Lloyd Frank DEETS, 42, Tachikawa Air Force Base, Japan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Deets, RFD 3, Sterling, has recently been promoted to the rank of Major in the USAF.
Major Deets, who has been in the Air Force for 21 years, is assistant chief of air operations at the 315th Air Division in Japan. The major is a graduate of Sterling High School and attended Michigan State University. He and his wife, Jackie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Chapin of 2810 Grim Ave., Waco, TX are the parents of a 2 year old daughter Tracy.
Mrs. Deets, the Major's mother, reported that the M ajor has been in Japan for 1 year and 7 months, although he had been in Japan previously, and has also traveled extensively throughout the world.
Neil A. DEETS QM 3 c, received his boot training for the navy in August, 1943, at Farragut, Idaho. He returned there for six months of training for quartermaster. After a 15 day leave at his home he was assigned to the USS Louisville for a year’s service in the Pacific. He returned to the States in March, 1945. He had the Purple Heart for wounds received in January, 1945, seven Battle Starts, a commendation for Meritorious Performance of Duty aboard the USS Louisville during the operation of the US Naval forces against the Japanese at Luzon, P. I., January 5, 1945. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Deets of Rock Falls and a graduate of Rock Falls high school. His wife the former Donna Fulmer of Utah is living in Maywood, California. He will be discharged Wednesday [12/19/1945]. (Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 17, 1945
Ralph DELP
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RALPH DELP MISSING IN ACTION IN FRANCE SINCE JUNE 7, 1949
Cpl. Ralph Delp, son of Mrs. George Thome, RFD 2, Rock Falls, previously reported slightly wounded, has been missing in action since June 7, 1944, according to a telegram received by his mother on Wednesday. The telegram from Adjutant General Ulio partly explains itself. It says: "Delayed report just received states that your son, Cpl. Ralph Delp, who was previously reported slightly wounded, has been missing in action since June 7 in France. Regret the unavoidable circumstances which prevented earlier notification to you. The secretary of war asks that I express his personal solicitude during this period of anxiety and his fervent hope that a favorable report will soon be received concerning your son. You will be immediately advised as other information is received."
Most peculiar circumstances surround the disappearance of Cpl. Delp. It is known that he was a member of the first invasion wave, being a member of an amphibious outfit. On June 20, 1944, a telegram was received by Mrs. Thome stating that he had been slightly wounded June 7. She and other friends and relatives wrote and hae been writing. Nomail has been returned. Many Christmas packages were sent. These packages have not been returned, either. As no word was received, Mrs. Thome appealed to the Red Cross. A reply was received that he had been slightly wounded and was probably in action again. Later, when no word was received, the Red Cross put a tracer on the presumably wounded man. The telegram Quoted above is the result. In the meantime Mrs. Thome wrote her son's commanding officer and also to his chaplain. No word has been received from either. It is presumed that they are also missing or Killed in action. The peculiar part of the whole circumstance is that none of the mail has been returned, although five or six letters have been sent weekly, together with the packages.
Sterling Daily Gazette Tuesday July 3, 1945
CPL. RALPH DELP IS DECLARED DEAD BY WAR DEPARTMENT
Cpl. Ralph T. Delp, son of Mrs. George Thome, missing in action since June 7, 1944, has been officially declared dead. In a letter from the war department to Mrs. Thome, General Ulio, the adjutant general, says: "Since your son, Cpl. Ralph Delp ... was reported missing in action June 7, 1944, the war department has entertained the hope that he survived and that information would be revealed dispelling the uncertainty surrounding his absence. However, as in many cases, the conditions of warfare deny us such information. The record concerning your son shows that he became missing in action after he had received a gunshot wound in the right cheek at St. Martin de Karreville, France.
Full consideration has recently been given to all available information bearing on the absence of your son, including all records, reports and circumstances. These have been carefully reviewed and considered. In view of the fact that 12 months have now expired without the receipt of evidence to support a continued presumption of survival, the war department must terminate such absence by a presumptive finding of death. Accordingly, an official finding of death has been recorded under the provisions of Public Law 490, 77th congress, as amended. I regret the necessity for this message, but trust that the ending of a long period of uncertainty may give at least some small measure of consolation. I hope you may find sustaining comfort in the thought that the uncertainty with which war has surrounded the absence of your son has enhanced the honor of his service to his country and of his sacrifice..."
Cpl. Ralph Delp was born in Sterling March 9, 1919. He received his education in the Wallace school. Later he worked for the Northwestern Steel & Wire company, where he was employed at the time of his enlistment in the United States army at Fort McClellan, Ala., June 14, 1940, in the First Bn., 22nd, Inf. He was stationed at Fort McClellan, Augusta, Ga.; Fort Benning, Ga.; Camp Jackson, S.C.; Fort Dix, and other places. On June 14, 1941, exaxtly one year from the date of his enlistment, he was home on a furlough and while riding a horse the animal reared and fell on him, fracturing his leg. He spent two weeks in the Sterling hospital, then was sent to Camp Grant, where he spent several months, after which he was transferred to the hospital at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis. In February, 1942, he was sent overseas and was participating in the invasion when killed. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. George Thome of Montmorency township; one sister, Mrs. Elsie Johnson, wife of Charles Johnson, 1010 West Seventh street, Sterling.
Contributed by Sandi Smith
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Pvt. Frank M. DESMET was born in Rock Island Ill., September 12, 1918, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolf DeSmet. He worked on the Arnold farm near Rock Falls for three years prior to enlisting in the army February 21, 1941. His present address is Ft. Benning Ga.
Another Article - no dates:
T/Sgt. Frank DeSmet, who before his induction into service Feb. 21, 1941, made his home in the Thomas Harmon home near Prophetstown, returned to Prophetstown Tuesday evening for a two-day visit with friends. He received his honorable discharge from the army June 22 on the basis of 128 discharge credit points.
He was stationed at Camp Grant, Ft. Benning, Ga., and Ft. Bragg NC before he sailed for overseas Oct. 24, 1942. He took part in campaigns in Africa, Sicily, Belgium, Holland and Germany, and was wounded in Belgium.
He wears the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Combat Infantryman's badge, European theater operation ribbon, pre-Pearl Harbor ribbon, Good Conduct ribbon adn seven campaign stars.
He married Lila Meyers of Rock Island last Saturday, and Mrs. DeSmet came here with him. They returned to Rock Island Thursday.
Corp. John DETER s/o John Deter of Morrison
Orville DIEHL was seriously wounded in action in France Feb. 4, according to a telegram received by Mrs. Diehl Wednesday. Pvt. Diehl is the husband of the former Betty Johnson and the son of Mrs. Wilbur Chandler of Milledgeville.
Sgt. James Lowell DIETZ - Son of Mrs. G.W. Johnson of Tampico
Pfc. James DODDS son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Dodds of New Rockford N.D. Attended Scovill schools.
Roy Dowell
Boyd DUSLER: Mrs. Boyd Dusler has received a letter from the adjutant general, J. A. Ulio, giving some information concerning her husband, T/4 Boyd Dussler, who was killed last October 9, 1944. The letter reads as follows: " A report now available in the war department office shows that Technician Fourth Grace Boyd H. Dussler, a member of the medical detachment, was attached to Company E., which was engaged in bitter house to house fighting in Maizieres-les-Metz, France. Under intense enemy artillery and small arms fire he was waiting in the hallway of a building being used as the battalion forward command post for reports on location of wounded men, when the building received a direct hit. Your husband was instantly killed by shellf ragments. For his outstanding performance of duty during this engagement he was recommended for the Bronze Star award."
Lieut. Bernice EGE - ANC. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Ege of Newton
EICHELBERGER: Sterling has two sets of fathers and sons in the service of their country
Lester Eichelberger of Sterling when last heard from, was at Camp Claiborne, La. He was inducted into the army November 28, 1942. His son Kenneth Eichelberger, 23, enlisted in the air corps in Septermber, 1942. He is a sonf of Lester Eichelberger and Mrs. John Morehead of Rock Falls. He was born in Sterling and attended Sterling high school. Prior to induction he was employed at the Lawrence Brothers factory. He is a grandson ofMrs. Ida Carlson of Prophetstown.
