World War II
News About Military Personnel
1943
These articles were in a scrapbook that belonged to Lucille M. Smith of Denison and were sent to us by Roger Redig. We believe that most of them came from Denison newspapers. Some articles were undated, but appear in the same time period as surrounding articles in the scrapbook.
(no date)
Lt. N. Klinker Killed
DIED IN ITALIAN WAR ZONE JAN. 6
Member of Fifth Army Under General Clark
Lt. Norman Klinker, 25, only son of Judge and Mrs. P.J. Klinker of Denison, was reported killed in action in the Italian theatre of war Jan. 6, according to a war department telegram the family received here Friday evening at 7 o'clock.
Lietutenant Klinker, who had been in all major battles in the Mediterranean theatore for more than a year, entered service from Harvard law college in 1942. He had kept his family informed of progress the allies were making and as a member of the fifth army under General Clark, he was experiencing the most intensive fighting throughout his presence in that area.
Across One Year
Shortly before Christmas, 1942, Lieutenant Klinker landed with American troops at Casablanca, North Africa and participated in the major drives. Following about a month's stay in the Casablanca area where he supervised unloading of supplies, he asked for transfer to the second army division on the lines while stationed at Robat, capital of Morocco.
Acation at Tebessa, Algeria, near Kasserine, was next on his itinerary and he experienced the discomfiture of incessant rains while in action at Gafsa where his unit took 450 Italian prisoners. His field artillery section played an important part in the fall of Maknassy and the final cleaning-up of axis forces in North Africa.
Throughout the Italian campaign he kept his family here informed as to his welfare and his most recent letter home was a "Christmas letter" dated Dec. 28.
Norman was born in Denison Dec. 8, 1918 and graduated from the local high school in 1936. He continued his education by studying law at Iowa university where he received his degree and subsequently enrolled at Harvard university where he was when war was declared Dec. 7, 1941.
Besides his parents, Lieutenant Klinker has one sister, Anna May. Letter containing more details of the officer's death will be forwarded to the family soon, the war department said.
March 4, 1943
Missing in Action
It has been officially announced that Pvt. Delbert Beirne, above, son of Mrs. B. Beirne, has been missing in action since Feb. 3, presumably on the African front.
Private Beirne enlisted in the army May 20, 1941 at Denison and received his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. For a time he was stationed at Fort Dix, N.J. as a member of the 168th infantry. He was among the first American soldiers to land in Ireland and it is presumed he was transferred to the African front as a member of the huge task force landing there in November. When last home in the summer of 1940 he was a member of a machine gun crew.
Delbert will be remembered as a meat cutter at Thrifty and was working in a Spencer grocery when he enlisted. He is a graduate of Denison high school and participated in major sports while a student here.
April 15, 1943Italian Prisoner
Pfc. Delbert Beirne, who was recently reported missing, is a prisoner of the Italians, according to word received from Washington Saturday by relatives and friends in Denison. Pfc. Beirne is the son of Mrs. B. Beirne of Kansas City, Mo. Formerly of Denison.
March 11, 1943
Lt. Bob Johnson's Plane Crashed in Africa
Details Written by Squadron "Buddy"
Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Johnson have not officially heard from the war department of their son, Robert's death, but have received two letters fro members of Robert's squadron, one written from "somewhere in the Liberian Desert" and the other from "somewhere in northern Africa".
For military reasons, signatures and addresses of the writers are withheld from publication. The following is a copy of the original letter written from "Somewhere in the Liberian Desert". It will be noted the writer speaks in the very highest terms of his closest friend and tells of his standing in the ranks of his squadron and also of his private life.
February 4, 1943
Dear Mrs. Johnson:
Please try to overlook government regulations in the particular instance. You see I have had to wait until we're positively sure you had been notified. "Ox" as we all knew him, was the best firend I ever had and I wanted to drop you a line and let you know the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident. This has been a terrible shock to you all but I'm sure you would like to know just what did happen.
We left England on Dec. 7 all more than eager to get at the enemy in another theatre. "Ox" and myself were flying in the formation last to leave England. Due to our late start it necessitated a night landing on African soil that we had not been properly briefed for. The set of navigation maps were figured on a different scale than any our navigators had been used to and his navigator failed to recognize the difference. We both arrived at our destination almost the same time but there were high mountains surrounding the field. The weather was pretty bad and "Ox" crashed into the side of one of these mountains.
If only I could have gone in his place I would so gladly have gone. "Ox" and I had been inseparable, ever since our days in Florida together. Now that he is gone nothing matters to me except making the very best record possible, fly as often as possible and bring this thing to a close as quickly as possible. I wanted to quit at first but I know "Ox" would want me to stay in there for the two of us.
Your son was without exception the most popular fellow in our entire group. Everyone from the colonel down to the lowest ranking enlisted man knew him, respected and loved him. As a flyer he had more nerve and natural ability than any man in our entire group. During the time he had his own ship and crew his record was better than anyone else's. He was always so proud of his ship and crew and his crew in turn were so proud of him.
It was always very evident what kind of a home and parents "Ox" talked of so much. He was always very clean living with a bare minimum of bad habits. He was always so fair in all the decisions he had to make. We didn't have time to go to church as Sunday with us is no different than any other day but "Ox" had a good Christian outlook always. If there is a heaven, he's there.
Just before we left England I got several good snapshots of him and as soon as I can get them developed I'll send them along to you. We are going back to England now very soon and I'll see that his things are taken care of and I'll send them all home to you as quickly as possible. If there is anything else you'd like me to do just let me know and I'll gladly take care of it for you.
I'd like to come see you when I get home and there might be some things you would like to know. I hope to get back by May at least. I'd like to say in closing that you had the finest son ever put on the face of this earth. Somehow I just can't write any more.
Sincerely yours,
Signature omitted for military reason.
Another of the squadron writes from "Somewhere in North Africa" and tells of Bob's burial in Oran, on the north coast of Africa, in the American cemetery, and stated he in company with others of the squadron had visited the grave. According to the other pilot, Bob had flown over a hundred hours in combat service, while he was in England. This would mean over 25,000 miles over Europe.
