Fred Herweyer Enlists in Navy
Fred Herweyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer, enlisted in the navy on Thursday. He plans to leave for Des Moines where he will submit to a final physical examination on October 20th.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 15, 1942, p 2
Fred Herweyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer, left Tuesday morning for Sioux City having enlisted in the navy. He passed his final examinations, after having had some dental work done, and went on to Des Moines. We expect to have his new address sometime next week when it will be published.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 29, 1942, p 10
The NEWS received a brief note from Fred Herweyer this week in which he says he is getting along fine, and likes the navy. He said he would appreciate a few letters from his friends. His address is: Frederick Herweyer A. S. Co. 1532 – 14th Reg. 20th Bat. – Bar. 1512N U.S.N.T.S. Great Lakes, Illinois
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 5, 1942, p 8
Fred Herweyer wrote to thank us for the News. He said he was so very pleased to get it, as it was the first home paper he had seen since he arrived there. He likes it fine there. Anyone wishing to know his correct address phone 295, the News office.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 12, 1942, p 8
Fred Herweyer writes that he expects to leave the Great Lakes training station December 3rd for a furlough. He sends his greetings to all those who wrote to him or sent him gifts. He will be here sometime next week.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 3, 1942, p 7
Fred Herweyer, who left for the U. S. Navy about a month ago, spent a few days furlough at home. He expects to go across as soon as he returns to duty.
Source: Sioux County Index Dec. 10, 1942, p 6
Fred Herweyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer, arrived home Thursday morning as per schedule on a 9 day furlough. His brother Bill, who was scheduled to come home about the same time, wired that he couldn’t come home until Dec. 10th, so the boys will probably not get to see each other this trip. Fred has completed his 6 weeks of “boot” training and expects to be transferred upon his return.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 10, 1942, p 7
Fred Herweyer (son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer) has been transferred to the eastern coast, and spent New Years Day on board ship, his first voyage. He went to Norfolk, Va. and then boarded ship to Solomon, Maryland. His new address is here: Fred Herweyer A. S. Solomon Branch, Maryland U.S.N.A.T.B. Bar. V-13 Crew 4114 L.S.T. Washington, D.C.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 14, 1943, p 10
1-12-43 Dear Editor: I just thought I’d drop you a line or two. I wrote you yesterday but since that address is wrong, I’ll write again. They told us last night that the address was wrong so looks like before you put it in the paper I’ll tell you. I am having a good time and feeling fine. Would appreciate very much some mail and I sure do miss the Sioux Center News paper – I haven’t had any mail since Christmas. Moving around quite a bit since then. May God bless you all and keep you always safe. Your friend, Fred Herweyer S 2-c U.S.N., A.T.B.C.R.C.W. 4114 Solomon Branch, Maryland Washington, D. C.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 21, 1943, p 9
Thurs., Jan. 21, ’43, 5 p. m.
Dear Sis: I just picked up your letter, the one I got Dec. 11. I’m sorry I didn’t write before, but as I read that conversation over again tonight it made me think of what you folks are trying to do to help us. It sure was a swell letter and conversation. You wrote there were 135 boys left for service already. I didn’t think there were that many yet. There must not be many left in a small town like that. We are having a good time over here, but we all hope and pray that this war will be over soon now. I suppose you’re wondering where I am writing this letter. I cannot say much, I can say we are on a ship. Our letters are all censored when they leave this ship. We surely have a good crew. There is not much to write about here. News don’t come in very fast. There isn’t much mail coming on board now either I miss the Sioux Center News. I’ll sign off now and hoping to hear from you soon. May God bless you all. Your friend, Fred Herweyer
Fred Herweyer S. 2-c USN ATB, Crew 4114 Solomon Branch, Maryland Washington, D. C.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 4, 1943, p 11
Fred Herweyer S 2c Crew 4114 Amph Force Main Branch Post Office Norfolk, Va. N.O.B. Seaman Herweyer has been transferred to the above address from Solomon Branch, Maryland.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 25, 1943, p 10
Fred Herweyer writes from Little Creek, Virginia that he certainly is grateful for the many cards and letters folks have been sending him. He has moved about 20 miles so has a new address as follows: Fred Herweyer S 2-c Amphibian Tng. Base, Brrks 40, Little Creek, Virginia
Source: Sioux Center News March 18, 1943, p 3
Fred Herweyer S 2-c, U.S.N. Receiving Station, Flushing Ave., Brooklyn, New York “621-40-91”
Source: Sioux Center News April 8, 1943, p 8
Left States 3 Weeks Ago (photo)
FRED HERWEYER S 2c 621-40-91 Commanding Officer USN 232 Fleet Postoffice New York City, New York Fred Herweyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer living southeast of Sioux Center, is now in North Africa according to a letter received here by his parents Saturday. This was their first letter in 4 weeks and they were glad to hear he was getting along fine, enjoying himself, and seeing the world at the same time. Fred entered the navy last October, had a furlough after completing his basic training at Great Lakes, was then transferred to the east coast. He left the states about three weeks ago. Not long ago Fred was transferred to the Amphibious Force. This force is in charge of landing operation for troops and equipment.