The other father/son is Colonel A.S. Buyers and son John
Wayne ELLMAKER - Son of Earl and Anna (Linn) Ellmaker born 5 September 5, 1921 in Sterling. Died in 2002 and buried at Oak Knoll Cemetery.
Served in the Army with 2nd Battalion 25th Infantry and was awarded the Bronze Star for service in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, North Solomons and Southern Philippines. Married Selma Kathryn Hussung May 19, 1946 at Broadway Methodist Church in Sterling.
Obituary
Pvt. Harold Wayne FARRELL is a member of Company E, 111th Infantry, 28th division, stationed at Morehead City, N.C. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Farrell of Prophetstown. He was drafted and left Morrison on April 23, 1941. He was first sent to Camp Cr4oft, S.C. then to Indiantown Gap, Pa., then to Morehead City, where he has been doing various types of guard duty. His residence prior to leaving for the army was with his grandfather and grandmother and his uncle Kenneth Stewart. He graduated from the Prophetstown high school in June, 1935.
Pvt. Eldwin FELDKIRCHNER son of Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Feldkirchner of Dixon, formerly of Sterling.
Pvt. Robert FELDKIRCHNER son of Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Feldkirchner of Dixon, formerly of Sterling.
Pvt. Robert FIELDS son of Mrs. Helen Fields of Sterling
Lieut. Rosemary FINK, ANC - Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Fink, Herrick IL. Graduate of Sterling Public Hospitaland niece ofMrs. J.H. Powers, Sterling
John E. FISHER served in the European Theatre 1916-1970. Buried Oak Knoll Cem.Sterling IL
Charles FIORINI - Buried at Calvary Cemetery Sterling IL
Pfc. Francis D. FLYNN son of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Flynn, 808 Avenue E. Sterling
Sgt. John W. FLYNN son of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Flynn, 808 Avenue E. Sterling
Pfc. Robert J. FLYNN son of MR. and Mrs. Dan Flynn, 808 Avenue E. Sterling
Pvt. James FORDER son of James Forder Sr., of Sterling
Ensign Robert D. FORTH s/o Fred J. Forth of Morrison
Lieut. Irene FOWLER, (ANC) Daughter of L.V. Fowler of Morrison
Pvt. Marion FRANKS son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Franks of Tampico
Corp. Perry FRANKS son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Franks of Tampico
Tracy FULLERTON: Mrs. Patience Emery received a letter Wednesday fro her son, Tracy, who is in the "Seabees" stationed on the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean. He also sent her a copy of The Caribbean, a magazine issued by his outfit which showed a full picture of Company D, in which he could be seen plainly in the back row of about 180 men. Tracy is training men in diesel engine work.
James P. GAFFEY - Iowa PFC 686 Port Co 1C WW II Oct. 12, 1918 - Apr. 1, 1957 - Buried Fulton Calvary Cemetery. American Legion Marker
Pvt. Paul L. GAMMON son of Cecil Gammon, Sterling
Edward GIBSON
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Edward GIBSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gibson, now an ensign in the navy. Edward was born October 31, 1919, nearly a year after the close of the World War, on the Gibson farm east of the city. During the years he attended the Prairie View district school he had only one teacher, Mrs. Forrest Lyon, then Miss Fern Curry. He finished the eighth grade there in June 1933 and the followinh fall entered the Prophetstown high school, from which he graduated in 1937. He then entered Augustana College, which he attended three years. Desiring to enter the navy, Edward took a month's cruise to Panama and Cuba on the USS Arkansas and upon his return he entered the U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipman's School at Northwestern University. He completed the four months course and graduated at St. James Church, Chicago, March 14, 1941, receiving his ensign's commission. Applying for active duty, he was assigned to his ship 10 days after graduation and since that time has been in many ports of both the Atlantic and Pacific. He was last heard from by his parents February 17 and is somewhere in the Pacific.
2nd Article from the Prophetstown Echo July 21 1943 - Lt. Edward Gibson came Friday from Glenview and remained until Monday evening with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gibson. A family picnic was held at Lawrence Park, Sterling Sunday afternoon in Edward's honor at which about 25 relatives were present. Going from here Monday eveing, Edward will have a five day visit with friends in Berkeley, Cal., after which he will proceed to Jacksonville, Fla. Edward is a Lieutenant senior grade and will serve as a flying instructor in naval aviation.
3rd Article dated September 13 1945 Sterling Gazette -
Lt. Edward F. Gibson Lost His Life When Airplane Goes Down in Jap Waters:
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gibson of Prophetstown have received the following letter from his ship's captain which gives the details that cost the life of their son, Lt. Edward F. Gibson:
It is with regret that I was compelled to report that your son, Lt. Edward Frank Gibson was missing in action July 28, 1945. Your son was leading an attack against enemy warships at the Kure naval base on the Japanese home island of Honshu when the misfortune occurred.
During the attack several hits were scored on the battleship Haruna. his plane had completed the dive and was retiring from the target when it was seen to be hit by an anti-aircraft shell, catch fire and drop into the water.
Because of the circumstances we have found it necessary to report both Edward and his air crew as missing in action, although I do not feel it would be fair to encourage your hope for survival.
Edward was one of the finest and most outstanding young officers. His leadership and ability had been a great asset in his squadron and to the ship. His loss will be keenly felt by everyone who hwas associated with him. I deeply regret the uncertainty and anxiety y ou must feel. On behalf of all of Edward's shipmates, I extend our deepest sympathy. Sincrely yours, R.F. Whitehead, Captain USN, Commanding
4th Article - Prophetstown or Sterling Gazette no date clipping -
Lt. (sg) Edward Gibson, pilot of a naval air corps Hell Diver fighter, is reported as missing in action in the Pacific, according to word from the war department Saturday to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gibson of Prophetstown. His parents last heard from him, July 26.
Lt. Gibson enlisted in 1941 and as commissioned an ensign at Northwestern university after three months' training. He was promoted to lieutenant junior grade in 1942 adn the following year was promoted to senior grade. he left for overseas duty in January of this year. He trained as a pilot at New Orleans, La., receiving his pilot's wings June 7, 1943.
Lt. Gibson wsa graduated from Prophetstown high school with the class of 1936 and attended Augustana college for three years. He married Miss Joan Cathcart of Almanda, Calif. in December 1943.
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Lieut. Elda GIFFROWN (ANC) - Daughter of Mr.a nd Mrs.Arthur E. Giffrow of Polo, formerly of Sterling
CpO Fred Sharrock GILL son of Mrs. Orpha Brown, 706 Locust Street, Sterling
Laurence GLAFKA - Mr. and Mrs. Ed Glafka received word their son landed safely overseas and has safely completed two missions over Italy. (Dixon Evening Telegraph 10 June 1944)
Everett GLAZIER of Lyndon
Harold GLAZIER of Lyndon
WT 2/c John C. GLEASON son of the late Mr. and Mrs. M.H. Gleason and brother of Clarence and Howard Gleason of Sterling.
Pvt. Jay L. GORZNEY s/o Joseph Gorney of Morrison
Pvt. Darrell E. GRAHAM son of Mrs. Myrtle Young of Tampico
Everett GRAHAM
Everett Graham in 1945 The New 37 Cent Stamp
Everett Graham in 2007
Rubbing his bald head, Everett Graham smiles about how lucky he is to be alive on his farm along Rock Road, near Fenton, and in his hand he holds a brand new postage stamp of an ill-fated B-24 Liberator bomber, the Black Cat, to prove it.
These are days when we are talking of war and peace. Mostly peace, because on this Sunday, World War II was over. The stories of World War II are forever stamped with us, and Everett’s tale is one of luck.
That fresh 37-cent stamp is a curious bit of fate for Everett. He flew half of his 20 World War II missions aboard the Black Cat, a storied B-24 bomber that has been a melancholic subject of magazine articles, newspaper stories and books, among them “The Wild Blue” by Stephen Ambrose.
The Black Cat was the last B-24 bomber shot down over Germany in World War II.
Everett flew on the Black Cat on AprIl 17, 1945. The Black Cat spiraled to earth on Apri1 21, 1945, killing 10 of Its crew.
