-5-1944
Funeral plans are being arranged for George Beverly Deems, 19, seaman first class in the United States Navy, who died at 2:30a.m. Saturday at a hospital in West Windsor, N.Y., as the result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Word of his death came Sunday in an official Navy dispatch to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Deems, 119 West Ninth street. No details of the accident were contained in the brief message. The body was expected to arrive in Muscatine early in the week but no definite word of the time of arrival had been received at noon today. Funeral arrangements will be in charge of the Hoffman Funeral home. ----- Seaman Deems, who had seen active sea duty, enlisted in the United States Navy in November, 1942. He received his boot training at Great Lakes, Ill and was then assigned to Boston before going to sea on convoy duty. Later he was stationed at Quonset Point and then was sent to Camp Edwards, Mass, to an air field. His last visit to his home here was made at the Christmas season. ----- A lifelong resident of Muscatine Seaman Deems was born here Oct. 25, 1924, the son of Curtis Deems and Minnie Havermann Deems. He received his education in the Muscatine schools and was a member of Grace Lutheran church. Surviving besides his parents are one brother, Staff Sgt. Curtis Deems with the U.S. Army in Italy and three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Haines of Berwyn, Ill., Miss Dorothy Deems of Chicago and Mrs. Irene Ahlf of Muscatine. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009GEORGE DEVORE KILLED IN ACTION, RELATIVES LEARN - Military Files, MPL, 2-28-1942
Word has been received by relatives here that George R. DeVore of Cedar Rapids, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard DeVore, formerly of Muscatine, was killed in action on Feb. 18. He enlisted in the Navy more then a year ago and was killed while serving on a destroyer in the Atlantic. The message to the youth’s parents was signed by Rear Admiral Randall Jacobs. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009MUSCATINE RITES FOR LT. DODDER, AIRCRASH VICTIM - Military Files, MPL, 10-25-1943
The body of Second Lieut. Edward Lanning Dodder, 28, of Muscatine, pilot of a B-24 Untied States bomber, who met instant death Saturday afternoon when two heavy army bombers collided near Mountain Home, Idaho, will be brought to Muscatine for funeral rites and burial. The body is expected to reach here late Tuesday or early Wednesday morning and will be taken to the Fairbanks Home for Funerals. The time of the services was indefinite today. ----- All 16 members of the crews of the two big bombers- each having a staff of eight men- were killed press dispatches from the scene of the accident, five miles southwest of the Mountain Home airbase revealed today. Reports revealed that one bomber sheared off the wing of the other. The plane which lost the wing flew a short distance before crashing but the other plane dropped straight to the earth, burrowed deep into the sand of a dry creek bed. ----- First information of Lieut. Dodder’s death came to Mrs. Albert Tripmacher, close friend of the couple from the captain of Lieut. Dodder’s unit Saturday night, and later information came from his wife, Military Files, MPL Mrs. Frances Dodder, who was with him at Mountain Home. Lieut. and Mrs. Dodder had visited the Tripmacher home recently, leaving here Oct, 14 for Salt Lake City, Utah. A short time later Lieut. Dodder was assigned to Boise, Ida., just a short distance from Mountain Home. ----- Lieut. Dodder had been in the service since September, 1942, when he enlisted in the army air corps. He received his commission and wings at Blytheville, Ark., on July 28 this year. Lieut. and Mrs. Dodder had been residents of Muscatine since April 1940, when Lieut. Dodder opened his practice as a doctor of chiropractic at and Iowa Avenue office. Their home was at 211 West Fifth street.----- Mrs. Dodder is the former Frances Schmidt of Burlington and was employed at Davenport before coming here. She survives with his mother, Mrs. J.C. Bussanmas and his stepfather Mr. Bussanmas of Glenwood,Ia., and sister Mrs. Eloise Hertz of Algona, Ia. An uncle and aunt reside at Tipton. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009PFC. NEWELL A. DOLLMAN - Military Files, MPL, 4-8-19-1944
Pfc. Newell A. Dollman, 29, was killed in action in Italy on June 3, according to a message received by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Dollman, 715 East Sixth street, Tuesday afternoon. Pfc. Dollman had been reported as missing in action since June in the Italian theater of operations a message received a few weeks ago by the parents. Pfc. Dollman was born near Illinois City on March 18,1915, and lived there until he was seven years old when he came to Muscatine. He attended Jefferson grade school here and was graduated from Muscatine high school with the class of 1934. He attended the United Brethren Sunday school and the Assembly of God Tabernacle. Pfc. Dollman entered the service in 1941, going to Des Moines on to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Camp Claiborne, La., and embarked from New Jersey on Feb.18, 1942. He first landed in Ireland, was later sent to England and then to North Africa. He had seen active duty with the crack 34th division in the Italian and North African theaters of operations and praised members of this division highly in letters to his parents. He took part in the Anzio beachhead action and in most of the other important battles of the Italian campaign. The parents received their last communication from Pfc. Dollman about the time he was reported missing in action and this letter was dated May 21. Surviving are parents and one sister, Violet, at home. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009LEROY DOUGHERTY SERVING IN NAVY KILLED IN ACTION - Military Files, MPL, 8-19-1942
Stockton- Mr. and Mrs. Chris Anderson have received word that their nephew, Ensign LeRoy Dougherty has been killed in action while in the service of his country. Ensign Dougherty entered the U.S. Navy a year ago and had recently returned to Davenport and married Miss Betty McMullen shortly after receiving his first commission. His mother is a former Stockton resident. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009SGT. MAYNARD L. DUNKER - Military Files, MPL, 5-12-19-1944
