Stutts, Wesley W. - Cpl.
WITH 36th DIVISION - Cpl. Wesley W.
Stutts, 24, veteran of the 36th Division is now participating the fighting on
the Western Front according to information received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
T. A. Stutts, Kerens route three. A member of the National Guard when it was
mobilized and federalized in November 1940, Cpl. Stutts has participated in all
the major engagements which made this division famous. First landing in
North Africa he fought throughout the Italian campaign and later stormed the
beaches of Southern France. A brother, Pvt Marvin O. Stutts, paratrooper,
was recently seriously wounded in action in Belgium. [
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Note: Clipping Submitted by
Fran Massey
Butler, Billy Clark - s-1c
WRITES PARENTS - Billy Clark Butler,
S-1c, signalman U. S. Navy, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Curry Butler, 1418
West First Avenue that his has seen action in the Philippines and has been over
most of that territory. He stated that he was doing fine and was having a
better time than he expected. He wrote of the rumors of sinking of
American ships and said that they were generally wrong. S-1c Butler is a
graduate of the Corsicana high school and entered the navy on Dec. 19, 1943 and
went to San Diego Cal., for boot and other training. He has not been home
since enlisting. At the time of his enlistment he was an employee of the
Whitesele Brick and Lumber Co. He also carried a Corsicana Daily Sun route
for three years.
Lassiter, Wm. C. - Sgt.
WOUNDED IN ACTION - Sgt. William C.
Lassiter, 28, U. S. Army, infantry, wounded in action October 24, on Leyte
Island, is now in the Hammond General Hospital, Modesta, Calif. His
wife is with him and writes that he is doing fine and is now able to be up on
crutches. A brother, Pfc. Delbert L. Lassiter, stationed at Long Beach,
Calif., accompanied by his wife and daughter, recently spent a three day pass
visiting the wounded soldier. This was the first time the brothers had met
in two years. Awarded the Purple Heart Decoration, Sgt. Lassiter entered
the service in October 1942 and went overseas in June 1944. The son of Mr.
and Mrs. J. L. Lassiter, Corsicana route one, he received his training in Oregon
and California.
Green, William Wesley - Pvt.
ARRIVES OVERSEAS - Pvt. William Wesley
Green, 19, U. S. Army, infantry has arrived safely on an island in the Pacific
theater of operations according to information received by his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. W. W. Green, 111 North Beaton street. Entering the service June 22,
1944, he received his training at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Ark. He is a
1942
graduate of the Corsicana high school.
Bohn, Wilford J. - Pvt.
WOUNDED IN ACTION - Pvt. Wilford J.
Bohn, 23, U. S. Army paratrooper, was wounded in action in Belgium December 20,
according to information received from the war department by his mother, Mrs. W.
S. Herod, Exall Hights. A 1939 graduate of the Corsicana high school, he
entered the service in June 1942, and has been overseas six months.
McBroom, Billy G. - Pfc.
IN GERMANY - Pfc. Billy G. McBroom, 21,
U. S. Army antiaircraft, is now serving somewhere in Germany and getting along
fine, according to information in a recent letter received by his parents, Mr.
and Mrs. T. R. McBroom, 204 West Fourth avenue. Previous to entering the
service February 22, 1943, he was employed by the Lyon-Gray Lumber Co.
He attended the Corsicana high school and has been overseas since February 1944.
McCulloch, Curtis L. - s-1c
PROMOTED - Curtis L. McCulloch, 26, U.
S. Navy, s-2-c, now stationed in the Hawaiian Islands, ahs been promoted to the
rating of seaman first class, according to information received by his wife,
Mrs. C. L. McCulloch, and son Curtis, 2228 West Twelfth avenue.
Entering the service May 29, 1944, he has been in Hawaii since September 1944.
Knight, Walter V. - Pfc.
SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE - Pfc. Walter V.
Knight, 35, U. S. Army, artillery, is now serving somewhere in France and
getting along fine, according to a letter recently received by his wife, Mrs.
Margie Knight, and their 14 months old daughter, Georgia Ann, 312 North Twelfth
street. Entering the service November 29, 1943, he has been overseas since
October 1944. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. G. G Knight, Corsicana route
three.
Lancaster, Ezekiel B. - T-4
MISSING IN ACTION - T-4 Ezekiel B.
Lancaster, 23, U. S. Army, is reported missing in action in Germany since
December 16, according to information received by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Clide
Lancaster, and brother James E. Lancaster 429 East Dewey street, Orange, former
residents of Kerens. A 1940 graduate of the Kerens high school, he entered
the service August 8, 1942, and has been overseas since October 1944.
Harris, Raymond Earl & Harris J. D., Jr.
