The War Department also announced the names of 11 Iowa soldiers who are prisoners of war interned by Italy. They are:
Pvt. Melvin Brue, Lake Mills;
Corp. Merle Cripe, Rockwell City;
Pvt. Alvin C. Crouse, Storm Lake;
Staff Sergeant Charles R. Gillespie, Red Oak;
Pvt. Eldon D. Patterson, Rockwell City;
Pvt. (f.c.) Merlene H. Rold, Avoca;
Corp. Earl F. Schenck, Villisca;
Pvt. Michael M. Stern, Sioux City;
Sergt. John W. Wagner, Council Bluffs;
Staff Sergeant Sam L. Willoughby, Cumberland;
Pvt. (f.c.) Francis X. Zembsch, Cherokee.
Source: The Des Moines Register, Tuesday, July 20, 1943
Charles Raymond Gillespie was born Aug. 7, 1920 to Frank Howard and Vesta Elizabeth Winn Gillespie. He died Apr. 8, 2000 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, IA.
Sgt. Gillespie served in World War II with the U.S. Army 168th Infantry, 34th Division and was MIA/POW in the service of his country.
Source: ancestry.com