Everett Graham, staff sergeant and armored waist gunner, could have easily been on that final, fatal
flight. “God was looking over us that I wasn’t aboard the Black Cat the day she went down,” Everett says, “or I wouldn’t be talking to you today”
The Black Cat is on two stamps in a 20-stamp set, American Advances in Aviation,
just issued by the U.S. Postal Dept. “There she is.” says Everett, pointing to the stamp
picturing the Black Cat. He holds a magnifying glass that clearly shows a black cat
Everett Graham painted on the nose of the plane. He has pictures of himself, and his crew, in front of the leaping black cat, and its name beneath.
“We flew different planes, which was common in World War II. All my missions over Germany were on the Black Cat or the Dumbo,” Everett says. “The Black Cat was the favorite of our pilot, Bill Hendrix. He was the one who started the campaign to get the ‘Cat’ on a stamp, but died just a few years ago before ever seeing the stamp of his plane.”
Graham, who is on the sunny side of 85, is expectedly sentimental when talking about
the Black Cat. He knows all about its fate, and considers it “his plane.”
“The Black Cat was hit by flak and lost a wing. She broke in half There was a crew of 12. Only two survived. The waist gunner went down without a chute. His body was imbedded six inches in the ground.
“That stamp is a tribute to all the guys who flew B-24’s. We were all so young. Crew members were all between the ages of 18 and 22. When I think of how we trained so quickly, and made it through the war is horrifying for me to think of today”
Everett’s affection for the Black Cat is shared by Ray Carison of Maysville, Iowa. who had served at times as a navigator aboard her, but not on the number of missions as Everett, nor as close to the day that the plane was shot down. Carison says the role of those who flew with planes like the Black Cat in the 8th AIr Force did so at a terrible price. There were 26,000 killed or missing; another 28,000 became prisoners of war The 8th Air Force suffered the highest casualty rate Of any combat unit in all theaters of World War II.
Everett lives on the family farm 45 miles northeast of the Quad-Cities, near Erie. Years after the end of World War II, he made a sentimental visit to Attebridge, base of the Black Cat in England. “The tower and one hangar are all that’s left. The rest is a gigantic turkey farm.”
Contributed by LeRoy Sundin submitted to him anonymously. If anyone knows where this article appeared we will happily give them credit.
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Pvt. Ernest GRANTER ws raised from childhood by Mr. and Mrs. Fred C Ryerson of Sterling
John S. GREEN - Son of Mrs. Roy Newton
Donald J. GREGORY formerly with I.N.U. at Morrison
Henry HAAN: Served in the Navy on the Aircraft Carrier USS Hoggatt Bay. Mr. Haan returned from the war, and continued his life in Whiteside County. See his obituary.
Fred HACKBARTH s/o Charles Hackbarth of Malvern
Don HACKER, 18 years of age, entered the service August 28, 1944, and is now at Camp Blanding, Fla. He is the son of Mrs. Leslie Druce, 220 Avenue E Rock Falls, his father being deceased. He was educated in Rock Falls, attending the Merrill school. Prior to that he attended the Eagle Point school near Polo. Before entering the army he worked at the Joe Collette service station.
Pvt. Max Voyle HAGANS son of Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Livingston and grandson of David Hagans of Sterling.
Pfc Pete HAJVERT, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hajvert of Rock Falls, was born in that city and attended the Merrill school. He worked at the cooper factory until his induction into the army in June, 1941. He is stationed in California. Mr. Hajvert is married to the former Florence Carlson of Round Grove. They have one daughter, Judie. Mrs. Hajvert and daughter are living in Rock Falls.
Blaine HANNABARGER: Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hannabarger, 110 Locust street, Prophetstown, were notified by the navy department today of the death of their son, Blaine Hannabarger, S2/c, following the complete destruction of the USS "Mount Hood" by accidental explosion November 10, 1944, at an advanced base in the Pacific.
Seaman Hannabarger, 18, had been aboard the "Mount Hood" only a few weeks when the explosion occurred. In the letter from the navy department it was stated that his "conscientious attention to duty and fine character became well recognized. The men fortunate enough to survive spoke of him in the highest terms. He was well liked by his shipmates and you may justly feel very proud of him. He was a real credit to his country".
The youngest son ofMr. and Mrs. Roy Hannabarger of Prophetstown, Blaine was born near Prophetstown October 8, 1926. He graduated from the Prophetstown high school in 1944 at the age of 17. He enlisted in the navy in January, 1944, and was called to the service on May 26 of the same year. He received h is boot training at Farragut, Idaho. He was then transferred to Shoemaker, Cal., where he remained but a week after which he was sent overseas. He was reported missing in action N ovember 30, 1944.
He has an older brother in the service. Memorial services will be held later.
Curtis HAMMOND: Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Hammond recently received a letter from their son Curtis that he had been ordered to the Pacific Coast. mr. and Mrs. Clifford Lancaster have not heard from their son Wendell for siz weeks. He is on the U.S.S. Colorado
Sgt. Arnold HANSEN son of Mr.a nd Mrs. Charles Hansenof Tampico
Sherman C. HANSON s/o Clark Hanson of Morrison
Pfc. Leroy HAYDEN is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Hayden, who reside on Route 88 north of Sterling. He was drafted from the CCC at Rupert, Idaho, April 24, 1941, and was at Fort Lewis, Wash., most of the time while in training. He was sent to California for two months, then transferred back to Washington, then sent back to California and when last heard from, was at San Francisco awaiting to sail to some undisclosed port.
Donald HECKLER
Donald Heckler son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Heckler of Rock Falls
Photo contributed by Rick Froman from a Polo Newspaper 1942
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Walter HELMS F3/c, is the son of Mrs. Clara Helms of Sterling, RF 3. He was born in Genesee townshp and attended the Lafayette school later he attended the Sterling high school. Prior to entering the navy he was engaged in farming. He joined the navy September 3, 194? takin his boot training at Farragut Idaho, and was later sent CA. Mrs. Helms is the former Lorraine Janssen. They have one daughter, Patricia Ann. Mrs Helms and little daughter live at 503 7th Ave. He is now somewhere in the Pacific.
Sue HENDRICKS (WAVE) - Daughter of Lester B. Hendricks of Sterling
Pvt. James E. HINES son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Hines of Tampico
Pvt. Elroy HINRICHS was wounded in action in Germany November 18 according to information received by Mrs.Hinrichs Monday. Pvt. Hinrichs wrote his wife that he had been wounded in the right arm andhad been sent back to England for hospitalization. Pvt Elroy Hinrichs was inducted into the US Army July 31, 1943. He received his basic training at Camp Wolters, Texas and was later sent to Fort George Meade, Maryland and from there went overseas.he arrived in England January 27, 1943. He took part in the invasion of France. he is the son of Mrs. Martha Hinrichs of Emerson and was formerely employed at the Green River Ordnance plant. His wife the former Lorraine Protz, is now residing at Emerson with her daughter, Sandra Lee, who was born in September. Pvt. Hinrichs is in the First Army.
Another Notice: By order of Major General Edward F. Witzell, acting the Adjutant General, Pvt. Elroy Hinrichs of Emerson has been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. The award was made by 1st Lt. Harvey N. Munksgaard, representing the commanding general, Sixth Service command, Chicago. The presentation was made in the presence of Mr. Hinrichs mother Mrs. Martha Hinrichs, his wife, the former Lorraine Protz and his daughter, Sandra Lea, at their home in Emerson. Mr. Hinrichs declined to have any public ceremony for the affairs.
The citation received by Mr. Hinrichs reads as follows:
"For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Heistern, Germany, November 19, 1944, undaunted by intense fire from a hostile strongpoint a few yards from his position, Privae Hinrichs fearlessly advanced across exposed terrain and with several accurately thrown hand grenades, destroyed the enemy installation. In the performance of his gallant deed, Private Hinrichs was painfully wounded."
Pvt Hinrichs received severe wounds int he arm and shoulder from which he was in the hospital until March, when he was discharged. He is able to do his work about the farm as usual, although his wound still pains him at times.
