(photo)
PVT. RICHARD BOS, JR.
Pvt. Richard (Dick) Bos is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos Sr. of Inwood and is stationed with the Air Corp at Sheppard Field, Texas. Dick was born 5 miles west of Sioux Center and moved with his family to Inwood several years ago. He is a nephew of Mrs. Dick Groen, Mrs. Peter Van Regenmorter, Mrs. Will L. Vander Berg, Mrs. Herman Wissink and Mrs. Ray Van Deest, all living in the Sioux Center area. Pvt. Bos is studying to be a mechanic. His address is: Pvt. Richard Bos Jr., 314 Technical Sq., Barracks 727, US Air Corp, Sheppard Field, Texas.
Source: Sioux Center News July 16, 1942 p 1
Visit Sons At Sheppard Field, Texas
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos and daughter Gladys, and Mr. and Mrs. S. Hotvet of Inwood, visited with their sons, Pvt. Richard Bos, Jr. and Pvt. Melvin Hotvet who are in the Air Corp and attending mechanics school at Sheppard Field, Texas. They returned home last Tuesday after a visit with the boys and say that the soldiers are getting along fine. Pvt. Bos gets the Sioux Center News every week and surely enjoys it. His address: . Richard Bos Jr., 314 Technical Sch. Sqdn., Barracks 727, US Air Corp, Sheppard Field, Texas.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 3, 1942 p 11
Keep Sending The News
Pvt. Richard Bos Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos Sr. who is stationed at Sheppard Field, Texas sent a card to the News saying that he will possibly be transferred soon but keep on sending the Sioux Center News. We hope to have his new address soon.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 1, 1942 p 10
Pvt. R. Bos Writes Letter
Santa Monica, Calif.
October 10, 1942
Dear Ed:
This is to let you know that I have left Sheppard Field as I completed the mechanics course and graduated from the school on the first of October. There were nine hundred in the group that received diplomas, really an impressive ceremony. The school band played several numbers and an officer gave a speech.
We did not receive shipping orders immediately so we simply laid around for a week. Wednesday morning we were told to pack and be ready to leave at once. Almost the entrire squadron was on that order as the train was composed of 23 cars including two kitchens. While on the read we ate out of our mess kits which was a new experience for me.
Sure enjoyed the trip out here, as we had a group of very fine group in charge of the train.
We are now stationed in a hotel on the ocean here in Santa Monica where we will get a month of post graduate work in the factory of the particular airplane that we will work on in the theaters of war. This is all very new and pleasant for us as it does not resemble an army camp in the least. The food is served by women, and also cooked by them. We also have plenty of leisure time each day. Usually from five P.M. to eleven P.M. when bed check is taken.
This is a hastily drawn picture but I may find time to write again.
Hoping to receive my News regularly again, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Pvt. Richard Bos Jr.
Class 7-43 Douglas
Grand Hotel
Santa Monica, Calif.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 22, 1942 p 2
Pvt. Richard Bos Jr.
46th L. Bomb Grp. 53rd Sqdn.
Will Rogers Field
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 26, 1942 p 2
Pvt. Richard Bos Jr., formerly of Inwood, Iowa, is one of the soldiers stationed at the Army Air Force bombardment base at Will Rogers Field, Okla. Pvt. Bos is assigned to a bombardment squadron as a mechanic. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos Sr., Inwood. His address:
46th L. Bomb Grp. 53rd Sqdn., Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 21, 1943 p 9
Pvt. Richard Bos Marries Grand Rapids Girl
Pvt. Richard Bos is home on furlough at his parents near Inwood with his new bride. Richard was married to (Lazina) Gertrude Dykman of Grand Rapids by a chaplain at his camp, Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma City, Okla. The bride's mother, Mrs. Dykman was present for the ceremony. Mrs. Bos will go to Grand Rapids from here when Richard returns to camp this week.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 28, 1943 p 6
Pvt. Richard Bos, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos, Sr. of Inwood writes to the News that he has joined a new squadron which was actuated only recently and does not even have equipment as yet, and so cannot tell what his duties in the new work will be. He does say though that he is always glad when Saturday rolls around, as that's the day the News arrives and he thinks there is no other paper that has so much news in it about the boys in the service. New address: 670th Bomb Sqdn., Will Rogers Field, Okla. City, Okla.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 25, 1943 p 10
June 3, 1943
Dear Ed:--Not having the time to write you a long letter I will use this card to let you know my new address since I have moved from Santa Monica, Calif. Am still enjoying your newspaper each week. Best wishes to all my friends. I remain,
Pvt. Richard Bos Jr.
