News of the Boys in the Services.
The Remsen Bell-Enterprise is in receipt of a V-mail note from First Sergeant Lewis Treinen, member of LeMars Company K before entering service, who is serving in Italy, in which he says he was enjoying brief respite from the horrors of war. He says he is at a “neat camp.” It’s a wonderful place, with a theatre, indoor swimming pool, etc. I was in Rome recently, visited the Vatican; the pope looks similar to his pictures. Met. V. J. Doud of Oyens the other day, and being a recent arrival he gave me considerable news. Marvin Mai and Fid Koob are going home, which leaves me practically alone.
Source: LeMars Sentinel, July 11, 1944
News of the Boys in the Services.
Sgt. Lewis Treinen, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Treinen of Remsen, is home after thirteen months overseas. For his services Sgt. Treinen has been awarded the 2-star campaign ribbon for his part in North Africa and Italy; the American Defense ribbon given those who were in the service prior to the Pearl Harbor attack; the Combat Infantry badge, and the good conduct medal. The soldier was in many hard-fought battles in North Africa and Italy but says the Anzio and Casino “had them all beat by far.” In spite of three months on the battle lines in Africa and 10 months almost continuously in Italy, he escaped without a scratch. Sgt. Treinen is home on temporary duty—the first Remsen man to return under this order which is a departure from the furlough system which sent the boys home in rotation after replacement according to rank. Under the new system, he is ordered to report back to his unit in Italy, provided a special order otherwise is not issued before he leaves this country.
Source: LeMars Sentinel, September 19, 1944
DRUM TAPS . . .
The war’s end
In recognition of its continual engagement in the major battles on the African continent and in Italy, the allied headquarters made provisions to make certain that the 34th Division would be one of the first returned to the States.
On July 16, 1945, 1st Sgt. Lew Treinen was erroneously credited with being the last man of Co. K. to return home. He was discharged July 10 with 118 points to his credit.
He had been engaged in battles in Tunisia, Rome, Foggia, Anzio, North Appennine and the Po Valley.
He reached home wearing his uniform decorated with the Middle East ribbon and five battle stars, the good conduct medal, American defense ribbon and the combat infantryman’s badge.
Then on Aug. 6, 1945, T-Sgt. Joe Horkey returned home.
And former K Co. guardsman, Capt. Kenneth Hoffman reached home, Oct. 1, proudly displaying the combat infantryman’s badge with four battle stars, silver, bronze star, purple heart with two clusters and the President’s citation. He thus became the most decorated soldier in the history of K Co.
But Hoffman was not the last member of K company to return home. The bodies of those killed in action would not be returned to Plymouth County for three more years. ~by Virgil Dorweiler
Source: LeMars Daily Sentinel, February 12, 1962
Lewis C. Treinen was born July 24, 1918 to Joseph N. and Margureite A. Lehnertz Treinen. He died Apr. 13, 1985 and is buried in Saint Marys Cemetery, Remsen, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
