Clarke County Veterans by Fern Underwood

CLIPPINGS SAVED BY
DR. B. LEE MARCH, PhD.
Relative of the Weldon Keelers
and shared for this book

CLARKE COUNTY CLIPPINGS
saved by Dr. B. Lee March, relative of the Keeler family of Weldon, Iowa
UNDATED

The following five men enlisted under the Army's Guaranteed Program, which allowed them to enlist but not required to go on active duty up to 120 days later.

PVT. BAKER resided in Osceola prior to enlistment. He will receive further training in the wire communication area.

PVT. RICHARD SCHAFF, son of Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Schaff of Murray, was accepted for duty with the Army Security Agency. Richard is a 1968 graduate of Murray High School.

PVT. GOODRICH, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Goodrich, will receive further instruction in the Automotive Maintenance area. He is a 1968 graduate of Clarke Community High School.

PVT. PAUL, son of Marvin G. Paul, a 1968 graduate of Clarke Community High School, will be transferred to Fort Belvior, Virginia, for training in engineer equipment maintenance.

PVT. RANDY DUNBAR, son of Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Dunbar of Osceola, also enlisted in this program. He is a 1968 graduate of Clarke Community High School.

SP/5 RICHARD RAMSEY, son of Mrs. Ardis Ramsey, received the Army Commendation Medal at Headquarters 35th Engineer Group in Vietnam. Ramsey received the award for meritorious service while serving from March 1967 to March 1968.

S/SGT HARVEY CARTER, member of the Wilford Hall hospital staff, San Antonio, Texas, was one of four staff members decorated in a special ceremony recently for service against hostile forces in Vietnam. Sgt. Carter earned his medal for setting up the only eye diagnosis, treatment, and training facility in Vietnam. It treated thousands of Vietnamese school children. Mrs. Grace Carter of Murray and Mr. & Mrs. George Pack of Osceola are grandparents of Sgt. Carter.

Army Reserve PVT. GARRY G. SADDORIS, son of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Saddoris, was being trained in rifle squad tactics and guerrilla techniques. He was a 1958 graduate of Osceola high school.

PVT. FRANCIS BROWN, son of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Brown, entered the Army in April 1964, and at the time of the writing, he had completed a relay and carrier operations course. He was home and scheduled to return to Fort Gordon, Georgia for overseas assignment.

AIRMAN RONALD MUSELMAN, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Muselman, has been assigned to an Air Defense Command unit at Oakland, California. He graduated from the train course for Air Force electrical power specialists at Sheppard AFB, Texas.

SEAMAN RECRUIT LONNIE REYNOLDS, 19-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Reynolds of Osceola had Navy Basic Training at Great Lakes, Michigan.

AIRMAN LELAND L. BEASLEY, son of Mr. & Mrs. John L. Beasley, completed Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas. He was assigned to a SAC (Strategic Air Command) unit for training and duty as a construction specialist. His unit supports the SAC mission of keeping the nation's intercontinental missiles and jet bombers on constant alert. He is a graduate of Clarke Community High School.

TIM LaPLAUNT, son of Mrs. & Mrs. C.J. LaPlaunt, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps at the Wesleyan College at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

DEAN CHANEY, LYLE CHANEY, and RICHARD AGANS were inducted into the Army through the selective service system.

EARL E. BEDWELL, a member of the 132nd Air Defense Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, was promoted to Airman First Class.

PVT. ROBERT R. McCLONEY, son of Mr. & Mrs. Russell McCloney, graduated from a 12-week course in Infantry radio and maintenance. He was sent to Germany.

NAVY COMMANDER JAMES B. LINDER, son of Merlin D. Linder of Mt. Pleasant, former Clarke County Deputy Sheriff, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in Vietnam. Linder is the Commanding Officer of Navy Attack Squadron 76, which flew ground support and strike missions against the Viet Cong from October 1965 to June 1966. His squadron operated from the decks of the nuclear powered carrier USS Enterprise. In the citation, which accompanied the medal, Admiral Roy L. Johnson, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said, "On December 22, 1965, Commander Linder led a division of A-4 Skyhawk aircraft in a successful coordinated strike on the Uong B1 Thellnal Power Plant. Despite the formidable array of anti-aircraft weapons, which downed his wingman and another strike aircraft, Commander Linder fearlessly pressed home his attack at tree-top level through dense smoke and turbulance, delivering all ordinance on target with pin-point accuracy."

MARINE PVT. GARY FOUCHE, son of Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Fouche of Osceola, completed the Engineer Equipment Mechanics Course at the Marine Engineer School.

PVT. E-2 JEROME E. ESTELL graduated from Quartermaster School as a Petroleum Storage Specialist. His wife, Alberta, returned from spending five weeks with him during his schooling. Pvt. Estell was then sent to Germany.

WILLIAM ROBERT TEMPLE, JR. returned home from 13 months service in Vietnam. He visited Mr. & Mrs. Fred Remerscheid in Osceola.

MARINE 2ND LT. MICHAEL POOL, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Pool of Osceola completed a two-week Tactical Air Control Course at the Navy Amphibious School in Little Creek, Virginia The course objective is to train personnel in the procedures, techniques and equipment used in tactical situations involving aircraft during an amphibious operation.

WARREN G. WILLS, 19, son of Mr. & Mrs. Cecil W. Wills of Osceola, completed 8 weeks of advanced Infantry training and has received an early promotion to Army pay grade private 3-2, Pvt. Wills received the promotion two months earlier than nonnal because of his accuracy in firing the M-14 rifle, high score on the physical combat proficiency test and his military bearing and leadership abilities Wills is a 1964 graduate of Clarke Community High School.

AIRMAN MAURICE C. SNELL, son of Mr. & Mrs. Gerald C. Snell of Osceola, has been assigned to Minot AFB, North Dakota, after completing Air Force Basic Training. The Airman, a 1965 graduate of Clarke Community High School will be trained on the job as an air policeman with the Strategic Air Command.

AIRMAN DAVID 1. MERRITT, son of Mr. & Mrs. Everett L. Merritt of Osceola, has been selected for training at Lowry AFB, Colorado, as an Air Force missile electronic specialist. He is a 1966 graduate of Clarke High School.

CADET DENNIS L. PAGE, son of Mrs. Ruth E. Page of Osceola, has been accepted for the 2-year professional officer course at the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps program at the University of Iowa.

ARMY PVT. PHILLIP E. RUTTER, son of Mr. & Mrs. Vincil Rutter of Osceola and husband of Judith Rutter, completed a vehicle mechanic course at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. Mrs. Rutter is with her husband in Arizona.

AIRMAN 2ND CLASS DAVE JOHNSON, son of Mr. & Mrs. Walter D. Johnson, reported to Travis Air Force Base near San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day, having finished his training at Keesler Air Force Base at Biloxi, Mississippi. He will fly from Travis to the Philippine Islands where he will be a communications operations specialist.

SEAMAN APPRENTICE RUSSELL H. BOWERS, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard S. Bowers of Osceola, is one of more than 3,000 crewmen helping celebrate the 15th birthday of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise. The 90,000 ton attack carrier departed her home port at Alameda, California in mid-November and has been operating in the Hawaiian Island area. (1970:) Enterprise is presently undergoing repairs at Newport News following combat duty in the Tonkin Gulf.

MAJOR RICHARD H. GLENN, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Glen of Osceola, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his action on duty as an AC-47 Dragonship pilot in Vietnam. The citation read in part, "His flight inflicted heavy damage on enemy forces and allowed several flights of F4C fighters to attack a main artery of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and cut it in a vital spot." John Glenn was a linotype operator on the Osceola newspapers.

AIRMAN APPRENTICE STEPHEN D. FULLER, USN, son of Mr. & Mrs. Marvin L. Fuller of rural Osceola reported for duty at the U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station in Kingsville, Texas. The Kingville base provides final jet aviation training for student pilots.

AIRMAN EDWARD MILLER, son of Mr. & Mrs. Russell Miller of Osceola, graduated with honors at Chanute AFB, Illinois, from the training course for U.S. Air Force automotive repairman. Airman Miller, a graduate of Osceola high school, is being assigned to Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, for duty with the Strategic Air Command.

AIRMAN MARTEL E. POORE, son of Mr. & Mrs. Glen E. Poore of Osceola, has been selected for training at Chanute AFB, Illinois as an aircraft equipment repairman.

SGT. LARRY E. MATEER, 21, son of Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Mateer. Completed his high school education through the Armed Forces Institute's General Education Development (GED) program while assigned to the U.S. Army Berlin Brigade in Germany. Sgt. Mateer is a truckmaster in the Service Company of the brigade. He entered the Army in August 1962, and has been overseas since July 1963.

PVT. CHARLES B. PIERSON, 18, son of Mr. & Mrs. Donald Pierson of Murray, completed a 7-week armor vehicle mechanic course at the Army Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He received instruction in the maintenance and repair of wheeled and track vehicles in armor units.

ELECTRICIAN'S MATE FIREMAN RICHARD G. GARITY, USN, son of James F. Garity of Murray, served aboard the fleet snorkel type submarine USS Madregal. The new submarine is currently operating as a unit of the U.S. Pacific Fleet in support of the Vietnam war.