His many friends congratulate him on his receipt of this reward for his heroism. Prior to entering the service July 31, 1943, Mr.Hinrichs was employed at the Green River Ordance plant.
Robert HITTLE: Mrs. Lillian HITTLE received a letter Monday from her son Robert who is at Great Lakes naval training station in which he said that as he was writing the letter at the mess table early Saturday morning he glanced up and saw Frank Horton across the table from him. Horton was Robert's football coach in the local high school. Soon after the close of school Mr. Horton was inducted into the navy and has been stationed at Great Lakes since. Neither of the boys knew the other was there and it can be imagined their reunion was a joyous event.
Prophetstown Echo July 21, 1943
Gerald L. HOOK - Navy
Capt. Dean B. HOWARD s/o Wm. Howard of Fulton
Corp. Donald HOWE son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Howe of Rock Falls
Cadet Robert HOWE son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Howe of Rock Falls
Staff Sgt. Russell HOWE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Howe of Rock Falls
S 1/c William B. HOWE son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Howe of Rock Falls
Martin B. HURD left Sterling Feb. 6, 1942 and went to Camp Grant. Left there Feb. 13 1942 for Sheppard Field Texas and was trained in the Mechanical school.
On November 30, 1943 he became a ferry pilot and received an assignment in training at Homestead Fla. After he was graduated he was sent to the Indo-China theatre. Lt. Hurd was a pilot of a cargo plane that crashed in the mountains at Kunming, China September 9, 1945. He was killed in the crash.
A posthumous award of the air medal was issued to Lt. Hurd "for distinguishing himself by meritious achievement while participating in aerial action from March 18, 1945 to July 31, 1945.
From Obituary in Dixon Telegraph 19 July 1949
Lieut. Lila L. HURT (ANC) Daughter of Mrs. Carrie Taber of Prophetstown
Lieut. Mary E.JACKLEY (ANC) - Daughter o Fmr. adn Mrs. Alfred Jackley of Sterling
Pvt. Austin Carl JEFFERY son of Mrs. D. Sinclair, 1311 W. 4th St. Sterling
PFC Bernard JOHNSON son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson of Tampico
T/5 Clifford H. JOHNSON, who is with the fifth division of Gen. Patten's Third army, serving in the tank division at Luxembourg was wounded ina ction Jan 6, according to word received Monday morning by hsi wife in Emerson, the former Helen Ricklefs.His parents, Mr. and Mrs. henry B. Johnson, also reside in Emerson. Johnson entered the service Sept 1 1943 and receive dhis basic training at Ft Knox, Ky. He wsa transferred to Ft Mad Md, for seven weeks then sent to the ewast coast from where he left for overseas early in April 1944. He was born in Sterling and attended th Union schools. Prior to entering the service he was employed at the Green River ordnance plant.
Sgt. Jerald H. JOHNSON son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson of Tampico
Lieut. Mary JONES (ANC) Daughter of Mrs. Emily L.Jones of Sterling
Corp. Charles KANE son of Mr. and Mrs. James KANE, Sterling RFD 3
Pvt. Steve KENDALL. Resided in Sterling prior to his induction. Son of Mrs. Q. Kendall of DesMoines, Iowa.
Lts. John J. KENNEDY, Tampico IL and David S. McClure of Bloomington IL, participated in a dive bombing attack yesterday on a 350 Ft launching site for V bombs discovered during a Ninth Air Force raid near Euskirchen. Kennedy and McClure, wingmen for group leader Lt. Wm. B. Hurd, Newburgh NY who spotted the launching site accompanied him on the dive attack which resulted in 4 direct hits with 500 pound bomb.
From the Dixon Evening Telegraph (Via ParisFrance) 24 January 1945.
Betty Jane KINER / George R KINER Daily Gazette - no date clipping Both pictured in uniform - relationship ??
Betty Jane Kiner, c/n, entered training September 1, 1943. She graduated from high school in June, 1943, and worked during the summer at Green River ordnance plant, where her sister is an inspecter. Betty Jane is at the Moline public hospital.
Lt. George R. Kiner of Prophetstown, was recently promoted to a first lieutenancy. A member of the 325th Mustang group, he has been on overseas duty since January, 1945, and has 18 missions to his credit since March 24 over Germany, Austria, the Balkans adn Italy. He was also awarded the Air Medal with one Oakleaf Cluster. He is stationed in Italy
George C. KINNAMON - Entered Service June 9, 1944 Pvt. USA KIA Battle of Bulge January 10, 1945
Glenn L. KIRST son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kirst of Tampico
Corp. John A. KIRST son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kirst of Tampico
PFC Robert KIRST son of Mr. and Mrs John Kirst of Tampico
Sgt. Lloyd G. KLOCKE son of Mr. and MRs. Lloyd E. Klocke of Sterling
Cadet Paul KLOCKE son of Mr. and MRs. Lloyd E. Klocke of Sterling
Pvt. Glen Charles KNUTH is now stationed t Amarillo, Texas, where he is training in an aviation mechanics school. He is the son of Mr. adn Mrs. Glen Knuth of Woodlaw, and was born in Sterling. August 3, 1920. He attended Woodlawn school and is a graduate of Sterling Township high school. At the time of his induction, August 15, 1943, he was employed in the Siegman furniture store. He was sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., transferred to Lincoln, Nebr., and from there to Amarillo, Texas. He married Miss Mildred Darnell, R.N. of the Sterling public Hospital staff, May 10, 1941 at Tampico and the couple have a daughter Glenda Kay, eight months old. Mrs. Knuth and baby are living for the duration with her parents at 358 W. Brooks Street, Galesburg IL
Charles Alfred KYGER, son of Mrs. Jessie Kyger, was born in Rock Falls July 15, 1914, and received his education at Merrill school. He was inducted into the armed service August 11, 1943, but received a broken jaw August 18 while playing ball at Miller's field, so was held over until October 4, when he was sent to Camp Grant. During the three weeks he was in the station hospital, he was given X-rays, then given an honorable discharge and sent home October 30, 1943. He is now working for the Johnston Lumber company, where he was employed seven years before going to the Green River Ordnancy Plant, where he was working when inducted into the service.
Clarence Jay KYGER, son of Mrs. Jessie Kyger, was born in Rock Falls October 17, 1925, and is a graduate of both the Merrill and Rock Falls high school, class of '43. He has always taken a leading part in all athletic sports and won a large number of prizes, medals, letters' and ribbons during his school career. He signed up for aviation cadet training and was called to Peoria in June, where he took his tests and later sent to Chanute Field for his final tests. He reported to Ft Sheridan Nov 24, 1943. He is the youngest son of the late Harry L. Kyger, who during the years of 1905,1906 and 1907 was bugler for old Company E under the leadership of Capt. John Cushman. He was discharged in 1907. Prior to his enlistment he was employd at the R.B & W.
Ernest Elmer KYGER, son of Mrs. Jessie Kyger, was born in Rock Falls May 15, 1919, and received his education at Merrill school. Pvt. Kyger was inducted into the service and went to Camp Grant March 22, 1943. From there he was sent to Keesler Field, Miss. and later to Seymour Johnson Field NC where he graduated October 9, 1943, from A.M. School as an airplane mechanic. He is not at Ft Myers FL
Robert Lewis KYGER, son of Mrs. Jessie Kyger, was born in Rock Falls March 3, 1923, and received his education at Merrill and Rock Falls high schools. He enlisted in the air corps at Dixon, leaving there January 23, 1942, for Ft. Sheridan later being sent to Keesler Field, Miss. After being therre several months he was sent to Harlingen, TX, where he graduated from gunnery school November 27, 1943. He was then sent to San Antonio, TX, for two weeks, thens ent to San Diego, Calif., where he graduated from the Consolidated Aircraft corporation school as an aerial engineer March 30, 1943. Mrs. Kyger received a letter from her son several weeks ago stating he had passed both his mental and physical tests for aviation cadet and is now waiting for his call to take his pre-flight training.