Sgt. Maynard L. Dunker, 25, only son of Mr. And Mrs. Elmer J. Dunker, route 1, was killed in action in the European area on March 23, according to a message received this morning by his parents. Sgt. Dunker was reported missing in action over Germany since March 23 in a message received by the parents recently. He was an engineer on a Flying Fortress. Sgt. Dunker entered the army air corps on Sept. 29, 1942, and had been in combat areas since January of this year. Nothing had been heard of the youth between the time the message was received telling of his being missing in action and the telegram today announcing he had been killed in action. He was born in Mercer County, Ill., on Dec. 2, 1919, and received his education at the Pine Bluff school. He was a member of the Pine Bluff church. Surviving in addition to the parents is a sister, Mrs. Velma Becker, of Hazel Dell, Ill. A brother Alvin, preceded Sgt. Dunker in death. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009ARMY REPORTS PVT. JOHN DWYER KILLED IN ACTION - Military Files, MPL, 6-5- 1943
Wilton- Pvt. John J. Dwyer, 28, serving with a United States infantry unit, was killed in action in the North American area, on May 28. The telegram reporting his death came to his mother, Mrs. Anna Dwyer from the war department late Friday. No further details were given. Pvt. Dwyer was employed in California when he entered the service in April 1941, and received his basic training at Camp Roberts and Fort Ord, in California. The last letter from him came about two months ago from Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif. Pvt. Dwyer was born in Wilton, May 14, 1915, the son of Mrs. Anna Dwyer and the late Dennis J. Dwyer, and was graduated from the Wilton high school in the class of 1932. Surviving are his mother and two brothers, Felix and Edward Dwyer, both at home. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009SGT. STEPHEN L. EDINGTON, FORTRESS GUNNER SLAIN, WIFE TOLD - Military Files, MPL, 10-24-1944
Sgt. Stephen L. Edington, 20, was killed in action over Germany on Aug. 5, according to a message delivered this morning from the war department to Mrs. Edgington, the former Marie Raushenberger, 1137 Lucas street. Sgt Edgington had been reported as missing in action in a message received here on Aug. 21,1944, when his plane, a flying fortress bomber was shot down over Germany. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs., Linzy Edgington, 624 Demorest avenue. Sgt. Edgington entered the service on April 19,1943, and received his basic training at Sheppard Field, Tex. He took gunnery training at Yuma, Ariz., and his radio instruction at Sioux Falls, S.D. He was stationed at Salt Lake City, Rapid City and Kearney, Neb., before going overseas in July of this year. He was born in Muscatine County on Jan. 25, 1924, and had spent all his life in this vicinity. He attended Muscatine high school and had about half a year to finish when he went into service. Sgt. Edgington and Miss Marie Raushenberger were married at Burlington on Feb. 26,1944. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his parents; one brother, Carl, and a sister Marian both at home. A brother Robert died about nine years ago. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009PFC. T. M. ENGLIN BURIAL SERVICE BEING ARRANGED - Military Files, MPL, 7-1-1948
The body of Pfc. Theodore Mitchell Englin, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gus R. Englin, 1114 Mulberry avenue, formerly of Davenport, will be sent to the Rock Island National cemetery for final burial within the next month, it was announced today by the Chicago distribution center of the American Graves Registration Service. A uniformed Army escort will accompany the body from Chicago. Pfc. Englin was killed in action in Germany April 17, 1945. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009MEMORIAL RITES NOTED FOR LEROY A. ENGSTROM - Military Files, MPL, 8-8-1944
Memorial services for Leroy Axel Engstrom, who lost his life June 10, 1943, when a submarine torpedoed the merchant chip S.S. Esso Gettsyburg 100 miles off the coast of Georgia, were held Sunday at the Presbyterian church with the Rev. L.L. DeFlon, pastor, in charge. Representatives of his high school class of 1939, the post office, Mt. Calvary Masonic lodge and the Mansell L. Phillips Post of the American Legion were present at the ceremony. --- LeRoy, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Davenport, was inducted into the service at Des Moines July 22, 1942. After training at Great Lakes, he studied radio for five months at the University of Wisconsin and from there went to Noraton Heights, Conn., where he studied advanced radio and signal work. He left the United States from Brooklyn, N.Y., on April 12, 1943 and on a 10,000-mile journey his ship stopped at South America, Africa and Iran. His ship returned to New York on May 26. --- Ship torpedoed --- Almost at once the ship was sent to Texas for gas and oil and on the return trip was twice torpedoed off the Georgia coast. Fire, which spread quickly was so intense the crewmembers were unable to man the life boats. Survivors were not picked up until the next morning. --- He was born Feb. 21, 1921 in Burlington, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Axel Engstrom, who now live in Clinton. With his parents he moved to West Liberty in 1931. He was graduated with the high school class of 1939 and the following year carried mail for West Liberty. Surviving besides his parents and a sister, Sharon, are his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hellenthal of Burlington, two aunts, Mrs. Wade Schlorbaum and Miss Hidur Engstrom of Burlington; T/5 Frank Hellenthal, in Iran; Pvt. Harry Hellenthal, Camp Barkeley, Tex., and Staff Sgt. Roy Hellenthal of West Liberty, now serving in Normandy. ----- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009CAPT. EDWARD EPPERSON DIED IN CRASH, FAMILY LEARNS - Military Files, MPL, 7-26-1945
Further details received on the death of Capt. Edward Epperson, husband of the former Lucille Eaton, of Muscatine, now with the WAVES based in Washington D.C., has been forwarded to Mrs. Epperson’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.T, Eaton, rural route 3. According to information from the War Department, Capt. Epperson, pilot of a supply plane heavily loaded with Gasoline for army outposts, left his base in China on a mission on June 8. After the plane was 24 hours overdue an investigation was started and the remains of the plane were found on June 9. Search of the plane ruins revealed identification tags of the fliers. All five of the crewmembers were presumed to have died in the accident. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009HENRY ESPENSEN - Military Files, MPL, 12-30-1943