Source: Sioux Center News May 27, 1943, p 1
Fred Herweyer writes from North Africa that he is thoroughly enjoying himself now as he is seeing something of the country. He is now driving a truck and likes it fine. He says he has received over 100 letters since he has been over there and that the Sioux Center News is catching up with him more regularly. He wants to thank everybody who wrote to him and says he wishes he could answer them all but since he can’t to accept his sincere thanks anyway.
Source: Sioux Center News July 29, 1943, p 2
Fred Herweyer USN 93L C.T. 5 (7) c.o. Fleet Postmaster New York City, N. Y. 621-40-91 Flat 10
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 5, 1943, p 8
Fred Herweyer certainly gets around. He has another change of address as follows: Fred Herweyer S 1-c c.o. U.S. Fleet Postoffice U.S. Navy 93 LET (5) 7-Flat 10 New York City, N. Y. 621-40-91
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 12, 1943, p 8
Fred Herweyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer writes from North Africa:
Dear Ed: - Just a cheery hello to let you know I am getting along fine and have been receiving the paper too again for a while. I’ve been moving around so much, I have not been getting any mail for the last week. I count the letters I receive and counted over fifty letters for this week alone. I want to thank all my friends for the cards and letters I’ve gotten from them. We have been catching a little fish yet. We got five large ones about a foot long. We eat them for supper. They sure were good. We go swimming about every day. The water is swell up here. It won’t be long before the raining season will be here then it rains for about six months. The nights are getting a lot cooler already. But its awful warm here in the day time. Well I’ll have to sign off now hoping to get the paper again soon which I sure enjoy reading. So keep smiling. The mail is always welcome over here. It makes us feel pretty good to find our mail box full. A friend, Fred Herweyer S 1-c
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 2, 1943, p 2
Fred Herweyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer, cabled Christmas Greetings to his parents from England this past Sunday.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 23, 1943, p 12
Fred Herweyer S 1-c has a change in address which we cannot publish. Call either his parents, Jim Herweyer, or the News Office for his complete address.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 30, 1943, p 8
Brothers Are In France Now (photo)
CPL. T/5 WILLIAM HERWEYER MEETS O.C. BOY IN FRANCE Cpl. T/5 William Herweyer is also in France now with the 357th Infantry. It would be a rare coincidence if the two brothers should meet while they are there. Chances are they are not many miles apart right now. (photo)
FRED HERWEYER, Boatswain Fred Herweyer, Boatswain, in the Marine Task Force, is now in France and had the delightful experience of meeting Gene Grotenhuis, son of Gerrit Grotenhuis in France recently. Fred joined the navy with Gene’s brother Mike, so when they met they spent considerable time together. It seems Freddie is stationed on shore for the present and is very busy hauling materials by truck. He has a slight change in address which may be secured from the News or his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer.