FIREMAN APPRENTICE CHARLES PROPST JR. of Osceola was assigned to the Electricians Mate School at the San Diego, California naval base. He completed his initial basic training with the highest academic average in his company. He is a graduate of Clarke Community School

MARINE PVT. BOND, U.S. BOND JR., son of Mr. & Mrs. U.S. Bond of Osceola completed his individual combat training at Camp Pendleton, California. The four week course included over 200 hours of instruction under (illegible) combat conditions. Leathemecks bound for the Pacific will receive more training when they report to the Staging Battalion at Pendleton. This training will emphasize jungle warfare, patrolling, and civic action based on experience gained in Vietnam.

In a letter mailed November 6 to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.S Shearer of Osceola, LT. ROBERT SHEARER gave first-hand information of the fire aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in which eight men perished. Lt. Shearer, a native of Osceola, is a member of the staff of the legal office of the aircraft carrier, operating off the waters of Vietnam. Portions of his letter follows:

5 November, 1966
Dear Folks,
Yesterday about 1745, the fire alarm aboard ship was sounded. I could immediately smell smoke from my office and headed forward. My office is two decks below hanger bay 4, starboard side. Fire was down 5-6 decks on port side, hanger bay 4. There are bombs and ordinance all over hanger bay 4 so I headed out fast. Smoke became thicker and spread throughout a good portion of the after part of the ship. Eight boys died from lack of oxygen.

I am counsel for an investigating officer from Roosevelt, a Commander, which means I'll just assist in preparing an investigation to the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, which incidentally I do quite often as there are 4,000 men on this ship.
My very rough opinion is this. We had just finished an at-sea transfer of supplies from an AIDS (Stores ship). We received many cartons of products for use around ship. Some calcium hypochlorite, bleach, which is used many places although very caustic, was being lowered into a space or room some 5-6 decks down into the ship from the hanger bay. The room was designated for flammable aviation products. The case of stuff was somehow jiggled loose from the net used to lower it. I believe, somehow, a single plastic container slipped out and fell to the deck below, exploding upon hitting because there were so many fumes in the area. A fire developed with flames immediately, and eight workers stacking the boxes, etc., were in the middle of it. They moved into a nearby compartment (with no exit except to the fire) and there were asphyxiated. Fire put out fast considering all the gear down there. There are many dangerous things around ship which could do inestimable damage.. .
Have lost some planes recently and two pilots in the hands of NVN (North Vietnam). One good friend of mine was shot down in Haiphong Harbor last week. It's in the upper 70s here most of the time now — not bad. Hasn't rained for several days.

Lt. Shearer, a 1957 graduate of Clarke Community High School, has served two years with the Navy.

CAPTAIN ROBERT E. HORTON, 30 year old Osceola F-100 pilot in Vietnam, who in January was cited for having destroyed a lot of Viet Cong buildings and installations, has now been decorated by the Vietnamese for gallantry;

It was revealed recently by the U.S. Air Force that Col. Nguyen Viet Thanh, commander of the Vietnamese 7th Infantry division had bestowed the Cross of Gallantry on the Osceola man in ceremonies at the Mekong Delta town of My Tho.
Capt. Horton and Capt. Mark Berent of Minneapolis received identical medals for close air support they provided the 12thReconnaissance company while it was under attack on February 14.

The Air Force pilots were on alert at the Bien Hoa air base when they "scrambled" to help the beleaguered unit. Arriving over the target, they quickly began dropping bombs on a tree line where the VC were hiding. The target was near the position of the friendly troops.

A few minutes later, Beret and Horton were notified that Army Pt Lt. Manuel Domingos of Gloucester, Mass., advisor to the ARVA company, was in a foxhole in the open area and pinned down by an enemy machine gun nest.

Domingos called Air Force forward air controller, who was circling overhead in a light spotter plane and requested the fighter pilots strike a structure from which he thought the pinning fire was coming. Domingos could not tell at the time that the machine gun was in a reinforced bunker alongside a building.

Berent and Horton immediately diverted their attack from the tree line to make strafing runs on the new target. Berent, the flight leader, made the first pass. "There was a strong crosswind blowing," Berent recalls, "and we had to make allowance for this in sighting during the attack. As it turned out, the 22mm high explosive incendiary shells landed right on target, completely destroying the bunker."

With the enemy attack broken off, the friendly troops moved up to secure the area. During their search, they found three Viet Cong bodies in the bunker and 23 more in the tree line hit by the pilots.

Domingos, on meeting the two captains at the award ceremonies, told them, "I have to admit that you guys saved my hide. I had no place to go as long as that 50-caliber was in working order.

Capt. Horton is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Horton of Millard, Nebraska, former Osceola residents. Two sisters — Mrs. Richard Brim and Mrs. Jolm Webb, both live near Osceola.

The above is one of several articles about Captain Horton. Additional information is that the fighter-bomb he flew was a Supersaber and in two strikes destroyed 100 buildings. One article also names Captain Ronald Barker of Lansing, Michigan.

He reported that he saw four secondary explosions that sent clouds of black smoke into the sky after the three planes dropped their bombs and strafed the area with 20 mm cannon. Captain Horton was presented the Distinguished Flying Cross at Bien Hoa Air Base in Vietnam "for extraordinary achievement in Southeast Asia" and in January Capt. Horton was cited by the Air Force for his flying and later was awarded the Cross of Gallantry by the Vietnamese government.

A 22-year-old LST, veteran of the war in the Mediterranean during WWII and named the Clarke County, Iowa, is about to rejoin the U.S. Fleet and see action again in the South Pacific.

Word from the new Commander, Lt. H.A. Goldsberry, states that the old ship is undergoing an extensive overhaul and modernization at Camden, New Jersey. When the work is completed in May, it will be "one of the best and most modern Tank Landing Ships in the U.S. Navy." The Commander recently wrote to the Osceola Chamber of Commerce inviting a representative to be present when the vessel is commissioned. He said, "I wish to extend to you an invitation to send a representative to the ceremony and I will inform you of the date as soon as it is firm."

No one in Osceola seems to recall any information having been received here that there is such a ship and it is not clear if it had that name during WWII hostilities. It was known as LST 601 and its official record says while it was being inactivated at Norfolk, Virginia in 1955, work was interrupted by the ceremony officially giving the ship the name Clarke County."

The Navy's history of the USS Clarke County (LST 601) shows she was completed at the Chicago Bridge and Iron Works in Seneca, Illinois in March, 1944. After sailing down the Mississippi to New Orleans she was commissioned there on March 25.

Under the command of Lt. Comm. Perrin, she sailed to the Mediterranean and in June took part in practice landings at Salerno in preparation for the invasion of Southern France. When the invasion came, the Clarke County delivered six Apex boats with demolition teams and elements of the Third U.S. Infantry. She returned with 317 prisoners of war. For this action she earned one battle star. After the initial landing she became part of the logistics train, landing supplies to Marsailles and Toulon, France. During November and December, she unloaded British troops and supplies at Athens in support of the Greek revolution. The next spring she became the first ship flying the Stars and Strips to enter Triest, Italy during the Triest incident.

Returning to the U.S. in 1945, after the end of hostilities, she remained in active service and in 1949, joined the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. Back in this country, she had varied service in training exercises including those for Annapolis midshipmen and West Point Cadets. In the summer of 1952, she spent four months in Greenland.

It is not known if any Osceola Chamber of Commerce representative can be present at the ceremonies in May when the USS Clarke County again joins the active fleet.

Two young men who are well known in Clarke County have been awarded Commendation Medals from the United States Army for duty in Vietnam. STAFF SGT. SAMUEL LAMB, son of Mrs. Viola Anderson of Chariton (the former Mrs. Edna Lamb of Osceola), was presented the award for action October 23 and 24. The commendation cites the following heroism:

"For heroism in connection with military operations against hostile force: Staff Sgt. Lamb distinguished himself for heroic action on October 23 and 24, 1965, while serving as advisor to the 4rd Tank Troop, 5th Armored Cavalry Squadron, Army of the Republic of Vietnam.

"While moving as a relief force to reinforce a besieged compound, the unit was subjected to intense recoilless rifle, mortar, and machine gun fire from well entrenched Viet Cong positions. Disregarding his personal safety, Sgt. Lamb repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to assist in the successful evacuation of wounded personnel carriers."

A second soldier, SPECIALIST 5 LEONARD DENTON, grandson of Mrs. Lottie Denton of Thayer, and son of Mr. nd Mrs. Lyle Denton of Huntsville, Alabama received the Army Commendation Medal and citation for performance of meritorious achievement in support of the United States objectives on December 24.

The citation states: "Specialist Denton volunteered to accompany a detail assigned the task of exhuming a body which had been buried for a period of approximately three weeks near Bien Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. This was done during the night and Viet Cong were known to be in the area, adding to the danger of being ambushed by the enemy. Specialist Denton's devotion to duty and voluntary performance of an unpleasant but necessary task reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Army Private First Class DONALD KLEMME, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Klemme, 702 North Main St., completed advanced combat training at Ft. Carson, Colorado March 24. He received eight weeks of training in the methods of scouting and patrolling. Instruction was also given in camouflage techniques containment in natural terrain and handling of weapons.

