Wings For Men From This Area
One Sioux Cityan and six men of adjacent territory have won their wings and received commissions after completing training at scholls which comprise the gulf coast army air forces training center. Above, top, from left to right are Lieut. Roland J. Halverson, a son of Mrs. Marie Halverson, 813 Pierce Street, Moore field, Texas; Lieut. Louie H.W. Dahms, Schleswig, Iowa, Lubbock field, Texas and Lieut Don Michaelson, Humboldt, Iowa, Kelly field, Texas.
Bottom, left to right are Lieut. Raymond A. Koele of Hull, Iowa, Foster field and Lieut. Clyde R. Kelly of Spencer, Iowa, Lubbock field.
Pictures are lacking for Lieut. Arthur E. Exon of Estherville, at Foster field and Lieut. Lawrence W. Kooima, route 2, Rock Valley at Ellington field.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, November 10, 1942 (individual photos included)
Lieut. Halverson Gets Added Award for Battle Record
First Lieut. Rolland J. Halverson, 813 Pierce Street, has been awarded the distinguished flying cross for extraordinary achievement in accomplishing 50 fighter combat mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe.
Lieut. Halverson is a Thunderbolt pilot in Lieut. Col. Einar A. Malmstrom’s P-47 fighter group. The announcement of the award was made by Maj. Gen. William E. Kepner, commanding general of the Eighth fighter command.
The citation reads in part; “The skillful and zealous manner in which this officer has sought out the enemy and engaged him in aerial combat, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow fliers."
Holder of the air medal with three oak leaf clusters attached, Lieut. Halverson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Halverson of Mitchell, S.D. and is married to the former Yvonne DeMots of Sioux Center, Iowa.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, April 14, 1944
Capt. R. Halverson is Visiting Here After 60 Missions
Capt. R. J. Halverson, with one year of overseas duty, recently completed 60 missions and has been spending a leave with his mother, Mrs. Marie Halverson, 813 Pierce street, with his wife, the former Yvonne DeMots, and 9-month-old son, whom he had never seen. Mrs. Halverson and son have been residing with her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Henry DeMots of Sioux Center. Capt. Halverson since has departed for Miami, Fla., for reassignment. He was awarded the distinguished flying cross in England, the air medal and three oakleaf clusters. He entered the service March 26, 1942, while attending the University of South Dakota.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, September 26, 1944
