Bub Bierma Joins National Guards
(Carl) Richard Bierma joined the National Guard at LeMars Monday evening. He will leave for a Louisiana camp about January 5. Four other Sioux Center boys are also members of the troop.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 12, 1940 p 1
Co. K Leaves LeMars Feb. 27
Co. K received their "sailing orders" this week and now know they will leave LeMars at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, and are scheduled to arrive at Camp Claiborne, La. at 10 a.m., March 1.
On the same train will be Company I of Sheldon and Company L of Sioux City, the three companies making up the 3rd battalion of the 133rd Infantry. There will be between 250 and 300 men on the train which proceeds south by way of Omaha.
Five Sioux Center boys are members of Company K. They are: Gerrit and Ted Vanden Berg, Bert Kroon, Bud Bodnar and Bub Bierma.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 20, 1941 p 10
Camp Claiborne, Louisiana
April 18, 1941
Dear Dad & Mother & Kids:
Sunday afternoon is my letter writing time. I thought I would drop you a line or two. First of all yesterday was inspection day for us. The Chief of Staff Marshall of Washington DC visited our area. He is the highest ranking officer in the U.S. Army. He is next to the President. He asked the following questions. How old are you? How long have you been in the service? What was your occupation in civilian life? Do you like the Army? In all 17 officers went through our area to inspect. Marshall told us that we has the best Area he had seen thus far. Sunday a week ago I was to Baton Rouge as special guest of the Chamber of Commerce of Baton Rouge. 15 fellows of our Co. went in army trucks. I am sending pictures which I took there. I was on top of it too. It is 450 feet high. We also visited the Louisiana State University. Gee, I could spend many more days there. Monday was army day in Alexandria. We paraded in the morning from 9 to 11:30. It was really hot. Last Saturday I went to a big league ball game. The Brooklyn Dodgers and Alexandria Aces played. The Dodgers won by a score of 12 to 1. The nights are very cool, and the days are pretty hot. I hope these pictures will explain what I saw at Baton Rouge. Friday we had Good Friday service and this morning I went to sunrise service at 5:30. We have church every Sunday. Sincerely, Carl R. Bierma
Source: Sioux Center News April 24, 1941 p 3
Iowa Soldiers Heard in Novel Radio Program
SECOND IN SERIES OF TRANSCRIPTIONS WILL BE HEARD THURS.
The second in the new series of programs featuring interviews with northwest Iowa soldiers now in training at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana will be broadcast over the Journal station KSCJ Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Participants on the broadcast tell of their activities at the camp and send greetings to the folks back home. Lieut. Mark Martin, Jr. of Co. K. 133rd Inf. 34th Division, will interview the following on the KSCJ broadcast next Thursday. Carl R. Bierma of Sioux Center, Sergeant Leroy Condon and Private Lee Schultz of Remsen, Private Geo. Radke of Kingsley, Private Obert Tharlson of Lake Mills, Private Gerald E. Weise of Sutherland and Private William J. Huckle of LeMars. The programs are transcribed at Camp Claiborne and sent to KSCJ for broadcasting. The series will be a regular Thursday feature on the Journal station.
Source: Sioux Center News July 24, 1941 p 5
Pfc. Carl R. Bierma
Co. M. 133rd Inf. 34th Div.
Camp Claiborne, La.