ENSIGN DOUGLAS W. KLEMME, USNR, son of R. Hoyt Klemme of Osceola, was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy, following his graduation from the 16-week Officers' Candidate School at the Naval Base in Newport, RI. After a short leave of absence, the newly appointed Naval officer will report to the USS Chewaucan. During the four-month officer indoctrination course, he was paced through a curriculum of physical conditioning, shipboard organization, military customs and courtesies, as well as many aspects of sea navigation. Before entering the Navy, he graduated from the State College of Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

NORMAN L. GARNER, son of Mrs. Edith Garner, Route 5, Osceola, was awarded the Medal of Honor First Class in Vietnam, where he is serving in a civilian capacity for the Agency for International Development, a post he has held for the past five years. The medal was awarded on behalf of the II Corps Commanding General in the residence of the Provincial Governor at Kontum (indecipherable) highlands of Vietnam. A dinner was held following the awarding of the medal at the Provincial Governor's residence honoring the departure of Mr. Gamer from the Province of Kontum. He will be reassigned to the Province of Binh Dinh located on the central lowlands. Binh Dinh is the largest province in Vietnam and has been declared the priority province for the various types of developments carried on by the -U.S. state department.

AIRMAN DODSON TO FLORIDA DUTY: AIRMAN MICHAEL T. DODSON, son of Mrs. Carolyn M Dodson of 400 So. Fillmore, Osceola, has been graduated from a U.S. Air Force technical school at Sheppard AFB, Texas, He was trained as an aircraft mechanic and has been assigned to a unit of the Tactical Air Command at Elgin AFB, Florida. The airman is a graduate of Clarke Community High School. His wife, Mary, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Foster of 631 So. Main, Osceola.

DAVID EDWARDS GETS BRONZE STAR: Msgt. DAVID EDWARDS, son of Mrs. Grace Heston of Osceola, recently received recognition in the Hometowner post paper of the Tinker Air Base, Oklahoma. Sgt. Edwards will retire in 18 months following 20 years of service. He received recognition by receiving the Bronze Star for meritorious service during his tour of duty at Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam. Sgt. and Mrs. Edwards have two children, Christiane and Kim.

CRAIG ROBINSON TRAINS IN SOUTH. Army Private CRAIG ROBINSON is assigned to Company E. 11th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, at the United States Training Center, Armor at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He will spend two months learning the fundamental skills of the soldier in today's modern action army. Following the completion of basic training, Pvt. Robinson, who is the son of R.A. Robinson, 521 So. Park Street, Osceola, and Mrs. Grace Robinson, 2666 No. 41st Ave., Phoenix, AZ, will receive at least an additional eight weeks of either advanced instruction of on-the-job training to qualify him in a specialized military skill.

RICHARD MARVIN IS IN VIETNAM. ARMY PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RICHARD D. MARVIN, 20, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Marvin Sr., and wife, Linda Kay, live at 406 W. Ayers, Osceola, Iowa, was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. May 10. Pvt. Marvin, a field wireman in Headquarters Battery, 2nd Howitzer Battalion of the division's 17th Artillery, entered the Army in December 1966, and was last stationed at Ft. Ord, California. He is a 1965 graduate of Clarke Community High School in Osceola. Before entering the Army he was employed by the Iowa State Highway Commission in Creston.

DONALD HUSTED FINISHES COURSE. PRIVATE FIRST CLASS DONALD E. HUSTED, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Husted, 331 E. Hepburn St., Osceola, Iowa completed a 19-week telephone repair course May 19 at the Army Signal School, Ft, Monmouth, N.J. He was trained in the maintenance and repair of central office telephone exchange equipment.

BRISTOW EARNS ACADEMIC HONORS. CADET ARTHUR BRISTOW, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Bristow of Osceola, has earned academic honors and is a candidate for graduation from Wentworth Military Academy. Wentworth's commencement exercises start on May 31 with a varied activity program that includes a band concert, commencement ball, and the baccalaureate program. Arthur has earned superior grades to qualify for the dean's Special Distinction List. Cadets who earn academic honors during the specified grading periods are accorded extra privileges and are permitted to wear the scholastic bar on their uniform.

THREE FROM AREA IN LOTUS EXERCISE: SEAMAN APPRENTICE RUSSELL H BOWERS, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bowers of 217 E. Clay Street, Osceola, was aboard the USS Enterprise. FIREMAN MICHAEL D. O'NEAL, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leland J. O'Neal of Osceola, was aboard the USS Picking; and MACHINIST MATE SECOND CLASS PAUL L. MOON of St. Charles, son of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Moon of St. Charles and husband of the former Miss Toni M. Davis of Winterset was aboard the USS Long Beach during "Blue Lotus," the largest fleet exercise in three years. The exercise was held off the coast of Southern California from November 28 to December 9 and involved 24,000 men in 45 ships and six air units. Exercise highlights included surface to air missile firings at drone targets, live rockets and bombing attacks on the San Clemente and Chocolate Mountain ranges and naval air strikes to sink target ships.

LOCAL MAN IS IN VIETNAM: ARMY PRIVATE RICHARD R. RAMSEY, 26, son of Mrs. Ardis Ramsey, 707 South Fillmore, Osceola, Iowa and Joseph D. Ramsey, was assigned to the 35th Engineer Group in Vietnam March 30. Pvt. Ramsey, an intelligence clerk in the group's headquarters near Cain Ranh Bay, entered the Army in September, 1966 and was last stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He is a 1958 graduate of Osceola High School. The private received his B.A. degree from the State College of Iowa, Cedar Falls, and his J.D. (Doctor of Civil Law) degree in 1966 from the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

LaPLAUNT SPEAKS ABOUT VIETNAM: JIM LaPLAUNT, who was in the infantry in Vietnam, gave an interesting talk to the American world history and sociology classes in December. Jim, who was a 1961 graduate of CCHS was in the Reconnaissance Company and an army cook, among other things. He saw actual combat against the North Vietnamese. Jim brought with him a cane like those used by the Vietnamese. The hand carved cane was only about three feet long. He explained that was because the people were always bending over to do their work and remained in that position. He passed around a smoking jacket hand sewn in Vietnam.

TWO LEAVE FOR DUTY IN TEXAS: TOM POLLARD and JULIAN SHANNON volunteered for armed services duty last week and left to start training at Fort Bliss, Texas. The young Clarke County men left for their station Wednesday November 8.

BARBEQUE HONORS SP/4 MATEER: A barbeque in honor of Sp/4 CRAIG MATEER was held Friday, May 30, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Townsend. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Mateer, John Smith, Eric, Karen, Becky and Rowena, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mateer, Doug and Shelly, Mike Hembry, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Mateer, Craig and Marlene, Sandy DeVore, and the hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Townsend, Clay, Debra and Sharon.

** (Legislation which went into effect January 7, eliminated the 4¢ rate for greeting cards.)

BEASLEY FINISHES AIR FORCE SCHOOL: AIRMAN ROGER U. BEASLEY, son of Mrs. Lucille M. Beasley, of RR1 New Virginia, Iowa, has been graduated from a U.S. Air Force technical school at Sheppard AFB, Texas and has been assigned to a unit of Air Training Command at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. He was trained as an aircraft mechanic. The airman is a graduate of Clarke Community High School.

ROBERT McCARL DIES IN VIETNAM: MARINE PFC. ROBERT J. McCARL, son of Mr. and Mrs. James MeCarl, 4730 NE 27th Court St., Des Moines and grandson of Mrs. Gladys Page, 215 1/2 West Jefferson Street, Osceola, was killed January 24, in Vietnam in the line of duty. He was an ammunition truck driver. The body will be returned to the States immediately with funeral services to be conducted in Des Moines. (A later clipping indicates the services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the Reformed Brethem Church in Des Moines. Burial was in Glendale Cemetery. Pfc. McCarl was married and his wife and 10 month old daughter live in Des Moines at 4040 Amherst.)

CHARLES HARGER ON VIETNAM DUTY: SERGEANT CHARLES D. HARGER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Luke Harger of 107 S. Delaware, Osceola, Iowa is on duty in Da Nang in Vietnam. Sergeant Harger, an administrative specialist, is a member of the Pacific Air Forces. Before his arrival in Vietnam he was assigned to Scott AFB, Illinois. The sergeant is a 1960 graduate of Chariton, Iowa High School.

DAVID MILLS TO FT. BLISS, TEXAS: David Mills was among the 113 Iowan who were drafted into the army at Fort Des Moines Armed Forces Induction Center last week. All the Iowans were sent to fort Bliss, Texas for basic training Following their training at that post they will be reassigned for further duty.

WILLS ASSIGNED TO ENGINEERS: Army Private MICHAEL R. WILLS, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil W. Wills, route 3, Osceola, Iowa, was assigned as a water supply specialist with the 27th Engineer Battalion in Vietnam, September 1.

S.SGT. LEEPS RECEIVES MEDAL: STAFF SERGEANT JERRY L LEEPS, whose parents are Mr. and Mrs. Earl S. Page of 110 Dewey St., Osceola, Iowa, has received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal at Scott AFB, Illinois. Sergeant Leeps was decorated for meritorious service as an administrative supervisor at Korat Royal Thia AFB Thailand. He was cited for his outstanding professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty. He is now at Scott in a unit of the Military Airlift Command. The sergeant attended Osceola Senior High School. His wife, Frances, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Anderson of 502 N. Fifth St., Chariton, Iowa.

