Roy B. Martin, Jr., Missing in Action, Holland, Sept. 18
Mrs. Cecil P. Martin Gets Message From War Department
CLEAR LAKE—Mrs. Cecil Palmeter Martin, 400 N. 4th street, received a message from the War Department Wednesday afternoon stating that her son, F.O. Roy B. Martin, Jr., is missing in action over Holland since Sept. 18. Flight Officer Martin was a glider pilot and went into Holland with an airborne division. Mrs. Martin last heard from her son in August, while he was still in England.
Martin entered the service in March, 1942, and was trained at Grand Forks, N. Dak., and Jefferson Barracks, Mo., before entering glider school at Lockhorn Field, Columbus, Ohio, where he was graduated in September, 1942, with the rank of S/Sgt.
He completed glider pilot training at Stuttgart, Ark., in January, 1943, receiving a commission as flight officer. He was then transferred to the Sedalia army air base at Warrensburg, Mo., for further training. Later he was at Bowman Field, Louisville, Ky., and Camp McCall, N. Car., before going overseas.
Martin has 2 brothers in the service. Charles “Buck” Martin is an ambulance driver overseas and William Martin is in the air forces.
His father, Roy Martin, Sr., formerly of Mason City, is with the OPA in Chicago. Martin was employed by the People’s Gas and Electric Company, Mason City, before entering the service.
Source: Mason City Globe-Gazette, November 9, 1944 (photo included)
Three More War Prisoners Are Reported Liberated
Red Cross Notified of Release of Nozicka, Mansmith and Martin
Three more Cerro Gordo county prisoners of war have been liberated, according to word received by the local Red Cross from national headquarters.
They are 2nd Lt. Benny J. Nozicka and Pfc. Harold E Mansmith of Mason City and Flight Officer Roy B. Martin, Jr., of Clear Lake.
Included in the same message were the names of Lt. Nozicka and Pfc. Mansmith. It requested the Red Cross notify Mrs. John Nozicka, 830 15th S.E., of the liberation of her son; also Mrs. Peter Tosevigen of the liberation of her son, Pfc. Mansmith. It asked that Mrs. Cecil Martin be notified of F/O Martin's release.
Lt. Nozicka was taken prisoner on June 9 of last year first reported missing in action in flight over Germany on that date. He had been held at Stalag Luft 3. Mrs. Nozicka reports that the last letter received from him was written last Dec. 24. The letter came here in March. He had written that he would like to be sent all kinds of eats but didn't want any clothing.
Pfc. Mansmith was imprisoned at Stalag IV B. He had been held since last Nov. 26. In March his wife, who lives at Baraboo, Wis., has had direct word from him, stating that he was at the above named camp.
F/O Martin had been held at Stalag Luft No. 1. He was captured by the Germans last Sept. 18 first reported missing in action over Holland.
Source: Mason City Globe-Gazette, May 25, 1945 (photos of the servicemen included)