APO 34
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 30, 1941 p 8
Carl and Theodore Vanden Berg have been moved to New Orleans from Camp Claiborne where the army is guarding the ships yards there. Carl R. Beirma, Bert Kroon and Bud Bodnar have also been moved from Claiborne to New Orleans and as they are all members of the National Guard they will not be released from duty for furloughs. Carl Bierma wrote to his folks that he was on guard duty around the power plant in New Orleans.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 18, 1941 p 6
A Christmas party which was to have been held last week Tuesday at the Ben Bierma home was postponed until the night after Christmas or Friday night in hopes that Carl Bierma, who is stationed with the U.S. Army at New Orleans might be present. However he was not able to obtain a furlough at the present time.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 1, 1942 p 2
Carl (Bub) Bierma wrote home to his parents that he was on his way from Camp Claiborne to Ft. Dix, N. Jersey. He joined the National Guard before going to Claiborne and has had no furlough.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 8, 1942 p 8
Carl Bierma, son of Mr.and Mrs. Ben Bierma, sent a letter home which arrived on Sunday. He said that all the boys were still in New Jersey and no ships had left port when the letter was written.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 29, 1942 p 13
Bub Bierma may be the only Sioux Center soldier left at Fort Dix, New Jersey as he is in Company M. Harold Mulder, Bud Bodnar, Gerrit Vanden Berg, Teddy Vanden Berg, Bert Kroon are all members of Company K which have left for unknown destinations.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 26, 1942 p 13
Local Boys Land In Ireland
Carl Bierma and Gerrit Vanden Berg Cablegram Parents
Carl Bierma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma of Sioux Center, sent a cablegram home from the United Kingdom which was received here on Friday. According to the length of the trip, Carl may be located in Ireland. The message brought the first news from the group of soldiers who left Fort Dix, New Jersey a few weeks ago. Among those included in the group were: Gerrit and Teddy Vanden Berg, Bud Bodnar, Harold Mulder and Bert Kroon, all of Sioux Center.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 19, 1942 p 1
CARL BIERMA SENDS CABLEGRAM FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Carl Bierma sent a cablegram home to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma in Sioux Center which came from the United Kingdom and arrived here Friday. Supposedly all of the Sioux Center soldiers are in Ireland. The cablegram stated that "Bub" had a good trip, was feeling fine and would write a letter to be sent immediately. "Bub" joined the National Guard at Lemars over a year ago and has not been able to come home on furlough since. According to radio reports the trip to Ireland took about 13 days.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 19, 1942 p 8
58 Soldiers From Sioux Center Vicinity
SEND OMITTED NAMES OF MEN IN SERVICE
The American Legion has been sending inspirational letters each month to the soldiers of the Sioux Center vicinity and are anxious to have a complete list of the men in the service. The NEWS has published the names of the men who left to serve their country in the "NEWS ABOUT OUR SOLDIERS" column. Please contact the NEWS if any soldier has been omitted or if the rank is not correct in the list which follows:
.....
Pvt. Carl R. Bierma
.....
Keep the Sioux Center News informed when your soldier has a promotion in rank, change of address, or just a line about how he is getting along. Little sidelights on the activities of the men under arms are of interest to everyone. Call us anytime and give us a news item on the man who has gone to serve his country in the time of war. The News Reporter cannot contact each one of you every week so your cooperation will be appreciated. Every letter from the soldiers indicate a great deal of pleasure is derived in reading about his fellow "Buddy" and the mutual experiences in the U.S. service.
Source: Sioux Center News March 26, 1942 p 7
This letter was received on Saturday by Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma from their son Carl, who is stationed with the U.S. Army in Ireland.
Friday, March 3, 1942
Dear Mother and Dad,
I hope you got the cablegram I sent you, they told me I could get 24 hour service on it (The News published the cablegram). After sailing on a big ship for (censored) consecutive days I don't see how I can say I am feeling fine. I have already seen Belfast and I have also seen when the tide comes in and goes out. I have visited here and there and have been in some large churches, half again as large as the First Reformed of Sioux Center. I have also seen some of those old time castles and been in a few. Yesterday we got paid and it was a mess. We got paid in English money. I got $37.00, or 9 pounds and 5 shillings. A pound is worth $4.00, 10 shillings are worth $2.00, half a crown 48 c, 2 shillings 40 c, 6 pence 10 c, 3 pence 5 c, 1 pence 1 1/2 c and a half a pence 1/2 cent. It doesn't even look like money to me. In case you should have to send a cablegram, here is my correct address: Carl R. Bierma 20703149, 133 INFCOM, U.S.A.N.I.F., London, England. It cost $2.25 to send the cablegram I sent. Love, Carl Bierma.