SGT. C.A. LEEPS IS RECOGNIZED: STAFF SERGEANT CHARLES A. LEEPS, son of Mrs. Wanda Craft of 702 N. Main Street, Osceola, Iowa has been named Outstanding Maintenance Man in the unit at Homestead AFB, Florida. Sergeant Leeps, a navigation equipment technician, was selected for his leadership, exemplary conduct and duty perfonnance. He is a member of the Tactical Air Command. The sergeant is a graduate of Murray, Iowa, High School, His wife is the former Ann Kasher from England.

LT. COL. PROUDFOOT WINS BRONZE STAR: Lt. Col. R.M. Proudfoot was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V" by Major General Arthur H. Adams, Commanding General of the 4th Marine Air Wing at a parade ceremony held on the Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois. Lt. Col. Proudfoot was cited in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam from December 17, 1966, until January 3, 1968. The citation stated Lt. Col. Proudfoot displayed exceptional professional skill and initiative in the employment and operational supervision of four Direct Air Support Centers, six Air Support Radar Teams, a Tactical Air Operations Center and seven Hawk missile batteries. He planned and coordinated air support for numerous major operations including Hickory I and II, Shawnee and Winter Valley. Proudfoot is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fay M. Proudfoot, presently assigned to duty as assistant G3 officer of Marine Air Reserve Training Command, Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois.

RICHARD SOPER FINISHES BASIC: PVT. RICHARD M SOPER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Soper of Indianola and grandson of Mrs. Glen McVey of Osceola, completed basic training July 26, 1968, at Fort Bliss, Texas. After completing a 15 day leave, he returned to Ft. Ord, California, was later transferred to Hunter Liggett Anny Reservation at Jolan, California Eng Co, His wife, April, now living in Indianola, will join Pvt. Soper the first part of September.

CHARLES BROWN RECEIVED BASIC: According to SSG Victor J. Atayde, US Army Recruiter for the Clarke County area, CHARLES F. BROWN enlisted in the Regular Army. at Fort Des Moines on Wednesday November 6. Pvt. Brown of 127 W. Garfield Street in Osceola, is currently undergoing basic combat training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Upon completion of basic training, Pvt. Brown will receive training as a Food Specialist. Pvt. Brown took advantage of the Army's Delayed Enlistment Plan. Under this program an individual can enlist and not be required to go on active duty for up to four months.

RALPH DOVE TO COLORADO DUTY: Airman RALPH L. DOVE of R R 2, Osceola, Iowa, has completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas. He has been assigned to Lowry AFB, Colorado for training in the supply field. Airman Dove, a 1966 graduate of Clarke Community High School, attended Southwestern Community College, Creston, Iowa.

AIRMAN DOVE TO SAC DUTY: Airman RALPH L. DOVE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dove of R.R. 2, Osceola, has graduated at Lowry AFB Colorado from the training course for U.S. Air Force supply inventory specialists. Airman Dove is being assigned to Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan for duty in a unit of Strategic Air Command.

RALPH DOVE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dove of R.R. 2, Osceola, Iowa has been promoted to Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force. Airman Dove, a supply inventory specialist at Wurtsmith AFB Michigan is assigned to a unit of the Strategic Air Command. The airman is a 1966 graduate of Clarke Community High School, attended Southwestern Community College, Creston, Iowa. His wife, Constance, is the daughter of Mrs. Betty Webster of 1129 5th Street, Des Moines, Iowa.

STEVE FULLER ABOARD INTREPID: Aviation Storekeeper 3rd Class STEPHEN D. FULLER, USN, son of Mr. & Mrs. Marvin L. Fuller of Route 4, Osceola, and husband of the former Miss Cathie A, Sonnenburg of Indianola, is serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid.

SUTHERLIN ON USS RANGER: NAVY COMMANDER BENJAMIN T.W. SUTHERLIN, husband of the former Miss Twila V. Linthicum of Osceola, is serving aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Ranger off the coast of Vietnam. The 30,000 ton Ranger is currently in its fifth combat tour in Vietnam and ninth to the Western Pacific. This is her third cruise with Attack Carrier Air Wing. Two embarked. Ranger serves as flagship for Rear Admiral James C. Donaldson of Bessemer, Alabama, Commander Carrier Division Three.

T-SGT. EVANS IS AU TRAINEE: -U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Arlie E. Evans, Jr., son of Arlie E. Evans of RR 4, Osceola, is attending the Air University (AU) academic instructor course at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Sergeant Evans was specially selected for the intensive six-week professional training that is conducted as part of the AU Academic Instructor and Allied Officer School, the teachers college of the U.S. Air Force.

AIRMAN GRAHAM HOME ON LEAVE: Airman Ronnie (?) E. Graham, son of Mrs. Herbert (?) L. Graham of Osceola, has been graduated from a U.S. Air Force technical school at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He was trained as an aircraft mechanic and has been assigned to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Hahn, Germany. The airman is a graduate of Murray, Iowa Community High School.

WOUNDED IN VIETNAM ACTION: Mr. and Mrs. Andy Goodrich Sr. of Woodburn received word December 19 that their grandson, Dewey Goodrich Jr. was seriously wounded while serving with American forces near Saigon, Vietnam. The patrol he was with was ambushed by the Viet Cong and he received a shattered hip and had his leg broken below the knee. He is currently recuperating at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver, Colorado and is reported recovering as well as can be expected. He is the son of Dewey and Margie Goodrich of Pleasantville, Iowa.

FULLER RETURNS TO NORFOLK, VA.; Airman Storekeeper 3rd Class STEPHEN D. FULLER, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin L. Fuller of Route 4, Osceola and husband of the former Miss Cathi Sonnenburg of 1108 N. D Street, Indianola, returned to Norfolk Virginia aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Intrepid after completing an eight-month combat cruise off the coast of Vietnam. Since leaving in June, 1968, for its third consecutive Vietnam deployment, the Fighting 1 has completed a 90,000 mile round the world cruise. On the return trip the carrier made port visits in the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.

JAMES LIND TO DUTY IN KOREA: Army Specialist Four, JAMES LIND, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Lind, Route 5, New Virginia, was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. Spec. Lid, a tank crewman with the 4t1 Squadron of the 7th Cavalry division, entered the Army in January, 1969, and completed basic training at Ft. Bliss, Texas. He was last stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. The specialist is a 1966 Interstate High School, Truro graduate. Before entering the Army, he was employed by the Farm Service, Inc., Des Moines.

MORRIS ACCEPTED TO ACADEMY: GALEN E. MORRIS, 18, received notice this week of his acceptance as a cadet in the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Morris of rural New Virginia, and a senior at Interstate 35 Community High School at Truro. Galen has been active in football, basketball and track.

CORPORAL BEEMAN WITH MARINES: Lance Corporal Kenneth P. Beeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Beeman of 116 So. Jackson Street, Osceola is serving with the 3rd Battalion, First Marine Division in Vietnam. His battalion primarily conducts large scale operations against the enemy. When not engaged in major operations, the Marines participate in company and platoon-size sweeps through their area in search of enemy infiltrators. His unit is also engaged in a civic action program designed to assist the Vietnamese people in completing self-help projects such as building of wells, culverts, small bridges and schools. Equipment and materials are made available through the Marine Corps Reserve Civic Action Fund.

POLLARD ASSIGNED TO 4TH DIVISION: Army Specialist 4 THOMAS M POLLARD, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pollard, Route 5, Osceola, was assigned March 21 to the 4th Infantry Division near (illegible) Vietnam. Spec. Pollard, a mechanic with Headquarters and Service Battalion of the Divisions 29th Artillery, entered the Army in November 1967, completed basic training at Ft. Bliss, Texas, and was last assigned at Ft. Carson, Colorado. A 1967 graduate of Clarke Community High School, Osceola, he was engaged in fanning before entering the Army.

MIKE SHOUGH IN VIETNAM: A 1967 graduate of Clarke Community High School, PFC. MICHAEL SHOUGH is currently serving with the 62"d Engineering Battalion in Vietnam. His unit received recognition for their work in the Third Corps Tactical action which involved a sweep at Boi Loi Woods. The 60th Land Clearing Company has encountered some of the most concentrated Viet Cong bunker opposition in their work. They have uncovered almost 2000 bunkers or foxholes in their operation and expect to cut over 9,000 acres of jungle. Pfc. Shough, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Shough, live at 301 East Fayette, Osceola, arrived in Vietnam in January of this year and expects to return home near Christmas.

GEORGE PAUL FINISHES COURSE: PFC. GEORGE M. PAUL, son of Marvin Paul and the late Dorothy Paul of Osceola, was awarded the military rating of Engineer Equipment, Maintenance Specialist, and received his diploma for having successfully completed the Engineer Equipment Maintenance Course in the Department of Mechanical and Technical Equipment at the United States Army Engineer School at Fort Belvair, Virginia. PFC. Paul is a 1963 graduate of Clarke Community High School and is married to the former Sandra Luce.

