SWAN BOY IS A GERMAN PRISONER
Parents of Thearl Mesecher Got Word
From Government He Is Now a Prisoner
The following very welcome telegram was received by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Beason, now residing in Des Moines, on Friday, April 30.
“Your son, Private First Class Theral Mesecher, reported a prisoner of war of the German Government. A letter of information follows from Provost Marshall General Ulio, The Adj. Gen."
Thearl had been listed as missing in action since February 17, and it is a great relief to his relatives and many friends to learn that he is safe.
This is the second boy from this part of the country to be reported a prisoner of the Germans, as the parents of Chet Hindman received a letter from him last week stating he was safe and well, although a prisoner.
Source: The Des Moines Morning Register, Des Moines, Iowa, [date omitted], 1943
GERMANY, ITALY HOLD 24 IOWANS
2 Des Moines Men Are Prisoners.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (U.P.)—The War Department made public Monday the names of 261 United States soldiers, including 13 Iowans, held prisoner of war by Germany.
From Iowa and their next of kin:
Second Lieutenant Robert L. Aschim—father, T. B. Aschim, 2954 E. Tiffin ave., Des Moines.
Sergt. Donald R. Huddle—mother, Mrs. Etta Mae Huddle, Red Oak.
Sergt. Donald T. Kirkendall—friend, Ellen M. Jens, Glenwood.
Pvt. (f.c.) Eugene R. Lee—mother, Mrs. Elsie Lee, Decorah.
Sergt. John H. McGlothlen—father, E. B. McGlothlen, Jefferson.
Pvt. (f.c) Thearl Mesecher—mother, Mrs. Arthur Beason, 2104 Meek ave., Des Moines.
First Lieutenant Gilbert E. Montour—wife, Mrs. Charlotte J. Montour, St. Olaf.
Tech. Sergt. Wallace L. Mooney—father, Lyle L. Mooney, Nevada.
Corp. Marvin W. Peterson—father, Rasmus Peterson, Pacific Junction.
Pvt. (f.c.) Roy E. Pierce—mother, Mrs. Nellie Pierce, Van Meter.
Staff Sergt. Dale L. Reichert—father, Joseph M. Reichert, Vincent.
Pvt. Elvyn A. Richman—mother, Mrs. Lottie Richman, Leroy.
Sergt. Leo R. Roller—mother, Mrs. Grace Roller, Shenandoah.
Source: The Des Moines Register, Tuesday, July 20, 1943
THEARL MESCHER RETURNS HOME
Has been Prisoner of War Since African Campaign,
Now Home Visiting Relatives
Theral Mesecher, who recently returned home from a prisoner of war camp in Germany, was in Pleasantville Wednesday visiting friends.
Theral was captured by the enemy in North Africa in February of 1943. He was liberated about two months ago and arrived in Swan last week.
His mother, Mrs. Arthur Beason, resides in Des Moines.
Source: The Des Moines Morning Register, Des Moines, Iowa, June 28, 1945
