EASTERN IOWANS ARE GRADUATED AS ARMY PILOTS.
A number of men from eastern Iowa became combat pilots last week in graduation ceremonies of the AAF training command in Texas and Oklahoma. All received commissions as second lieutenants.
In the group were David H. Battin (see photo), son of Mrs. Franklin Battin formerly of Cedar Rapids and now of College Station, Texas, who was graduated from Moore field, Mission, Texas;
Robert B. Martin (see photo), son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Martin, 613 A avenue NW, Lubbock field, Texas;
Gene A. Moes (see photo), son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Moes, 1619 First avenue SW, Blackland field, Waco, Texas;
Robert E. Morris (see photo), son of Mrs. Jenny Morris, 887 Daniels street NE, Aloe field, Texas.
Also among the graduates were:
Curtis L. Schnell (see photo), of Center Point, Frederick field, Okla.;
Donald A. Boemgren, of Decorah, Lubbock field;
Eugene B. Thomson (see photo) of Garrison, Pampa field, Texas;
Stanley G. Steiner (see photo) of Monticello, Foster field, Texas;
Kenneth D. Taylor (see photo) of Springville, Frederick field;
Leo W. Smith of West Union, Pampa field.
Robert E. Harrington of Postville, was graduated from Foster field with rank of first lieutenant.
Source: Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 21, 1944 (eight photos included)
Robert Eugene Morris was born Feb. 25, 1923 to Cleon Chaney and Jennie E. Fluharty Morris. He died June 21, 2006 and is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX.
Col. Morris served with the U.S. Air Force in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He served with the 371st Fighter Group, 405th Fighter Squadron and flew 64 combat missions.
Source: ancestry.com