JIM DENLY IS WITH ARTILLERY: Army Private First Class JIM DENLY, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen R. Denly, Route 1, New Virginia, was assigned December 15 to the 33rd Artillery Group in Vietnam, as a canoneer.

CPL. TOM ENGLER IS EN VIETNAM: Marine Corporal Thomas Engler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Engler of Route 3, Osceola, is serving with the Pt Marine Division in Vietnam.

A member of the 74th Amphibious Army Signal Company, which has four D-Days and six battle stars to its credit, is Cpl. HARRY S. KFTCHAM of 624 N. Fillmore. The company is now redeployed to the United States, where its members will receive a 30-day furlough. The veteran signal outfit with more than 2 years service overseas, made D. Day landings with the 48th division in Sicily, the 36th at Salerno, and Southern France, and hit the beaches at Anzio with the 3rd Division. Highlight of their stay at Anzio was the maintenance of a press and radio circuit from the isolated beachhead to Naples for the transmission of copy by Erie Pyle and other correspondents. Harry is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ketcham.

CPL. MORRIS MULLIN, son of Mr. & Mrs. John M. Mullen, is at Buckley Field, Denver Colorado. His wife, Mrs. Sylvia Mullen, who has been living at Nevada is with him.

FIVE BOYS TO LEAVE FOR ARMY DURING AUGUST: Five Clarke County boys will leave for the service: RALPH OSCAR DUREE, VERLYN FLOYD HUDSON, KENNETH EUGENE WRIGHT and JOHN THOMAS ONEAL. MYRON AMBROSE MACY will go next Tuesday.

Highway Patrolman JAMES MACHHOLTZ arrived home last week following his discharge from the Navy. He has been in naval intelligence service on the west coast most of his service time. Jim will resume his duties on the highway patrol out of Osceola on March 1.

DARREL "BUTCH" CARPER arrived home on a 30-day leave from the Marine Corps. He has been in the Pacific area for many months. Butch" expects to be in the Marines for a few more months before receiving his discharge.

Sgt. JOE MINOR, Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. J.O. Minor of New Virginia, has been named to receive the Silver Star as the result of an action in the south Pacific, when he and a buddy rescued a wounded comrade while under machine gun fire. Recently promoted to Staff Sgt. Junior is with the Infantry, 24th Division, on Mindanao Island in the Philippines.

CPO MAURICE A. ANDERSON of Des Moines, just home from 15 months spent in the South Pacific, has received his honorable discharge from the Seabees. In company of his wife, the former Catherine Hertz, and daughter, he visited in Osceola last week. He is an Osceola high school graduate of 1923.

A/C DICK PRATHER, now in Pensacola, Florida, has been given his choice of an honorable discharge or two years patrol pilot sea duty. Since he is almost ready for his wings, Dick had decided to finish the V-5 program he has been studying the last two years and remain on patrol duty of Navy Aviation for 2 more years.

Pfc. JOE M. MATTIX, son of Mrs. Margaret Mattix of Osceola, member of the 142nd Inf of the 36th "Texas" Division, has been awarded the Bronze Arrowhead to wear on his European Theater of Operations ribbon. The Arrowhead has been awarded for participation in the Salerno-Rivera invasion when he made the D-Day amphibious assault. The 36th Infantry Div. has seen action on two D-Days; Italy & Southern France. To its credit are such battles as San Pietro and Cassino, the Rapido River, and Anzio, It fought at Montelimar, where the German 19th Army was annihilated, and drove across the Sainte Marie Pass of the Vosges Mountains. It breached the powerful Siegfried Line defenses at Wissembourg and completed 400 days of actual combat plunging through Germany and deep into Austria .

DUNBAR, ROBERT J., an Osceola man, has played a large part in the development of the Atomic Bomb plants. It has been revealed he was the first U.S. Army Engineer on the job at Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1942, and has been there ever since. A recent issue of the Knoxville News Sentinel tells the long suppressed history of the Oak Ridge project and pays special tribute to the men who broke ground for the huge project and directed its growth to the time when the announcement of the bombing of Japan was made. Bob graduated from the Osceola High School in 1917, and for the past 10 years has been with the U.S. Army Eng. Corps. The Knoxville paper says concerning Dunbar: "Robert J. Dunbar, of Osceola, Iowa, as engineer for the Manhattan District, claims the undisputed distinction of being the first man on the job for keeps. Previously employed at Pennsylvania Ordnance Works at Williamsport, Pa., Dunbar says "There were a lot of difficulties we had to overcome, lots of mud, and lots of work. We came down here to build a job of a certain size, then a lot of funny things began to happen. Look at it today."

Capt. HARLAN MITCHELL, has just returned to Grand Island, Nebraska, after 20 months service in England, Italy, Africa, and France. He is Adjutant for a group of the "Troop Carrying Command" and has 7 battle stars and the presidential citation. He recently visited with his brother, T/3 ROBERT MITCHELL, with a hospital unit in France. Robert is being transferred directly to a new theater without a home furlough.

Lt. MARVIN SCHAFFER, pilots a P-38 Lightning with the vaunted Vampires of Brigadier General Earl W. Barnes 13th AAF Fighting Command. The Vampires have marked up 169 victories in the air since the beginning of the hostilities in the Pacific.

After winning his wings at Williams Field, Arizona Lt. Schaffer was assigned to overseas duty with the long-ranging, island-hopping 13th AAF which has hit the Japs from the Solomon Islands to the coast of China — saw action in the Philippines, Borneo, and over China Sea to Formosa and China. His flights would sometimes keep him aloft for as much as 10 hours when his squadron would escort bombers on their attacks on the Japs. He had five Jap planes to his credit. He spoke to the Osceola Rotarians.

S1/c DENNIS DEAN HUKILL, spent Sat. night with his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Hukill and then drove to Des Moines Sunday and spent the afternoon with his father, Homer Hukill. He has served four years at sea and has now been released for shore duty.

Pfc. ERNEST D. SCHOLL and Sgt. JOHN F. SCHOLL, sons of the Arthur F. Scholls of near Lacelle have met on one of the islands of the Philippines. It had been 2 years and 3 months since the brothers had seen each other. Ernest is with the 77th Division that saw much fighting on Okinawa and John is with an ordnance depot company. Mrs Ernest Scholl and children live in Osceola, and Mrs. John Scholl lives in Decatur.

Pfc. ELYWN MCPHERSON,. who was slightly wounded while fighting with his company on Okinawa is now in the Philippines and is fine, according to his wife.

HARRY PINNEO, Flight Officer, U.S.A.F. died May 29, 1945. Enlisted in the Canadian Air Force in 1941, where he served a year before being transferred to U.S. Forces overseas with Army Air Transport Command. He completed 70 missions over the Himalayas. Killed in plane crash in India. Mother: Former Louie Swain of Osceola (Mrs. H.B. Pinneo)

Flight Officer MERLIN NEWMAN, was recently transferred from Roswell, New Mexico to his base at Lincoln, Nebraska. He spent nine days delay enroute with his wife and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Newman. He spent a few hours in Osceola again Tuesday to make his acquaintance of his baby daughter Marcia Arm who was born Monday.

Sgt. KENNETH ROBINS, returned Saturday to Camp Perry, Ohio, after spending a week with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. I. Robins.

Cpl. GEORGE CREW, who spent 30 days with his family, following his return from overseas, left Thursday to report at Camp Grant, Illinois. George is with a field artillery outfit and after a few days at Camp Grant, he will go to Fort Bragg, N.C. for more training

EARL J. GLOVER, who has been in the Pacific for the past two years and now on Luzon, is expected to arrive in the States, August 15. He has been in the service five years and will be released on the point system. Following his discharge he and his wife and baby, now living at Leon will occupy the Glover apartment on the east side of the square.

Pvt. KEITH JONES, and wife arrived Wed. night from Camp Wolters, Texas to spend a 2-week furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Jones of Murray. Keith has completed his drivers' combat training at Camp Wolters and at the conclusion of his furlough he will go to Camp Maxey, Texas for further training.

S/Sgt. LEONARD ASHFORD,of Osceola, with the 100th Division of the 7th Army in Germany, has recently been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his action in combat prior to V-E Day, while serving with the 100th Division, Division Headquarters has announced. He is a member of the famous

Century Divisions 398th Infantry Regiment. The award recognized the part he played in the division's fighting through France and Germany.

Driving through the Vosges Mountains last November, the Century Division cracked the German's planned defenses at the Meurthe River and later fought to take the elaborately fortified town of Bitche on the Maginot Line.

Capt. HARLAN MITCHELL, has just returned to Grand Island, Nebraska, after 20 months service in England, Italy, Africa and France. He is Adjutant for a group of the Troop Carrying Command and has 7 battle stars and the presidential citation. He recently visited with his brother, T/3 ROBERT MITCHELL with a hospital unit in France. Robert is being transferred directly to a new theater without a home furlough.

SF/3c ANDREW JEFFREYS, writes his mother, Mrs. Guy Painter, that he has received another promotion and has moved to another island near Japan. Before they got their ship unloaded a typhoon forced them to put to sea and they had some rough and tumble sailing until the storm passed. He describes the scenery as beautiful and says the Seabees will soon have another airfield built as they did on Tinian.

