Sioux Cityans at State Party
Two Sioux City marines, Pfc. Clarence Howard and Pvt. Philip A. Desy, and a Correctionville marine, Cpl. William A. Stelck, were among seven Iowans in the First marine division of the South Pacific, who met at a “state party” given by the Red Cross. Pictured above, the marines exchanged home addresses so that their new friendships may be continued “after Tokyo.” From left to right are:
Pvt. John P. Strehmaier, Keokuk;
Pfc. Alfred D. Clark, Sabula;
Cpl. Stelck;
Pvt. Ralph Liljidahl, Missouri Valley;
Pfc. Howard;
Pvt. Desy,
Pvt. Joseph Morales, Oelwein.
Pfc. Howard is the son of Mrs. Mathilda House, 2215 W. Second street; Pvt. Desy is the son of Albert Desy, 1701 Center street, and Cpl. Stelck is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Stelck, Correctionville.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, April 11, 1945 (photo included)
Alfred Donald Clark was born Dec. 9, 1924 to John P. and Rosa W. Clark. He died May 17, 1945 and is buried in Keokuk National Cemetery, Keokuk, IA. He was initially buried in the 1st Marine Division Cemetery, Okinawa, Ryukyu Retto.
Pvt. Clark served in World War II with the U.S. Marine Corps Co. E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division and was KIA on Okinawa in the service of his country.
Source: ancestry.com