To write a letter to Carl, address it: Carl R. Bierma 20703149, Co. M. 133rd Infantry, APO 813, c/o Postmaster, New York City, N. Y.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 30, 1942 p 2
Carl Bierma Views Historic Spots In Ireland
Carl Bierma, who is with the U.S. forces in Ireland, wrote to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma recently that a News Reel made of the soldiers in Ireland could be seen and then the rest was censored. "Bub" has been to Belfast in Ireland to see some of the old castles, and also saw the burial place of St. Patrick, among other historic spots. He sent home two recent issues, (April 18th and May 2nd) of an army magazine, The Stars and Stripes, printed for the British Armed Forces. The boys should be able to keep up on the world sports as the magazine devoted several pages on that. An article, "Why Letters Must Be Censored", caught the News Reporter's eye, evidently the soldiers are well informed on the do's and don'ts of letter writing.
Source: Sioux Center News May 28, 1942 p 11
Carl Bierma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma, who is located with the U.S. forces in northern Ireland wrote to his parents, the letter arrived here Thursday. The boys are now getting paid twice a month instead of each month which they like much better. The Sioux Center News has not been reaching the boys since the latter part of March, but a correction has been made in the address. Carl stated that he was in good health, got 3 good meals a day and a place to sleep and everything is OK.
Source: Sioux Center News June 18, 1942 p 12
This is the correct address of Carl Bierma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma: Pvt. Carl R. Bierma 20703149, Co. M. 133rd Inf., APO 34, c/o Postmaster, New York City, N. Y.
Source: Sioux Center News July 9, 1942 p 2
Thirty Young Men From Central Church In Service
The following is the list of boys from Central Reformed Church who are now serving in the armed forces. Their addresses change frequently, and P. Mouw is keeping an up-to-date list of addresses. Parents are asked to give him changes of addresses as soon as they get them, so the boys may get all the mail that it is possible for them to get.
.....
Pvt. Carl R. Beirma
.....
Since the above list was published in the church bulletin, two more boys have gone into the service: ....
Source: Sioux Center News July 9, 1942 p 4
In a letter home to his parents Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma, Carl, who is stationed in Ireland said that he had been able to see one of the seven wonders of the world but could not state what it was. He has gained weight while there. Carl has been to Belfast and some of the other interesting points in Ireland.
Source: Sioux Center News July 23, 1942 p 10
Bierma Family Receives Irish Linen
The Ben Bierma family received a package of Irish linen handkerchiefs from their son and brother, Carl Bierma, who is stationed with the U.S. army in Ireland. Carl says that he is living in camp right next to the linen factory. He also sent some post card pictures of the city of Belfast, Ireland and the surrounding area in Ireland, the castles and scenery.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 10, 1942 p 2
2 Years Ago First Men Into National Guard
It is interesting to pause and note as we hurry along with war preparations that it was two years ago in September when some of the first young men from our community drove to Lemars to enlist in the National Guard. Then in January they actually left for training at Camp Claiborne, thus beginning the long series of men who were to follow into the regular army and move from camp to camp. Included in the first group who later went to Camp Claiborne were:
Theodore Vanden Berg, Gerrit Vanden Berg, Bert Kroon, Bud Bodnar and Carl Bierma. Now all these young men are in Ireland, two years later. Three years ago Tommy De Lange entered the U.S. army at a time when the war situation looked comparatively mild. He is now a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. army, instructing new parachute jumpers at Toccoa, Georgia.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 24, 1942 p 2
Schalekamp's Patriotic Window Display
90 LOCAL SERVICE MEN'S PICTURES