IN THE NAVY - Raymond Earl Harris
entered the Navy in August and was sent to California where in the unit to which
he was assigned, he found his nephew, J. D. Harris, Jr. Neither of
them knew that the other was stationed there. Raymond Earl is the son of
Mrs. D. B. Harris Kerens route three, and J. D. Harris is the son of Mr. and
Mrs. J. D. Harris, Sr., Italy. Both men are seamen second class.
Patterson, Frank H. - T-Sgt.
WOUNDED IN ACTION - Tech. Sgt. Frank H.
Patterson, 33, U. S. Army, Field Artillery, serving with the Third Army, has
been wounded in action in Germany, according to information from the war
department received by his wife, Mrs. Gladys Patterson, Eureka.
Prior to entering the service, March 22, 1943, he was employed at the Corsicana
Cotton Mills. He has been overseas ten months.
Thompson, John P., Jr. - Pvt.
ARRIVED OVERSEAS - Pvt. John P.
Thompson, Jr., 22, U. S. Army, ordnance, has arrived safely over seas, according
to a message received by his wife, Mrs. Edith Thompson Corsicana, Route 5.
He trained at Fort Jackson, S. C., after entering the armed forces, Nov. 4,
1943. A former student at Corsicana high school, Pvt. Thompson was
employed at the Corsicana Cotton Mills when he reported for military duty.
The message said the soldier was doing all right.
Starks, Alford Kelton - Pvt.
ARRIVES OVERSEAS - Pvt. Alford Kelton
Starks, 23, U. S. Army, infantry, has arrived safely at his station in the
Hawaiian Islands, according to information received by his wife, Mrs. Sue Starks
and four month old son, Joey. Prior to entering the service July 21, 1944,
he was employed by the American Well and Prospecting for four years. He is
the son of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Starks, Corsicana, route three.
Whitlock, Charles Arthur Jr.
Oct 11, 1919 - Dec 15, 1949
MISSING IN ACTION - Mr. and Mrs. C. A.
Whitlock, 2212 West Sixth avenue, have received word from the Adjutant General,
stating that their son, First Lieutenant Charles A. Whitlock, age 23 years, has
been missing action since August 16. Lieut. Whitlock, graduated from
Corsicana high school in 1938 and received his commission and silver wings in
the U. S. Army Air Forces at Lubbock in October 1942. He participated in
the invasion of Sicily and was a pilot of a Liberator bomber.
-----
Capt. Whitlock Is Killed When B-29 Crashed Thursday
Capt. Charles Arthur Whitlock, 29, of Corsicana, U. S. Air Forces,
was killed near Roswell, N. M., when an Air Force B-29 crashed and
burned late Thursday, fatally injuring six, according to an
Associated Press dispatch and advices received by his family here.
Three crewmen were seriously injured and five others walked away
from the flaming wreckage with cuts and bruises.
Funeral arrangements had not been completed Friday, but members of
the family said that the body would be returned to Corsicana for
burial.
The bomber, according to the Associated Press, roaring into a
landing at Walker Air Force base where it was stationed, sheared off
a windmill and tumbled to the ground. Cause of the crash was not
made public. The plane crashed two miles north of the field and four
miles from downtown Roswell. The B-29 was returning from a training
flight.
Whitlock was commissioned in October 1942, as a second lieutenant at
the Army Air Forces base in Lubbock, and was sent to the European
Theatre.
Reported missing in action, August 16, 1943, the
1938 graduate of
Corsicana High School had previously participated in the invasion of
Sicily and was a pilot of a bomber. He was a prisoner of the
Germans, after bombing the famous Ploesti oil fields in Rumania.
Capt. Whitlock was in the same prison camp with Capt. Dan Story of
Corsicana who was captured in Italy. Both were released at Moosburg
in May 1945.
The ace pilot received the Distinguished Flying Cross citation for "extraordinary achievement while participating in operations against
the Ploesti Oil Refineries of Rumania on August 1, 1943….in a daring
attack upon highly important enemy installations….carried out duties
with such skill and valour that the mission was attended with great
success."
Whitlock also was awarded the Air Medal decoration for five bombing missions. Both citations were presented to his father in ceremonies
at Corsicana Field, Air Activities of Texas, while he was still a prisoner.
Surviving are his wife, the former, Miss Juanita McClain of Corsicana; two daughters, Sandra and Karen Sue, all of Roswell;
parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Whitlock, Sr., Corsicana; a brother, Howard Whitlock, and three sisters, Mrs. Hazel Miller, Mrs. Dolores
Morehead and Mrs. Frances King, all of Corsicana. |
Notes:
-----
Capt. Whitlock Funeral Services Held Here Monday
Funeral services for Capt. Charles Arthur Whitlock, 29, Corsicana, U. S. Air Forces, fatally injured in a B-29 crash near Roswell, N.
M. late Thursday, were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Missionary Baptist church. The rites were conducted by Rev. A. J.
Kirkland, pastor of the church.