S/Sgt. JACK JEFFREYS, was a guest Saturday night and Sunday at the home of Postmaster and Mrs. Earl Cox of Leon. Their son Marvel was a classmate with jack in pre-flight training at Iowa City. Marvel was killed in a training accident in Florida a year and a half ago and since that time Jack has kept up a correspondence with Mrs. Cox.

Pfc. ARLIS J. (BUCK) PAGE, has notified his sister, Mrs. Leonard Brenton, that he is now out of the hospital and doing fine. He hopes to be shipped home soon

Sgt. OSCAR ALBERT, who recently returned from England on the Queen Mary, arrived Monday at the home of his father, Charles Albert near Murray to spend a 30-day furlough before reporting to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri for a new assignment.

HOWARD M SOPER„ 21, seaman 1st class U.S.N.R. of Van Wert, Iowa, aboard an escort carrier in the Pacific, helps cook for the crew. He entered the Navy in September 1943, and served a short time on a destroyer escort before coming aboard this ship in May, 1944. He has taken part in the invasion of Leyte, Luzon and Iwo Jima. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Soper, live on Route 1. They have another son serving in the Pacific, WAYNE SOPER, a private in the Marine Corps. Soper attended school at Lucas and Woodburn, and before entering the Navy, worked on his father's farm.

Pvt. ELDON F. STEPHENSON, who has graduated from both airplane machanics and aerial engineering schools, spent a 12-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Stephenson near Weldon. He has been stationed at Keesler Field, Miss. And reported to Lincoln, Nebraska August 31.

RAYMOND G. FULLER, 18-year old sailor from Weldon, Iowa, used an average of 97 to become top scholar of the class completing Yeoman's Service School at the U.S. Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, Illinois last week and win advancement to Seaman 1st Class. He served as secretary of the Student Council and acted in class plays before graduating from Osceola high school in May 1944. Later, he worked as a stenographer for the Army Service Forces in Detroit, joining the Navy last January 2. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Fuller of Weldon.

RALPH WATERS, has completed his boot training at Great Lakes Naval Training station, and arrived home Monday evening for a brief leave before being assigned to regular Navy duties. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Waters of Osceola.

Pvt. RICHARD D. BEEMAN, wired his mother, Mrs. Edith Beeman, Monday, stating that he had arrived safely at Norfolk, Va. and would be seeing her soon. "Dick" has been in Europe for the past 20 months, most of the time with the ground forces of the Air Corps.

S/Sgt. EVERETT B.MILLER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harley Miller, after 3 1/2 years service with the U.S. Army, 30 months of which were spent overseas, arrived home Thursday with his honorable discharge. In company with his sister, Mrs. Paul Figg of Des Moines, he left Saturday for Boulder, Colorado to visit another sister, Mrs. Lee Perry and family. He has not made definite plans for the future but may enter college.

M/S gt. LORAN WENDELL GEARHART, has received his discharge from the Army Air Corps at Fort Logan, Colorado. He has been in the service a little over five years, 29 months of which were spent overseas. He and his family are making their home in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Pvt. JOE E. WELCHER, who has been in the European theatre of war for nearly two years, has written his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Welcher, that he is now on a ship enroute to the South Pacific. His ship has made stops at Panama and Pearl Harbor.

T/5 RICHARD ATZ„ in a medical unit in England, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Atz that he'd had a nice visit with Lt. Col. DWIGHT E. HARKEN. Both men are now at the same hospital, the U.S. General Hospital near London.

HAL MARTINDALE, electricians's mate, 3rd class, arrived home Wed. morning for a 30-day leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Martindale, after 21 months in the Pacific area. Wearer of 9 battle stars, Hal participated in most of the invasions of the Pacific Islands during the last two years, He served on landing crafts, those boats that come up close to shore during the establishment of beach heads. It is evident that he has seen some of the toughest scraps the Navy has mixed in during the war. At the conclusion of his leave, he will report to Navy Headquarters at Philadelphia for reassignment.

ERLE GLOVER arrived here last week and joined his wife and son after more than four years in the Army, which saw him on a number of Pacific battle fronts and resulted in wounds in one battle. During the latter part of the war, he was stationed in and around Manila. He has received his discharge on the point system and for the time being will live in Osceola. He and Mrs. Glover have an apartment on the second floor of the Simmons bank building.

Pvt. Carl O. POIL, discharged from the Army at Harmon General Hospital, Longview, Texas, Aug. 23, was presented with the Purple Heart by Col. G.V. Emerson, Commanding Officer of Harmon for wound received in action near Luxemburg, France. Pvt. Poil was wounded in the neck by shrapnel on November 24,1944. He saw action in France, Belgium and Germany as a rifleman in the 806 "Blue Ridge" Division. He wears the ETO ribbon with one battle star. Pvt. Poil's wife and six children live at 119 No. Delaware, Osceola.

VICTOR C. BROWN, 24, gunner's mate 1st class, USNR, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.V. Brown, Route 1, Murray, Iowa, aboard the USS Arcturus in the Pacific, has been awarded the Good Conduct Medal for

completing three years of service in the Navy. He is a veteran of the invasion of Okinawa, where his ship spent the first 14 days in the transport area unloading cargo, undergoing 49 air raids. Brown joined the Navy in July 1942, took recruit training at Great Lakes, Ill, and joined the USS Wyoming, a gunnery training ship. He sewed aboard the Wyoming until December 1944, when he was transferred to this attack cargo vessel. He has three brothers in the armed forces — HARRY, 32, coxswain in the Navy, EARL, 22, and JESSE, 26, in the Anny.

Sgt. DALLAS RICHARDS, arrived home this week after some two years in the European area as a member of the -U.S. air forces. He will have a 30-day furlough and then return to camp where he expects to receive his discharge. He has been in the Army 4 years.

Sgt. RUSSELL IWED has concluded a 30-day furlough with his sister, Miss Arlie Iwed at West Des Moines. During his nearly three years of overseas duty, Russell has been in most of the theaters of war including Pearl Harbor, Australia, North Africa, India, Russia, Assyria, Syria, France and Germany.

Cpl. EDWARD C. LAMB, of Woodburn, Iowa: With U.S. Forces in Germany, bronze battle stars, representing the five campaigns which carried Allied forces from the invasion of France to the surrender of Germany, have been awarded to 100 members of the 595th Military Police Escort Guard company including Cpl. Edward Lamb. This unit which landed at Utah Beach in Normandy, as a part of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade, the assault force there, completed the sweep through five countries on VE Day in Gotha, Germany. The campaigns represented by the stars were: Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe

Pfc WARREN ADAMS, is reported by his father, M. F. Adams, as convalescing at the general hospital at Fort Lewis, Washington, after undergoing an operation a week ago.

Sgt. KEITH E. SARGENT, with the 45th Infantry Division in the Assembly Area Command, France. The 45th Division is coming home from Europe.Sgt. Keith Sargent, Osceola, is a member of the division which has established a brilliant record as a spearhead unit in the drive to free Europe from Nazi rule. The Thunderbird Division has fought through 511 of the most savage days of the European war, crushing powerful Gelman defensive positions in four invasions, over more than 1,000 miles of the most difficult combat country in the world. Sgt. Sargent holds the following decorations: ETO ribbons with two stars, good conduct medal.

KENNETH KEITH MC KINNEY, coxswain USNR, son ofMr. W.M. McKinney, Osceola, Iowa, serves aboard the USS Walker, one of the 133 warship armada which helped force the surrender of Japan. News release from Guam: Arriving off Japanese shores at a time when the enemy homeland already was reeling under devastating carrier-plane blows, this destroyer not only participated in the showdown scene as a screening unit for successive air attacks but pumped its own main battery shells into Jap targets. The crew had witnessed the tide of battle recede from Tarawa to the Japanese mainland — reminding the Japs to "Remember Pearl Harbor." Tokyo's promises of a watery grave to all destroyers that approached the shores, human torpedoes, baka bombs, kamikaze pilots and invulnerable defenses failed to materialize. The Walker operated within two miles of Japan unopposed. Her battle record includes the operations at Tarawa, Wotje, Hollandia, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Leyte, Okinawa and Kyushu.

JAMES L.PARKER, AMM/3c, combat aircrew-man, of Murray, left Tuesday, August 28 to report to the recruiting station in Des Moines, at the conclusion of a 20 day leave which was spent with his mother, Mrs. Augie Parker and family, and his wife, Mrs. Joyce Parker. He was in the South Pacific 1 1/2 years, ten months of which were spent with a Patrol Bomber Squadron flying coverage for bombing attacks, and patrol for enemy shipping. The remainder of the time was spent as ground crewman repairing and checking planes. He holds nine battle stars, a presidential unit citation, and letter of commendation. He will go to school for a refresher training course as combat aircrewman.

Word has been received by the parents of Pfc. EUGENE DE VORE that he has moved 800 miles from Oberstein, Germany to Marsielle, France. He says it is the California of Europe. The trip was made in four days with 47 trucks. Pfc. DeVore was main mechanic for the outfit. He is now on duty there.