Much interest has been created by Schalekamp's Drug Store window display of 90 servicemen's pictures this past week. Civilians are seen with noses pressed to the plate glass window studying the groups and poses of our men in uniform. Every man in the window display is currently connected with this community having been born and reared in the Sioux Center territory. Several brother groups are in the exhibit, namely the three Kroon brothers, Richard, Henry and Bert, also the three Moerman brothers, Adrian, Peter and William. Other groups of two brothers are the Vander Berg boys, Theodore and Gerrit, Bierma brothers, Carl and Bill, Franken Bros., Joe and Everett, and Attema brothers of near Rock Valley, Jake and Tunis; Dieters Bros., Herman and Harold, Van Engen Bros., Gerrit and George, Van Steenwyk Bros., Herman and Cedric, Van Muyden Bros., Lester and Peter, and Schalekamp Bros., Abe and Joe. Another interesting feature of the novelty collection is the fact that every branch of the service is represented, the Army, Navy, Air Corps and Marines. As you recall where each man is now stationed, there are a good many states of America represented and many foreign lands, Ireland, England, Australia, New Caledonia, India, Iceland, Panama, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. In fact if you stop to realize it, there will never be a time again in our lives where so many of the local bys will be so scattered in all parts of the world. Truly a travelogue of familiar faces. Sioux Center's young men are going into battle with the rest of the nation.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 15, 1942 p 4
Submits To Operation In Ireland
Carl Bierma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma submitted to an operation for varicose veins in his leg. He has been stationed with the U.S. army in Ireland.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 22, 1942 p 8
Carl "Bub" Bierma, who has been in Ireland since last March, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Beirma, that he is getting along fine. He has been in the service for 21 months, was in the Reserves and among the very first bunch to be sent to Louisiana and subsequently among the first to go overseas. His address is:
Pvt. Carl R. Bierma 20703149
Co. M. 133rd Inf.
APO 34, c/o Postmaster,
New York City, N. Y.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 26, 1942 p 10
Carl Bierma in Ireland writes that he is now getting the News regularly. He is not yet recovered from his recent operation for varicose veins.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 17, 1742 p 12
Carl Bierma, who is in Ireland writes to thank Sioux Center folks for the fine Christmas box he received recently.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 31, 1942 p 8
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma received a brief letter from their son Carl who has been in North Africa. It was the second letter they received since he arrived there, and nine weeks ago since the last letter arrived. This letter, written Feb. 25th stated that Clayton Jansma had broken his arm in a jeep accident. Also that he had seen the gang including Gary and Teddy Vander Berg and Bert Kroon and that they were O. K.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 25, 1943 p 10
Pvt. Carl R. Bierma writes his parents from somewhere in Africa that he and Gary Verrips are living under similar conditions. An interesting fact which he mentioned was that recently they were served luncheon meat made by Rath of Waterloo and chicken that came from Vilas and Co. of Storm Lake. He says he is getting the News which he enjoys very much.
Source: Sioux Center News April 22, 1943 p 3
A letter from Carl Bierma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma, who is somewhere in Africa.
March 30, 1943
Dear friends:-- Today being about my turn to write the News you may have a hard time reading it. My writing table consists of a Saturday Evening Post, two home town papers which I received yesterday, a G. I. blanket comes next and then what? The hard ground, of course. I'm in prone, lying on my stomach trying to write. I want to thank you very much for the papers you are sending me. I enjoy reading about Dutchmen in the service, and the Dutch on the home front. I am glad to say that people are doing all they can to win this war while the rest of us do it in the service. To the people who made my holiday season a joyous one by sending packages, cards and letters. I offer my sincerest thanks and appreciation to you and those prompted the sending of these. I received most of them during my short stay in England. I enjoy getting the monthly letters from Civic Club, Legion, Church, Businesswomen, etc. As for my last letter of the Civic Club, boy, I wish I could be there to buy that Valentine candy and also eat some. As for the Business women, when you send pictures like you did at Xmas, you had better be careful otherwise you'll have the army in town. Not all of you. You may be wondering what my job is. I am a gunner in Mortor Squad and am after the Fox. You know I thought I knew what the army was when I left America Feb. 19, 1942, but in the last three months I learned more and saw more than I did prior to my first 19 months. I was a rookie until then, now I have changed my mind about things. Yes, I have seen what war is, what it does to personnel and equipment. Closing I picked a poem during my stay in England. I wish to impress to each man in the service, not only him but all of you at home working with us to win this war. Oh, I could write more but these letters we write are censored. A fellow just said, "let the next guy do it". He got tired too.