A military service at the grave and pallbearers were provided by the Texas National Guard and the American Legion.
Whitlock was commissioned at Lubbock in 1942, and later received the air Medal for five bombing missions in Sicily and the Distinguished
Flying Cross for his heroism against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania where he was captured by the Germans in 1943. He was
released in 1945.
The bomber, according to the Associated Press struck a windmill and tumbled to the ground, killing six and injuring three.
Surviving are his wife the former Miss Juanita McClain of Corsicana; two daughters, Sandra and Karon Sue Whitlock, all of Roswell;
parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Whitlock, Sr., Corsicana; a brother, Howard Whitlock, and three sisters, Mrs. Hazel Hunter, Mrs. Dolores
Morehead and Mrs. Frances King, all of Corsicana and other relatives.
Corley Funeral Home directed.
Notes:
Roxburgh, Carmen - S-Sgt.
Private First Class Frank S. Marrara,
husband of Mrs. Rita Marrara, 1526 South Nineteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pa.,
and Staff Sergeant Carmen Roxburgh, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Roxburgh,
1719 North Beaton Street, Corsicana, Texas two reclassified combat veterans now
work in a peninsular base section quartermaster typewriter repair shop in Italy
a unit of the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Pfc. Marrara makes
parts to rebuild office equipment in the shop supervised by Staff Sergeant
Roxburgh.
Warner, Wesley - Pfc.
ARRIVES OVERSEAS - Pfc. Wesley Warner,
25, U. S. Army, has arrived safely overseas according to information received by
his wife, Mrs. Lavalter Warner, 405 South Twenty-third and a half street.
Prior to entering the service June 30, 1944, he was employed by the Oil City
Iron Works.
Nutt, Edgar W. - s-1c
ON PACIFIC SUPPLY DUTY - Coast Guardsman
Edgar W. Nutt, seaman first class, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. H., Nutt of 621 North
Twelfth Street, Corsicana, Texas is serving aboard a Coast Guard-manned army
freight supply vessel operating in the Pacific. His ship carries vital war
material to American outposts. He is married to the former Catherine
Thompson of Rice, Texas. They have one daughter, Cathy Ann, who is five
months old.
Watkins, Thomas Derwood - Pvt.
IN THE ARMY - Pvt. Thomas Derwood
Watkins, U. S. Army, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Watkins, Barry, is now stationed
at Camp Van Dorn, Miss. Entering the service nine months ago he received
his basic training at Camp Wolters. He has qualified as an expert
rifleman. His wife Mrs. Lillian Watkins, is with him at the present.
Jackson, L. L. - Capt.
IN INDIA - Captain L. L. Jackson, U. S.
Army, with a veterinary company, has arrived safely in India, according to a
letter received by his wife Mrs. L. L. Jackson, 621 West Park avenue. A
graduate of Texas A. & M. College, Capt. Jackson has been in the service two
years.
Flynn, Eugene Lewis - Capt.
BOMBER PILOT - Capt. Eugene L. Flynn,
son of Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Flynn, 2408 Park Avenue, Corsicana, was a member this
week of a record breaking class of Liberator B-24 bomber pilots from the AAF
Pilot School at Fort Worth Army Air Field. Captain Flynn, 25, had previously won
his wings at kelly Field, San Antonio after combpleing preliminary flight
training at Love Field, Dallas and Randolph Field, San Antonio.
[View
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BOMBER PILOT BRINGS BADLY DAMAGED PLANE
TO SAFE LANDING
Fifteenth AAF in Italy -- Reeling from a shower of fragmentation bombs that had
been released on his plane by a lucky flak hit on a B-24 above his own formation
with some of the bombs embedded in the wing and in danger of momentary
explosion, Capt. Eugene L. Flynn, 28, pilot of 2408 Park Row, Corsicana, Texas,
after having been previously attacked by Me-109s that riddled his plane with 20
mm. shells and wounded two gunners, brought his bomber and crew back to base
today in a performance which rivaled the most sensational Hollywood
super-thriller.
Crew Members Wounded
Capt. Flynn and his crew had not quite arrived at the start of the bomb run over
the target of La Chanoines airdrome, France, when five Me-105s attacked their
plane viciously. The left waist gunner, S-Sgt. James F. Anderman,
20, of 609 Couth Main, Rockport, Mo., was severely wounded in the thigh by a
20-mm shell coming through the tail turret, knocking out the inter-phones and
electrical system and breaking the control cables at the left waist position.
Sgt. Anderman did not know how badly hurt he was at the time. But to
have called for first aid then would have meant that one or more of the
other gunners would have to leave their posts while Mc-109s were still hovering
around. He propped himself up as best he could and kept on firing at the
attackers, and was rewarded by seeing one of the enemy planes in his sights nose
over and go down in flames.