Neither letter stated whether any of the crew on Bob's plane landed safely, but some must have, otherwise what caused the accident and death would not be known. The pilot always stays with the ship until the crew has bailed out.
Robert Johnson, Denison Flyer, Given Award
American Press dispatches, dated at London, England, from headquarters of the United States 8th Air Force, announced Monday the post humous award of the air medal to First Lieutenant Robert A Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Johnson, who lost his life in North Africa when the plan he was piloting crashed into a mountain side.
Robert's intimate friend and squad member, Robert H. Shannan, first Lietenant of Washington, Iowa, received the Oak Leaf Cluster to the air medal. Liet. Shannon is the young pilot who notified Mr. and Mrs. Johnson of their son's death.
March 11, 1943
Second Denison Man Missing in African Fighting
Another Crawford county soldier is reported missing in action on the African front with Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hutchinson, living near Denison, reporting a cablegram from the war department Saturday stating that their foster son, Pfc. Luther C. Hutchinson, 24, has been missing since Feb. 17.
Private Hutchinson was connected with a medical battalion as ambulance drive and gave first aid to the wounded. Entering the service about two years ago, Private Hutchinson had served overseas more than a year. First he was stationed in Ireland and was then transferred to north Africa where the fighting now is heavy.
Missing
Pfc. Luther Hutchinson Foster son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hutchinson, near Denison, who was reported missing in action on the North African battle front after fighting Feb. 17. Several hundred Iowans have been reported missing in the engagement when the Germans pulled a surprise push through Tunisia. Most of the men reported missing are resumed to be prisoners of war since the war department reported last week that there were less than one hundred known casualties.
March 11, 1943
Roll of Honor
Rev. W.A. Norton, Harold L. Day, Alfred G. Lass, J.J. Pithan,
Wayne Stephensen, Marvin Wiges, Lawrence Ericson, Myron Blackman,
John Robert Lingle, Eugene Anderson, LeRoy Jacobsen, Wesley Ericson,
Kenneth Ericson, William Oldfield, Wilbur Petersen, Robert Paup,
Charles W. Fink, Wesley Brandenburg, Jack Carlyle, Ray Jacobsen,
William Ecklund, Robert Pearson, Paul Craig, Norman Luvaas.
Ells Gus Carlson, Charles Cassaday, Norman Klinker, Robert Ewall,
Harry Gibbons, Jr., E.J. Lowman, George G. Vassar, Zelmon Day,
Max Allstat, Robert N. Lass, Doran Brogden, Donald Cassaday,
Joseph Anderson, Clarence Blackman, Murray Turnbill, Lawrence Butler,
Lawrence Zea, William Brandt, Marion Day, James McMinimee,
LaVerne Buffinton, Allan Miller.
March 11, 1943
March Quota of Men Left Wednesday
Enlisted reservists who returned to Camp Dodge Wednesday morning of this week, following their seven-day furlough, after taking final physical examinations, were identified by the local selective service board this week.
Included in the Crawford county March quota are four men who expressed preference for the navy. Louis E. Riddle of Dow City was named acting corporal of the group which follows:
NAVY
August Hast, Jr., Vail
J. Leo Ahart, Jr., Dow City
Allen Miller, Denison
ARMY
Denison
Harry G. Gunderson
Edward W. Ladwig
William K. Simons
Dow City
Robert N. Brasel
Glenn J. Clingenpeel
John F. Maltsberger
Louis E. Riddle (corporal)
Gene A. Ulmer
Manning
Gilbert J. Ewoldt
Vertus Ewoldt
Arion
Aaron M. Hamblen, Jr.
Charter Oak
Donald E. Hansen
Robert J. Wiebers
Earl Gollhofer
VAIL
Virgil A. Hast
LeRoy J. Hickey
Ricketts
Arthur G. Hennings
Kiron
Gayle C. Obrecht
Milton L. Wassgren
Dunlap
William F. Rethmeier
Schleswig
Delbert H. Schoenfeld
Breda
Kenneth D. Brother
March 11, 1943
Sgt. George Dieter is Now at Savannah, Ga.
It's now Sergeant Geo. L. Dieter, rather than Private, and he is stationed at Hunter's field, Savannah, Ga. Coming in from way down in Florida, says he found the weather a little raw, but at that he thinks he is not getting a raw deal, for he has just been promoted to Sergeant, 460 Service Group, 326 Service Squad, and is supply clerk in the Air Corps., parts department.
Sgt. Dieter has been in the service since February 1942, has had a lot of experience, seen some country, is well fed and clothed, and enjoys the USO entertainment centers; doesn't know when he'll get across but when he does go, feels he will be well equipped in training, physically and mentally. One of his greatest joys, however, is when he gets his copy of The Bulletin, and then he puts in an hour reading the paper, learns what is going on about home and county, passes the paper to some of his buddies, gets it back and reads it again, to see if he has missed an item.
March 18, 1943
Missing Since Tokyo Raid, Former Vail Boy Gets DFC
Parents of Sgt. William J. Dieter, Mr. and Mrs. Jess T. Dieter, former Vail residents, reported missing in action since the epochal air raid on Tokyo, Japan, April 18, 1942, received the distinguished flying cross for extraordinary achievement of their son at a special army rite recently in their present home town of Tulelake, Calif.
The bronze and gold cross which the United States bestows for extraordinary heroism was pinned on Mrs. Dieter by Brig. Gen. S.M. O'Connell, commanding officer of the fourth bomber command, San Francisco, Calif., after the citation had been read by Lt. William Volkman, aide to the general. The citation was given for "participation in the daring raid on Tokyo, April 18, 1942, for which Sergeant Dieter volunteered, knowing full well that the chance of survival was extremely small, and executed his part with great skill and daring."
Sergeant Dieter enlisted in the army in 1936, receiving his training at Fort Lewis, Wash. After his enlistment period he was out of uniform for about ten months and reenlisted in 1939, choosing the air corps. He became a bombardier in the fourth bomber command at Pendleton Field.