Former Resident Of West Liberty Killed in Action - First Lieut. Henry Espensen of West Liberty, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Espensen of Pharr, Tex., and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Nealson of this place, was killed in action on July 11, 1943. Lieut. Espensen, who was serving with a paratroop unit in the North Africa was theater, took part n the invasion of Sicly and it was presumed he met death in that battle. The Espensen family resided on a farm north of West Liberty until two years ago when they moved to Texas. Besides the parents and grandparents, three brothers survive, Kenneth in officers training, Laurence, student at Iowa State college at Ames and Herbert of West Branch. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009LIEUT. PHILLIP J. FAGAN - Military Files, MPL, 1-29-1945
Lieut. Phillip J. Fagan, 27, formerly of Muscatine, was killed in action in Belgium on Jan 14, according to word received by his wife the former Mary Shuey, at West Des Moines Sunday. The word of Lieut. Fagan’s death was received here by an aunt, Mrs. Julia E. Fagan, 505 West Seventh street, with whom Lieut. Fagan made his home for several years. Lieut. Fagan was member of the 11th armored division and had been overseas since November of last year. He entered the service at Ft Des Moines in the fall of 1941 and took his major training at Fort Knox, Ky., and Fort Benning, Ga., before being sent overseas. He was born in Muscatine on Aug. 23, 1917, the son of Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Fagan, and received his education from St. Mathis high school with the class of 1935. After working with his father for some time, he became associated with the National Cash Register company at Washington D.C. Surviving are his father, at Washington D.C.; two sisters, Margaret and Dorothy Fagan both of Washington; one brother Seaman 1/c Thomas Fagan, in the Mariana Islands; his wife and a daughter, Mary Susan, at West Des Moines. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009PVT. HARRY FAULKNER MEETS DEATH ON NORMANDY COAST - Military Files, MPL, 8-4-1944
Pvt. Harry Faulkner, 29, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Faulkner, 501 Mulberry avenue, was killed in action during the invasion of the Normandy coast on June 15, according to word received by the parents today. The message from the war department telling of Pvt. Faulkner’s death was routed to his wife and later relayed to his parents here. Pvt. Faulkner entered the military service from Burlington last September and went overseas in February of this year. His wife is the former Violet Schmidt and has been making her home at Washington D.C., but was expected here later today. Pvt. Faulkner had never lived in Muscatine but his parents came here recently to operate the Buttertoast Sandwich Shop at 501 Mulberry avenue. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009PFC. JOHN H. FAULKNER KILLED IN ACTION, MESSAGE STATES - Military Files, MPL, 10-28-1944
Pfc. John H. Faulkner, 29, who was reported Oct. 20 as missing in action, was killed in action in Luxembourg Sept. 30, according to information received today from the war department by his wife, Dorothy L. Faulkner, of Moscow. The message, which gave no further particulars, said that a letter would follow. It was from the office of the adjutant general. Pfc. Faulkner was born in Illinois Aug. 21, 1915, being a son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Faulkner. He spent his early years in Illinois. He married Miss Dorothy Walker at Muscatine Oct. 22, 1938. Their home was made in the Tri-Cities following the marriage. Mrs. Faulkner has been making her home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Walker at Moscow. Pvt. Faulkner entered service June 21, 1943, and was in training at Camp Breckenridge, Ky., and in Mississippi before going overseas March 27, 1944. He was wounded in action in the invasion of France on June 12, but was able to report for duty in July. He was awarded the Purple Heart medal following his injuries. Surviving in addition to his widow are three brothers and three sisters, Fred C. Faulkner of Muscatine, now in service overseas with the army; Lyle Faulkner, New Boston, Forest Faulkner, Columbus Junction, Mrs. Louie Hull and Mrs. Robert Douglas of Muscatine, and Mrs. Sadie McMichael, of Wes Liberty. His parents preceded him in death. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009HERSHELL FINKE MEETS DEATH IN FRANCE INVASION - Military Files, MPL, 7-26-1944
Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Finke of Crawfordsville, Ia., formerly of Muscatine, have been informed that their son, PFC Hershell L. Finke was killed in action in France on June 6. The message came from the War Department on Monday. PFC Finke was born in Muscatine on Jan.13, 1922, the family moved to Crawfordsville several years ago. He entered service Nov. 17, 1942 and was sent to England in June, 1943. He is survived by his parents, a sister Norma, a brother Ronald, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.M. Finke, who reside in Washington. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009PFC. BEN FINLEY RITES ARRANGED AT WEST LIBERTY - Military Files, MPL, 2-11-1949
The body of Pfc. Ben Warren Finley, who was killed in Luzon in the Philippine islands, will be returned here for burial. The body was expected to arrive here today and funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at he S.C. Snider Funeral home with the Mansell L. Phillips post No. 509, American Legion, officiating. Burial will be in the Nichols cemetery. Pfc. Finley died as a battle casualty on Luzon on March 17, 1945. He was the son of Fred and Esther Finley and was born near West Liberty, March 18, 1921. He attended high school at Conesville and was active in athletics. He married Virginia Schulte, Feb. 14, 1942 in Detroit. He entered service Aug. 15, 1942 and was a member of Co. B, First regiment, sixth division. Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Finley of Muscatine; his wife, and son Dennis Warren; seven brothers, Clarence of West Liberty, Mirrell, Harold and Donald, all of Detroit, Robert and Fred of Montpelier and Ralph of St. Paul and three sisters, Mrs. Pearl Gordy of Muscatine, Mrs. Ruby Dunscombe of Ft. Dodge and Mrs. Vera Morgan of Columbus Junction. He was preceded in death by two sisters. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009ROBERT A. FRANK, IN NAVY SERVICE, DIES IN CRASH - Military Files, MPL, 3-29-1942