Elmer R. LANCASTER, Jr., is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Lancaster, Sr. of 316 West Fifth Street, Prophetstown, Ill. He was born September 5, 1923, at Prophetstown and attended the Prophetstown public schools, graduating from Prophetstown high school with the class of 1941. He as a Gazette carrier boy for two years and after graduating from high school, was employed by the late Darrell Peterson in the Standard service station in Prophetstown. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 27, 1941, received his training at the U.S. Marine barracks at San Diego, Calif. and shipped from there about January 1, 1942. The last letter received from him was postmarked Pago Pago, Samoa, January 27.
Pfc. LeRoy LANCASTER son of Mr. and Mrs George Lancaster of Tampico
Pfc. Rex I. LAWRENCE is a son of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Lawrence of Prophetstown. He enlisted in the army and left April 23, 1941, was discharged because of age and returned home Dec. 3. Later he was called back. He is with Co. G. Med. Rgt., Camp Forrest, Tenn, where he was before. He was employed before he enlisted, in the first aid office at the Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. After he returned because of his mothers poor health, he went to work again for the Northwestern, this time in the safety department. He likes army life and wouldn't have left because of the age limit had it not been that his mother was not well. He graduated from Prophetstown highs chool and attended the Scovill schools here.
2nd Article: Rex Lawrence was born July 20, 1912, at Yorktown, where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lawrence, operated a store before moving to the farm in the Prairie View community. He attended the Prairie View School and graduated from the eighth grade in seven years with the highest standing of any rural school pupil in the county. He graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1929 and then attended business college in Sterling a year. He worked as a clerk in the Brydia grocery until he was appointed by the city council as street maintenance man and assistant city marshal. He was assistant scoutmaster to Lawrence Kiner and while working with the Boy Scouts became interested in firs aid work, which he went on and studied with the result that in 1938 he went to work at the wire mill in Sterling as assistant in cases of accidents to workmen. Rex enlisted in the army at Streling in April, 1941, going to Camp Forrest, Tenn. Because of his age, he was discharged and returned home December 3, going back to his job at Sterling. He was recalled to the army Feb. 16, 1942 and returned to Camp Forrest, where he is a Private First Class and surgical technician.
Pfc. Martin W. LONGANECKER son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Longanecker, Clyde Twp.
Frank R. MAJESKI: Mr and Mrs. Arthur Majeski of Lyndon received a message today from the war department announcing that their son S/Sgt. Frank R. Majeski has been missing in action over Germany since October 7. S/Sgt. Frank Majeski was 22 years of age. He entered the service March 1, 1943, and received his basic training at Ft. McClellan, Ala. He was then sent to the University of Alabama, then to Fort Meade, Ga., for his tests in the army air corps. He was then sent to Miami Beach, Fla., thence to Laredo, Tex., where he graduated as an aerial gunner, thence to Rapid City, S.D., where he was assigned to a crew as a ball turret gunner in a B-24 Flying Fortress. He left for overseas in June, 1944, and landed in England. The last letter his parents received from him was on Sept. 29, Sgt. Majeski has received the Air Medal, the Oak Leaf Cluster and the Presidential Citation.
PFC. Merle MARINE son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Marine of Tampicooo
Don MARSCHANG: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Marschang, 511 West Fourth Street, received a letter from their son Don, WT3/c, seabees, informing that he is able to be out of the hospital where he had been a patient, recovering from the effects of injuries sustained in a fall about a month ago. He suffered torn ligaments in the shoulder and elbow, his face and hands wer badly bruised. Since his discharge from the hospital he reports a chance meeting with a Sterling boy, Russell Wessels.
Herbert McBRIDE, Jr., 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert McBride of Los Angeles, has been stationed on Wake Island, now said to be in possession of the Japanese, working as superintendent of a crew building airplane landing facilities. The young man's grandmother, Mrs. Emma Randall of this city, (Prophetstown), recently received a letter from her daughter stating that Herbert was coming home for Christmas, coming by clipper plane to Honolulu and from there to Los Angeles by boat. Mrs. Randall doesn't know whether he had started home before the Japanese attacks or not and is fearful that he may still be on Wake Island. Herbert had been on the island nearly a year and received a promotion about two months ago. As we go to press Mrs. Randall tells us she has just received an airmail letter from her daughter saying that Herbert had left Honolulu but had not yet arrived in Los Angeles.
Corp. Arthur J. McGINN, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.W. McGinn, 403 West Sixth street, Sterling has been wounded in action in the Pacific.
Tech. Sgt. Peter McGINN, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.W. McGinn, 403 W. Sixth St. Sterling. Killed in action in the South Pacific.
Glenn W. MEEK, A.M.M. 1st Class, age 30, is the son of Mrs. Tena Meek, Tampico, Ill. He attended Tampico grade and high schools, graduating from high school in 1929. He enlisted in the navy at the age of 19, graduated from Great Lakes naval training station in December, 1930, and from there was sent to San Diego, Calif. naval station. Later he was transferred to a war vessel for the balance of four year enlistment. He was also stationed at Pensacola, Fla., naval air station for four years. He is now on his 12th year in navy service and is stationed at Pearl Harbor. T.H., where he and his family have been residing for the past three years.
Cpl. Merle MENSCH, son of Mr. and mrs. Lee Mensch of Manly , left for Jefferson Barracks, Mo., for reassignment after spening 6 weeks with his parents. He has spent 25 monnths in the Panama Calif. zone.
Pvt. Lowell John Mertz son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell A. Hoover, 207 E. 7th St. Sterling.
Corp. Donald G. MICKLE s/o Vern Mickle of Fenton
Sgt. Adrian Lee MILLER son of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Miller deceased. He makes his home with Mr.a nd Mrs. James F. Johnson of Tampico
Corp. Howard MOEWS is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Moews of Prophetstown and is stationed at Roanoke VA., where he is a member of Company B, 111th Infantry. He is a graduate of Prophetstown high school, class of 1935 and has spent his entire life in Prophetstown. Corporal Moews is 23 years of age.
John L. MOORE formerly of Dixon. Lieut Moore is the husband of the former Anna Marle Devine of Sterling.
Pfc. Robert W. MOORE, wounded in action in the Pacific area. Son of W.V. Moore of Sterling.
Grant MULCAY has been in the naval service longer than any other local boy. He left for the Great Lakes training station in December, 1937. The first year after entering the navy he spent on the wet coast of this country and on the coast of South America. For two years and eight months he was stationed in the Philippine Islands and China, most of the time in China. He arrived in San Francisco Nov. 9, 1941, and was discharged. He re-enlisted after was was declared and spent a few days at home just before and during Christmas. Leaving for New York Dec. 26, he was assigned to duty afer about two weeks on the USS American Legion. The fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mulcay of Portland, Grant Orin was born August 8, 1913, on the Utley farm about four miles from Erie. He attended the Valley and Green schools and the Lyndon high school, which he attended two years. Later he took a 10 weeks course in dairying at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., after which he became herdsman for a large Jersey herd near Dixon, where he was employed for a year. Between then and the time he joined the navy he worked on varous farms near Prophetstown. Grants time has not all been taken up with the navy, evidently, because his parents received an airmail letter from him lat week saying that on March 14 he had added a new daughter-in-law to the mMulcay menage. Miss Kaye Mayhew, whom he met in Seattle while stationed thre and who is now employed in an airplane factory in Brooklyn. Mr. and Mrs. Mulcay have not yet met their new daughter but are looking forward to doing so when the family will be reunited after the Japs and Hitler are licked, which they hope will be soon. Grant is the second generation of his family to fight in the cause of his country. His grandfather Sgt. Jeremiah Mulcay, served in the 53rd Wisconsin for two years during the Civil War. Grant's father is an active member of the local camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Another Article just after Pearl Harbor Bombing: Grant MULCAY, who had been on a river patrol boat in China for several months, was last heard from in San Francisco two weeks ago and his parents were expecting him home on leave.