When General Doolittle was forming his crew for the raid on Japan's capitol, Sergeant Dieter was one of the accepted volunteers and it was from this flight that his plane failed to return.
Sergeant Dieter grew up in Vail and is a nephew of George, Raymond and Leonard Dieter of Vail and Mrs. C.W. Kelly of Denison.
March 18, 1943
Missing Since Last May, Brother of Denison Man Safe
Reported missing in action during the fighting around Cavite, P.I. last May, Chief W.E. Thomas, brother of Norman S. Thomas, Denison, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. J.S.Thomas of Sioux Falls, S.D., has been reported a prioner of war according to word his folks received through the bureau of naval personnel.
The prisoner, who has been in the navy 20 years, is chief signalman and was last known to have been in action at Cavite naval base, Manila. Twelve of his 20 years in service have been spent in foreign service and he would have received his discharge from the navy in the fall of 1941. His present whereabouts were discovered through efforts of the International Red Cross.
March 18, 1943
Two More Local Girls Enlisted in WAVES Mar. 11
Miss Leola M. Byrnes and Miss Ruby C. Miller, both of Denison, enlisted in the WAVES through the navy recruiting substation at Carroll on March 11. Both are now waiting to be called to active duty.
Miss Byrnes is a graduate of the Denison high school and has been employed by the J. C. Penney Co. of Denison as bookkeeper and cashier. She is the daughter of Mrs. Leonard J. Byrnes of Portsmouth.
Miss Mill, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller, now of Denison, formerly lived as Schleswig, where she completed her high school training. Miss Miller has been employed at Cronk's cafe.
(no date)
JOINS WAACS
Mrs. Lucille Ludemann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Retman of Denison last week enlisted in the WAACs at Des Moines and is now at home awaiting her call.
March 18, 1943
Seven Crawford Men Serving Their Country
(no photo available)
Another group of Crawford county men in service are shown above.
Top left is 1st Lt. Paul F. Sanders, son of Mrs. And Mrs. P. C. Sanders of Denison. Lieutenant Sanders enlisted in service September, 1939, at Ft. Des Moines, entering the army signal corps. He has had stations in North Carolina, Louisiana and Texas and from Camp Wallace, Tex., where he was first sergeant, he entered officer candidate school at Fort Monmouth, N.J. where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the signal corps. For about a year he has been serving on the staff and faculty there and received his first lieutenancy six months ago. His wife is in New Jersey with him.
Center top is Pfc. Vurnace Slechta, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Slechta, Denison, stationed at Fort Ord, Calif., where he is a member of Co. E, 50th Engineers (C), 2 B.M.
Top right is Leslie G. Kral, ph.m. 3-c, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kral of Vail. Kral enlisted in the navy and was transferred to the marine corps and was a member of the first group of members who landed on Guadalcanal in the Solomons last fall. He enlisted in September, 1941.
Center inset is Cpl. Ancil Jenkins, son of W. A. Jenkins, Deloit, who entered service last July. He is a member of headquarters battery 914th field artillery battalion, A. P. O. No. 89, Camp Carson, Colo.
Bottom left is Cpl. Willis A. Marten, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louie Marten of Denison, and a member of service batter, 927 field artillery battalion, Camp Maxey, Tex. Corporal Marten was a partner with his brother in operating the Western Auto store here when he entered service last fall.
Bottom center is Pvt. Wilbert H. Bielow, headquarters battery 380th field artillery battalion, Camp Maxey, Tex. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bielow of Schleswig.
Bottom right is Pvt. Robert Coleman Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Smith of Dow City, whose address is Vet. Det. Sta. Hosp., Maxwell Field, Ala.
April 3, 1943
Joe Anderson Gets Aerial Gunner Wings
Pfc. Joseph Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. V. E. Anderson of Denison, received his silver wings as aerial gunner in the army air forces in ceremonies at Panama City, Fla. this week. He received the right to wear the coveted insignia after successfully completing training in the AAF flexible gunnery school at Tyndall Field.
During his course of study he was thoroughly trained in operation of .30 and .50 calibre machine guns, first on ground ranges and later in the air, in preparation for service as a crew member on a bomber.
April 3, 1943
Missing in Action
Donald James Winey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh Winey of near Deloit, a member of the merchant maries, was reported missing in action last week, according to word his parents received from the war department.
Donald, a graduate of Denison high school with the class of 1941, has had many thrilling experiences during his term in service. Last May when he was home he told of being on an oil tanker that was torpedoed. At that time he and other members spent three days on life rafts.
April 3, 1943
Lt. Carl Lundeen to Latin American Post
Lt. Carl E. Lundeen, who entered the naval reserve Jan. 20, spent a four-day leave in his home here prior to reported back to Washington, D.C., from where he leaves this week for a post in Latin America. He is in navy operations and just completed a comprehensive course of study at Washington.
Lieutenant Lundeen was chairman of the county selective service board when he received his commission. Having spent several years in Latin and South America he is familiar with their ways of life and has a thorough knowledge of Spanish.
April 3, 1943
Bob Lingle Home From Trips Across
After having made voyages to Iceland, Ireland, across to England and then down to Africa with a stop at Casablanca. Petty Officer 3rd Class Seaman Robert Lingle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Lingle of Denison went into dry dock with his good ship, the New York, at New York recently. He was immediately handed papers informing him he had a furlough due, and to take immediate advantage of it. Robert hustled around, borrowed an overcoat from a buddy, a suitcase from another and finally called his mother over the local phone, and informed he would take his next meal with her.
She and her family were most happily surprised-could hardly believe the good news, and, of course, gave the son a cordial welcome. That was Wednesday, and Robert is supposed to re-join his ship this coming Wednesday. The great ship is now in dry dock, having a great hole that was torn in its bottom when the ship grounded on a huge rock, repaired. Temporary repairs were made while at sea, and permanent repairs are being made.