ROBERT PFANDER, of Osceola with the 5th Army, Italy, is a member of the 36th Infantry Regiment's 3rd Battalion, which recently was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for gallantry, determination and espirt de corps in overcoming unusually difficult and hazardous conditions. The battalion, a unit of the 91st "Powder River" was cited for its part in fighting near Livergnano on the 5th Army front in Italy. Its action, the citation pointed out, set it apart from and above other units participating in the same engagement. In a seven-day battle, the battalion captured Livergnano, took 70 prisoners and killed or wounded 350 Germans, destroyed a self-propelled gun, an anti-tank gun, two trucks and small arms, mortar and artillery ammunition. The Yanks suffered 271 casualties

Lt. JOHN L. GLENN, wrote to his parents the past week and gave his new address, and stated he had been transferred to the South Pacific. He said he had a few hours visit with his brother, F/O RICHARD GLENN in California before embarking.

Cpl. SAMUEL EDGINGTON, left recently for Akron, Ohio after spending a 30-day leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. I. H. Edgington and other relatives and friends.

ELDON POND, RM/3c, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Pond, has recently been assigned to the Naval Air Base in Olathe Kansas, as radioman and bookkeeper. In company with a friend from the base, Pat Sonneborn, he came Monday and visited until Wednesday with his parents and his grandmother, Mrs. E. W. Robins. Mr. and Mrs. Pond and Mrs. Robins drove to Chariton with the young men Wednesday and from there they boarded a train back to Olathe.

PFC. ROY V. EDWARDS, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Edwards, will leave at the conclusion of his furlough for the redistribution center, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Edwards was overseas four months and was wounded at Munich, Germany. He spent 10 weeks in hospitals before arriving here for his furlough.

Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Coon of Murray received a telegram Friday from this son, Pfc. LOUIS A. COON, informing them of his safe arrival at San Francisco. He called Sat. to say he was being transferred to Oregon. Private Cook has been in the Pacific theatre of war 9 months.

CPL. JOE A. EDGINGTON left Sunday night for Akron, Ohio after spending part of his 30 day leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. I.H. Edgington and other relatives and friends.

Mr. and Mrs. James Long of Murray received a copy of a letter of commendation given their son, MoMM3/c MERRILL D. LONG, indicating he had taken part in a rescue at sea that furnished him with some dangerous and exciting moments.

The bronze star for meritorious service in France and Geuuany has been awarded to lst Sgt. DARYL R. WILSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.M. Wilson. He has been overseas for some two years and in the Army nearly three. The parents expect their son home soon. Technical Sgt. Wilson worked unceasingly, concerned chiefly with pre-invasion planning. He was chosen as one of two enlisted men to accompany the Air Force representatives aboard the USS Ancon Headquarters Ship for the lst US Army at the time of the invasion.

1st LT. MARV SCHAFFER of Osceola has been awarded the 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained operational flight missions in the Southwest Pacific Area during which hostile contact was probable and
expected. These operations consisted of
escorting bombers, convoy cover, patrol and reconnaissance flights, interception, and strafing and bombing attack missions in the Philippine Islands and the Dutch East Indies. Lt. Schaffer is a P-38 pilot of the Vampire fighter squadron of Brigadier General Earl W. Barnes 13th Air Force Fighter Command of the Jungle Air Force

SGT. RALPH WINDLAND is one of the servicemen in Europe who, now that the war has ended, occasionally has opportunities to see some of the sights that have attracted tourists to the continent. Parents Dr. and Mrs. D.L. Windland received a lengthy letter from their son describing a trip he took from Italy through Switzerland.

LIFE ON TROOP TRANSPORT DESCRIBED BY FORMER OSCEOLA BOY IN LIBERIA Traveling on a converted-liner troopship in the tropics with 1500 troops occupying space intended for 350, with little ventilation and about 90% of the men smoking constantly, is like living in one of the opium dens one reads about, relates CPL.

FRANK W. BAUER, a nephew of Mrs. Frank Gonseth Bauer, who lived for several years with the Gonseths at their farm home south of Osceola, was a member of the 23rd Malaria Control Unit. He kept a chronological record of the unit's trip overseas and forwarded it to Mrs. Gonseth. With their pennission we are reproducing portions of the record... "Embarked from New Orleans March 23, 1943, headed for a destination known to us as 'Little Joe.' (Due to crowding) Algonquin Bunks were built very close, with two feet between you and the fellow above you. Suffering from seasickness, poor ventilation and heavy smokers, most of us tried to stay on deck as much as possible. We ate from mess-kits on deck, a wide board affixed to the rail served as a table making it convenient in case of emergency. For 3 days seasickness made it impossible for me to eat anything save three oranges and a dozen or so soda crackers. By Saturday we were in sub-infested waters and wore life belts constantly. Our convoy was small, consisting of 2 transports (3,000 troops), 1 destroyer, 2 freighters and 3 sub-chasers. Sunday found us along the coast of Cuba and Tuesday, after taking on stores, we joined a convoy of 22 other ships slowing our speed to 6 or 8 knots per hour. Arrived at Port of Spain, Trinidad, Sunday April 4."

RICHARD SMITH, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Smith, Murray, stationed near London, England, at the airfield of the European Division, U.S. AAF Air Transport Command, has been promoted to 1 Lieutenant.

T/4 BURT LUTHER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Luther, 125 E. Grant St., Osceola, left the Utah ASF Depot, Ogden, Utah, last week for a separation center and early release from the Army. T/4 Luther has served two years and nine months in the armed forces and has accumulated a total of 42 points. His wife Hassle and son, James, reside in Burlington.

JACK COULTER, Iowa Southern Utilities employee who was wounded in Germany, has arrived home on a 30-day furlough. Struck by shrapnel in both legs, one of which has healed, Jack has spent many months in hospitals in England and the U.S. He is presently a patient at Fitzsimmons hospital in Denver and will return there for further treatment at the end of his furlough.

LELAND DAVENPORT, for the past 3 1/2 years a member of the Coast Guard and Navy, has received his discharge and is visiting with his father, J.A. Davenport of Osceola.

CLARKE WOODS, C Ph. M. and wife left Tuesday for Waukegan, Illinois after a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Woods of Murray. Clarke had just returned from almost 2 years in the South Pacific. Most of the time was spent near the Philippines where he was in on all the invasions of the islands. His ship was a mine sweeper and he saw things that were rather exciting. The ship, the US S Saunter, was struck by a mine in a harbor near Manila. Fortunately only two lives were lost, 20 or more wounded, but the ship was put out of commission and was towed to San Francisco. During their stay at Pearl Harbor on the way back, Clarke visited his brother CARL WOODS who was stationed there. Clarke has 4 battle stars and the bronze star.

LOWELL M. NEFF, B.M. 2/c, USN, has returned to San Diego Navy Hospital for treatment after a 30-day leave with friends and relatives. Lowell was injured at Okinawa on April 6 and has been having hospital care since.

CPL. RONALD R. HARLAN has returned from eleventh months' service overseas in France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany with the 514th F.A.Bn. Spl, Harlan is with his wife and young son, Toni, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Harlan and his wife's parents Mr. and Mrs. F.H. McLaughlin of Red Oak. His 33-day furlough will end September 26, at which time he will report to Jefferson Barracks Missouri for reassignment.

"MIKE" MACY, high school student who was inducted into the Army in August, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fay Macy he has been assigned to hospital work at Fitzsimmons General Hospital near Denver.

SGT. DEAN LINGLE arrived home Saturday, discharged from the Army after nearly five years in service. Lingle was a member of the 168th Infantry, Iowa National Guard regiment, when it was mustered into federal service in January 1941. He was with the first U.S. troops to land in Ireland, went through the African and Italian campaigns was invalided home after suffering a broken leg in Italy and later returned to Europe for final actions of that war.

PFC. RALPH SQUIER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Squier, arrived in Osceola August 31, having spent 14 months in Italy, to spend a 30-day furlough with his wife and daughter, Patricia Ann. With them he is visiting this week at Grinnell with his brother John and family. Ralph is wearing two battle stars, the purple heart, the oak leaf cluster and other decorations.

OTIS KELLER who has been in the Philippines writes Mrs. Keller that he is on his way home.

It has been revealed that SGT. WALTER THOMPSON has been playing a part in the development of the atomic bomb. The letter to his parents enclosed a clipping from the New York Herald Tribune describing the work by the Allex Company. "Maybe this will give you an idea of what I have been doing for the past 19 months," he said. Walter, a mathematician, had been in New York City where the company did research work in the development of the bomb. Their highly secret and closely guarded workshops and laboratories occupied nine complete floors in each the Woolworth and Transportation buildings on lower Broadway.

SGT. WAYNE BLACK is visiting friends in Osceola, home on furlough after more than a year with Air Forces in England. He and Mrs. Black live in Oskaloosa. At the conclusion of his 30-day furlough, he will report back for duty and expects his discharge soon.

WALTER LAMB, formerly of Williams and Lamb Furniture Store is home on a 30-day furlough. He spent several months overseas before the end of the war.

CPL. MARVIN VANDALL JR., who has been in the European war theatre for the past 22 months arrived in Newport News, Virginia, last week and came to Osceola from Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Vandall of Des Moines visited at the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Adamson. He has a 30-day furlough before being reassigned.