Shower of Bombs
The formation was now over the target and the enemy fighters left as the German
ack-ack started reaching for the Liberators. At this point the plane above
Capt. Flynn's received a freak hit in the bomb bay, which released some of its
fragmentation bombs. Capt. Flynn looked up in time to see the shower of
bombs descending in his direction and threw his rudder hard over and dove
sharply to the right. But he was not able to evade all of the falling
bombs which thudded upon the wings, some rolling off and others embedding
themselves in the plane. A few penetrated both wings and went all the way
through with the noses of the bombs sticking out the undersides.
Part of the leading edge of the left wing was torn off and a portion of the
right wing had been ripped and one of the bombs was sticking through it.
Although the plane's response to the controls was sometimes extremely sluggish
and at other times a series of jerks, it could still be flown after a fashion.
Plane Badly Damaged
Capt. Flynn made a rapid survey of the possibilities. The men were still
at their turrets because the plane had not yet passed out of the fighter zone.
The interphone was not working so Capt. Flynn sent the engineer back to tell the
crew the facts. The plane was in precarious shape; the controls
might go at any time and what would happen to the bombs embedded in the wings
and fuselage was anybody's guess. No one could say whether the spinners on
the bombs had revolved enough to "arm" them. If they had, the
slightest bump might cause them to detonate. The men said Capt. Flynn,
were at perfect liberty to bail out if they wanted to. He would stay with
the plane and attempt to land it with the wounded gunners.
No one jumped. As soon as they passed out of the fighting area, first aid
was given to the wounded gunner by the navigator and tail turret gunner.
Not until then was it discovered that the right waist gunner, Sgt. Henry S.
Lambert, 19, of Kenora, W. Va., was also wounded in the right arm by the Me-109
attackers.
Jettisoned Equipment
To keep the plane level and to reduce weight as much as possible the crew was
ordered to jettison all loose equipment overboard except their flak suits.
They were to put these on as a measure of protection against the possibility of
the bombs exploding. The navigator now in the nose charted a course
for the island of Corsica, but after a conference with Capt. Flynn decided the
plane could not clear the mountains and that immediate medical care was needed
for the two injured waist gunners. Added to this was the difficulty in
piloting. An increase in speed caused the wings and tail surfaces to
vibrate and the grab bomb might shift enough to tear out holes or even to
detonate. But slowing down increased the plane's tendency to roll over on
its back, right wing over. The pilot and co-pilot kept nursing the plane
along, trying to hold a middle course.
Sticks to Plane
Over Corsica, Capt. Flynn again told his crew they could, if they want, "hit the
silk." It was all or none, they said. So they stuck and headed for
the Italian mainland and the nearest hospital. They passed up their last
opportunity to abandon the plane when they were over an airdrome in Southern
Italy. Instead, they rearranged their flak suits about themselves and the
wounded and huddled down as close as possible to the sides of the fuselage.
Even rolling down the runway was going to be extremely dangerous, provided the
plane survived the initial shock of landing. But with a frag bomb lodged
in the left rudder fin and the control cables in the left wing cut by 20 mm
shells and all controls in the waist damaged or cut, Capt. Flynn landed the
plane without bounce or shock. The crew cleared the plane while still
wearing their flak suits and shielding the wounded gunners, who were immediately
shipped off to the base hospital.
Capt Flynn played football on Corsicana High school team of 1936. He
enlisted in the Air Corps in December, 1937, and after cadet training was an
instructor at Randolph Field, Texas, and later was director of ground firing at
Harlingen gunnery school. Since joining the Fifteenth AAF in Italy, he has
flown 49 combat missions over Southern and Central Europe. On his Air
Medal are four Oak Leaf Cluster.
DECORATED - Capt. Eugene L. Flynn, 26,
pilot whose parents reside at 2408 Park Row, Corsicana, Texas, has been awarded
the fourth Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, it was announced by 15th Army Air
Force Headquarters. Capt. Flynn received the award in the words of
the citation "for meritorious achievement in aerial flight while participating
in sustained operational activities against the enemy." He is stationed in Italy
with a 15th AAF B-24 Liberator Heavy Bombardment Group which has been bombing
German-held targets in Austria, Romania and France. Capt. Flynn was an
instructor at Randolph Field, Texas for one year and a half and Director of
Ground Firing at Harlingen Gunnery School for one year after that.
He has two brothers, Jack E. and Paul T., in the service.
----
INJURED SUNDAY
SAN ANTONIO, March 31, - (AP) - Second
Lieut. Eugene L. Flynn, 23, of Corsicana (above), and Flying Cadet Lewis L.
Bowen, 21, of Champaign, Ill., were injured yesterday when their basic training
plane crashed into a plowed field near Randolph Field.
Field officials said Flynn suffered a fractured right leg, bruised and cuts on
the face, and Bowen a broken right collarbone, cuts and bruises.
