ON LEAVE FROM ANZIO BEACHHEAD, CHESHER VISITS SWEA CITY
For the second time in the same week the Swea City community has been visited by a member of the American Rangers. First Sgt. Franklin (Zip) Koons, hero of the Dieppe raid, left Thursday after coming home to take a bride, the former June Anderson. On Friday evening the crowd at the high school commencement exercises saw another tall, sun-bronzed soldier with the insignia of the American Rangers on his sleeve. He was First Sgt. Robert T. Chesher, who with his wife, the former Gladys Paulson, is visiting at the parental Axel Paulson home northeast of town.
In Mediterranean Two Years
Sgt. Chesher, a member of the 4th Rangers battalion, is in the States on furlough after having been in action in the Mediterranean area for over two years. At first a member of the 1st Ranger Batalion (Zip Koons’ outfit, though a different company) Sgt. Chesher took part in the Tunisian campaign. While still in Africa, he was transferred to his present battalion. During action in Italy last November, he was wounded. This took place, ironically enough, on Armistice day, Nov. 11, and occurred while our forces were attempting to cross the Volturno river. He was hospitalized from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30, and then returned to the front. At the time he was given his furlough, March 26, he was taking part in the landing at the Anzio beachhead.
Saw Albert Paulson in Italy
He and his 18 year old brother-in-law, Albert Paulson, were indirectly participating in the same action, and it was there that Albert received wounds which resulted in his being hospitalized. Sgt. Chesher visited Albert at a hospital in the Naples area shortly before sailing from Italy on April 7, and brings reassuring word to the home folks concerning Albert’s progress.
Sgt. Chesher arrived in the States on May 3, and he and his wife are spending some time here. Mrs. Chesher’s sister, Mildred Paulson, was one of the graduating class at the Swea City commencement exercises Friday night.
On June 6, Sgt. Chesher is to report at Camp Hood, Texas, for further orders.
Source: The Algona Upper Des Moines, Tuesday, May 23, 1944