Robert thinks the New York the best ship afloat, and the officers and crew the best fellows manning a ship. The best treatment is given the men, who are provided with the highest grade food obtainable and are given the finest of quarters. The ship and crew has seen much service the past two years, not only in local waters, but in many foreign seas. She is one of the large ships having a length of more than 500 feet.
Robert is a graduate of the Denison high school, and before entering the service helped his father, and learned all about electric welding, and for that reason has been of much service to his ship as metalsmith. The trip back to New York harbor is the third voyage for this young seaman.
Hallett Joins Navy (no date)
William G. Hallett, proprietor of Hallett's Bootery, left Saturday night for duty in the navy and took his final physical examinations at Des Moines Monday morning. He expected to be sent to the naval base at Farragut, Idaho. He was enlisted as seaman first class. Mrs. Burness Boslaugh will help out at the shoe store for the duration, aiding Mrs. Hallett and Ray Moeller.
April 3, 1943
Pvt. Edwin V. Kral, who has been in service about four months, received a discharge from Fort Sill, Okla. Thursday because of age limitations. He had served as a mail orderly at Fort Sill for about three months. This week he is making arrangements to assist his cousin, Harry Kral, on the farm north of Vail.
(no date) One of the smallest contingents of selective service registrants to leave Crawford county in many months is scheduled to go to Camp Dodge next Monday morning, April 5, for final physical exams. Thereafter those passing will be given a seven-day furlough before reporting back to begin their army careers.
The list follows:
Denison
Robert J. Kelly
Robert C. Rollins
Vernon M. Rabe
Harold C. Sanders
Benjamin Mesenbrink, Jr.
Louis E. Lorenzen
Lowell W. Beerman, transfer.
Dow City
George A. Brasel
Richard D. Keairnes
Donald A. Laubscher
Manilla
Vernon A. Cadwell
Arthur J. Murfield
Thomas G. Signall
Schleswig
Allan A. Brandenburg
Verdine H. Iwens, transfer
Charter Oak
Ralph V. Henricksen, transfer
Dunlap
Robert E. Bonar
Ute
Lawrence C. Carstens, transfer.
Vail
James J. Allender
Omaha, Neb.
Kenneth J. Fleming
Dixon, Ill.
Donald D. Bohms
Odebolt
Wayne M. Stickrod
*One Dow City man requested his identity withheld.
April 3, 1943
Leave Monday to Start Duties in U. S. Forces
Crawford county men who passed their final physical examinations at Camp Dodge this week Monday have been notified they will leave Denison Monday morning, April 12, at 1:45 a.m. for the Des Moines induction center to begin training. Three in the group chose the navy as the branch of service. Those leaving Monday, according to the local draft board are:
Army
James J. Allender, Vail
Alan H. Brandenburg, Schleswig
George A. Brasel, Dow City
Robert J. Kelly, Denison
Donald A. Laubscher, Dow City
Louis E. Lorenzen, Denison
Melvin L. McMullen, Dow City.
Robert C. Rollins, Denison.
Thomas G. Signall, Manilla.
Navy
Lowell W. Beerman, Denison (tr.)
Lawrence C. Carstens, Ute (tr.)
Vernon M. Rabe, Denison.
April 15, 1943
Dunlap Mother Sends One Son Each Year For The Past Four Years
Mrs. Dora Cleman of Dunlap has seen one son enter the armed forces each year for four years. Clifton joined the navy in 1940, and is now somewhere in the Pacific. Gerald went into the service in 1941, and is now in North Africa. Glen went into the army last year and is at Camp Barkley, Texas, and Marion was called for service last month, and is at Camp Roberts, Calif. There are still two boys at home, but are too young for service.
April 15, 1943
Four Brothers Shown in This Group
(no photo available)
Shown in the panel picture above are four brothers and two other Crawford county men stationed at various points in this country.
The four brothers are sons of Mrs. George Krohnke, now living at Minnewaukan, N.D. The boys were reared in the Schleswig community, where the family resided until Mr. Krohnke's death in 1940.
Top left is Sgt. Walter Krohnke, 28, who left from Crawford county Feb. 5, 1941. His address is P. M., G.S. Det. C.B., Mess 2114, Fort Custer, Mich.
Top right is Sgt. Henry L. Reichert, son of Karl Reichert of Denison, who is stationed at the army air base at Lake Charles, La., where his outfit address is 554 Sq., 386 Bomber Group.
Below Sergeant Reichert is Sgt. Walter Neumann, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Neumann, who live northeast of Denison. He is with Co. C, 313 Inf., A.P.O. 79, care of Postmaster, Nashville, Tenn.
Bottom left is Pvt. Jurgen Krohnke, 24, who also entered service from Crawford county, March 21, 1941. He is now with Tr. C., 113 Cavalry, Camp Hood, Texas.
Bottom center is Pvt. Everett L. Krohnke, 19, who enlisted at Seattle, Wash., Nov. 23, 1942 and is now with Co. B, 4th Pt., 82nd Inf., Tg. Bn., Camp Roberts, Calif.
Bottom right is Wayne L. Krohnke SSC 20, who volunteered for service in the navy at Devil's Lake, N.D., Oct. 23, 1942. His address now is care of Fleet Postmaster, New York, N.Y.
April 15, 1943
Olry Takes Course in Army Air Corps
Pvt. James K. Olry, son of Mr. and Mrs. F.N. Olry, Denison, has recently completed an intensive army air corps clerical course at Santa Monica, Calif. And is now qualifed for a permanent assignment at an army air force base and is designated as a staff assistant to the operations officer at the base. Private Olry enlisted in the army in December, was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., a short time and then in Florida before going to California.
April 15, 1943
After 21 Air Battles Kiron Gunner Comes Home From Africa
Erich Koch, S. Sgt., AAF, 37071153, 513th Bombardment Squadron, 376th Bombardment Group (H), son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Koch of near Kiron, is home spending a well earned 25-day furlough. He is a member of the United States air corps, and has been in the army two years this coming June. During that time he has visited India, Palestine, Egypt and North Africa, and participated in twenty-one hot battles, and never received a scratch.
