Source: The Mt. Pleasant News, Jan. 13, 1945 (page 3)

With County Men and Women In The U.S. Service 

With the Fifth Army, Italy – Pfc. Eugene Barnes, cannoneer, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is a member of the 337th “Wolverine” Regiment which recently took 3000-foot Mount Pratone in the Gothic Line, digging German soldiers out of elaborate concrete pillboxes and earthworks on its forested slopes. 

Pfc. Clarence Bouge of New York, spent the week end in Salem with his wife and family, also with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Bouge. Pfc. James Pobanz and Mrs. Pobanz of Greenview, S.C., are here for a visit at the parental James Johnson and I.F. Pobanz homes. 

Keith E Kongable has been promoted to corporal. He is in the Pacific area, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Kongable of Winfield. 

Corp. Russell Nelson has been wounded in the right shoulder by shrapnel while at practice at Camp Blanding, Fla., last week. He is hospitalized. Corp. Nelson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Nelson of Winfield. 

New address: Pfc. John E. Chrisinger, 17181617, Section P. Bks. 170, Scott Field, Ill. 

New address: Alan E. Liechty, S 2-c, ATB NOB, Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va. 

New address: Jon Kneen, A.S., Co. 2295, Btry 10, Great Lakes, Ill. 

Relatives at Hillsboro have received word that M. Sgt. Frank Whitaker and his uncle, Maj. Wick Whitaker, met somewhere in Belgium and were able to spend a few hours together. Both are in the Air Corps. 

Source: The Mount Pleasant News, Sat., January 13, 1945, pg. 3 

Citations For Salem Man Killed July 12 

Salem – A certificate was sent to Mr. and Mrs. Ben Rogers from the president of the United States, which states: “In grateful memory to Staff Sergeant Edwin F. Rogers: A Citation of honor from the United States Army Air Forces to Staff Sergt. Edwin F. Rogers, who gave his life in the performance of his duties on July 12, 1944, signed by H.H. Arnold, General U.S. Army, Commanding General, AAF.” 

Also, the Purple Heart was awarded to Staff Sergt. Edwin F. Rogers for military merit and wounds resulting in his death, July 12, 1944. The Air Medal and two Oak Leaf Clusters were also awarded Sergt. Rogers, and a citation for the above was also sent to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers from Edward F. Witsell, Brig. General. The Air Medal and two Oak Leaf Clusters will be presented by a local officer through the commanding general, Seventh Service Command, Omaha, Nebr. 

Source: The Mount Pleasant News, Sat., January 13, 1945, pg. 3