HERE in MASON CITY
BIRTH – Mr. and Mrs. Orval Alden, Rockwell, are the parents of a son weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces, born at Mercy hospital Wednesday
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Tuesday, September 28, 1944, Page 17
MISSING IN ACTION
Pvt. Orval R. Alden, employed at the Witwer Grocery for 4 ½ years before entering the service last May, has been reported missing in action in France since Dec. 4, according to a telegram received from the war department. Mrs. Alden and 3 small children are making their home with her parents on a farm near Rockwell.
Pvt. Alden received his basic training at Camp Roberts, Cal., and was home on furlough in October, during which time his son was born. He went overseas shortly after.
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Tuesday, December 26, 1944, Page 10 (photo included)
PLAN MEMORIAL FOR PVT. ALDEN
Services to Be Sunday for Rockwell Warrior
Rockwell – Memorial services will be held Sunday for Pvt. Orval “Duke” Alden at the Rockwell Lutheran church at 2 p. m. The American Legion will have part in the service.
Pvt. Alden was born May 30, 1918, and attended the Sheffield school, graduating in 1938. He attended business college in Des Moines and had been employed by the Witwer Grocer, Co., since 1936 prior to his entering the armed forces May 3, 1944. He was with the 318th infantry in France where he was killed in action Dec. 4, 1944.
He was married to Kathlyn Bergman of Rockwell and 3 children were born, Peggy kay, Marlys Jane and Joe.
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Thursday, February 22, 1945, Page 15
WWII DEAD DUE TO ARRIVE
North Iowans Among Bodies on Way Home
Washington—Among the bodies of 4,384 World War II dead due to arrive from Europe aboard the U. S. Army transport, Barney Kirschbaum, are 76 Iowans, according to announcement by the department of the Army.
Armed forces dead originally interred in temporary military cemeteries in France, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg are among those being brought back to this country.
North Iowans in the list include the following, together with the next of kin:
Pvt. Orval R. Alden; Milton L. Alden, Thornton.
Pvt. Wayne W. Dale; Mrs. Nettie D. Felkey, Armstrong.
Pfc. Neil L. Gilbertson; Jane Gilbertson, Burr Oak.
Pfc. Royal A. Jacobs; Hezzie R. Jacobs, Rudd.
1st Lt. Alan R. Jacobson; Chris Jacobson, Britt.
Sgt. William L. Monroe; Lloyd E. Monroe, Estherville.
1st Lt. Robert L. Sill; Nina S. Christopher, Eagle Grove.
S/Sgt. Edwin E. Sowles; Mrs. Mary F. Sowles, Mason City.
2nd Lt. Robert L. Van Horn; Carl C. Van Horn, Hampton.
1st Lt. Jens T. Weiby, Jr.; Jens T. Weiby, Sr., Armstrong.
Source: Mason City Globe-Gazette, December 29, 1948
NOTE: Pvt. Alden died December 4, 1944. There is a gravestone for him at Hampton Cemetery, Hampton, Iowa.