He has had a wonderful experience, met many people who were natives of the countries visited, and says they all had a good word for the American soldier and air men. Some of them were strangely attired, had habits that were new to him, many of them lived far differently from what Americans live, but taken altogether they were easy to get along with, and gave the U.S. soldiers, a cordial welcome in their cities, in the entertainment centers and wherever they met.
Erich has been awarded an air medal for having been in the air for 100 hours, and also a silver star, representing gallantry in action. On Nov. 6, 1942, during an operation by a five-plane formation of B-17E bombers against the enemy at Tobruk Harbor, he through his ability and knowledge of his equipment, so demonstrated his efficiency that he directly contributed to the success of the raid. The anti-aircraft batteries erected a terrific and exceedingly accurate barrage over the target area. As soon as the groundfire was outdistanced, enemy fighters began to attack. He, manning his machine gun in the face of enemy fire, demonstrated such expect gunnery that he warded off the enemy aircraft by helping to shoot down one fighter and probably damaged others. The raid resulted in the confirmed destruction of a supply transport and the confirmed sinking of a medium Axis submarine.
Erich enlisted from Deloit, but his home is nearer Kiron, which is his post office. He arrived home Friday, April 9, and at the end of his 25-day furlough is to report at Salt Lake City, for what he doesn't know, but says he'll find out soon enough. This veteran of twenty-one battles says he has no complaint of his treatment; his superiors were agreeable and considerate, and likeable fellows, and his buddies the best ever. For an ordinary farm boy, Erich has been places, served his country well, and is still willing.
April 22, 1943
Ray Johannsen Joins Seabees
Ray D. Johansen, proprietor of the Fair store here, was in Des Moines last week where he volunteered his services with the navy construction battalion (seabees). More than half a dozen Denison business men have already left their establishments - some closing their doors to enter the service for the duration. Ray expects to be called for duty in a couple of months. He entered as a storekeeper.
April 22, 1943
Herman Kiepe, Jr.
Missing In Action
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kiepe, Sr., who live a mile east of Ute, received a telegram last Thursday from the war department stating that their son, Pfc. Herman Kiepe, Jr., 28, had been missing in action in North Africa since March 17. The last letters received by the family from him were dated March 20.
Herman entered army service two years ago this month. He was trained at Camp Claiborne, La. And was sent from there to Camp Dix, N.J., later to Ireland and then to Africa.
- Ute Independent.
April 22, 1943
Now a Captain
Mr. and Mrs. Al Weiss received word over the week end that their only son, Donald, above (no photo available), has been promoted to the rank of captain in the army air corps. Captain Weiss is stationed at Lake Charles, La., where he has been flying bombers. By this promotion he becomes the first Denison man now flying Uncle Sam's aircraft to reach that rank. His wife is with him at Lake Charles.
April 22, 1943
United States Marine Corps
April 13, 1943
Denison Bulletin
Denison, Iowa
Dear Sirs:
Since receiving the Bulletin ever since joining the Marine Corps I have meant to let you know how much it has helped me to keep informed of the county news. We in the service have so few contacts with the outside home front that we really look forward to our home town papers. News of the farmers and service men are items that interest me first.
I graduated from candidates class last Wednesday and received my reserve commission in the Reserve Officers Corps. While in candidates class here at Quantico we were taught how to be good marines. We learned to know the chief weapons of the infantry in the Marine Corps. These are the M-1 and O-3 rifles, 30 and 50 caliber machine guns, both heavy and light in each caliber, the carbine, the pistol (.45) rifle, anti-tank grenade, hand grenade, new anti-tank racket gun, 60 and 81 MM mortars and 37 MM anti-tank gun. We know these weapons and how to handle them.
In R.O.C. we are learning to handle men and the place of the above weapons and their use in a fight. From R.O.C. we will be sent to active duty.
Since joining the Marine Corps I have been impressed with the physical qualifications demanded of an officer of that group. Over half of the officers in my class are over 6 feet tall and weigh over 190 pounds.
We are kept busy from 6 to 10 attending classes and doing field problems. We have had several night problems that kept us out after midnight, marching through heavy timber, carrying marching packs and rifles. Have class in a few minutes.
Sincerely,
2d Lt. James W. North
U.S.M.C.R.
25th R.O.C.M.C.S.
Quantico, Virginia
April 29, 1943
Dr. Grau's Doberman Pinscher Goes to War
First dog in Denison to join the army is Dr. A.H. Grau's Doberman pinscher, "Gretel", who is now in Omaha kennels awaiting transfer to the K-9 training division in western Nebraska.
There has been a big demand for these animals to be used in guard and police work along coast lines and strategic defense areas and various breeds accepted go through an intensive training course. Since receiving his commission as lieutenant commander in the navy, Dr. Grau felt it was a good time to loan the government his dog to do her part also.