670th Bomb Sqdn.
A.A.B. Lake Charles, La.
Source: Sioux Center News June 10, 1943 p 10
Oct. 3, 1943
Dear Ed:
Sunday afternoon finds me at the Lake Charles U.S.O. writing letters to all my friends. I see that I owe you a letter because I haven't written you since I came here from Oklahoma City. We intend to be here for some time so I thought I might just as well let you know of the change in my address. It's Staff Sergeant now instead of private, which I was for 14 months. Yes, my promotions came in a hurry once they started. Corporal in June, Sgt. in July and St. Sgt. on the first of September.
Still get your paper each week, usually on Monday and when I have finished reading it I pass it on to other fellows from the Midwest who like to read it almost as well as I do. It's a good way to keep in touch with the other boys from around home, as I follow the changes of address very closely. I also follow the Bond drives with interest because nothing makes a soldier feel better than to know the home folks are back of him 100 percent. After all, this war concerns the folks back home as well as the boys in service.
Now just a bit about my work. I am still Crew Chief on an A-20 Boston Bomber. Don't do much flying but had the good fortune to fly up to Oklahoma City when the planes left the Gulf area to get away from the storm which threatened to strike this air base. The storm stayed out in the Gulf but we had a nice stay at Oklahoma City.
Now let me say hello to all my friends in and around Sioux Center, then I must close for this time.
Sincerely yours,
S-Sgt. Richard Bos Jr.
670th Bomb. Sqdn.
A.A.B. Lake Charles, La.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 7, 1943 p 10
Dear Ed:
Only a few lines giving you my new address as our Bomb group has moved again. This time it is a little north instead of south. Have no idea how long we'll be here.
Hope I don't miss an issue of the "News".
Sincerely yours,
Sgt. Richard Bos Jr.
670th Bomb. Sqdrn. A.A.B.
Laurel, Mississippi
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 11, 1943 p 2
S/Sgt. Richard Bos has an overseas address which we cannot publish. Call either the News or parents for his address.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 6, 1944 p 8
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos, Sr. received word from their son Richard Jr. that he arrived safely in England after a long journey by boat.
While Richard Jr. was on boat he got in touch with the Chaplain and to Richard's surprise the Chaplain was Chaplain Gerrit E. Mouw from Sioux County. The following letter was written to Richard Bos Sr. from the Chaplain:
Dear Mr. Bos:-- On my recent voyage to the European Theater of operations, it was my pleasure to meet your son Richard. He visited me several times in my office. It was a treat to meet someone who had been raised in Sioux County. His final request was that I should inform you of his safe arrival in Great Britain upon my return to the States.
You will undoubtedly hear from him within a week if you have not received a letter already. It is requested that you give no publicity to this information until you hear from your son.
Very sincerely,
Gerrit E. Mouw
Chaplain (Major) U.S.A.
Transport Chaplain
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 24, 1944 p 8
S/Sgt. Richard Bos Jr. has a different APO number. It is 638. If you desire his complete address call the News.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 16, 1944 p 3
April 6, 1944
Dear Ed:
Here's my latest address which you may send your paper to. I have received four issues since arriving here. Each of them were full of news of interest to me. I haven't met anyone from around there, but I'm sure there are several boys quite near me. It would be nice if I could meet them, but it's hard to arrange meeting places. Hello to all my friends in and around Sioux Center. Sincerely, Richard Bos
T/Sgt. Richard Bos Jr. 37121192
670 Bomb. Sqdn. 416 Bomb Gp.
APO 140, c/o Postmaster
New York, N. Y
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 13, 1944 p 10
T/Sgt. and Mrs. Richard Bos, Jr. announce the arrival of a 6 pound baby boy born August 16 at Grand Rapids, Mich. they have named the young lad Craig Richard. Mrs. Bos is the former Lazina (Gertrude) Dykman of Michigan, and is making her home with her parents there. Richard has been overseas for seven months and is stationed somewhere in England. He is a ground crew member working on the A-20 planes. This is the second grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos Sr. of Inwood.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 24, 1944 p 10
BROTHERS SERVING OUR COUNTRY
Two Sons of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos Sr. of Inwood, Iowa (Pvt. Lawrence Bos & T/Sgt. Richard Bos Jr.)
T/SGT. RICHARD BOS, JR.
