SOLDIER LETTERS
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Grady have received cards from her brother, Cpl. Hollis E. Baker, now a German prisoner. The cards were dated December 18 and January 2, and arrived in Corning on March 31st and April 2nd, respectively. They read as follows:
December 18, 1943. Dear Folks: Glad to drop you a card to let you know I am all right, hoping everything is at home. I am with the same old gang, eating good, and have everything to wear. I need good bed and fire. Bob Moore is my box buddy. I will close, Your brother, Hollis.
January 2, 1944. Dear Folks, I am still alright. Had a good Christmas and New Years. Hope the same for you. I am with the same old gang. We have food and plenty to wear, no work. Sleep on a bunk, big brick billets, running water, well that is all this time. Love, Hollis.
Source: Adams County Free Press, Corning, Iowa, Thursday, April 13, 1944, Page 1
12 Iowans on Gripsholm
Washington, D. C.—(AP)—Twelve sick or wounded Iowans are aboard the Gripsholm, Swedish exchange ship, which is due to arrive in the United States next week, the War Department announced Thursday night.
Aboard the Gripsholm are 463 Army officers and enlisted men, 665 United States civilians and 78 Canadian military personnel, the War Department said.
The soldiers were exchanged in Switzerland for German prisoners of war.
The War Department said that leave or furlough would be provided for those physically capable and hospital treatment would be continued for those needing it.
Pay accounts of the soldiers and officers will be settled, necessary clothing will be issued and awards and decorations made to those who have been designated to receive them.
Next of kin of the following Iowans have been notified they are returning aboard the Gripsholm:
Cpl. Hollis E. Baker, Inf., Carbon, Iowa;
Pfc. George C. Barger, Inf., Laurens, Iowa;
Second Lt. Clyde V. Cassill, AC, Lenox, Iowa;
Cpl. Clifford M. Olerich, CE, Carroll, Iowa;
Staff Sgt. Edward E. Cussen, AC, Sioux City, Iowa;
Lt. Laurence B. Higgins, Inf., Clarinda, Iowa;
Staff Sgt. Sam D. Humphrey, AC, Clinton, Iowa;
Staff Sgt. Winston E. Lowe, AC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
Staff Sgt. Thomas R. McDonald, AC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
Pfc. Rufus P. E. Nanke, Inf., What Cheer, Iowa;
Second Lt. Warren L. Van Eschen, AC – Mrs. John Van Eschen, mother, Ackley, Iowa;
Pvt. Jack M. Wickey, Inf., Sioux City, Iowa.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, February 16, 1945
Cpl. Hollis Everett Baker died July 27, 1987 and is buried in Custer County Cemetery, Miles City, MT.
Source: ancestry.com
