Service News
The Air Medal has been awarded to Second Lt. John W. (Bill) Padget, who has been listed as missing in action over Germany since Nov. 2, 1944, according to word from the army air forces servicing detachment, Des Moines. The decoration has been received by his father, Ernest C. Padget, 419 Florence street. Lieutenant Padget was bombardier-navigator with the Third bombardment division and had been overseas only a month when he was listed as missing. His wife, Dorothy, and daughter, Linda Kay, reside at 707 Newton street.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Friday, June 01, 1945, Page 9
John Padget, Lost in Raid,
Declared Dead
Second Lt. John W. Padget, 25, reported missing in action after a raid over Germany on Nov. 2, 1944, has officially been declared dead, according to work received from the government by his wife, Dorothy, who resides with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Knode, 707 Newton street.
Lieutenant Padget, serving as bombardier-navigator on a B-17 bomber with the Eighth air force, enlisted Dec. 1, 1942. He received his basic training at Kelly field, Tex., and left for overseas duty in October, 1944.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Padget, 419 Florence street, he was born Aug. 24, 1920, in Waverly; was graduated from Nashua, Ia., high school and was employed at the Corrugated Box Co., and the Rath Packing Co. before entering service. He married Miss Dorothy Knode on June 22, 1941, at Lancaster, Mo.
Lieutenant Padget was a member of the Methodist church.
Surviving besides his wife are an infant daughter, Linda Kay, nine month’s old, whom he had never seen; his parents; a brother Warrant Officer Bernard B. Padget of the navy, and two sisters, Mrs. Geraldine Peterson of Tracy, Cal, and Mrs. George Wright of City View Heights.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Sunday, November 11, 1945, Page 17
Padget Lost Nov. 2
After German Raid
Second Lt. John W. Padget, Waterloo, was listed yesterday as missing in action after a raid over Germany on Nov. 2, according to a war department telegram received by his wife, residing with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Knode, 707 Newton street.
Lieutenant Padget, serving as bombardier-navigator on a B-17 bomber, enlisted Dec. 1, 1942, enlisted Dec. 1, 1942, and received his basic training at Kelly field, Tex. He left for overseas duty in October.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Padget, 419 Florence street. A brother, Bernard B., navy chief gunner’s mate, is home on a 21-day leave. He is on sea duty.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Sunday, November 19, 1945, Page 19 (photo included)
Padget Memorial Sunday
Memorial services for Second Lt. John W. Padget, 25, who was officially declared dead, after having been missing in action since Nov. 2, 1944, will be conducted at 2 p. m. Sunday in the Linden Methodist church, Butler and Nevada streets, by Dr. Frank W. Court, pastor.
Word of the war department ruling came to his wife, Dorothy, 707 Newton street, Wednesday.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Padget, 419 Florence street, he has an infant daughter, 9 months old, whom he had never seen.
Wednesday, his wife, received word from the war department that he had been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He had previously been awarded the Air Medal.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, November 21, 1945, Page 7
Service News
The Air Medal has been awarded to Second Lt. John W. (Bill) Padget, who has been listed as missing in action over Germany since Nov. 2, 1944, according to word from the army air forces servicing detachment, Des Moines. The decoration has been received by his father, Ernest C. Padget, 419 Florence street. Lieutenant Padget was bombardier-navigator with the Third bombardment division and had been overseas only a month when he was listed as missing. His wife, Dorothy, and daughter, Linda Kay, reside at 707 Newton street.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Friday, June 01, 1945, Page 9
Mrs. Padget Wed to Robert Cook In Des Moines
Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Knode, 707 Newton street, announce the marriage of their daughter, Ms. Dorothy Padget to Robert Cook. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Cook, Jesup, Oct. 1 in Des Moines and the couple is now living with the bride’s parents. Mr. Cook operates a tavern at Jesup.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Tuesday, October 08, 1946, Page 6
John William Padget is buried in Lorraine American Cemetery, Saint Avold, France.
2nd Lt. Padget served with the U.S. Army Air Corps 331st Bomb Squadron, 94th Bomb Group, Heavy and was awarded the Air Medal and Purple Heart.
Source: ambc.gov