April 29, 1943
115 County 18-Year-Olds Are Registered Here Since December
Following is a list of 115 Crawford county youths, recently turned 18 years of age, who have registered for selective service at the local board headquarters from the last December through March. The boys are all eligible for military service and the complete list follows:
Francis Merrill Staley, Lloyd Albert Koenck, Harold Harry Riessen,
Donald Arnold Laubscherer, Robert Jacob Thomas, Benjamin Ernest Reuwsaat,
Lyle Eugene Gruhn, Melvin Henry Wordekemper, Benjamin Mesenbrink, Jr.,
Paul Andrew Dozler, Mrele Herman Schillerberg, Milo John Riessen,
Murlyn Junior Aronson, Virgil Henry Schroder,
Ralph Harold Bartlett,
Alvin John Schilling, Leo Louis Willenborg, James Mearl Bral,
William Emil Meggers, Donald Duane Anderson, Irvin August Schultz,
Robert Elsworth Bonar, Virgil Herman Boeck, Melvin Lyle Petersen,
Bejamin Don Parrott, Jr., Wesley LeRoy Ahrenholtz, Elwood Wynn Baumgarner,
Harris John Maas, Allan Henry Brandenburg,
Carlyle Edward Simons,
Norman Leonard Busch, Allen Jorgen Jorgensen, Charles Norman Maack,
Raymond Donald Kolln, Marvin Elwin Polzien, Raymond Peter Hast,
Donald Henry Louis Schroeder, Henry Casper Mahlberg, Jr., James Joseph Higgins, Jr.,
John Bertin Whited, Jr., Peter William Schmidt, Louis Edward Lorenzen,
Sherman Dwight Spiegel,
Richard Cole Michaelsen, John Thomas Dawson,
Clifford Charles Justice, Thomas Gerald Signall, Melvin John Hammer,
Leo Roger Harrighton, Kenyon Horatio Nelson, Charles Eugene Smith,
Bernard Thomas Remmes, Patrick Leo Murphy, Leonard Theodore Samuelsen,
Erwin Fred Rothe, Donald Jerry Smith, Maynard Raymond Ohl,
Harold Arden McCollough,
Warren Lyle Larson, Jesse Alton Cose,
Jonathan Joseph Lund, Orlen Everett Creese, Alfred Paul Lutz,
LaVerne Nicholas Mechura, Merrell David Huskey, Samuel Charles Thomas,
Leo Joseph Clinton, Edward John Buenger, Melvin Henry Petersen,
William Charles Messick, Louis A. H. Thiede, Jr., Vernon Fred Stodden,
Carl Emil Kluver, Jr., Mark Robert Conway, Donald Jens Clausen,
Harlow Harry Conrad, Robert John Miller, Roy Junior Jetter,
Albert Gustav Hitz, Thomas John O'Conneor, Ralph Edward Paul Peters,
Darrell Maynard Rickert, Paul John Carey, Marvin Levere Nelson,
William Claus Ullrich, Albert Ernest Spreng, Roland Wayne Stepanek,
Darrell James Costello, Edward Fred Jepsen, John Henry Cooper,
Robert Marvin Gibson, Leroy George Koch, Jr., Charles Millard Jordan,
Walter Peter Voege, Earl Henry Hadenfeld, William Albert Nelson,
Charles Adolph Nahnsen, Cyril Arthur Long, John Louis Anschutz,
Wallace Dwayne Jensen, Hugo Max Schramm, Garnet Dlaine Copeland,
Vernon Gustav Kuhlmann, Donald Eddy Johnson, LeRoy George Schurke,
Ernst Albert Kusch, Jr. Laurence Dewey Fay, Irwin Walter Denker,
Leonard Nicholas Reincke, Floyd Edward Koenck, Vincent William Schneider,
Edward Louis Meiners, James Frank Slater,
Robert John Holander, Benard Krueger.
April 29, 1943
Lt. Alfred Rossman Reported Killed in India
Mayor and Mrs. Alfred Rossman of Westside received a telegram Tuesday advising them that their son, Lt. Alfred Rossman, a pilot in the U. S. Army Air Force, had been killed in India. No particulars were given at the time but the message said that details would follow later by letter. Lt. Rossman is a graduate of St. Ann's Academy and is well known here, having spent most of his life in this community. Vail Observer.
(no date)
Now First Lieutenant
A raise in rank to first lieutenant has been Lt. Vic L. Byers, U. S. army air corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. V. L. Byers of this city, according to word received here this week. Lieutenant Byers, flying pursuit ships, has been stationed at Millville, N.J. for some time and he is still there, his folks reported.
April 29, 1943
Staff Sergeant
From Key Field, Miss. Comes word to the Bulletin that Sergeant Laverne J. Olsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milo Olson of Route 1, Dow City, has recently been advanced to the grade of staff sergeant. Laverne has been in the air corps since his enlistment at Fort Des Moines in January 1942.
April 29, 1943
Called To Waves
Miss Madelyn Gallagher, case worker in the Crawford county welfare office, who recently enlisted in the WAVES, received her call to report for duty last week and will go to Hartford, Conn., May 8.
April 29, 1943
Commissioned Today
Donald Cassaday, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Cassaday, is today a member of the graduating class at the officers' candidate school at Fort Sill, Okla., when he receives his commission as a second lieutenant in artillery. Immediately after graduation he plans on leaving Fort Sill for a hurried trip home and a ten-day leave during which time he will be married to Miss Betty Turnbull of Denison. By his graduation, the Cassadays will have two lieutenant sons, Charles having received his commission and wings in the army air corps last year.
April 29, 1943
Finished Boot Training
Robert Logan, who is stationed at Camp Farragut, Idaho, finished his boot training there on April 23 and has been assigned to the Hospital Corpsmen school at Farragut. On graduation day he was chosen with three others out of the entire group to carry the United States colors in the parade. As a reward for being so honored they were allowed a day's trip to Spokane, Wash.
April 29, 1943
U.S.N.T.S.
Farragut, Idaho
April 23, 1943
Denison J.C. of C.
Dear Friends:
Just read the Dension Bulletin and it set me to thinking of you fellows who are carrying the local burden.
The navy is a swell place to get the lead out of your feet. Don't any of you join with the thought in mind that it is a soft place to land.
The main thought I the minds of our training commander is that the U.S.A. is in a war and the main job is to win it. They teach you to take care of yourself and several others. We get about as much drill as the army and all the navy training thrown in.
I was appointed yeoman of our company the day it was formed and have been plenty busy ever since. I try to do all the book work and get as much outside information as possible. This is a beautiful camp. You get numerous thrills out of a lot of their routine work, such as morning colors and graduations.
I made my 75-yard swim test the first try. Shot a 140 at the rifle range out of a possible 150 except for the fact that I am not much of a shooter in a sitting position-I rock too much. Sure would enjoy one of our old-style stags. Send me one of those chain letters. What's going on?
Your friend,
Bill Hallett S 1-c
Co. 218-43 Camp Scott
U.S.N.T.S.