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World War II pilot saved lives of crew
By MELISSA VARGAS
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
FLYNN
FORT WORTH -- As an Air Force pilot in
World War II, Eugene Flynn often listened to the
big-band music broadcast by the BBC over his radio.
Orchestras led by Glenn Miller, the Dorsey Brothers and Harry James often
accompanied Mr. Flynn in the cockpit of his B-24 Liberator, blocking out the
sound of bombs and gunfire, his daughter Diane Flynn said.
"He told us that he would put his headphones on to drown out the racket," Diane
Flynn said. "That's probably why he went deaf in his old age."
Mr. Flynn remained a huge fan of 1940s music and often took his wife dancing
when the bands came to Texas. In the last years of his life, Mr. Flynn got
hundreds of cable channels on his television that he never used except one --
that played big-band music.
Mr. Flynn died of cancer Wednesday. He was 88. Funeral services are planned for
1 p.m. Monday at Ridglea United Methodist Church.
At his funeral, his family plans to play Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller --
one of Mr. Flynn's favorites.
Mr. Flynn was born March 14, 1918, in Corsicana. He enlisted in the Army Air
Corps in 1937 and was a senior flight instructor before World War II, his family
said. During the war, he completed 49 combat missions in the B-24 Liberator
throughout Europe, relatives said. During his 30-year career, he was awarded the
Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four oak leaf
clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation and
numerous other commendations, his family said.
Mr. Flynn is well-known for saving the lives of his 10 crew members after the
B-24 they were riding in was hit by enemy fighters and showered by fragmentation
bombs that embedded into the aircraft's wings, according to his family and a Web
site of Navarro County World War II stories.
Once over allied territory, Mr. Flynn instructed his crew to bail out, but they
remained loyal to their captain, said his son, Mike Flynn.
After burning off as much fuel as possible, Mr. Flynn nursed the damaged B-24 to
the smoothest landing of his life, Mike Flynn said. It was his 49th mission.
"The plane was so badly damaged that it went straight to the junkyard," Mike
Flynn said. "Normally he would have had to fly 50 missions, but they told him he
was done. They were amazed he was even able to fly it back to base."
Mr. Flynn married LaVerne Lind in 1946, and they enjoyed traveling. They were
married 56 years before LaVerne Flynn died in 2002. Mr. Flynn retired in 1968 as
a captain, and went to work for General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) in Fort
Worth. He put his two daughters and son through college and then finished his
bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas Wesleyan University in
1983. He was 65.
"It was just a personal achievement he wanted for himself," Diane Flynn said.
"The young kids and teachers helped him along. He was so proud of his class
ring."
Besides being a decorated war hero, Mr. Flynn was a hero to his family, said
daughter Pam Dorrell.
"He was a wonderful man, and I leaned on him for strength and guidance," she
said. "He was part of a dying breed of heroic men."
Melissa Vargas, 817-685-3888
[email protected]
Notes:
Curry, Alton A. - Lt.
RECEIVES OVERSEAS ORDERS - Lieut. Alton
A. Curry, U. S. Army Air Forces, first pilot on a B-24 bomber, pictured above
with his wife, Mrs. Maglien Curry, 658 West Fifth avenue, has received his
overseas assignment and is enroute to the battle front. Commissioned Feb.
17, 1943 at Camp Hood after attending officers candidate school, he received his
wings at Ellington Field May 23, 1944. He has previously been stationed at
Jones Field, Majors Field, Westover Field, Springfield, Mass., and Mitchell
Field, Long Island, N. Y. Mrs Curry left her husband last Tuesday at Mitchell
Field. Lieut. Curry is the son of Mr. and Mrs. V. A. Curry, Tallulah, La.
He entered the service April 9, 1941.
Garlington, John W. - Sgt.
WOUNDED IN ACTION - Sgt. John W.
Garlington, 22, U. S. Army Infantry, was wounded in action on Leyte island in
the Philippines December 8, according to information received from the war
department by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Garlington, 1562 West Fifth,
avenue. Entering the service October 1942, he has been overseas since June
1944. He attended the Mildred high school.
Gibson, James - Sgt.
TWICE WOUNDED - Sergeant James Gibson,
an infantryman of Corsicana, was wounded twice while serving overseas with the
fighting 96th Infantry Division once by a Jap ambush. He was in
combat for 30 days on Leyte. Shown as Letterman General Hospital, San
Francisco, he has been in the Army since October 17, 1942.
Merrell, Howard - Pvt.
ARRIVES OVERSEAS - Pvt. Howard Merrell,
29, U. S. Army, Combat Engineers has arrived safely in the Philippines according
to information received by his wife and two children, Rice.
Nevill, Dariel B. - Pfc.