John Stanley MURPHY, better known as "Jack", is the son of C. J. Murphy of Lansing Mich., and Mrs. Gertrude Murphy of this city. He was born in Prophetstown May 8, 1921, and attended the local school, graduating from high school in 1940. He enlisted in the navy October 9 of the same year, going to the Great Lakes training station, where he took eight weeks of training. Jack went to San Pedro, Calif., in December and was assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington. In February 1941, he was sent to the hospital corps school at San Diego for nine weeks of training in hospitalwork as an assistant. When he was hospital assistant third class he ws transferred to the aGreat Lakes station in May, 1941, and received two ratings while there, from third class to first class hospital assistant. After war was declared in Decmeber he was sent to San Francisco for Pacific fleet duty and in January, 1942, was sent to the navy hospital at Pearl Harbor. He is now at the navy yard dispensary here and has received the rating of pharacist mate 3rd class. Jack is very proud of the fact that he is servingin the navy as a regular.
Staff Sgt. Charles MUSCHE son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Musche of Tampico
Pfc. Kenneth J. NIELSEN son of Mr. and Mrs. Niels J. Nielson of Tampico
Robert E. NOBLE - YNTC USNR World War II / Korea
Fred NOKES/NOAKES formerly of Tampico, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Nokes of Denver Co.
Andrew Walter OLSSON
The son of Mr. and Mrs. George Olsson of Batavia formerly of Rock Falls.
Andrew was born 23 May 1920 in Rock Falls to George William and Hannah Mathilda (Hagberg) Olsson. His father George was born 22 Feb. 1889 in Tampico the
son of Andrew and Martha Jane (Pettit). His mother Hannah was born 5 Jun 1889 in Boone County Iowa. The family must have moved to Batavia in 1929 as his sister Louise
Mathilda Ollson was born in Batavia 20 April 1929. This information found on the website of John Gallagher at Rootsweb World Connect.
Photo contributed by Rick Froman from a Polo Newspaper 1942
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Lieut. Ruth OLMSTEAD (ANC) Daughter of Mr. and MRs. Forest Olmstead of Sterling
Pvt. Thomas O'NEIL son of Frank J. O'Neil of Deer Grove
Lieut. Velma PARKER, ANC - Daughter of Wayne Parker, Dixon and siser of Mrs. Chjarles Weatherwax of Sterling
Pfc. Richard L PATRIDGE joined Company M, 129th Infantry, March 5, 1941, and was one of the first three men to leave for Camp Forrest, Tenn. He was released because of the age limit, but was recalled into service February 12, 1942, and is with Company M at this time. Pfc. Patridge is a former pupil of the North Hume School.
Pfc. Harry PETERSON, youngest son of Mrs. Bertha Peterson of Prophetstown, entered the U.S. Army on January 20, 1944, and received his training at Fort Knox, KY., and Camp Chaffee, Ark. He left for overseas duty in January, 1945, arriving in France. He attended the Prophetstown high school, and prior to entering the service he was employed with the John Deer company at East Moline.
Corp. Linder PETERSON son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Peterson of Tampico
Pvt. Happy POPE is the son of Mr. adn Mrs. Grover Pope, 608 Tenth avenue, Rock Falls. He enlisted at Dixon, Dec 28, 1941, and is now a member of Company G. Third Q.M.T.R. Fort Francis E. Warren, Cheyenne, Wyo., Bks 546. He attended the Rock Falls grade school and later, the Rock Falls high school.
Maurice M. POSSELY of Erie, Entered Service April 14,1942 S/SGT USAAC MIA Phillipines September 1944
Pfc. Clarence H.A. PRATT, Co. G, 57th Q.M. Reg't. Camp Polk, La., is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence L. Pratt, 1305 Fourth Avenue, Sterling. He was born July 8, 1918, in Sterling. He is a graduate of Central school and Sterling Township high school, class of 1937, and also was a member of the Township high school band, and was attending the Scovill schools when drafted. He is one of the contigents that left Sterling March 26, 1941, for Chicago. He was inducted into service and sent to Fort Sheridan and then to Camp Lee, Virginia, where he had basic training and studied mechanics for 14 weeks; and then was sent to Camp Livingtston.
Lieut. Lila L. PRITCHARD, A.R.N., Station Hospital, Camp Grant, Ill., was the first Whiteside County girl to enlist as a U.S. army nurse, December 15, 1940. She was inducted into the army at Camp Grant as a lieutenant on March 1, 1941. Lieutenant Pritchard graduated from the Prophetstown high school and from the Ryburn King Memorial hospital of Ottawa, Ill. She worked for a time as a nurse in the Waukegan hospital. She spent two months this summer on maneuvers through the south, being sationed at Camp Robinson, Arkadelphia, Little Rock and El Dorado , Ark. Lieutenant Pritchard is the daughter of Mrs. Carrie Taber of Prophetstown.\
Pvt. Eugene PURDUE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Purdue of Rock Falls. Missing in action in the Battle of Bataan, P.I.
Corp. Paul A PURKAPILE son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee A. Purkapile formerly of Sterling
Louis George QUIMBY son of Mr. and Mrs. James Quimby of Deer Grove
Sgt. Sam C. RAMSEY son of W.H. Ramsey of Sterling
Sgt. Elza RAYMOND son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Raymond, formerly of Nelson, missing since the Battle of Midway Island.
Sgt. Raymond REBERT son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Rebert of Tampico
Bernard Joseph REILEY
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Bernard Joseph REILEY, son of Joseph & Maude (Howlett) Reiley was born 31 Marcy 1916 in Whiteside County IL
He married Miss Elgin and they had one daughter Nancy, shown with Bernard in this photo taken in 1943.
Bernard died in Soldiers Home, Dodge City Kansas on 1 March 1988.
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Cpl. Gerald Edward Reiley.
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Corp. Gerald Edward REILEY was inducted into the regular army,
March 5, 1941, with the national guard of headquarters battery, 123rd F.A. of Rock Island Ill.
He left Rock Island March 17, 1941, for Camp Forrest, Tenn. He became a Private first class May 24, 1941
and corporal Aug 12, 1941. At present he is battalian agent at regimental headquarters.
Corporal Reiley is 23 years of age, the third son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Reiley of Prophetstown, Ill.
He was born and educated in Prophetstown and graduated with the class of 1937 from the Prophetstown High school. Previous to his induction he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Ronald Miller, in East Moline. He was employed by the American Machinery and Metal Co. of East Moline and on the Greenlee Steel Construction crew of Moline and Freeport. He is a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Reiley of Sixth Avenue, Rock Falls IL.
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Lieut. Helen RENKES - Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Renkes of Morrison
Robert RENKES: Morrison Vet arrives from N Y (Picture in Iron Lung)
Cheerful as he arrives in New York last Friday in his iron lung aboard the U.S. hospital ship Seminole, Pvt. Robert Renkes, 20 year old tailgunner smiles as his nurse, Lt. Eileen Delleer of Pittsburgh, Pa., makes him comfortable, on his return from Germany where he was stricken with infantile paralysis after V-E day. Renkes took part in nine air raids over Germany. Pvt. Renkes' condition has improved sufficiently to be able to leave the instrument for short periods, and shout-heartedly asserts: "I am going to beat this thing."
Capt. Robert RITCHIE, son ofMr. and Mrs. M.L. Ritchie of Morrison, reported missing in action in the North African campaign.
Roderick M. ROBERTSON s/o Thomas Robertson of North Genesee Street, Morrison
Pfc. John E. ROBINSON son of Mr.a nd Mrs. Edward Robinson of Sterling
Pvt. Santos D. RODRIGUEZ son of H. Rodriguez of Sterling
Sgt. Kalmer RODSETh of Morrison
Private George Lester ROESE, son of Mary M. Futhey, 318 West Third Street, Prophetstown, was born at Thomas, Bureau county, Ill., September 26, 1908, and moved to Tampico when a small boy. He attended the Tampico grade and high schools, graduating from high school. He was employed by the I.N.U. for several years and was working in the gas department when inducted into the army June 23, 1942, leaving Sterling for Camp Grant July 6. From there he was sent to Camp Swift, Texas, where he was last located. His address may be obtained from his mother.