Robert A. Frank, 21, native of Muscatine and son, of Mr. and Mrs. H.R. Frank, formerly of here, now of Burbank, Calif., was killed when a navel patrol bomber crashed near Livermore, Calif., on April 12. Word of his death came in a letter today to Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Wecksung, 850 Newell avenue. Funeral rites were held at the Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn with full naval rites accorded. The youth joined the navy after he graduated from high school at Decatur, Ill., three years ago. Holding the rank of aviation radioman he took his preliminary training at the San Diego base then went to Honolulu for a year of active service. He was selected for special schooling in radio work and was sent to Washington D. C., for instruction. He had been stationed at Alameda for the three months prior to his death. Surviving besides his parents who resided at 606 Magnolia boulevard, Burbank, Calif., are his widow, whom he married in Las Vegas last August; a sister, Eileen Frank, a Burbank high school student. The youth’s father served as secretary of the Y.M. C. A. for several years, leaving Muscatine in 1925. He was a salesman for the Morriel and Company for a number of years, moving to California recently. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009PFC. ROBERT FREELAND OF WILTON, SLAIN - Military Files, MPL, 9-12-1944
Pfc. Robert Charles Freeland, 23, serving with the 90th infantry division, was killed in action in France on Aug. 19. The message, signed by A. J. Ulib, adjutant general, was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Freeland, Monday afternoon. Pfc. Freeland entered the service on March 17, 1942, training at Camp Barkeley, Tex., and at Fort Dix, N. J., before being sent to England in April 1944. He was in that country until the invasion of France and was slightly wounded in action on June 12. After a brief period of hospitalization he rejoined his unit. He was born in Centerville, Ia., on Jan. 8, 1921, and was a graduated from the Wilton high school in 1941. During his high school days he was a four-letter man in sports. Surviving besides the parents are two brothers and two sisters, Pfc. George Freeland, with the medical corps unit in France, Mrs. Elmer Vitek, of Chicago and Kathleen and John Freeland, at home, and his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Martha Freeland, of Wilton. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009RICHARD O. FREERS AMONG COUNTY WAR DEAD RETURN FOR BURIAL - Military files, MPL, 3-22-1948
The body of the first Muscatine soldier to be returned to this community for burial- that of Private First Class Richard O. Freers- arrived in the Untied states Sunday aboard the U.S. Army Transport Walter W. Schwenk. Also aboard the ship, which docked at San Francisco, are the bodies of two Marines from this vicinity, Second Lt. Lester E. Hutchcroft of Mediapolis and Cpl. Rudy B. Tonkovich of Durant. --- The Schwenk carried a total of 3,257 bodies from cemeteries in the Pacific area, including more then 3,000 bodies of Americans who died in the bitter fighting for the Pacific islands. Seventy-two are being returned to the Untied States for final burial at the request of next-of-kin residing in Iowa. The group aboard the Schwenk is the largest to be returned from the Pacific to date, the army reports. Two other ships have returned war dead from Pacific areas and three from the European battle zones since the army’s program of return of World War II dead began last October. --- Three other Muscatine county men who lost their lives in service overseas have previously been retuned for interment in the county. They are Lt. Phillip Aikins of West Liberty, from the Pacific, and Sgt Dwain Whitmer of Wilton and Cpl. Leslie McKillip of Atalissa, both from Europe. ---Pfc. Freers, the son of Mrs. Flossie Coffin, 1308 Orchard avenue, was killed in action on Guam on July 30, 1944. Arrangements for his burial will be in charge of the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral home here and interment will be in Greenwood cemetery.--- Entering service Sept. 27, 1943, Pfc. Freers received his basic training at Camp Fannin, Tex., being transferred to Fort Ord, Calif., and going to the Pacific theater in March of 1944. Pfc. Freers was born in Muscatine on July 3, 1925, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Freers, his father having died in 1933. In addition to his mother, he is survived by a brother, Edward Freers, of Muscatine.--- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009PVT. FORREST R. FRENCH - Military Files, MPL, 9-3-1946
Mrs. Grace Crist of Conesville has received information on the burial of her foster son, Pvt. Forrest R. French, who lost his life during the war. Information from the War Department on the location of the grave of Pvt. French was sent to his widow. Records of the government show that his remains are buried in the U.S. Military cemetery, Blosville, France, plot K, row 8, grave 148. The cemetery is located 20miles northwest of St. Lo, 24 miles southeast of Cherbourg and five miles north and slightly west of Carentan in France. The cemetery is under the constant care and supervision of the U.S. military personnel, the letter from the War department said. - --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on June 4, 2009TRIBUTE PAID TO SGT. FUHLMAN AT MEMORIAL - Military Files, MPL, 10-23-1944
Speaking of the privilege of religion as one of “Our Greatest Natural Resources” and a privilege and resource used again and again by men on the battlefronts, the Rev. P. M. Connant offered the memorial sermon honoring Sgt. Ralph T. Fuhlman, killed in action in France on Sept. 25, at services Sunday morning at the United Brethren church. The Rev. Conant reviewed briefly Sgt. Fuhlman’s record since he entered the Army in November of 1942 and met his death while on duty with the anti –tank force of the 415th infantry in France four weeks ago, and added that he had been a sergeant, a leader of men, and had possessed the qualities found in a leader. “Another life had been given in sacrifice for his country and for the best interest of the world,” he said. “Sergeant Fuhlman and many others in this war and in the World War I have died for this cause.” He then read the resolution from the last paragraph of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, “ That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth.” ----- Sgt Fuhlman was the son of Mrs. Lillian Fuhlman, 514 East Fourth street. He has two brothers, Pvt. Raymond A. Fuhlman with the Marines somewhere in the South Pacific and Pfc. Clayton F. Fuhlman, stationed at Ft. Lewis, Wash., who was home for the memorial service. ----- The service, which was held in conjunction with the regular morning worship, was attended by the following patriotic organizations: Women’s Relief Corps, Daughters of Union Veterans, Spanish American War Auxiliary, J. H. Kemble post of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009LT. GATZKE DIES IN CRASH AT EUPHRATE, WASH.- Military Files, MPL, 7-12-1944