WOUNDED - Pfc. Dariel B. Nevill, 24,
anti-aircraft, U. S. Army, was slightly wounded in action in Italy, May 18, a
telegram received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Nevill, Corsicana, Route 2,
recently revealed. He had served in Tunesia Sicily and Italy, and prior to
entering the army was in the CCC Camp. He landed in North Africa, Nov 15,
1942 after being in the army almost a year. He has sent $1,200 in U. S.
Bonds and $212 in money to his father who has placed them in a bank for his son
on his return from the war.
---
Navarro County Soldier Home For Respite From War
Pfc. Daniel B. Neville, 25, U. S. Army, veteran of North Africa, Sicily, Italy
and France campaigns, is home on a 30-day furlough, beginning Monday and will
return to his outfit in France after his visit.
Pvt. Neville has been in the army three years, and has been overseas almost two
and a half years. He said that the anti-aircraft outfit to which he is attached
guarded airfields and port installations in the North African and Sicilian
campaigns, but in Italy and France had been on the front lines with the
artillery units against the Nazis.
The returned soldier, who attended the Bryan and Zion’s Rest schools before
going to the CCC camp, wears the European ribbon, the Good Conduct Ribbon,
Purple Heart decoration and the Bronze Star decoration.
Pvt. Neville received the Bronze Star for bravery in action in going into a
minefield to rescue a wounded buddy, receiving a slight wound on that occasion,
May 15, 1944, for which he received Purple Hear decoration, too. The wounded
buddy did not survived, Pvt. Neville said.
The soldier is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Neville, Corsicana,
Route 2. He arrived in the states Saturday and got home Sunday night. He returns
to his outfit in France—Seventh Army—at the end of his furlough.
Notes:
Slaughter, Perry Leon
May 27, 1925 - March 27, 1945
LEGION IN CHARGE THURSDAY RITES FOR
PERRY L. SLAUGHTER
Funeral services for Perry Leon Slaughter, 19, merchant marine, whose body
arrived here Wednesday morning for re-interment will be held from the McCammon
Funeral Chapel Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Burial will be in
Oakwood cemetery. Dr. Jared I.
Cartlidge, pastor of the First Baptist church, will conduct the rites. Johnson –
Wiggins post No. 22, American Legion will have charge of the military rites at
the grave and will provide pallbearers.
Slaughter, quartermaster in the merchant marine, was accidentally killed in
Bermuda while on shore leave, March 27, 1945. The body arrived in New York
several days ago with a contingent from the Atlantic and European Sectors and
came to Corsicana by train from Fort Worth.
Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Slaughter, Sr., 626 South
Sixteenth street; a brother, Claude Slaughter, Jr., merchant marine, Corsicana;
two sisters, Mrs. Aldine Stone, California and Miss Joyce Slaughter, Corsicana;
a grandmother, Mrs. A. J. Smith, Waco, and other relatives.
Notes:
-----
PERRY L. SLAUGHTER FUNERAL THURSDAY; BURIAL IN OAKWOOD
Funeral services for Perry Leon Slaughter, 19, merchant marine, were held
Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the McCammon Funeral Chapel. Burial was in
Oakwood cemetery. The rites were
conducted by Dr. Jared I. Cartlidge, pastor of the First Baptist Church, while
military rites under the auspices of the American Legion were held at the grave.
Legionnaires were pallbearers.
A quartermaster, Slaughter was accidentally killed in Bermuda while on shore
leave March 27, 1945. His body arrived in New York several days ago and reached
Corsicana Wednesday from Fort Worth.
Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Slaughter, Sr., 626 South
Sixteenth street; a brothers, Claude Slaughter, Jr., merchant marine, Corsicana;
two sisters, Mrs. Aldine Stone, California, and Miss Joyce Slaughter, Corsicana;
grandmother, Mrs. A. J. Smith, Waco and other relatives.
Notes:
---
PERRY L. SLAUGHTER FUNERAL SERVICES PLANNED THURSDAY
The body of Perry Leon Slaughter, 19, is scheduled to arrive in Corsicana
Wednesday morning for re-interment. Funeral services will be held Thursday. The
American Legion will provide military services at the grave.
A quartermaster in the Merchant Marine, Slaughter was accidentally killed March
27, 1945, while on shore leave in Bermuda, according to information received
here following his death.
The body arrived in New York several days ago and was sent to Fort Worth with
the contingent of Texans returned from the Atlantic and European sectors.
Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Slaughter, Sr., 626 South
Sixteenth street; a brothers, Claude Slaughter, Jr., merchant marine, Corsicana;
two sisters, Mrs. Aldine Stone, California, and Miss Joyce Slaughter, Corsicana;
grandmother, Mrs. A. J. Smith, Waco and other relatives.
McCammon Funeral Home will direct.
Notes:
----
Corsicanan Among War Dead Brought To U. S. Friday
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30.—(AP)—The bodies of four Texans were among the 75 war dead
being returned today from Fort Bell cemetery, Bermuda, aboard the USAT Stevens
Victory, docking at Brooklyn.