For Honor and for Her!
Somewhere, a woman, thrusting fear away,
Faces the future bravely for your sake;
Toils on from dawn till dark; from day to day;
Fights back her tears nor heeds the bitter ache;
She loves you, trusts you, breathes in prayer your name;
Soil not her faith in you; by sin or shame;
Somewhere a woman - mother, sweetheart, wife;
Wait betwixt hopes and fears for your return;
Her kiss, her words, will cheer you in the strife,
When death itself confronts you, grim and stern;
But let her image all your reverence claim
When base temptations search you with their flame.
Somewhere a woman watches - filled with pride;
Shrewd in her heart, you share a place with none,
She toils, she waits, she prays, till side by side
You stand together when the battle's done.
Oh keep for her dear sake a stainless name,
Bring back to her a manhood free from shame!
May these few lines find you all well and happy. Should the grace of God allow you. My regards to all, "Bub" Carl Bierma
P.S. I am full of pep, I just had vitamin pill.
Source: Sioux Center News May 6, 1943 p 2
Carl Bierma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma, writes the editor of his experiences in the Tunisian campaign:
May 26, 1943
Dear Mr. Editor and friends:
Tonight, I want to write to the many people who may have many questions in their minds in regards to a yank in battle. Some may be answered and some may not.
Many of you wonder, what is he doing, is he getting our mail that we write so faithfully, is he having many experiences, how long is it going to last. Yes, that is right, we wonder the same thing, only you don't see it and worry three times as much as those who do see it.
If you were to visit this camp tonight, you would find some playing cards, some writing letters to you, some reading their prayer books, and other books, some visiting friends who have come to see them on pass or them going to see them. You also see the old gang gossip club in session telling about latest rumors they have heard. You will see some re-reading mail which they got today or yesterday from you.
When your boy enters battles he is as rough and tough as any Joe Louis in the ring. You got to be pretty tough when you put on your raincoat and curl up into a knot or ball to keep warm to catch a night's rest and at it early the next day.
He also receives mail while on the front. This is one time a man really appreciates a letter from you. Some of you think we don't write, we do too. we write on anything we get a hold of. I wrote one to Ed Vos on message blank that the army uses. Mail to you and us is morale. In a General's speech to us when we arrived at our first camp in the U.S.A. quote: "Morale is when you think you are the best man in your squad platoon, company or battery, regiment division and the whole US Army. Mail is also morale." Following the Fondouk battle I received a letter from George De Ruyter. this was a letter I will always remember especially the poem which was with it. I want to thank Mr. De Ruyter for his kind remembrance.
You may know that I have fought in 5 battles: 1 Picohon, 2 Sibebia, 3 Fondauk, 4 Hill 609, 5 Hill 503 towards Mateur and Ferryville. You may also be interested in my experiences in this Tunisian campaign. Pichon a defensive fight when a Bn. turned back the 10th Panzier division. Sibebia also defensive fight pretty rough. This was my first spate of enemy artillery. I didn't like it -- they don't like ours either, so that's even. I dug a deep fox hole and thought I was laying a pipeline to China. Fondouk -- read April 19th Time magazine page 8. I learned many things there. Hill 609 and 503 was offensive. I found out what it is to work. In a battle a man becomes a man. He prays an earnest prayer to his God that he may be guided and protected through the battle. He doesn't forget you either in this, as you pray for him. A personal experience at 609. Many prisoners were being marched by when I had a chance like everybody else wanted to hear them say something in Dutch. I volunteered like I did for something else. I said Good morning boys to them in Dutch. We waited anxiously for an answer, we got one. It was good morning in American. I blushed and laughed to myself, was laughed at by others of my squad. I went back to work getting the rest of them. Did I say the rest of them. We must of what I seen in the last week of them. I guarded some while moving them about. They gave some inside dope or I. D. which I can't say because of the censor man. They seem to be pretty happy too that it's all over here. They still have lots of confidence in Germany to win this war.