Wilton- Lt. Raymond C. Gatzke, of Wilton, was accidently killed in an airplane crash at the Ephrata Army Air base, Ephrata, Wash., at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a message received by his mother, Mrs. Albert B. Kelley, from the war department at Washington, D.C. He had been stationed there for sometime. No Further details were given in the message. The body will be brought to Wilton for funeral rites and burial but arrangements are indefinite. Lt. Gatzke enlisted in the Army Air corps in October, 1942, received his training at Los Angles and at Williams Field, Chandler, Ariz. He was born in Atalissa on Dec. 19, 1921, and was graduated from Wilton high school in the class of 1939. He was working in a defense plant at Los Angles when he enlisted. Surviving are his step-father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kelley, and a brother, Cpl Lawrence Gatzke, serving as an air gunner and stationed at Jacksonville, Fla. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009WALTER ALFRED GESELL MEMORIAL - Military Files, MPL, 6-6-1942
“He has kept the faith with his God and with his country.” With these stirring words, the Rt. Rev. Msgr. W.L. Hannon, pastor of the St. Mathias’ church, paid a fitting tribute to the life and sacrifice of Walter Alfred Gesell, 22 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gesell, 981 Lucas street, who met death in action while serving on the U.S. destroyer in the battle of the Pacific. The occasion was an impressive memorial service for the Muscatine youth held at the St. Mary’s church Saturday morning, just a few hours after word came to his parents that he had been buried at sea. ----- Solemn Requiem High Mass was celebrated by the pastor of St. Mary’s, the Rev. H. Sendbuehler. Various war veteran organizations and their auxiliaries participated in the memorial rites. Included were the American Legion and auxiliary, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and auxiliary, The United Spanish American war veterans and auxiliary, the Women’s Relief corps and the Daughters of Union Veterans. ----- Example for all ----- My congratulations and condolences to the parents, relative and friends of Walter Gesell, You have sacrificed the life of a loved one for your country. You have given us and example to follow in the love of our nation. “Just a St. Paul defended the principles of Christ, so did this boy defend the principles of his God and country and he too can repeat the words which St. Paul wrote to Timothy when he was imprisoned in Rome and about to die. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009SGT. MERTON E. GILLUM- Military Files, MPL, 11-21-1944
Mrs. Hattie Proffitt, rural route No. 4, has received word of the death of her brother, Sgt. Merton E. Gillum, 31, of Rock Island, which occurred at a base hospital in the European theater of operation on Oct. 31. Sgt. Gillum was reported slightly wounded on Oct. 5 in France when a Nazi shell exploded in the midst of a group of five, killing one of his buddies. His letter dated Oct. 13 stated that he had been hit in the back with shrapnel and that he was undergoing treatment at a base hospital. He had returned to combat just a day prior to his injury after spending some time in an American rest camp. Serving with an infantry unit, Sgt. Gillum was assigned to overseas duty in February and saw action in Italy before participating in the invasion of Southern France in August. His home was at 521 Third street, Rock Island. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009STANLEY GREGORY- Military Files, MPL, 1943
West Liberty- Memorial Services for Stanley Gregory, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Gregory of West Liberty will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 at the St. Joseph’s church here, with the Rev. Raymond McGrath in charge. Stanley enlisted in the navy on Jan. 28, 1941 and was declared missing in action on Sept. 25, 1942. He was Petty officer second class and cook third class on his ship the U.S. Calhoun which was lost August 30, 1942. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific war areas. He was recently declared as lost by the Navy department after the allotted time has passed with no trace of him. Stanley was born Aug. 16, 1916, attended the Union Valley school and was actively engaged in farming at the time of his enlistment. He was married to Miss Eleanor Brennan of West Liberty April 9, 1941. Besides the widow he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Gregory, four sisters, Mrs. Margaret Collinson, Mrs. Mary Hadley, Mrs. Edith Walter and Shirley June Gregory at home, two brothers, Albert and Robert and a half sister, Edna Gregory. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009EMIL W. GREIBEL - Military Files, MPL, 6-1-1948
Cpl. Emil W. Greibel, who lived with his parents on a farm six miles north of Wilton prior to entering the United States army on Sept. 29, 1942, died in the Central Pacific war area on Oct. 9, 1944. The war department advised the parents that an illness with meningitis caused his death. Mr. and Mrs. Nicoli Greibel, the parents who reside on rural route 2, Bennett, are awaiting definite word concerning the arrival of the body they said no arrangements for funeral services have been made. Cpl. Greibel was born in Romona, S. D, on July 22, 1920, and received his education there. He came with his parents to the Wilton community in 1939. He took training at Camp Adair, Ore., Fort Lewis, Wash., Camp White, Ore., San Luis Obispo and Camp Beale, before going overseas on July 16, 1944. Surviving besides the parents are a brother, Richard, at home and sister, Mrs. Clarence Hartwig, Bennett. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009JOHN DALE GRUNDER, Wilton Youth Killed In Action In Pacific - Military Files, MPL, 12-1-1942
John Dale Grunder, 20-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Grunder of Wilton, was killed in action “somewhere in the Pacific” according to a message received by his parents this morning. The telegram, received from the navy department, did not designate just where young Grunder was at the time of his death nor the date on which his death occurred. Grunder enlisted in the navy in August, 1941, and was a seaman, first class, at the time of his death. He was at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese air attack occurred and received injuries there which kept him in the hospital for several weeks. Upon his recovery, he was assigned another ship. A brother, Carl is also in the navy and at present is also somewhere in the Pacific. John Dale Grunder, was born at Wilton and spent his entire lifer there until his enlistment. Surviving, besides the parents, are the brother and a sister Margaret, at home. The Wilton youth’s death brings the war fatalities in Muscatine to nine killed in action. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009PFC. GUTER RITES TO BE CONDUCTED HERE ON FRIDAY - Military Files, MPL, 9-7-1948