They included: Slaughter, Perry L. Match Mar., Mrs. Alva Slaughter, 811 W.
Eleventh avenue, Corsicana.
Perry Slaughter, 19, quartermaster, merchant marine, was accidentally killed in
April 1945, while on shore leave in the Bermudas. His body is to be returned to
Corsicana for re-burial.
Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Slaughter, Sr., 811 West Eleventh
Avenue; several brothers and sisters and other relatives.
Slaughter enlisted while a student in Corsicana High School
Notes:
------
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED - Perry Slaughter, 19, quartermaster, Merchant Marine
the past two years, was accidentally killed Tuesday while on short leave in the
Bermudas, according to a telegram received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude
Slaughter, Sr., 811 West Eleventh Avenue, Corsicana. Funeral services were held
there Thursday, the message stated. He enlisted in the Merchant Marine
while a student in Corsicana High School Surviving are the parents, a
brother, Claude Slaughter, Jr., Merchant Marine, home on furlough; two sisters,
Mrs. C. M. O'Donnell, San Diego, Calif., and Joyce Slaughter, Corsicana; grand
mothers, Mrs. G. A. Brooks, Zion's Rest, and Mrs. A. J. Smith, Waco; an uncle
Capt. Hoyt Smith, Salvation Army, Corsicana, and other relatives.
Notes:
Walker, James M.
JOINS HUSBAND - Mrs. James M. Walker,
the former Dot Barnes, has joined her husband J. M. Walker, AOM 3-3 Navy
Postoffice Department, in Seattle, Washington. Walker has been in the
service about two years.
Jones, Julia McConnico
WOMEN IN UNIFORM Kerens Woman One Of
Many Female Veterans To Serve Country
Corsicana Daily Sun Monday May 31, 1999
Memorial Day conjures visions of soldiers in uniform. Some soldiers filled out
their uniforms better than others. Women in uniform numbered over 500,000 during
World War II.
Kerens native Julia McConnico Jones joined the Navy Waves in 1944. The Waves
were a division of the Navy for its female volunteers. Although the Navy
had a policy of not sending its women overseas, Jones served a vital role in the
war effort. "I was an instructor in aerial gunnery," said Jones. "At the time it
was a kind of new thing." After training at Hunter College in Queens, N. Y.
Jones went to Pensacola, Fla. and then on to Corpus Christi to teach flyers how
to identify the enemy and calculate their fire.
Though she rarely went up in the planes, she worked extensively with flight
simulators. "They had to judge if they were shooting the enemy or us. They used
this bean of light to figure out if they would hit the target. They would have
to figure out to go a little ahead of it, according to how fast the plane was
going," she said. "It was hard."
Jones said she was chosen for the assignment due to her education, having just
completed two years at Baylor University. She took all of her math to get it out
of the way. The War Department utilized Jones' skills as a mathematician to help
train the pilots. Jones had also taken Spanish courses which came in handy. "I
ended up teaching some cadets from Argentina and Chile," she said. "They would
teach me a little Spanish every day before I taught them. That was fun."
According to Jones, all the pilots were very respectful and treated her well.
She said there were many female instructors in Corpus Christi, so the pilots
were accustomed to dealing with women. "It was scary time, but a very pleasant
adventure," said Jones. Most men were on the military installations. For Jones,
that meant a full social schedule.
"There were plenty of dates," she said. "You dated the sailors and the officers.
We could go into town. We had lounges where you could sit and talk. We had a big
swimming pool. There was also a restaurant beside the mess hall. There were
plenty of things to do."
The decision to join the military came easily for the Baylor sophomore. "It was
really spooky. During that time, you just felt like you needed to be doing
something, not just going to school," said Jones. "It was different then,
everybody was in the service and you didn't know how long it was going to last.
I think people our age at that time were very patriotic."
D-Day finally came. According to Jones, it was a little anticlimactic. "You knew
that it was coming. It wasn't just a sudden end," she said. "I missed everybody.
I missed the excitement. I missed it a lot." Jones remained in Corpus Christi
training pilots until the end of the war. After the war ended in 1946, Jones
went to the University of Houston to complete her education. She saw a familiar
face around campus and recognized him from the naval base. "He just looked kind
of familiar to me. He did the same job I did for a while, then he went on to
officer's school, then to be a navigator," she said. The young coed began dating
the former naval pilot named Bob Jones. After getting her degree in 1948, Jones
married in 1951. The couple went on to have two children. Jones has three
grandchildren and one great-grandchild. "I'm glad women veterans are getting
some recognition now," she said. "I taught them (the pilots). They fought the
war, but they had to go through my class."