Farragut, Idaho
April 29, 1943
Cpl. Marvin Glau Back To Alaska: Here Two Weeks
Cpl. Marvin Glau, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Glau, who live about four miles west of Dension, took his departure Sunday for Whitehorse, Canada after two weeks' furlough spent with his folks. He entrained for Minneapolis, and from there took a plane direct for Whitehorse. He is a member of the air corps, ground crew, and has been in the service a little over a year, during which time he has been doing work in the Aleution Islands, where the weather is the coldest, and while the government furnishes the warmest of clothing, there are many cold waves, including blinding snow storms that hinder the military work very much. Much of the food doled out is frozen, but for the most part is good.
Marvin has a brother, Sergeant Leslie Glau, who is also in the Aleutions and has been in the service two years, and during that time has seen plenty of service. Then there is a cousin, Raymond Glau, also stationed in Alaska. Sometimes the boys get together and related their experiences and enjoy visiting.
April 29, 1943
U.S. Naval Training School
Grave City College
Grove City, Penn.
April 18, 1943
Denison Bulletin
Denison, Iowa
Dear Sirs:
I want to express my sincere appreciation to you for so faithfully sending out a copy of the paper every week. I look forward to it every Saturday and our mail clerk never fails to have a copy of the Denison Bulletin for me. I haven't missed a copy since I entered the service and I surely appreciate it.
The school I'm now attending is a Primary "Pre-Radar" school. It offers a very interesting course in the latest types of radios and the repair and upkeep of the electrical equipment. Although we have the best of instructors and equipment, the course becomes a bit complicated and involved.
The school is located on a beautiful college campus, which is in the heart of Grove City. This is a small town and quite hilly, so I feel very much at home here.
I have been I the service six months today, and I can truthfully say time has passed by very fast. Although taking exercise and drilling at 6:30 in the morning is a bit different than going to work at the First National. I enjoy navy life very much.
However, I'm looking forward to the day when we can all come home and say, "We have finished our job". Thanking you again for your kindness in sending me the paper every week.
Sincerely yours,
Ray Ruberg,
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Grove City College,
Grave City, Penn.
April 29, 1943
Henry Bosecker, Jr. Follows Dad to Navy
Joining the naval reserve on the first anniversary of his father's enlistment in the navy, Henry L. Bosecker, Jr. of Denison completed his enlistment in the service through the Carroll recruiting station last Tuesday.
His father, water tender first class, a naval veteran of the first war, enlisted April 20 last year. His son who reached his seventeenth birthday April 14, waited until the date of the older Bosecker's departure before he joined up.
Mrs. Bosecker still resides here. She is the WAVE-SPAR chairman of Denison and assists the navy recruiting service in procuring young women for the service in either of these branches.
April 29, 1943
Completed Basic
Auxiliary Florence Leaf of Denison has completed basic training at the First Women's Army Auxiliary corps at Fort Des Moines and has been selected for specialist training in administrative school. She will receive additional training in a specialized field preparatory to taking over an important behind-the-lines army job, releasing a soldier for combat duty.
May 6, 1943
Luther Hutchinson German Prisoner;
Folks Get a Letter
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hutchinson of Milford township are in receipt of a letter direct from their son, Luther, in which he stated he was a prisoner of Germany, and in a German concentration camp; that he was well and receiving good treatment. Ordinarily news of this nature is sent relatives through the Red Cross or the government. In this case, however, the letter came direct from son to parents.
He requested that his parents send him some chewing gum, cigarettes, and some confection-said not to worry, he was all right; his headquarters were satisfactory, etc. His folks and relatives and many friends are much elated over the news, as Luther had been reported as missing in action.
May 6, 1943
Light Draft Call in May
First contingent of Crawford county men to be ordered to Fort Crook, Neb. For final physical exams in several months is the May group which leaves here Friday, May 14. The call is light and those passing will be given a seven-day furlough. Before beginning service.
Clarence Merle Devaney, Oak, Calif. (Vail)
Fredric Dale Riggleman, St. Paul, Minn. (Denison)
Harry Johannas Eggert, Charter Oak (Denison)
Robert Keith Farmer, Detroit, Mich. (Dow City)
Lyle Edward Siegner, Oakland, Calif. (Vail)
Robert Donald Schlie, Sioux City, (Dow City)
Charles Norman Maack, Omaha, Neb. (Charter Oak)
Merrell David Huskey, Deloit
Bernard Thomas Remmes, Charter Oak
Leonard Theodore Samuelsen, Manilla
Ervin Fred Rothe, Deloit
Harold Arden McCollough, Vail
Harlow Harry Conrad, Manilla
Roy Junior Jetter, Iowa Falls.
May 6, 1943
Mamie Berka First to Enter Marines Auxiliary Corps
Miss Mamie Berka, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Berka of Denison, was sworn a member of the women's reserve of the U.S. Marine Corps, Monday, at the Iowa-Nebraska headquarters of Marines procurement, the Old Federal building, Des Moines.
She traveled to Des Moines at the expense of the navy department and successfully passed aptitude and physical examinations. Within a short time she will enter training at one of a number of college campuses throughout the country where the navy department has established special schools to prepare the thousands of young women now serving their country at naval and marine shore stations within the continental United States.
Miss Berka will first undergo six weeks' indoctrinational training during which time she will be selected for further training at a specialized skill the following three months. From the time she reports at her first training school she will have all rights and privileges, opportunities for advancement, same pay and allowances, as men now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Until her call for service, Miss Berka will continue her work in the First National bank. She is the first girl from Crawford county to have joined the women's reserve of the U.S. Marine Corps.
May 6, 1943
He's Army Chef
When Pvt. Cecil Naslund, son of Mrs. Myrtle Naslund, Deloit, entered service Oct. 5, he didn't know his destination nor the work he would be assigned but today he's located at Camp Adair, Ore. Where he is serving as a cook for the boys. Private Naslund has a brother, Elmer, a sergeant, stationed at Jefferson Barraks, Mo.