Funeral services for Pfc. Harold B. Guter, 36, who was killed in action in France on Nov. 28, 1944, will be conducted Friday in the chapel at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals. The body of Pfc. Guter, returned to the Untied States on the USAT Lawrence Victory, will arrive in Muscatine on Wednesday. The Rev. J. Arthur Eveland, pastor of the First Evangelical United Brethren church, will officiate at the rites and burial will be in Greenwood cemetery. Military honors will be conferred at the grave by the J.H. Kemble post, No. 1565, Veterans of Foreign Wars. ----- The son of Jacob and Clara May Lohr Guter, Pfc. Guter was born in Columbus, Neb., on May 7, 1908, and had lived in Muscatine for 26 years. He was employed at the Huttig Manufacturing company for about 18 years before entering service. Pfc Guter was member of the V.F. W. post and of Muscatine Aerie No. 815, Fraternal Order of Eagles. ------ Entering army service in Dec. 1 1942, Pfc. Guter received training at Camp Claiborne, La., Camp Howzie, Tex., and Fort Dix, N. J., before being sent overseas in June, 1944. He was stationed in England before being sent to France, He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and presidential citation. Surviving are five sisters, Ruby Guter, 128 West Second street, Mrs. Margaret Chandler, Mrs. Helen McIntyre, Mrs. Opal Phillips, and Mrs. Thelma Weggen, all of Muscatine. His parents preceded him in death. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009PFC. W. HAGENS, LISTED MISSING, DEAD, KIN TOLD - Military Files, MPL, 2-5-1945
Pfc. Wesley Samuel Hagens, previously listed as missing in action in France since Dec. 23, was killed in action on that date, a telegram from the war department informed his wife, Mrs. Mildred B. Hagens, 1202 ½ Oak street, Saturday. Pfc. Hagens was serving with an infantry division of the Seventh Army. He entered service Dec. 14, 1943, and trained at Camp Fannin, Tex., and Camp Van Dorn, Miss., going overseas to England in August of 1944. He was later sent into action in France. Born in Muscatine on Jan. 4, 1916, he spent his entire life here. He had been employed at the Roth service station and at the Huttig mfg. company before entering service. Surviving are his wife and three children, Wesley John, Thomas Grant, and Leathe Deane. His parents and one son precede him in death. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009PVT. PAUL HANSON - Military Files, MPL, 4-24-1948
Funeral rites for Pvt. Paul Hanson, killed in action Jan.7, 1945, in Europe, were conducted this afternoon at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral home. The Rev. Ivan Bachtell, pastor of the Mulford Congregational church, officiated. ----- The body of Pvt. Hanson was previously interred in Epinal cemetery in France and was returned to the United States for final burial aboard the Robert F. Burns on April 2. ----- Mrs. George Holliday served as organist with Miss Marie Eitman, Miss Genevieve Crow, Mrs. Ralph Nietzel and Mrs. Glen Bloom as flower attendants. Pallbearers were Ralph Nietzel, Glen Bloom, Marvin Benninger, Douglas Randleman, Dean Fletcher and Arthur Mittman. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009WAR INJURIES ARE FATAL TO PFC HARRISON- Military Files, MPL, 12-23-1944
Pfc. James Harrison, aged 28 years, whose home was on Maple Grove road, rural route No. 6, died of wounds suffered in action in France on Dec. 4, according to a message to his mother, Mrs. Alberta Harrison, Maple Gove road. A message reporting he had been seriously injured on Nov. 27 was received the day previous. Pfc. Harrison, who had been overseas about six weeks had been in action for a month, serving with an infantry unit in the Seventh army. A brother, Pfc. Alvin Harrison, who had been with him throughout his service record, attached to an artillery unit, was believed to have been in the same area when his death occurred. Entered the service Dec, 1, 1942, he trained at Camp Claiborne, La., Camp Howzie, Tex., before being sent to New York for assignment overseas. Surviving are his mother, twin sons, Larry and Garry, aged two years, and the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. Robert Wilson, Muscatine; Mrs. Ada Cawston and Mrs. Phoebe Maskell, both of Canada and Pvt. Alvin Harrison. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009PFS. JAMES WILBUR HART - Military Files, MPL, 4-15-1949
Funeral services will be conducted at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral home Monday for Pfc. James Wilbur Hart, Jr., 21, who was killed in action May 20, 1945, while serving with the infantry of the Sixth Marine Division on Okinawa. Officiating will be the Rev. J. Arthur Eveland, pastor of the First Evangelical Brethren church. Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery with military rites to be conducted by the J.H. Kemble post 1565, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars. The body will arrive in Muscatine tonight and will be taken to the funeral home. ----- The son of James W. and Mary Akers Hart, Pfc. Hart was born Oct. 30, 1924, in Fairmont, Minn. He had resided in Muscatine since 1928 and was a member of the local V.F. W. post. Entering the Marine Corps Dec. 10, 1941, Pfc. Hart went overseas in the spring of 1942. He had a leave of duty in the South Pacific in 1943 and returned overseas in 1944. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hart, 422 Fletcher avenue; a brother, William L. Hart, Muscatine; and five sisters, Mrs. Bruce Swain, Davenport, and Mrs. Ralph Freeman, Mildred, Ruth Ann and Joan Hart, all of Muscatine. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009DAN HECKERT DIES IN CRASH- Military Files, MPL, 7-14-1943
Dan Heckart, 29, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Heckart of West Liberty was killed recently in a plane crash in line of duty with the U.S. coast Guard, according to word just received by his parents. Mr. Heckart has served with the Royal Canadian airforce for a period of one year before the United States entered the war. Subsequently he entered the U.S. Coast Guard and received training at St. Petersburg, Fla., and Grosse Isle, Mich., near Detroit, before being transferred to Pensacola, where he had been stationed since in January. He would have graduated from the Coast Guard school at Pensacola this month. He was born in South Dakota. Surviving, in addition to the parents are his wife and seven year old daughter at Lyons, Neb., and a brother who is in army service in the South Pacific area. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009PFC. V. HELSCHER KILLED IN ACTION- Military Files, MPL 4-10-1945