T/Sgt. Richard Bos, Jr. entered the service April 20, 1942, and after having completed his preliminary training at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, went to Sheppard Field, Texas, where he entered a branch of the Army Air Corps.
After five months of training, he was transferred to Santa Monica, Calif., where he graduated from the Douglas Aircraft School. Then he was sent to Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma City, Okla. At that time he married Lazina Dykhman of Grand Rapids, Mich., on January 16, 1943. After spending a furlough with his parents and wife, he was sent to Laurel, Mississippi. From there he was sent overseas to an air base somewhere in England.
His wife and son Craig Richard are making their home with her parents in Michigan. Richard Jr. has never seen his son, who was born August 16, 1944. He has been in the Army 2 ½ years and has had three furloughs during that time.
T/Sgt. Richard Bos Jr.
670th Bob Sqdn. 416th Bomb Gp.
APO No. 140, c/o Postmaster
New York City, New York
Source: The Sioux Center News, Thursday, Sept. 28, 1944 (photos included)
From Ninth Air Force Theatre of Operations: -- The M-20 Havoc, "Pretty Baby", whose crew chief, Technical Sergeant Richard Bos Jr., 31, resides at Inwood, Iowa, was the first Ninth Air Force Bomber to attack targets in Western Germany recently.
Technical Sergeant Bos' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos, also reside at Inwood. His wife, Mrs. Gertrude Lazina Bos, makes her home at 1046 Vernon Street, NE, Grand Rapids, Mich.
On her epoch making flight over Nazi land, "Pretty Baby" was piloted by Captain Chester R. Jackson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His Bombardier-Navigator was First Lieutenant Alfred H. Maltby of Hastings, Florida.
"Pretty Baby" was the lead ship of a small force of Havocs which bombed German gun positions near Saarbrucken, and Technical Sergeant Bos has the distinction of being the first Ninth Force crew chief to have his bomber fly over the Reich.
To make things even more significant, the Havocs, on that day, were furnishing aerial support for General George S. Patton's armored columns in the Moselle River area. Technical Sergeant Bos' brother, Private Lawrence Bos, is now in France, serving as a mechanic on a tank.
Formerly engaged in farming with his father, Technical Sergeant Bos was inducted into the U. S. Army on April 19, 1942 at Fort Crook, Omaha, Nebraska. He attended aviation mechanic's school at Sheppard Field, Texas, and later was graduated from the Douglas School at Santa Monica, Calif.
Since "Pretty Baby" has been under Technical Sergeant Bos' care, she has completed 52 operational missions over enemy territory without an abortion.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 19, 1944 p 2
INWOOD CREW CHIEF RECEIVES BRONZE MEDAL
Official release from a Ninth Air Force Bomber base, France: -- Technical Sergeant Sergeant Richard Bos Jr., 31, husband of Mrs. Gertrude L. Bos of 1045 Vernon Street, NE, Grand Rapids, Mich. and son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos of Inwood, Iowa, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy.
Crew chief of the first Ninth Air Force Light Bomber to attack targets in Western Germany, Technical Sergeant Bos has maintained his A-20 Havoc, "Pretty Baby", in perfect operational condition, enabling it to complete more than 52 bombing missions over enemy territory without an abortion.
"Pretty Baby" became the first 9th Air Force A-20 to hit targets in Western Germany recently when she led a small force of Light Bombers in an attack on German gun positions near Saarbrucken.
Technical Sergeant Bos is a member of the A-20 Havoc Group commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Theodore R. Aylseworth of Knoxville, Pa. Havocs from this unit, now based in France, are giving support to Allied troops along the Siegfried line.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 2, 1944 p 2
T/Sgt Richard Bos Jr. 37121192
596 Bomb Sqdn., 397 Bomb Grp.
APO 140, c/o Postmaster
New York City, N.Y.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 16, 1945 p 2
T/Sgt. Richard Bos expects to be home soon
Dear sirs:
Having been moving around a bit lately and been missing a lot of issues of your fine paper, so now since the war is over and I'll be coming home shortly, you better discontinue sending me your paper. I'll be dropping in to say hello, so until then I'll remain,
Sincerely yours,
T/Sgt. Richard Bos Jr.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 30, 1945 p 2
The Bos relatives drove to Inwood on Friday evening where a family gathering was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bos in honor the three servicemen who were home, Richard Bos Jr. who has just returned from overseas and has been discharged, .....
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 18, 1945 p 7