Wayne ROMAN, son of Gust and Mrs. Elizabeth Roman, will be 19 years old, April 24. He enlisted in the navy when he was 17 and his term would have expired when he was 21 if the war had not broken out. He left Prophetstown for the Great Lakes training station Jan. 27, 1941, and was home on furlough from March 19 to 28, when he returned to the Great Lakes station and was sent from there to California April 6. From California he was sent to Pearl Harbor April 10, where it is evident he was stationed when the Japs attacked. His mother received sourenirs which were mailed in December and she received and airmail letter Feb. 2 dated Jan. 26 in which he said he is now a seaman 1st class with an advance in pay. At Pearl Harbor he served first on the West Virignia but was transferred to another ship. His recent letter stated that he was all right and wished he could tell more. Wayne left high school in his junior year to join the navy. Endowed with an excellent physique, he was a star in basketball and football since his sixth grade days and earned a county-wide reputation.
Article just after Pearl Harbor Bombing: Mrs. Elizabeth Roman heard from her son Wayne Nov. 22 and although he did not say in so many words where he was located she is sure from some things he mentioned in the letter that he was located at Pearl Harbor. His boat is the West Virginia, one of the ships reported damaged by Sundays bombing. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Brooks are very sure their son Earl is also located at Pearl Harbor, as his letters told that he was docked only a quarter of a mile from Wayne's (Roman) and was on the U.S.S. Swan.
PVC Eugene ROSENE son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Rosene of Tampico
Pvt. Dana ROSS of Fenton, located at Pueblo, Colo., aviation base, returned to duty Friday afternoon (26 Feb. 1943) from Galesburg. His grandfather, S.C. Given and his mother Mrs. Anton Ross, accompanied him to Galesburg.
Robert SALM, member of the Daily Gazette employees.
Sgt. Orville SANDROCK, third son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sandrock of Thomas, was at last reports serving in clerical clothing department at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Orville was born at thomas, Feb. 25, 1919. He attended the Fairfield Center school at Prophetstown, graduating in 1936. He then attended Augustana college at Rock Island, after which he worked a year as bookkeeper for the Illinois Wholesale Co., at Rock Island, Ill. He was called in the service Feb. 17, 1941, adn was in camp in Wyoming two months before going to Camp Leonard Wood. He was promoted from private first class to Corporal in January, 1942, adn now advanced to staff sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. At the age of 12 years Orville developed into quite a horseshoe pitching star and defeated many adult stars from Rockford, Freeport, Rock Island, Moline, Dixon and other nearby cities. He has had two promotions since enlisting and it looks as if he will be as good a soldier as he was a horseshoe pitching star.
George J. SAATHOFF Jr. Obituary
Pvt. Kenneth SAWYER is with the anti-aircraft division stationed at Savannah, Ga. He was first inducted into service May 9, 1941. Because he was 29 years of age he returned to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Sawyer, who reside near Prophetstown during November. On February 6, 1942, he was again called and went to Camp Stewart. After his induction he was a truck driver for Hector Wancket of Atkinson. He is now spending a 10-day furlough with his parents.
Pvt. Roland SAWYER is now stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. He is 24 years of age and has been in the army since June 27, 1941. He was first stationed at Camp Roberts, Calif. Roland is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Sawyer of near Prophetstown. He attended Hooppole and Annawan schools. He was employed as a truck driver for Howard Newlon at Hooppole.
Sgt. Ronald SAWYER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Sawyer of Prophetstown, arrived Wednesday evening frm Ft. Sheridan where he received his honorable discharge, with 105 discharge credit points. Roland was inducted into the service at Camp Grant in June, 1941, and received his training at Camp Roberts, Ft. Lewis and Camp Hood. He left for overseas in June, 1943, where he was a member of the Third army tank destroyer battalion and a member of the fifth infantry, the first division to cross the Rhine. He took part in the Luxembourg break. He was wounded twice, the first time in France and the last time at Luxembourg. he wears five service stars and was award the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf cluster. Since hisinduction his only furlough home was in October of 1942.
Harold Raymond SCHICK, son of Percy Schick and Hazel Miner Schick.
Obituary
Herbert Grater SCHICK, son of Carl & Frieda (Grater) Schick
Obituary
Kenneth Bernard SCHICK, veteran of World War II and a charter member of Rock Falls American Legion Post 902
Obituary
BM 2/c Gale V. SCHREINER, son of Mrs. Ethel Schreiner of Erie, November 30, 1942, killed in action in the Pacific.
(Entered Service July 11, 1937 / B.M.2/C USN /)
Roert J. SCHULTZ - Army. Son of Paul & Beulah (Lock) Schultz. Married Nova Williams Nov. 1, 1947 in Lake View GA. Born 6 August 1922 in Pine Valley Wisc. Died 14 May 2005 in Sebastian FL. Burial in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown, Whiteside IL
Pvt. Raymond H. SEIDEL son of Mr. and mrs. Earl Seidel of Miller street, Sterling
SELOOVER: To W.D. (Wilbur Dean) Seloover, 902 West Seventh street, Sterling, goes the distinction of having the largest number of boys in the service of any family in this part of the state.
They are: Gunners mate 1/c Kenneth Seloover; Pfc. Edgar Seloover, Aviation mate 3/c Keith Seloover; Boatswain mate 1/c Donald Seloover; Aviation Caded James Seloover; Pfc. Robert Seloover.
All six boys are graduates of Wallace school and Sterling Township High School.
Mrs. Seloover is deceased. Mr. Seloover is an assistant foreman at the Frantz Manufacturing Co.
James Richard Seloover (1924-1945) Flight officer US Army Air Corps, killed in performance of duty (Oak Knoll Cemetery Records)
Tech. Sgt. George M. SHAHEEN, killed in action January 22, 1943 over England. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Malham Shaheen of Erie.
( Entered Service June 6, 1942 T/Sgt USAAC)
Lieut (j.g.) John SHAHEEN son of Mr. and Michael Shaheen of Tampico
N/C Raymond SHAHEEN son of Mr. and Michael Shaheen of Tampico
Cadet Richard SHAHEEN son of Mr. adn Mrs. Michael Shaheen of Tampico, attending the Citadel training for a commission in teh Army.
Solomon SHAHEEN of Erie is now in Australia. He was educated in the county schools and moved to Erie in 1935. He was engaged in the grocery business until he entered the army April 23, 1941. He was sent to Camp Forrest (TN), where he remained until January 16, when he left for overseas.
Myron SHANNON - US Navy and the Korean Conflict. (1926 - 2005) Obituary
SC 3/c Francis H. SHILLING son of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Shilling formerly of Tampico
Lyle SHOLES: Mrs. Florence Sholes has a letter from her son Lyle which informs her he is now a corporal. He doesn't tell where he is of course, but she says he is somewhere in the southwest Pacific where they are evidently building a new base as he mentions their new mess hall and quarters. Lyle says he is well and that everything is going nicely.
Prophetstown Echo July 31 1943
Aviation Cadet M.P. SHUMAN of Sterling has arrived at Perrin Field Texas to begin his basic flying training. Cadet Shuman is the son of Mr. and Mrs.John I. SHuman 1301 East Second St.
Dale SIBLEY, only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sibley of Prophetstown, was born on January 30, 1919, near Prophetstown and has lived there until he was inducted into the army. He graduated from the Prophetstown high school in 1937, where he was a member of the basketball team and played in the high school band. After graduation he worked in the Eclipse factory and for the Illinois Northern Utilities company and was employed for two years in the George Brydia store. He was inducted into the army on April 23, 1941, and awas sent to Camp Forrest, Tenn., where he is still located. He is a member of the military police and graduated froma cooking school the latter part of March.
Corp. Frank Donald SIBLEY son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sibley of Tampico
Staff Sgt. Kenneth A.SIBLEY son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sibley of Tampico
Corp. Roland SIBLEY son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sibley of Tampico
Pvt. Clifford SIMKINS son of Mrs. Anna L. Simkins of Tampico
Cadet Leandro SIMKUS son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Simkus of Sterling
Robert E. SIPERLY
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Robert E. Siperly
US Navy World War II
Served on the USS Lamons and the USS Green.
Son of Aldis & Emma (Breusch) Siperly
Obituary
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Pvt. Vernon B. SIPPEL is now at Santa Maria, Calif.
First Cook, Dale E.J. SISSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Sisson, Griwold avenue, Sterling
Pvt. Emery SISSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Sisson, Griswold avenue, Sterling.