I have seen Bezerite, what a wreck. No civilians back, only military personnel in town. I saw 72 bombers go one way one day which were said to have done the job. Many more were involved but were not seen by us. I have had the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean sea. I will sum up this letter by saying I have fought in five battles, travelled about 2,000 miles, spent very little money, shave only once during months of Feb. and March, and glad it's all over with here. Am in the best of health in the year of 1943.
I hope this letter finds you all well and happy, hoping to hear from some of you. A vet, Carl.
P.S. - Received paper regularly.
Keep them rolling with letters to him.
Source: Sioux Center News July 8, 1943 p 2
PFC Carl Bierma has a change of address as he is again in the hospital while being treated for the veins in his legs. His new address is:
PFC Carl Bierma 20703149
Co. A. 32nd Bn. 1st Depot
APO 761, c/o Postmaster
New York City, N. Y.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 30, 1943 p 2
Bert Kroon, one of the five men who enlisted in the National Guard with Carl, was killed in action in Italy on November 4. All five men spent much of their time in the service together. See full article for details.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 2, 1943 p 1
FIRST LOCAL SOLDIER RETURNS SAFELY FROM OVERSEAS SERVICE
Served 27 Months Abroad
Pfc. Carl ("Bub") Bierma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma, arrived home Saturday from Africa, where he has served with the United States Army since the beginning of the Tunisian campaign. Bub joined Co. K. at LeMars with the first group of boys from Sioux Center, which included Bert Kroon, Bud Bodnar, and the Vanden Berg brothers. He has been in Ireland, Scotland, England and Africa; fought all through the Tunisian campaign from January to sometime in May of 1943. He was in the 34th Division. Last August the Vanden Berg brothers left for Italy and Bub was reassigned to a different unit and remained in Africa. He was one of the fortunate few in the one half of one percent who were granted permission to come home. He will report on June 15th at Camp Butner, North Carolina, and doesn't think it likely that he will be sent overseas again. Bub saw a lot of the fellows from the LeMars, Sheldon and Sioux City companies, but few Sioux Center boys, except those mentioned above. He did see Bert Kroon after he was hit the first time in Tunisia, and later talked to one of the boys who was with Bert when he was killed. The latter said that the same shell that took Bert's life also killed Bob Burns, brother-in-law of former Coach Peterson. That (his injury in Africa) was in the Battle of Fondouk Pass in Tunisia on April 8, 1943. The last Sioux Center boy he saw was Harry Van Voorst whom he met in Africa last September, for a few brief moments while he was doing some work in the office. He didn't get to talk to him though for Harry was on alert at the time he stopped in, and by the time Bub had finished his work and went out to talk to him, he had already gone. A Hendrickson boy from Alton returned on the same boat, and as far as he knows, they are the only two Sioux County boys on that boat load. Hendrickson had been at Anzio Beachhead.
Source: Sioux Center News May 25, 1944 p 1
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Gesink of near Sheldon entertained relatives at a potluck supper at their home on Tuesday evening in honor of Pvt. Carl Bierma who is home on furlough.
Source: Sioux Center News June 1, 1944 p 4
Pfc. Carl Bierma left again on Tuesday evening after spending a 26 day furlough at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma. He will report to Camp Butner, North Carolina.