Source: Sioux Center News July 6, 1944, p 1
Fred Herweyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer, writes from France:
August 8th Dear Ed and Marie:
I haven’t got much to do at present so I just thought I’d drop you a few lines. I am getting along fine and here’s hoping everything is Okay in Sioux Center. We did a little shopping yesterday in France and got a few souvenirs. I even got a hold of a pair of Dutch Wooden shoes. Don’t they call them “clompon” in Dutch…..I think I spelled it wrong. We sure have a time trying to talk their language. Last night I was trying to talk to a couple of French girls and they sure had to laugh the way I was trying to talk their language. Finally they went and got a book in which both English and French are printed and so I would look up what I wanted to say and then they would look it up in the French and so we managed to understand each other a little. Sure had a time of it though. I have just written the Readers Digest and gave them my correct address. I want to thank the church and Sunday school for sending it to me. There are over twelve of us that are reading it. Every time I get it the boys always yell “Who’s Next”? So it goes right down the line until everybody gets to read it. I am now second in command of the ship, and I have to take a lot of responsibility but that’s all in the game. May God be with you till we meet again. I don’t think it will be long. Bye …… Fred
P. S. – I want to thank everyone for the birthday cards and letters and packages which I have been receiving. I’m sorry I cannot write and answer everyone back. Hope they may keep on coming. – Fred.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 24, 1944, p 2
Sailor Home From Battle Areas (photo)
FRED HERWEYER B.M. 2/c Fred Herweyer, B.M. 2/c, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer living southeast of town, arrived at the home of his parents Wednesday for a thirty day leave in the states, after serving in various battle areas overseas for nearly two years. Fred entered the service October 28, 1942, left the states in December of that year and has since been with the Navy’s Amphibious Force (Task Forces) in helping land the army at every new front that has been opened since the beginning of the African campaign. He was at Africa, Sicily, Italy, England and France, and was right on the Normandy Beach on D-Day, among the first of the U. S. ships to arrive. His brother Bill has been in France, and while Fred sighted his ship, he was never able to locate Bill. During his foreign service he met Ronald Bruinsma in Africa and Gene Te Grotenhuis of Orange City. He has been in France seventy-five days since D-Day, or until the time when he left for his trip home. Fred was in the convoy that accompanied the troop ship which was sunk in the Mediterranean last November in which a thousand soldiers were said to have been lost. The ship was sunk by radio-controlled bombs according to official reports, and it happened so quickly few of the ships in the convoy were aware of what had happened. Fred has a thirty-day leave, and will report back to his base Oct. 23rd.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 21, 1944, p 1
Fred Herweyer Giving Skating Party
Fred Herweyer, veteran of overseas combat with the U.S. Navy, is giving a skating party at Joyland Skating Rink next Tuesday evening, Oct. 10th. He is inviting everybody to come and enjoy the evening there, as he will be home only a few more days. Admission will be 35c each.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 5, 1944, p 1
ANNOUNCEMENT – Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit Rens announce the engagement of their daughter Joey to Fred Herweyer B.M. 2/c on Sept. 21.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 5, 1944, p 6
Fred Herweyer left again on Friday afternoon for New York where he reports for further orders following a month’s visit at home after being in the service overseas.
Source: Sioux County Index Oct. 26, 1944, p 8
Freddie Herweyer B. M. 2/c, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer, writes from the Navy Hospital at Norfolk, Va. where he had an operation on his nose recently. His address is 6214091, U.S. Naval Hospital Ward 4-A, N.O.B., Norfolk, Va. 10/27/44
