EASTERN IOWANS ARE GRADUATED AS ARMY PILOTS.
A number of men from eastern Iowa became combat pilots last week in graduation ceremonies of the AAF training command in Texas and Oklahoma. All received commissions as second lieutenants.
In the group were David H. Battin (see photo), son of Mrs. Franklin Battin formerly of Cedar Rapids and now of College Station, Texas, who was graduated from Moore field, Mission, Texas;
Robert B. Martin (see photo), son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Martin, 613 A avenue NW, Lubbock field, Texas;
Gene A. Moes (see photo), son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Moes, 1619 First avenue SW, Blackland field, Waco, Texas;
Robert E. Morris (see photo), son of Mrs. Jenny Morris, 887 Daniels street NE, Aloe field, Texas.
Also among the graduates were:
Curtis L. Schnell (see photo), of Center Point, Frederick field, Okla.;
Donald A. Boemgren, of Decorah, Lubbock field;
Eugene B. Thomson (see photo) of Garrison, Pampa field, Texas;
Stanley G. Steiner (see photo) of Monticello, Foster field, Texas;
Kenneth D. Taylor (see photo) of Springville, Frederick field;
Leo W. Smith of West Union, Pampa field.
Robert E. Harrington of Postville, was graduated from Foster field with rank of first lieutenant.
Source: Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 21, 1944 (eight photos included)
Robert Edward Harrington was born Apr. 4, 1918 to Cyrus Edward and Nina Gertrude Rush Harrington. He died Sept. 20, 1985 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Col. Harrington served in World War II with the U.S. Army Infantry, later transferring to the Army Air Corps. He flew 30 combat missions in P-51 Mustangs in the China-Burma-India Theater, 14th Air Force. He was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Presidential Unit Citation, two battle stars on his Asiatic Ribbon, and other decorations.
Source: ancestry.com
