1943 . . .
LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
March 12, 1943
REMSEN YOUTH DIES IN ARMY PLANE COLLISION
Was Training At Arizona Airfield Time Of Accident
Aviation Cadet Donald J. Harnack, 21 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Harnack of Remsen, was killed in a collision of two planes at an army airfield near Phoenix, Arizona, Wednesday.
The news report from Thunderbird Field says Second Lieutenant D. B. Durmbaugh, believed to be from a California field, parachuted to the ground and was treated at a hospital for serious injuries.
Donald J. Harnack was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Harnack, well known Remsen farmers, and is survived by his parents and one sister, Lois.
Donald enlisted in the army air forces last summer while a student at Iowa State College and was called for training late last year. He graduated from LeMars high school in 1939 and entered college at Ames the next school year.
He was a member of a widely known Remsen family and has many relatives and numerous friends in that community where he was born and reared.
The body will be shipped to Remsen for burial.
LeMars Globe-Post
March 15, 1943
Max Pehler Using Part of Wrecked German Plane In Home Made African Studio
He Finished His Own Pictures and Stuffs Self With Oranges
Max Pehler, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Pehler of this city, writes the following interesting letter to The Globe-Post for publication:
March 1, 1943
Somewhere in North Africa
Dear Friends,
Your letter postmarked Jan. 26, received and very much appreciated. I’m certainly glad to hear that all of you are well and happy so keep up the good spirits until we can all get together and have some of the good times that we used to have.
ws hasn’t changed much here, although I can mention that we are having wonderful weather although we did have a great deal of rain. In regard to the letter for The Globe-Post, well, I will try and give you some of the dope.
NOT “DARKEST” AFRICA
In the first place I believe that people have the wrong impression of North Africa. I found it to be quite a modern country with cities that equal some of our American cities. Don’t get me wrong when I say that they equal American cities—by this I mean the structure and beauty. I’ll take the States any day in preference. One thing that I have found here and that is the people (French) are very friendly and cordial to the dog-faces. I have made the acquaintance of a French family and it seems that they go out of their way to accommodate the American soldier.
ARABS PROFIT
One thing that I find quite amusing and that is the native (Arab) who certainly profited by the American arrival. It isn’t anything to see an Arab dressed in some sort of G. I. costume. Next we come to shoe-shine boys—they really take the cake. For instance: This is their sales talk when they approach an American. “Hello, Johnny! Shoe shine, comrade! Very good, comrade! Very good shoe shine, Johnny!” and so on.
One thing that I have really gotten a lot of and that is the oranges which they grow over here. It’s a very beautiful sight to see the large orange groves. There are other things that I would like to talk about but they are out as the censorship rules are very strict but after all it’s OK as letters could be of assistance to the enemy.
One thing I do miss over here and that is the good old Globe-Post. I do receive a few copies every now and then from the folks but it isn’t like getting it fresh from the press. Right & Early—that’s a darn good expression and it really lives up to the word.
NAZI SAFE-LIGHT
News seems to be given out so will sign off for this trip but will be expecting a letter from you in the near future. By the way there is one thing that I wanted to tell you, and that is the darkroom which a buddy of mine and myself have built. It’s very original but does the trick. For our safe-light we used a landing light of a certain foreign plane. I think you know the one I mean. The printer being constructed of a metal coffee container (of course we boxed it in.) The glass on the top of the box is a window pane which we polished down with rubbing compound. To top it off when it came time to cut glass we didn’t have a cutter to do it with so I thought of my good old days in the Poeckes Paint Co. and remembered that a diamond would do the trick. We really have a nice place set up and feel very proud of it.
It’s getting about bed-time so will cut this one short but hope you will write soon. Please send me those pictures which I asked about in my previous letter and any other ones which might be of interest. Best of luck to all of you.
Your friend, Maxie
LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
March 16, 1943
HAROLD YOUNG IS KILLED IN CRASH
West Point Cadet Was Former Remsen Boy
Cadet Harold A. Young, Jr., 23 years old, was killed Tuesday in an airplane crash near West Point Military Academy. Cadet Young was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold A. Young, who now lived in Long Beach, Cal., and who lived in Remsen for 18 months during 1931-1932.
At the time of their residence in Remsen, Mr. Young, Sr., was employed as a salesman in the Schaais Hardware store. The crash victim was but 13 years old when the family moved to Sioux City where they resided for several years.
Cadet Young was a member of the class to be graduated from the military academy in June. He enlisted with the regular army three years ago and a year ago completed a period of flight training in California. His brother, Lieut. Blaine Young, is on active duty with the Coast Artillery in the Pacific.
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MEN WAR PRISONERS
Reports of war causalities are becoming more frequent and several Plymouth County service men have been reported killed. The last few days reports from both Africa and the Southwest Pacific areas have added information as to men first reported missing who are now definitely known to be prisoners.