Dear Ed and Marie: Just got time to drop the paper a few lines. Well I just got balled out for using a pan for an ash tray. They just stick a thermometer in my mouth then they ball you out. I got one in my mouth now. Boy we sure got strict nurses here in the hospital. But they sure treat you swell up here though. I was operated on my nose yesterday morning and they took three bones out of it, and this morning they pulled the tape and the stuffings out already. Now I got nothing on it anymore and I sure feel good again. Now I got to stay in the hospital about eight days yet, guess that’s so nobody wants to punch me in the nose. If I had the say so myself I’d leave right now. Oh well, I got nothing to kick about because this sure is a lazy man’s life, lying here all day, nothing to do but eat, sleep and write letters. Last night I had to sit up all night and sleep. But I sure didn’t get much sleep, about two o’clock the night nurse asked me if I could sleep, then she told me at three o’clock the regular nurse would come around and give me a hypo so I could sleep. But when three o’clock came around I was asleep and slept till ten this morning. So I didn’t have to have one. Good thing too, because my arm is stiff of the shots already. Tomorrow I can get up and walk around again. I did get out one time this noon when one of the nurses caught me and, Oh boy, did she put me to bed in a hurry and then she sat here a while giving me a lecture. She told me I could get out tomorrow a little while. I sure am looking for some mail again and also the paper. I expect some maybe Sunday, one of my bunkmates got a package this noon, so we all ate too. Every time somebody gets a package its just like Christmas over here. I’ll have to close now because lights will be going out pretty soon. So here’s hoping I get some mail soon. May God be with us till we meet again. Here’s a hello to everybody in Sioux Center and am looking for your letters. Your friend, Fred.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 2, 1944, p 2
12/14/44 Dear Ed and Marie: Just was thinking that I owe the paper a few lines again. It is just eight o’clock in the morning, kinda early for me to be writing letters, but they put me on a rehabilitation program which keeps me busy most of the day, first in the morning starting at 9:30 we have to go to the recreation hall and play basketball or anything we want to do, that lasts until 11:00 then at 1:30 we go to school where we learn to make anything we want to until 4:00, from there we go to another building where an officer shows us movies. After that we are through. By that time it’s 6:00 already. This program is mostly to keep our minds occupied. I’ve been receiving the paper pretty regular and sure do enjoy reading it, and keeping tab on the rest of the boys in the service. I would like to know if Ced Van Steenwyk is back here, I heard he was on leave so did not look him up. I received a package from the Business Girls and sure did enjoy it. I wish to thank them and many others who have sent me Christmas packages and cards and letters. I’m sorry I cannot write each and everyone, but by this means I can just write one. I’ve received ten boxes of chocolates while I’ve been here in the hospital, and that’s not counting the rest of the packages. I want to thank them all again. I’m on the end of the page so will sign off, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your friend, Fred Herweyer B.M. 2/c 6214091 U.S. Naval Hospital Ward 5C N.O.B. Norfolk, Va.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 21, 1944, p 12
Fred Herweyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herweyer, arrived here last week to spend a short leave here. He had been stationed at Norfolk, Virginia and now has been moved to Great Lakes, Ill. Fred has this new address: Fred Herweyer B.M. 2/c, 9th N.D.N.T.S., Great Lakes, Ill.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 18, 1945, p 2
Fred Herweyer BM 2/c Ships Co. University Wis. Madison (8), Wis.
1/15/45 Dear Ed and Marie: Just arrived at my new destination this noon at 5 o’clock and it sure is a swell place. I arrived in Great Lakes Sunday morning at 1 o’clock the 14th and left there this noon at 1 o’clock. I am now stationed here in Ships Company, and like it already. We sure have good meals up here. I am now working in the Master at Arms shack. It’s a very soft job. I will be here at least six months, maybe longer. We sleep in a hotel which the navy built. One nice thing is we can get out of our bunks in the morning and then someone comes along and makes them up and also changes our linen twice a week. Sure doesn’t seem like the navy anymore. There are just two of us in one room, so we have it pretty quiet here. Also have a radio in our room. It belongs to the other fellow that sleeps in the same room. It isn’t much of a radio to tell you the truth it’s only the insides of a radio, but it works pretty good. I guess I surprised lots of them back home after landing here, because I really was surprised myself. This place is not run by the navy, it is run by the University of Wisconsin. The chow we have here is cooked by all civilian cooks. It’s really like home cooked meals again. Well Ed I haven’t much news so will sign off. Hoping to get mail soon again, as ever, your friend, Fred.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 18, 1945, p 8
Fred Herweyer BM 2/c Ships Co. Univ. of Wis. N.T.S. Madison (8), Wis. 20 Jan. 45
