Memorial Service Wednesday
for Seaman Arthur Davis
Patriotic Groups to Participate at St. James Lutheran
Memorial service will be held Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock at the St. James Lutheran church, 502 6th S. E., for Seaman 1/c Arthur (Bill) Davis, 1414 Virginia N. E., killed in action in the south Pacific on Feb. 20, 1942, with the Rev. O. Mall, pastor of the church officiating. Patriotic organizations will be present with their colors.
Seaman 1/c Davis, son of Mrs. Della Davis, Los Angeles, formerly of Mason City, was born at Hanover, Kans., on Nov. 11, 1920. He attended the McKinley school and the high school there and was a member of the high school band prior to joining the navy in November, 1937.
Seaman Davis was first reported as missing in action on April 11, 1942. A year later his death was confirmed by the navy department as having occurred on Feb. 20, 1942.
Besides his mother, he is survived by a brother, Lt. Lester (Bob) Davis with a ferrying group air transport command at Romulus, Mich.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Tuesday, June 20, 1944, Page 7 (photo included)
Arthur David Memorial Held
Shield of Faith Consolation -- Mall
“War takes the precious lives of men, women and even children, but our men in the service are ready for action at all times to defend home and country. So let us be soldiers of Christ, ready to combat evil and though the good fight of faith, save our souls,” spoke the Rev. O. Mall at memorial services for Arthur (Bill) Davis, seaman 1/c, 1414 Virginia N. E., at the St. James Lutheran church Wednesday morning. Seaman Davis was killed in action in the south Pacific on February 20.
“A shield cannot always protect in war but the shield of a living faith can protect the soul at all times,” said Mr. Mall. “Faith in God can be your consolation as in this service we honor the memory of Arthur Davis who gave his all for his country.”
Mrs. Ed Keller sang 2 solos “No Night There” and “Jesus Still Lead On,” accompanied by Mrs. O. Mall on the organ. The congregation sang “God Bless Our Native Land.” A framed photography of Seaman Davis was set, surrounded by flowers. Patriotic organizations were present with their colors.
Besides his parents, Seaman Davis is survived by his only brother, Lt. Lester (Bob) Davis, stationed at Romulus, Mich. The lieutenant, his wife and son Jerry were present for the service.
Other out of town relatives in attendance were his grandfather, William Leigh, Fairbury, Nebr., an uncle, Ed Leigh, also of Fairbury; a great aunt, Miss Mayme Martin, Hanover, Kans.; and Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Leigh and son Ralph, Marshalltown. Friends included John Blakesley and Steve Evanoff, both of Los Angeles.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Thursday, June 22, 1944, Page 19
Arthur William “Bill” Davis was born Nov. 11, 1920 to Arthur Frederick and Adela Mary “Della” Leigh Davis. He died Feb. 19, 1942 (at Sea) and is memorialized at the USS Peary Monument in Darwin, Australia and in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, IA.
Petty Officer Davis served in World War II with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Peary (DD-226), the first destroyer of the Asiatic Fleet to be sunk in World War II.
Source: ancestry.com