Willard Stearns, who had several years service with the Marines and was at Shanghai a few days before war started, was first reported missing but is now definitely known to be a prisoner of the Japs at Taiwan. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stearns, moved from LeMars to Des Moines after he entered the service.
Joseph J. Wetrosky, living west of Kingsley, received a telegram Monday from the War Department in Washington, D.C., that his son, Joseph L. Wetrosky, was missing in Africa in the period of February 17. He went into the army two years ago, and was among one of the first groups overseas.
First Class Private Mathias M. Ruba, son of Mrs. Lena Ruba, of LeMars, was announced by the war department Thursday as being a prisoner in the Philippines.
William Bastian Westerberg, 22, boilermaker, second class, is a prisoner of the Japanese, the navy department has notified his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Axel Westerberg, of Hinton. Young Westerberg was born and raised in Sioux City. He attended school here and was graduated from Hinton high school. He is a grandson of the late W. H. Bastian.
NEWS OF THE BOYS IN THE SERVICE
Mrs. B.A. Bogenrief of Melbourne reports that her son, Corporal James Bogenrief, who is in a hospital at Ft. Bliss, Texas, with rheumatic fever, is progressing favorably.
Harry Louis Baack of LeMars has been promoted to seaman first class at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. His brother, Private Louis Baack, is at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
“Bud” Foley returned to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station Thursday following a “boot” leave spent in the home of his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Foley, and with other relatives and friends. He expected to be transferred elsewhere when he returned.
Lieut. James McNally spent a couple days last week in LeMars and left Friday night for San Francisco, California, where he has orders to report for duty. Lieut. McNally is connected with the operations department of the navy and is a lieutenant junior grade. He was in the government employ in Washington where he received his appointment and has since been receiving instruction there. Mrs. McNally is expecting to return to LeMars later.
Max Pehler, who is with the United States forces in Africa, writes friends here that the smattering of German and French he picked up while working in the Poeckes store is coming handy in North Africa where both languages are spoken somewhat. Max sent some pictures showing him visiting with some of his Arab friends. Max’ address is Pvt. Max F. Pehler, 36th Depot Supply Squadron, A.P.O. 528, Care of Postmaster New York, N.Y., Army Air Corps.
LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
March 23, 1943
DONALD HARNACK FUNERAL RITES
Burial At Remsen Last Tuesday
Remsen’s largest funeral attendance in years thronged the Christ Lutheran Church Tuesday afternoon when final rites were held for Donald Harnack, 21 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Harnack, who lost his life last Wednesday in an airplane collision at Thunderbird Field, Phoenix, Arizona, says the Remsen Bell-Enterprise.
The entire community joined hearts and prayers in a mourning over the loss of a beloved son, killed in the line of duty as a soldier of his country, and at the sad rites were represented every walk of local community life.
Church and burial services were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. A. Noack, who spoke in comforting and praising terms to the community and the stricken family.
Full military honors were accorded, with Pieper Post, American Legion, in charge of this phase of the services and under the direction of Commander Ollie Pick.
The new church edifice was filled to overflowing, with both floors occupied and the services imparted to those in the basement chapel by means of the loud speaker system. In the vast audience were seated sided by side, all members of the local clergy, representatives of the various civic organizations, soldiers, sailors and others of the armed forces including a large number of members of Co. D., LeMars, Iowa State Guard, and LeMars high school students, also pupils and students of the local schools and representatives of nearly all business firms.
A letter from military headquarters at Thunderbird Field gave a brief account of the fatal accident. It expressed sympathy of the cadet attachment and officers and stated that Donald “was well liked, had an excellent military, academic and flying record and his loss is materially felt.” Donald is reported to have been on a routine solo flight when a pursuit plane, flying across country, crashed into his ship. The Remsen boy is though to have been killed instantly while the other pilot parachuted to earth and was severely injured.
The body arrived in Remsen Monday morning, escorted by Aviation Cadet Robert V. Grabinski, one of Donald’s best friends, and who was his associate both at Santa Ana, Cal., where the two had their preflight training, and at Phoenix.
Donald Harnack, one of the community’s outstanding young men was born on the farm south of town December 13, 1921. After leaving the rural school he attended LeMars high school, graduating in 1939. During his high school career he was active in football and a member of the glee club, and was highly popular. Later he spent three years at Iowa State College, taking up mechanical engineering, but cut short his studies to enter the war service. He enlisted in the army air service and was called to the colors November 6, 1942, spending three months at Santa Ana and going to Thunderbird Field early in February. He made his first solo flight there February 25.