Pfc. Virgil R. Hoelscher, 27, serving with army infantry, was killed in action March 18 in Germany, his wife, the former Kathryn Smith, 511 East Tenth street, was informed in a letter from the adjutant general’s office Monday. A telegram had been sent to his mother, Mrs. Mary Hoelscher, of Centralia, Ill. ----- Pfc. Hoelscher entered the service from Iowa City on April 25, 1942, and went overseas in February of this year. He had received MP training at Fort George Wright, Wash., and at Mountain Home, Idaho, later being transferred to the infantry and training at Camp Howze, Tex. ----- He was born near Plum Hill, Ill., in 1917, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Hoelscher. Survivors include his wife; a 22-month–old son, Virgil James; his parents; five sisters and three brothers. He was one of six members of the Smith family in service. A brother-in-law, Cpl. Rollin Smith, 105 Foster street, missing in action in Luxembourg Dec.19, was recently reported a prisoner of war of Germany. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009LT. WALTER H. HENDRICKSON- Military Files, MPL, 8-17-1948
Last rites for Lt. Walter H. Hendrickson, 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hendrickson, Sr., 1708 Mulberry avenue, will be conducted Thursday afternoon. Graveside rites will be conducted at Memorial Park cemetery. The Rev. James Robertson, Presbyterian minister, will officiate at the services and military honors will be conferred by the American Legion memorial squad. Arrangements are in charge of the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral home. ----- Lt. Hendrickson, bombardier on a Flying Fortress, was killed in action on Aug. 27, 1943, while on a bombing mission to Cape Bonto, northwest of Anzio, Italy. His body, buried overseas at Nettuno, Italy and returned to the United States on the USAT Carroll Victory, will arrive in Muscatine Wednesday night. ----- Enlisting in the Army Air Corps in Sept. 27, 1941, Lt Hendrickson reported at Cal Aero Academy, Ontario, Calif., on Oct. 1, 1941, and was sent to Santa Ana, Calif., replacement training enter. On May 23, 1942, he went to Kirtland field. Albuquerque, for advanced training and received his wings there on Aug. 1942 Lt Hendrickson left for overseas duty in March of 1943 and served in North Africa, Tunisia, Sicily and Italy, having completed 38 missions at the time of his death. The son of Walter H. and Marie Gross Hendrickson, he was born Jan. 3, 1918, in Chicago, Ill., and came to Muscatine in 1925. He graduated from Muscatine high school and Muscatine junior college. Surviving are his parents; two sisters, Mrs. Max Worthington of Coshocton, O., and Janet Marie Hendrickson, at home and a cousin, Mrs. Donald Berlund of Boulder, Colo. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009MAJ. L. HERRICK, FIGHTER PILOT, KILLED- Military Files, MPL, 12-20-1944
Major Lawrence Herrick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Herrick, of Letts, who was reported as missing in action over France on Aug.5 was killed in action on that date, his wife, the former Jeanette Helmick, now living with her parents in Columbus Junction, has been informed. ----- Major Herrick was a pilot of an army fighter plane and was believed to be killed near Tours, France. He had been based in England for several months and had previously been stationed in France. According to last reports from him, he had competed 48 missions and more than 80 sorties. ----- Major Herrick was born Jan. 14, 1920 and was married on Jan. 2, 1942, to Jeanette Helmick. He attended Letts high school, Muscatine junior college and Iowa Wesleyan college where he was a student when he entered service in December, 1940. He was commissioned at Craig Field, Ala., on Aug. 15, 1941. His promotion to captain came in September, 1942, and he was advanced to the rank of major in February 1944, after he had gone overseas. He had been awarded the Air Medal and Five Oak Leaf clusters for “exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating in bomber combat missions over Germany and enemy occupied Europe. ----- He is survived by his wife and parents; two children, Larry Lanning and Richard James, the later born shortly before Major Herrick was reported missing; and two sisters, Mrs. Harriett Lewis, Muscatine, and Miss Miriam Herrick, a student nurse at Mercy hospital in Davenport. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009PVT. N. F. HILLIER KILLED IN FRANCE, MOTHER IS TOLD- Military Files, MPL 9-5-1944
Pvt. Norman F. Hillier, reported missing in action since Aug. 5, was killed in action in France according to a message received by his mother, Mrs. Martha E. Hillier, 806 East Sixth street. Pvt. Hiller was born in South Bend, Ind., on April 9, 1924, but had made Muscatine his home since he was three years old. He received his schooling here and was graduated from Muscatine high school with the class of 1943. ----- He entered the service in March of 1943 and took his preliminary training at Camp Polk, La., later going to Ft. Meade, Md. He had been overseas since June of this year, going first to England and then to France. ----- In addition to his mother he is survived by a brother, Pvt. Jack Hillier, stationed at Fort Riley, Kas. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009EARL HINMAN, LISTED MISSISNG, IS DEAD- Military Files, MPL1-9-1946
Reported missing in action following the sinking of the cruiser U.S.S. Houston off the coast of Java on Feb. 28, 1942, Earl E. Hinman, 25 Coxswain, United States navy, is now listed by the Navy department as presumed to have died on Dec. 15, 1945. ----- Coxswain Hinman was the son of Mrs. Flava Hinman, 1313 East Fifth street, and the late Clarence Hinman. Information concerning the loss of the Houston and the report of Hinman’s death was received by his mother by the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal and Capt. A. L. Maher, USN, senior surviving officer of the Houston. The communication from Forrrestal fixed the official date of Hinman’s death while information concerning the loss of the ship was given in detail by the officer of the Houston. ----- Telling of the action leading to the loss of the cruiser, Capt. Maher wrote: “The Houston left Batavia, Java, in company with H.M.A.S. Perth about 7:30 in the evening on Feb. 28, 1942, enroute to the southern coast of Java via the Sunda Strait. At about 11:15 when within about five miles of St. Nicholas Point, Java, Japanese ships were sighted and immediately engaged by both the Houston and Perth. It soon was apparent that we had encountered a large Japanese force which was preparing to land on the coast of Java. This force was composed of Japanese cruisers, destroyers, seaplanes, tenders, transports and possible submarines. About 20 minutes after the start of the engagement, the Perth was struck by torpedoes, left the formation and sank shortly thereafter. From then on and for a period of about one hour, the Houston singly engaged the entire Japanese force in a fierce engagement, the range of the enemy at times being less than one mile. The Houston was hit many times by torpedoes and shell fire and finally was so badly damaged as to be in a sinking condition. At this time orders were given to abandon ship. Shortly after the survivors were in the water, the ship still under heavy Jap gunfire rolled over to starboard and sank. After the sinking of the ship, your son was seen in the water by other survivors. However, he has never been seen or heard from by any of us since that night. The natives of Java were definitely unfriendly towards those of us who were fortunate enough to reach the shore. Therefore in my opinion it is extremely doubtful that anyone could have reached land and managed to survive Java, unknown to Japanese authorities, for a period of three and a half years.”