Mount Ayr Record-News Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa Thursday, June 18, 1954
News of Men in the Armed Services
Bob JOHNSON, comissary seaman, USN, and Mrs. JOHNSON arrived Thursday from Califonia, and will visit until tomorrow
with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight JOHNSON and Judy, other relatives and with friends. Bob, who has spent 28 months
with the navy, returned to the States recently after serving since March 15th, aboard the USS Gregory in
Korean waters. He will complete his 15-day leave in San Diego, while awaiting further assignment.
* * *
Pvt. Donald LAIRD, son of Guy LAIRD, of Beaconsfield, graduated recently from the Ordnance Specialist Course at
the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, as a track vehicle repairman. This course, which lasts 12 weeks, is designed to
teach the young soldier basic fundamentals of motor mechanics, specializing in the repair of track vehicles such as
tanks and amphibious vehicles and the reparing and replacing of major assemblies. Following graduation, students
who successfuly complete this course are assigned to units throughout the worlds where they will put to practical
use the training they have been given.
* * *
Melvin L. HICKMAN, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. HICKMAN, of Mount Ayr, recently was promoted
to corporal while serving in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division. A driver with Headquarters Company, 17th Infantry Regiment,
HICKMAN arrived in Korea in April, 1952 from Camp Gordon, Ga. He has been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean
Service Ribbon with one campaign star and the UN Service Ribbon.
The 7th has fought continuously in Korea since its landing at Inchon in the
fall of 1950. During more than two and one-half years of combat in the mountianous terrain the division has battled in
every sector of the peninsula.
Transcription and notes by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2012
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