More Men Leave Friday For Army
Were Accepted For Service Week Earlier
Twenty-four Plymouth county young men who were accepted for army service March 12 left Friday by bus for Fort Crook , Nebraska , to start their military service. Six men who had been accepted for the navy and marines at the time these men were examined report as called for those branches and some were already in service. The group leaving Friday included the following:
Raymond E. Fredricksen, Akron |
Robert E. Keene, Remsen |
Edward M. Marso, LeMars |
Virgil L. Knorr, LeMars |
Errol L. McCarty, Sioux Falls, S.D. |
Roman L. Kosse, Remsen |
Harley R. Hiemstra, Philadelphia, PA |
Ross H. King, LeMars |
Arthur G. Kellen, LeMars |
Robert J. Glaser, LeMars |
John L. Conover, LeMars |
James C. Miller, Jr., Merrill |
Ronald J. Meyers, Herrold |
Carroll S. Davis, Everett, Wash. |
Henry W. Ommen, LeMars |
Elwyn D. Woodley, Seattle, Wash. |
Clarence J. Miller, Merrill |
Anselm N. Scholer, Remsen |
Daniel E. Raub, Portland, Ore. |
Vernon C. Ewin, LeMars |
Virgil E. Campbell, Sioux City |
Arden W. Reemts, Sioux City |
Richard E. Albert, LeMars |
Kenneth W. Schweitzberger, Kingsley |
New orders received by the selective service board restrict release for publication of men called during any quota period and names of men cannot be given out by the board until they have been accepted for service. Dates of induction, induction center and mode of travel are also considered secret military information.
NEWS OF THE BOYS IN THE SERVICE
Sgt. And Mrs. Kenneth Small returned Sunday to Big Springs, Texas, after spending two weeks visiting relatives and friends in Akron.
Pvt. Fred Richter returned to Akron last week from Fort Monroe, Virginia, after four months of service in the armed forces. He received an honorable discharge on account of physical disability.
Wm. Johnson Jr., who is in training in the U. S. Navy Air Corps at Corpus Christi, Texas, has been visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Johnson Sr., at Hawarden, and with relatives and friends in Akron the past ten days.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dirks of Akron were much pleased Tuesday to receive a letter, the first in six weeks, from their son, Leonard Dirks, who is serving with the American Rangers in the North African campaign. He recently received a promotion from first lieutenant to a captaincy. Capt. Dirks wrote that he was all right and feeling fine. While he could not state that he had been in action, there was intimation that such may have been the case. At any rate, this second promotion in rank would indicate that this Akron young man is giving a good account of himself as a soldier.
Floyd Graham, of Kingsley, naval construction battalion, returned to California last week after a short furlough. Mrs. Graham went to California with him and expects to stay for some time.
Corporal Jack Gale, who is stationed at Camp Haan, Cal., is member of Battery I, 507th Coast Artillery (AA), arrived in Akron Tuesday to spend a furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Gale, and other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Roy Scherner of Remsen Tuesday received word from the War Department stating that her brother, Eilert Seggerman, is “missing in the performance of his duty.” Eilert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harm Seggerman of Marcus, formerly of Remsen, was a machinist mate, first class, in the navy air corps and was on patrol duty between Nova Scotia and England.
Private Allen R. Haliburton, trainer instructor at Waco army flying school, Waco, Texas, returned to his duties Sunday following a furlough spent in the home of his mother, Mrs. Lola Haliburton of Sioux City, and with Mr. and Mrs. Victor Taylor of Akron.
Staff Sergeant and Mrs. Anna M. White of Fort Riley, Kansas, arrived Friday to spend a 15-day furlough with Mrs. White’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Orr of Merrill. They will also spend several days visiting Mr. and Mrs. John White and Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hamersma of Hawarden, parents and brother-in-law respectively of Sgt. White.
Donald (Bud) W. Lucken, fireman second class, returned to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Friday, after spending a nine day furlough at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Henry Lucken, living east of Akron. On return he will attend a machinist mate’s school.
Second Lieutenant Ray Kobberman is his new rank. Ray Kobbberman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kobberman of LeMars, was one of the first Plymouth County men to enlist when it became apparent this country was headed for war. He spent almost two years at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri where he was advanced to sergeant. A few weeks ago he was sent to the officer’s candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was graduated last week as a second lieutenant and has orders to report to Fort Robinson in Arkansas.
Capt. Don Muller, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Muller of LeMars, is now at the artillery school at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Don went into service as commanding officer of an artillery unit at Boone two years ago last month, and has spent most of his time the past year or so as an instructor at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Darrel Scholer, son of Sheriff Frank Scholer, who enlisted in the coast guard in December and took training at St. Augustine, Florida, is now located at Provincetown on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Earl Frisch of Merrill, who has been in a military police detachment at Camp Phillips in Kansas, has been discharged because he is over 38 and is now visiting at home. He will take a job in a defense plant.