Dear Ed and Marie: I just thought it was time to write you a few lines once again. I’m getting along fine and am hoping the same of you. It is Sunday afternoon and I did not have anything to do this noon so I thought I’d write you a few lines. This sure is a swell place to be stationed at because this place is run by the civilians from the University of Wisconsin. We have maids to take care of our rooms and beds. We sleep in a building built like a hotel. There are just two of us in one room. Ships company over here gets every night off and also every weekend from Saturday evening at six o’clock till Monday morning nine o’clock. I can also live off the base if I want to, just so I’m on the base from nine to six at night. Tomorrow I start my new job as chief master at arms in the Swenson House that work mostly consists of answering telephone calls and to check the trainees out and in from liberty and also making out the work sheet and muster lists. We sure can’t kick about the chow they feed us, because it’s the best I’ve had yet in the Navy, that’s because they have all civilian girls for cooks and also the doctors inspect the chow hall every day at meal time. It sure is a clean place. Coming in this base I ran into a soldier from Hawarden. We talked together for about half an hour and he said he was on his way home which was the first time in three years. There are a lot of Iowans over here in Wisconsin, most of them used to live there and are now living up here in Madison, Wis. The country sure looks beautiful up here at least when the sun comes out and shines on the snow covered hills. We sure had the snow here a while back, although it’s gradually going away again. There isn’t much doing here on Sundays because most everyone went on liberty today. I went and looked the town over last night, I went along with a soldier and we got uptown and we couldn’t find our way out again so we just had to take a taxi out. Well Ed, I haven’t got much news today so will sign off. Hoping to get the paper soon again. Love, Fred.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 1, 1945, p 2
Fred Herweyer BM 2/c who is now stationed at Madison, Wis. arrived at the parental Jim Herweyer home on Monday morning to spend a short leave and will return to Madison again on Friday of this week. On Wednesday evening he was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Rens, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit Rens. Full details of the wedding will be printed in next week’s issue of the News.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 8, 1945, p 10
Mrs. Tony Heynen was hostess at a bridal shower given in honor of her sister Mrs. Fred Herweyer at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit Rens last Thursday evening….. Mrs. Herweyer left on Friday with her husband who returned to Madison, Wis. where he is stationed with the U. S. Navy.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 15, 1945, p 4
B.M. 2/c and Mrs. Fred Herweyer left on Friday morning for Madison, Wis. where he is stationed with the navy after enjoying a week’s leave at home.
Source: Sioux Center News Feb. 15, 1945, p 1
Mrs. Fred Herweyer and Margaret Herweyer left for Madison, Wisc. On Wednesday eve, where they will visit with Fred Herweyer B.M. 2/c who is stationed there.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 12, 1945, p 5
Fred Herweyer writes from a hospital at Madison, Wisc. Dear Ed:
Just thought I’d drop you a few lines again. I have been receiving the Sioux Center paper every Saturday yet and my wife and I surely enjoy reading it. I am now again in the U.S.N. Sick Bay. I’ll be here around a month and a half. On account of an ulcer on my stomach. The only thing I don’t like about it I don’t get to eat what I want anymore. I am mostly on a milk diet and just a few other things now. I want to thank each and every one for the letters my wife and I have been getting, and hope I may keep them coming while here in the sick bay. Here’s hoping to hear from you all soon.
With all our love, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Herweyer Source: Sioux Center News April 26, 1945, p 8
Source: Sioux Center News May 10, 1945, p 2
FRED HERWEYER MEDICAL DISCHARGE (photo) Fred Herweyer received his medical discharge from the navy the past week. He served in the navy for about 2 ½ years. He has been receiving treatment for ulcers of the stomach. At present he is staying at the home of his wife’s parents, Gt. Rens.
Source: Sioux Center News June 14, 1945, p 2
Iowa, U.S., World War II bonus Case Files, 1947 – 1954
Claim No. 98896 Frederick Herweyer, was born July 14, 1922, at Inwood, Iowa, and resided in Sioux Center, Iowa prior to enlisting in the Navy on Oct. 29, 1942, at Des Moines, Iowa. He served with the LCT (5) Flot 10 and the LTC (5) Flot 18, departed for foreign service on April 1, 1943, and returned on Sept. 24, 1944. He was honorably discharged on June 6, 1945. His application for bonus pay was filed on May 20, 1949, for which he received $362.50.
Source: ancestry.com
***Further Research:
Frederick “Fritz” Herweyer died June 8, 1987 and is buried in West Lawn Cemetery, Sioux County, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
