In Africa
Staff Sgt. Larkin Woodie, now stationed in North Africa, has just sent a most interesting letter to Rollie Holkan of this city in which he ably describes the country, customs and people of the present battle theater there. He praises the work of the French soldiers who have proven to be real fighters for the allied cause. Sergeant Woodie writes that the Yank doughboys have picked up French in a hurry but have plenty of trouble with Arabic.
The local soldier declared the troops there were really surprised at the military appearance of the WAAC contingents being sent to Africa. “They are soldiers from the word go,” he adds.
Among the Webster City boys in the same platoon with Sergeant Woodie are Sgt. Gene Gordon, Sgt. Bill North, Cpl. Charley Wilson. PFCs Truman Sharkey and Howard Ash and PVTs Loder of Jewell and Keith Slater. Many other local youths are stationed nearby in other platoons or companies.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA – April 22, 1943 (photo included)
Pvt. Larkin B. Woodie, son of Mrs. Lydia Woodie of this city—was listed as wounded in action in Italy in a war department message sent to his mother.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - July 21, 1944
BACK IN STATES
Pfc. Larkin B. Woodie of this city, wounded in the bitter fighting in Italy recently, has been returned to this country aboard the U. S. hospital ship Thistle and is being treated at Stark general hospital, Charleston, S. C. Private Woodie had been overseas for 32 months, having been a member of the Iowa National Guard unit which left this city in February 1941.
RECEIVING TREATMENT
Pfc. Larkin Woodie of this city, who was wounded in action in Italy, June 28, is now located at the Billings General hospital, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind., where he is receiving medical treatment. He expects to have another operation on his leg soon and will be in the hospital for several months. Asking that his friends write, he sends the following address: Pfc. Larkin Woodie, Ward 1200, Billings General Hospital, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Inc.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Oct. 17, 1944
Pfc. US Army….wounded in action.
Larkin Bryant Woodie, Jr. was born Dec. 18, 1912 to Larkin (Sr.) and Lydia Ann Simpson Woodie. He died July 15, 1974 and is buried in the Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, OH.
Private Woodie was listed as wounded in action in a war department message sent to his mother.
Sources:
Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA
ancestry.com
