ROCK VALLEY:
Pfc. William T. Gerritsen has been missing in action since July 7th according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gerritsen. Billy received his training at Camp Barkeley, Texas, Camp Roberts, Calif., and in New York where he left for overseas in February. Billy had a furlough in January.
Source: Alton Democrat, August 10, 1944
Billy Gerritsen, Missing, Said To Be a Prisoner
Pvt. William T. Gerritsen, who was reported missing in action in Italy some weeks ago, is a prisoner of war of the German government, according to a telegram just received by his mother, Mrs. Jennie Gerritsen. The message follows:
“Report just received through the International Red Cross states that your son, Private William T. Gerritsen, is a prisoner of war of the German government. Letter of information follows from provost marshall general. ~Ulio, the Adjutant General.”
This news is a big relief to Billy’s family and hundreds of friends here.
His brother, Sgt. Albert T. Gerritsen, is still in the hospital from the wounds he sustained in action but is improving rapidly and has been awarded the Purple Heart, which he sent home to his mother.
Source: Rock Valley Bee, August 25, 1944
ROCK VALLEY—
R.V. Boy German Prisoner
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Gerritsen received word Monday that their son Pvt. William T. Gerritsen was a prisoner of war of the German Government. The message was from Adjutant General Ulio and was sent immediately after the report was received through the International Red Cross. According to the telegram a letter of information follows.
Source: Sioux Center News, August 31, 1944
Three Overseas Veterans Home Here On Leave.
Three heroes of World War II—all in the Army, and all wounded in action arrived home in Rock Valley within the week. The three served in the European theater of operations.
[excerpt]
Sgt. Albert T. Gerritson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gerritson, arrived home last week on a 30 day furlough. He served in Italy with Lt. Gen. Mark W. Clark’s Fifth Army and saw action in the Tunisian campaign. He served overseas for almost two years, and enlisted in April 1941.
In July, Al’s parents received a telegram informing them that he had been wounded in action in Italy on June 30, and one of his boys wrote that he had his right arm in a cast but his injuries were not serious.
Besides the Purple Heart, he holds the Combat Infantryman Badge.
His brother Billy is a prisoner of war in Germany.
Source: Rock Valley Bee, December 29, 1944