Gunner Joy Eugene SISSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Sisson, Griwsold avenue, Sterling.
Corp. Frank SISSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Sisson, Griswold avenue Sterling.
Bud SMITH son of Mrs. Edna Smith of Sterling, is stationed at Pearl Harbor on the U.S.S. Maryland,
R.C. SMITH Born 5 November 1917 the son of Horace & Dossie (Meakins) Smith. He served in the U.S. Army's 79th Infantry in World War II and was wounded in action near St. Lo, France, and received the Purple Heart.
Bernard Jay SNYDER
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Bernard Jay SNYDER - son of Dr. and Mrs. B. J. Snyder, was killed in action on Okinawa June 16, according to word received by his parents from the War department this morning.
Lt. Snyder was commissioned lieutenant a few months ago and on June 18 he arrived at Okinawa with the Second division of the Eighth marines as a member of the "mop-up" unit.
He was killed in combat the next day.
Obituary
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Pfc. Lester A. SPOTTS, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester J. Spotts, 23 years old, was born March 3, 1919, south of Rock Falls. He graduated from eighth grade at Mannion school in Lee county and was engaged in farming with his father before going with the national guard into the service. He is in Camp Forrest, Tullahomia, Tenn.
Sgt. Melvin J. SPOTTS, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester J. Spotts of near Morrison is 21 years old. He was born March 17, 1921 in Sterling. Melvin graduated from the eighth grade at the Mannion school in Lee county and attended Rock Falls Township high school. He enlisted in the marines three years ago. He has been with the Pacific fleet to all the Islands of the Pacific ocean and has sent home many souvenirs from all the islands. His mother has one room at the house filled with them.
Orlo D. SPOTTS: Oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Spotts of near Morrison, is 24 years old. He was born in Lyndon township Oct. 1, 1918. He graduated from eighth grade at the Mannion school in Lee county and from Sterling Township high school. He was a carpenter by trade. He was drafted in June, 1941, in the U.S. army. Sent first to Texas and is now with Company M, 20th Infantry, Third Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Wyverne SPRINGER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Springer, has been promoted from Private First Class to Corporal. He is stationed at Colorado Springs, CO.
Corp. Mason A. STEADMAN son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Steadman of Tampico
Pvt. Harold STICKEL son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Stickel of Tampico
Clarence Dale STOUDT is also a son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stoudt, 1401 east Fourth Street, Sterling, and is on the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa. He enlisted in the army in April, 1941, and then graduated from trade school in Detroit as carpenters mate and first class seaman. At the time of his enlistment he was a senior in the Sterling high school having only a few weeks to go prior to completing his course.
Lowell Dean STOUDT is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stoudt, 1401 East Fourth Street, Sterling, and is a carpenters mate in the United States navy, in which he enlisted Jan. 20. He was first sent to Norfolk Va., thence to NYA camp at Greenville, N.C. then to Quenset R.I. Air Corps Camp, since which he has been shipped to an undisclosed destination. He attended school in Rock Falls and is married to the former Gweneth Fogel, daughter of Mr. adn Mrs. Dart Fogel. They have one daughter, Sandra Lee, three years of age.
Lieut. Raymond TEMPLE son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Temple of Tampico
Pfc. Richard E. Ten Eyck son of L.D. Ten Eyck of Beloit Wisc. His mother was the late Hazel Osler Ten Eyck of Sterling.
Staff Sgt. E.J. THOMPSON son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Thompson of Tampico
Charles TRUITT (Army) Son of Charles & Jenny (Whitley) Truitt
Pfc. Alois Van DE VELDE son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Van De Velde of Tampico
Pvt. Charles F. VAN DREW son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Van Drew of Tampico
Staff Sgt. Roy A VAN DREW son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Van Drew of Tampico
Pvt. Charles W. VICKREY son of Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Vickrey of Tampico
Anthony VON RYCKE/RYCK, son of Mr. and Mrs. Poly Von Ryeke, is at Nichols Field, another Philippines aircraft base, also with a regular army unit.
Anthony was reported missing in action in the Philippine Islands.
Pvt. Robert WAGENECHT s/o HErman Wagencht of 515 W. Lincolnway, Morrison
Paul D. WAITE of Erie IL - 5/11/1942 T/Sgt USAAC MIA New Guinea 12/1/1943
Pvt. Wayne LaVerne WARNER, 19, of Rock Falls, a marine hoome on leave, was struck by a hit and run driver on Highway 330 near Dixon Wednesday morning. He hwas taken to the Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, wher his condition is said to be serious.
Warner, who is on leave from El Centro, Cal., has been making his home in Rock Falls, although he gave hospital attendants as his nearest relative, Mrs. Ella Warner, 1235 Blaisdell Street, Rockford. Warner was found lying by the side of the road about 1 a.m. by Deputy Sheriff George Loescher as the latter was driving toward Dixon. He was walking weston the left side of the road when he was hit. An ambulance was called and he was taken to the hospital where he was found to have a lacerated leg and shoulder and had bruises about the face. A companion of the marine, also a service man, told authorities he had become separated from Warner during the evening and had driven along the highway in a taxi in an effort to locate him, but had apparently missed seeing the injured man lying beside the road. Warner makes him home with his sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Stanley.
Pvt. George C. WATSON (27 Feb 1943) has returned to Fort Snelling, Minn. after spending a short furlough with his wife, Mrs. Anna Watson of Dixon and with his mother, MRs. Elizabeth Lyle of Rock Falls, at the latter's home in rock Falls. He has recently enlisted in the railroad service after completing his basic training.
Pvt. Donald W. WENTLER youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wentler of Piper City ILL. Married to teh former Vivian Echelbarger of Harmon.
Pvt. Clifton WESCOTT son of Clarence Wescott. He makes his home with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Laroy Wescott of Tampico.
PVT Lewis WESCOTT son of Mr. and mrs. LaRoy Wescott of Tampico
Russell E Wescott Pvt 141st Co. E Second Battalion, 36th infantry Div
Robert Reese WETZELL 35, son of James F. Wetzell, 202 13th Ave. Sterling, Ill. is the latest recruit to enter training at Great Lakes naval training station. He was given the rating of yeoman third class upon his enlistment there and following an intensive training period will be assigned to active duty either on a ship or the US fleet or at another naval shore station.
Elbert K. WHEELOCK - Pharmacist Mate, 2nd Class Navy. Son of Samuel & Mina (Loomis) Wheelock.
R 3/c William F. WHITEMORE s/o T.M. Whitemore of Morrison
Cadet Ardeth WIDDER, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Widdeer of Morrison, enlisted in the cadet nursing corps and is in training at the Lutheran hospital in Moline. She began training in March 1944. The father of the three sisters served overseas with the U.S. forces during the First World War.
Yeoman 3/c Mildred WIDDER, second daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Earl Widder of Morrison, enlisted in the WAVES in April 1944, and received her boot training at Hunter college, N.Y. She then trained in secretarial work at Cedar Falls, Ia., and was assigned to Cleveland, O. Seaman Widder was formerly employed at Savanna Ordance Depot and later in Los Angeles.
Cpl. Ruth Marion WIDDER, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Widder of Morrison, enlisted in the WAC in April 1944 at Los Angeles, Calif. She received her basic training at Des Moines, Ia. Cpl Widder is stationed in the medical department at Palm Springs, Calif. She was formerly employed at the Savanna Ordance Depot at savanna and later in Los Angeles.
Lawrence WOODS son of Mrs. Ruth Huey of DeKalb and nephew of Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Baker of Sterling, RFD 2
Corp. James E. WRIGHT son of Mr. and Mrs. James Wright of Tipton Tenn., but has made his home in Sterling for a number of years.
R 3/c James WUNDERLICH son of Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Wunderlich of Rockford. His father is owner of the E.P. Wunderlich Co. here.
PhM 2/c Paul H. WURTH son of Mr. and Mrs. William Wurth of Sterling
Lt. Gladys ZIMBLEMAN (ANC) - Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Zimbleman of Rock Falls
F 2/c Orville ZUIDEMA s/o Marion Zuidema 509 Easat Wall street Morrison
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