----- Earl Edward Hinman was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, on March 25, 1920, the son of Clarence and Flava Hinman. He attended school in Seventy-Six township in Muscatine county. He enlisted in the U.S. navy on March 12, 1938, and reported for duty in July of that year. He left for overseas service in 1939. Surviving are his mother; three sister, Mrs. Albert Fuhlman and Mrs. Donna Paetz, of Muscatine, and Helen, at home; two brothers, Clifford of Letts and Lyle, with the U.S. Army on Leyte; and one grandmother, Mrs. Ethel Shoppa of Muscatine. His father died in 1943. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009PVT. FRED HINTREMEISTER, REPORTED MISSISNG, IS DEAD- Military Files, MPL, No date listed
Pvt. Fred Hintermeister, 23, listed as missing in action in Luxembourg since Dec. 23, is now reported as having been killed in action on that date, according to a telegram from the war department received Wednesday afternoon by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hintermeister, who reside on highway No. 61, near the municipal airport. Mr. and Mrs. Hintermeister received their last letter from Pvt. Hintermeister about a week before receiving the telegram saying he was missing in action. This message was received on Jan. 16. ----- Pvt. Hintermeister entered service on Feb. 7, 9144, and received his training at Camp McClellan, Ala. It was during August of last year that he was sent overseas and he first landed in England and was later transferred to France where he apparently engaged in some heavy fighting. ----- Pvt. Hintermeister was born near the Lone Tree school on Muscatine Island on March 3, 1921, and had spent all his life in that community. He was graduated from Muscatine high school and before entering the service helped his father on the farm. Surviving Pvt. Hintermeister are his parents and two brothers, Clifford and Bert, both at home. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009EDWARD HOFFMAN - Military Files, MPL 10-3-1944
Memorial services for Edward G. Hoffman, S1/c in the Untied States navy, have been arranged for Sunday, Oct. 7, at the St. Mary’s church. A solemn requiem high mass will be offered at 10 o’clock with the Rev. Henry Sendbuehler, pastor of the church, and the Rt. Rev. Msgr. N.J. Pfeiffer of Davenport, former pastor, in charge. ----- Seaman Hoffman has been reported as presumed as dead following the torpedoing and sinking of the U.S.S. Roman in the Tyrrhenian Sea in September of 1943. ----- He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ruth Carmen Hoffman of Baldwin, Long Island, N.Y.; his father and step mother, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hoffman, a brother, Sgt. Bernard Hoffman, with the air force in Sardinia; four half brothers and sisters, Rosemary, Robert, Richard and Carolyn, all of Muscatine; and his grandmothers, Mrs. James Lee and Mrs. Mary Hoffman of Muscatine. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 22, 2009DALE G. MOTIS- Military Files, MPL, 12-28-1948
Pvt. Motis, who was 298 at the time of his death, was born in Des Moines, Ia., and attended school there. After graduation from Drake University, he was employed by Commercial Credit company in Des Moines. He married Marian Melick of West liberty and the couple moved to Chicago where he was employed in the credit department of the Graybar Electric company. He entered service in May of 1944 and received his basic training in Texas before entering officer’s training school at Fort Benning, Ga. Pvt. Motis went overseas Feb. 9, 1945, and was killed in action at Arnsbach, Germany, on March 31, 1945. He is survived by his wife and daughter, Marilee, of West Liberty and his father, Dr. Charles E. Motis, Des Moines. His mother died in May of 1945. Burial will be in the Arlington national cemetery at Fort Meyers, Va. --- Submitted by Beverly Gerdts on May 14, 2009CAPT. DALE SMITH, of West Liberty, Killed in France - Military Files, MPL, 3-1-1945
Capt. Dale Smith 30, of West Liberty was killed in action, Aug. 7, in Normandy, according to information from the war department. Capt. Smith was serving as commander of a tank company. He had been in service since June 20, 1941. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in July 1942, and was promoted to the rank of captain before going to England in December 1943.Capt. Smith was born Jan. 10, 1914, being a son of the late Franklin and Catherine Smith of West Liberty. He graduated from the West Liberty high school with the class of 1931 and attended Iowa State Teachers college at Cedar Falls, where he received a certificate as principal in 1938. Subsequently he was engaged in school work and was principal of the Vinton school when he entered service. Surviving him are three sisters, Miss Frances Smith of West Liberty, Miss Mildred Smith of Rock Island, and Mrs. Mabel Bennett of Tacoma, Wash., and two brothers, Sgt. Hershel Smith, somewhere in New Guinea, and G. William Smith of West Liberty. --- Memorial Rites for Capt. Smith Will be Sunday. West Liberty – Memorial services for Capt. Dale F. Smith, killed in action near Lorient, France on Aug. 7, (1944), will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. the Methodist church. The Rev. W. A. Smith and Mansel L. Phillips post of the American Legion will be in charge of the services. Commander Ben Nichols, of the Legion post, asks all Legionnaires to meet at the Legion home at 2 p.m. Sunday to attend the service. -- Capt. Smith was born Jan. 13, 1914, and is survived by three sisters and two brother, Mrs. Glen Bennett, of Tacoma, Wash., Miss Mildred Smith, Rock Island, Ill., Miss Frances Smith, Storm Lake, Ia., G. William Smith, of West Liberty, and Sgt. Hershall Smith, somewhere in New Guinea. Also two nieces and one nephew; Alberta and Richard Bennett and Katheryn Rose Smith, as well as many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin Smith, on Nov. 14, 1914, and his mother, Catherine Meyers Smith, on March 26, 1933. He was a member of the Methodist church in West Liberty. --- Submitted by Lynn McCleary on March 20, 2011.