CECIL I. YOUNG, who was a member of the 4286 Quartermaster Railhead Company stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, wider 12.th Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment Special Troops, second Army, was promoted from Sergeant on August 15. Sgt. Young is the son of Mrs. Margaret Young of Osceola.

SGT ORRIS E. STARK is enjoying a 30-day furlough in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Stark. Orris has been stationed in England for the past three years.

LT. HARRY K. LINSLEY, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Linsley of near Truro, is co-pilot of an Army Air Transport PBY, or flying boat, based in the Netherlands East Indies. It was his particular mission to cruise the combat areas searching for airmen shot down over the ocean. A recent dispatch tells of a rescue he and his crew made when he sighted a Dutch flyer down off the coast of New Guinea. He landed his plane on the water by the side of the wounded aviator and took him to an Army hospital. Lt. Linsley, although living in Madison County, registered in Clarke County before entering the service.

CPL. JOHN FREEBERG, who left the United States on July 25, arrived on the island of Oahu in the Hawaii Islands, August 3. He is stationed at Bellows Field while taking some training in a C-46, which is one of the largest two-motored troop and cargo planes we have.

PAGE, PFC. ARLIS J. (BUCK) has notified his sister, Mrs, Leonard Brenton, that he is now out of the hospital and doing fine. He hopes to be shipped home soon.

LT. COMDR. TOWNSEND PAUL, stationed on Guam, has charge of the dental section there and has some 30 dental officers working under him

ELDON POND, radioman and bookkeeper of the Naval Air Base in Olathe, Kansas, spent the weekend with his grandmother, Mrs. E. W. Robins, and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Pond, of Groveland,

BRONZE STAR FOR WELDON SOLDIER With the 96th Infantry Division in the Philippines, Technical Sergeant WILLIAM W. MCGEE, son of William E. McGee, New Virginia, communications chief for the 321st Combat Engineer Battalion, is now in an R & R (rest and rehabilitation) area in Mindoro Island. A veteran of the Leyte and Okinawa campaigns, McGee has been overseas since July 1944. His battalion was recently awarded the Meritorious Unit Service Plaque for outstanding service operations. The award was made by Major General J.L. Bradley, Commanding General of the 96th "Deadeye" Division. On Okinawa McGee was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. McGee, as chief of communications, was instrumental in the maintenance and successful operation of his battalion's communications system, and even under the most disadvantageous conditions was able to keep all channels of communication continuously operative. Before entering the Army, he operated a farm near Weldon.

T-5 JOHN GARNER KILLED IN ACTION Long believed dead, official word has been received from the War Department that T/5 John W. Garner of near Truro, was killed in action in Germany on March 6th. The son of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Garner, John was reported missing in action on that date and nothing further had been heard until recently. For many weeks after the surrender of Germany it was hoped that he might be found in a German prison, but as the weeks passed, hope faded that he was still alive. No details of the manner in which he met his death have been received.

ROSENSTOCK, Cpl. and Mrs. B.W. of Boulder, Colorado are visiting in the home of Mrs. Rosenstock's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harley Miller. Corporal Rosenstock is being released from the Army.

M.O. JUDKINS, Chief Radioman, U.S. Navy, arrived Wednesday morning with his new wife, Frances, to visit with his parents. Marion and Frances were married Saturday, September 29 in the chapel of the U.S. Naval Air Station, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, where he is stationed. Since Marion was last in Osceola, he has been at Glynco, Georgia, Jacksonville and Miami, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; British Antiguas; Trinidad; Cuba; New York City; Naval Aircraft Material Center (Naval Aircraft Factory) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Naval Air-craft Modification Unit, Johnsville, Pennsylvania; Naval Air Station, Wildwood, New Jersey, and Naval Air Station, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. At present, he is chief in charge of the electrical division of the Electronics Prototyping Activity at Willow Grove air station. They will leave Monday for their home in Hatboro, Pennsylvania

CORPORAL ERVIN W. TAYLOR, 23 of Osceola has received the Meritorious Service Unit Award as a member of the 386th Air Service Group on Iwo Jima. His efforts along with those of others of his unit were so vital to the success of air operations during the invasion of Iwo Jima and during the initial fighter missions against Japan that the entire unit was commended by Brigadier General Ernest Moore, commanding general of the VII Fighter Command. Corporal Taylor is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ward Taylor, Osceola; his wife the former Mona Keller. He entered the Army in August 1942 and has been in the Pacific theatre since December 1943.

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER CHESTER ADAMSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Adamson, who has served for the past three years with the 17th Seabee battalion, arrived in San Francisco from Okinawa, September 22 and is being released from service. Chester has been with his construction battalion in Newfoundland, Saipan and on Okinawa.

He expects to be in Osceola soon for a visit with his parents.

Sgt. LEONARD CAMP received a point system discharge from the U.S. Army, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, August 20 and is now at his home here with his wife and child. He has bought the Harley Poquet residence and will take possession in October. Camp was in the service five years and was overseas 23 months. While in service, he received the American Defense service ribbon, the Philippine Invasion ribbon with one star and Good Conduct Medal.

Maj. DON J. REID, arrived Monday evening from Fort McArthur, California to spend a ten-day leave with his wife and daughter, Jo Lee.

Cpl. JAMES TWOMBLEY, spent a week with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Twombley on his delay enroute from Sebring, Florida to his new station at Sacramento, California. Mrs. Twombley who made the trip from Sebring with him, went as far as Salt Lake City, Utah, where she will remain with her parents.

LELAND K STEPHENSON, F/1 c, wrote a letter to his mother, Mrs. Phoebe Stephenson, September 1, while at sea on the Ticonderoga stating that he left the States April 25. He went first to Pearl Harbor, then to the Ulithi Islands where they started their fighting; next to Okinawa for a month, where they made strikes all the time they were there, then to Leyte Harbor for rest and supplies. They left Leyte June 30 starting for Japan but had trouble with this ship and were forced to go to Guam for repairs. They arrived at Guam July 5 and left there July 15 taking part in the Kyusu, Tokyo and other raids and "we were striking the day that we received news of the peace offer."

Lt. Col. WILLIAM L MC CRACKEN, the former Osceola boy, is now on the staff of Gen. Mark Clark in Vienna. He has been overseas three years.

Pfc. LEONARD MASON, who has been stationed on Okinawa is now in Korea. He sent his wife, Mrs. Juanita Mason, some snapshots and among them was one of Ernie Pyle's monument. Pyle, a news correspondent, was killed on Ie Shima.

ROY V.EDWARDS, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Edwards, veteran combat infantryman during action in Germany, has completed a furlough at his home and reported to the Army Ground and Service Forces Redistribution Station, Hot Springs, Arkansas, for reassignment. Awarded the Purple Heart Private Edwards wears the European theater ribbon with one battle star.

Word from the Lincoln Army Air Field indicates that Flight Officer DANIEL H. FOSTER was separated from the armed service September 17 in accordance with the Army discharge system. Dan, who entered the service in February 1943, served as an AAF pilot. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Foster.

1st Sgt. HARRY THORNTON, arrived home Tuesday after 26 months overseas. He received his discharge just before returning home. Harry went into France on D-Day and has been in France, Belgium and Germany ever since. He was stationed at Nurenburg just before leaving for the United States.

GEORGE MUMPER, arrived home this week, discharged from the Army Air Force. He has been stationed at Kelley Field, Texas.

WARREN HARGER„ son of C.L. Harger of near Weldon, has received his discharge and is now home.

ROBERT L. JONES, son of Mr. and Mrs. Niles N. Jones, Truro,was promoted to technician 5th grade at the 5th Replacement Depot near Manila.

McCRACKEN, (now) LT. COL. WILLIAM L, former Osceola boy now on staff of Gen. Mark Clark in Vienna. He's been overseas 3 years.

PFC. ELYWN MCPHERSON has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered May 21, while acting as a stretcher bearer on Okinawa, according to information received by his wife here last week. Serving with the 77th division as a rifleman, Elywn volunteered as a stretcher bearer when most of the medics attached to his company were wiped out. He was then detached to the medics permanently and was wounded shortly thereafter. Fully recovered, he is now serving as regimental clerk on Cebu, in the Philippines. A release to the Tribune from headquarters of the 77th Infantry Division gave particulars surrounding the action in which Pfc Elwyn McPherson, Osceola implement dealer, was cited: "In operations against the enemy near Ishimmi, Okinawa, on May 17, 1945, without thought of his own safety, Private McPherson, a litter bearer, exposed himself to enemy machine gun, rifle and mortar fire to aid in evacuating wounded to the battalion aid station.

"During the night he volunteered to carry supplies to an isolated infantry company, and to aid in the evacuation of their wounded. While attempting this movement, heavy enemy fire was encountered and when told to seek a more favorable position, Private McPherson crawled to a fox hole, taking a wounded man with him

"He continued to assist in dragging wounded comrades to our lines. Jap infiltrators opened fire on him when flares illuminated the area. Disregarding this fire, he walked upright, carrying the wounded to a place of safety. His courage and determination saved many lives in this action and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. As a result of this action, McPherson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal to add to his other ribbons, which include the Central Pacific Area, Philippine, Purpose Heart, Good Conduct and Combat Medical Badge.