May 6, 1943
Lt. Com. Grau Left for Duty
Dr. Amandus H. Grau, recently commissioned a lieutenant commander in the U. S. naval reserve, left Denison Wednesday morning to report for duty at a west coast base hospital May 10. Commander Grau is the second Denison physician-surgeon to volunteer his services during the emergency. Dr. Charles H. Fee, now a captain in the the army air corps, having left last August ot take up work in that branch of service.
Miss Emma Lorenzen, who has been assistant to Commander Grau, will remain in the offices of the physician in the McCarthy building for about a month to take care of any business matters and after that time the offices will be closed for the duration. There now remain only three doctors in Denison, Drs. F N. Row, C. L. Sievers and R. P. Plimpton.
May 6, 1943
Darrell M. Mann Killed In Plane Crash In Florida
Mr. and Mrs. David Mann of Vail received a message from the navy department Wednesday morning advising them that their son, Darrell M. Mann, ARM 3-c, attached to the naval air base at Vero Beach, Florida, was killed in an airplane crash. No further particulars other than the message have as yet been received.
Darrell is a graduate of the Vail high school and is widely known here having lived all his life in this community
- Vail Observer.
May 7, 1943
Died in Action
Bennie Boysen, who was killed in action March 30, 1943, in the African war theatre. Memorial services for Bennie will be conducted at Friedens church in Schleswig Sunday, May 16.
Cut Courtesy of Schleswig Leader
May 13, 1943
Another panel of Crawford county men serving in various parts of the county is shown above.(photo is not available)
Indentifications follow:
Top row, left is Charles A. Adams, S 2-C, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Adams, Sr., Denison. He enlisted in the service Jan. 8, 1943 and after his boot training at Great Lakes, Ill., went to Little Creek, Va., where he is attending gunnery school.
Top row, second picture, Carl H. Plough, stationed at Camp Forest, Tenn., to which place his wife recently went to be with her husband.
Top row, third picture, Pvt. Willie C. Woebke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Woebke, route 1, Denison, who is now stationed at Fort sill, Okla.
Top row, right, Cpl. Carl Lorenzen, one of three sons of Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Lorenzen of Deloit shown in this panel. Carl is with the 28th Observation Squadron, German Field, Fort Knox, Ky.
Bottom row, left, shows Donald Magden, son of Mrs. Hazel Boysen of Dow City and grandson of Mrs. Lillian Shirk of Denison. Don was inducted Nov. 10, 1942 and is now stationed at Camp Carson, Colo.
Botton, second picture, inset, is Pfc. Raymond Kruse, son of Mrs. Edna Kruse of Denison. Ray was inducted into service last November and is now a member of Co. D., 327th Med. Bn., A.P.O. No. 102, Camp Maxey, Texas. His wife is remaining in Denison for the duration.
Botton, third picture, is Lawrence Igou, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Igou, Dow City, a member of the 2nd Plt. 7th Serv. Com. Motor transport School, Lincoln Park, Grand Junction, Colo. Lawrence entered the army Jan. 23, 1943.
Bottom, fourth picture, top inset, Pvt. Earl Lilleholm, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lilleholm, Denison, who entered service Oct. 5, 1942. At present his address is H.N.S. Co. 50th Eng. Rgt. C., Fort Ord, Calif.
Bottom, fifth picture, bottom inset, Pfc. John Lorenzen, Deloit, who is a member of Headquarters Co., 2nd Bn., 407th Inf., Camp Maxey, Texas.
Bottom right is Pvt. Harry Lorenzen, third brother shown in this panel. Harry is in the M.P. Division, U.S.A. Recreational Camp, Kansas City, Mo. The boys are brothers of Mrs. Jack Rademacker, Denison.
May 13, 1943
Army Nurse
Miss Dorothy Paup, daughter of Arthur Paup of Denison, recently received her call as an army nurse. Miss Paup is a graduate nurse of St. Joseph's hospital in Sioux City and has been working there since completing the course last fall.
May 27, 1943
Hospital Corps School
Two Denison men, Howard W. Lyon, 19, hospital apprentice 1-c, son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen L. Lyon, of Denison, and Gerald J. Murphy, 17, hospital apprentice 2-c, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Murphy, also of Denison, were graduated May 21 from the hospital corps school at the U.S. Naval hospital at Great Lakes. The graduates, who were among a class of 494 men, are now advanced in rating. They will continue training at naval hospitals before being sent to duty at sea or to other shore stations. Graduation terminates a six week course of preliminary training at the hospital corps school
May 27, 1943
Jim Bruce Begins Flight Training
San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center, Tex. - Praise by Under-Secretary of War, Robert P. Patterson as a "fine body of men" and said by Con. R.E. Thomason of Texas to make him "Feel fond over the future of the nation", another large class of potential combat pilots has departed from this center to take advanced training at primary flight fields.
Among the class were 227 from Iowa of whom one is from Denison. He is James A. Bruce, aviation cadet, 1017 W. Broadway.
The cadets have completed two phases of their training-those at the army air forces classification center and at the pre-flight school (pilot). They will receive their first actual flight training at the primary fields now assigned.
May 27, 1943
Norman Luvaas Now at Pre-Flight Base
Maxwell Field, Ala. - Norman Ernest Luvaas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Knute Lavaas, Denison, is now enrolled as an aviation cadet in the army air forces pre-flight school for pilots at this base, located on the outskirts of Montgomery, capitol of Alabama.
Here the new class of cadets is receiving nine weeks of intensive military, physical and academic training preparatory to beginning their actual flight instruction at one of the primary flying schools in the southeast training center.
Cadet Luvaas had nine weeks of basic training at Nashville army air base before he was accepted as an aviation cadet in the army air forces April 17, 1943. Mrs. Luvaas is remaining in Denison with her mother, Mrs. Gus Carlson, for the duration.
June 3, 1943
Joined Waves At Ames
Miss Ruby Ann Lehman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Lehman, and a sophomore student at Iowa State College, Ames, has enlisted in the WAVES, and is being inducted today. She will enter officers' training at Smith college Northampton, Mass., when called to duty in about two months. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman are planning to spend this week end at Ames.
Articles transcribed from the scrapbook by Stacey Dietiker