SERVICEMEN
Alton:
Pfc. Gerald Keizer writes from the Philippines that he is seeing plenty of action, but tells his mother not to worry about him. She had not heard from him for about five weeks, so letters dated January 20 and 21 were especially welcome. S/Sgt. Edward Keizer, his brother, is now in the Dutch East Indies.
Source: The Sioux County Capital, Orange City, Iowa, February 8, 1945
Meets Chapl. Schumacher
In a letter dated April 2, Pfc. Gerald Keizer writes his mother, Mrs. John Keizer, and sister here:
“Today I had one of the most pleasant surprises that I’ve had for ages. This morning we had a lecture by the Catholic chaplain from Regimental. Just guess who it was? It was none other than Chaplain George Schumacher, son of Nick of Alton.
“I thought during his talk that I recognized him so I went up to him after his talk and asked him if he was from Iowa. He said, ‘yes, Sioux City’ and asked me where I was from. When I told him he said, ‘that’s were my folks live.’ I was only able to talk to him for a very short time but I plan on going over to see him this afternoon, as he asked me to. Sure is nice meeting someone from home, as he’s the first one I’ve met since I went overseas.”
Source: Alton Democrat, April 19, 1945