Source: Sioux Center News June 15, 1944 p 2
Pfc. Carl R. Bierma has this new address:
Co. 5, 1st Regt., E.A.A.C.
S.C.U. 4482
Camp Butner, North Carolina
Source: Sioux Center News June 22, 1944 p 10
Pfc. Carl Bierma, who is stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, has a slight change within his address. His complete address is:
Pfc. Carl Bierma
Hq. Det., 3rd Group
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 17, 1944 p 10
Community Welcome For Pfc. Carl Bierma Thursday Night
The regular community welcome for returning veterans of this war will be held this week Thursday evening in honor of Pfc. Carl Bierma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bierma who returned three months ago from twenty-seven months overseas. He has since been stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and is now home on a ten day furlough. The meeting will begin at 8:30 pm so that all attending the Gaylord farewell in the park will be able to be present, since the latter will begin at 6:45. Carl met Marvin De Gooyer recently who sends his greetings to Sioux Center friends. Marvin is now working in a Station Hospital Office. He also gets to see George Howard Veldboom occasionally in Washington, D. C.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 17, 1944 p 1
Overseas Veteran Welcomed Here
(photo)
PFC CARL BIERMA
Pfc. Carl Bierma was guest of honor at the Community gathering in the town hall last Thursday night. Beirma has returned from 27 months of overseas service and fave a detailed account of the activities of army life in a foreign country. he took part in the Tunisian campaign in the early part of the war against the German forces. Included in program were several numbers played by the Sioux Center band, and Pvt. Irvin Mouw, who was then home on furlough, favored the gathering with a vocal solo. The Business girls served lunch in the basement after the program.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 24, 1944 p 1
......During the course of the evening Mr. and Mrs. Colsma received a telephone call from Carl Bierma, who is stationed in Des Moines, who called to congratulate them.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 15, 1945 p 3
Pfc. Carl Bierma has a new address at Des Moines: Military Police Det., Box 971, Des Moines, Iowa.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 15, 1945 p 1
The correct address of Pfc. Carl R. Bierma is Box 972, Des Moines, 4, Iowa
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 22, 1945 p 2
Des Moines, Iowa
March 20, 1945
Dear Friends:
I may be bragging when I say its my turn to write for the News. I haven't written in two years. You know a soldier is a guy who is worked too hard, gets too little sleep, takes verbal abuse no civilian would take, does every imaginable kind of job at any imaginable hour, never seems to get paid, never knows where he's going, can seldom tell where he's been. Yet accepts the worst with complete resignation, and last but not least, he really kinda likes it! You know why? When dog tired, been up since 5:30 A.M. working hard all day, and about to hit sack at 8:00 P.M. a voice shouts "We are on the move". Then you go as directed, you are ready to die by 2:00 A.M. but the job must be finished before dawn. Soon you don't care, if you live or die, and suddenly, you're a soldier, it's over and you did it and you think of all the people you know and how they would react under the circumstances and you begin to grin. You grin because you ain't scared of nothing, and it is a fact that there is no ordeal you can't face, and you know it! To be in Iowa to see Sioux Centerites now and then seems to be it as long as I've got to stay in the service. I wish that every man from Sioux Center has as good a deal as I have. Had a nice visit with Supt. Gaylord at the sub-state basketball meet, his club was the best but a break opened and the Atlantic ball club fell behind 3 points at the final whistle. I see the Te Paske's, Ed Roelofs, Gracia Punt and Betty Borgman now and then. Keeps me posted on the latest which I don't see in the paper or hear from home. I am getting the News regular again. Have the old address again, c/o M.P. Det. Dist. No. 2, 7th Sv. C" Municipal Court Building, Des Moines, Iowa. Sincerely, Carl R. Bierma
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 29, 1945 p 2
Draft Board
Minutes of May May 1, 1945
.....
Carl R. Bierma (Old Class.) 0 (New Class.) 1-C Disc.
Source: Sioux County Capital May 10, 1945 p 1