[Submitted by Bob Jones, son of Julia McConnico Jones - Aug 1999]
Farmer, Denton
TEXAS SERGEANT KILLED IN FRANCE
PURDON, Oct 26 (Spl) Staff Sgt. Denton
Farmer, son of Mrs. Ruth Farmer and husband of Mrs. Joyce Farmer, Abilene, was
killed in France June 12. His Purple Heart has been received by his widow.
He was a 90th Division infantry man.
[View Clipping]
[Submitted by - Aug 1999]
Tally, Glen Wesley
WOUNDED IN ACTION - Pfc Glen W. Tally,
21, U. S. Army Infantry has been wounded in action in Germany, according to a
letter received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Tally, here.
Pfc. Tally wrote from a hospital in England and stated that he was getting along
nicely. He did not give the date of his injuries. He has been in the armed
service nearly two years and overseas since October 1. He is a graduate of
the Corsicana high school and was employed by the Trinity Motor Lines before
entering the armed services. A message received later from the war
department stated that Pfc. Tally was wounded on Dec. 3.
[View Clipping]
[Submitted by - Aug 1999]
Obituary;
Resthaven Memorial
Park
WWII Vets Get CHS Sheepskins
Corsicana Daily Sun
12/22/2001
By LOYD COOK/Daily Sun Staff
It was a lot of years in coming, but Marvin Hanks and
Troy Allison got their high school diplomas Thursday night.
Corsicana Independent School District Board of Trustees
awarded the duo their sheepskins, part of a government program allowing their
issuance to those veterans who missed the completion of their high school years
because they served their nation.
Board president Donna Ralston presented the diplomas.
"I want to tell you what an honor it is for this board
to present you with this diplomas," she said. "And what an honor it is to
recognize you both for the sacrifices you made."
Hanks served in the Navy during the end of World War
II, then re-enlisted in the Air Force for the Korean conflict. He said he was
pleased with the new program.
"I've waited a long time to get this and have always
regretted not getting it," he said of his high school diploma. "I don't consider
what I did to be a sacrifice."
Allison, who entered the service at age 17, was a part
of the first-day invasion force at Normandy Beach and fought at the Battle of
the Bulge.
"I didn't get a scratch on me because I can run," said
Allison, drawing general laughter from the board and those in attendance.
Hanks joked that if he hadn't been too old, he probably
would have re-enlisted for service in Vietnam.
The Corsicana High School Choir sang "The Star Spangled
Banner" in their honor, then added a Christmas carol in the spirit of the
season. An ensemble from the high school's band performed three carols as part
of the ceremonies.
Both groups gathered to perform even though the CISD
had already let out for the holidays that afternoon.
Allison summed up the pair's feelings about the
awarding of diplomas as he addressed the students.
"This (diploma) is worth a bucket of gold to me," he
said, holding the blue-encased diploma high in the air. "Stay in school."
Loyd Cook may be contacted via e-mail at
[email protected]
Notes:
Former
Corsicanans Now in Armed Service of United States
Major and Mrs. John E. Weiler, and children, John, Jr. and Louis, were
spend-the-night guests in the home of their aunt, Mrs. W. D. Fountain, on
Thursday en route from Austin where they visited in the home of Major Weiler's
parents, Col. and Mrs. Harold Weiler, of Ft. Knox, Ky. where Major Weiler has
been stationed as executive officer of the 87th Armored Field Artillery
Battalion since April.
Prior to his Kentucky assignment, Major Weiler had spent 15 months with
the armed forces in Panama.
Lieut Harold J. Weiler of the U.S.N. Air Service, and until recently a
fighter pilot on an aircraft carried in the African theater of war, is now on
duty in Ordnance Procurement headquarters in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Weiler
has joined her husband in the capital city.
Major John E. Weiler and Lieut. Harold J. Weiler, Jr. are native
Corsicanans, and are both the sons of Col. and Mrs. Harold J. Weiler of Austin.
Notes:
- Corsicana Daily Sun - June 26, 1943
Man Trained at Corsicana
Field Raids Germany
Corsicanans were interested in the recent dispatches from the fighting
front which told of the experiences of Lieut. Lyster Brumley of Georgetown,
Texas, who has been piloting Flying Fortresses over Germany recently. An
article in Friday's Dallas News told in detail of his recent participation in
Tuesday's raid on Huls.
Local interest in Lieut. Brumley comes from the fact that he received a
part of his training for combat at the
Corsicana Field and has many
friends here who are wishing for him the best of luck.
Lieut. Brumley served as best man in the wedding of Lieut and Mrs. C. J.
Adams at the First Baptist church last spring, and was associated with Lieut.
Adams in schools at Waco, Corsicana, Ellington Field, and in Florida and Idaho.
Mrs. Adams it will be remembered is the former Miss Sara Pearson who now
resides in Boise Idaho, where Lieut. Adams in an instructor in the Air Forces.
Notes:
- Corsicana Daily Sun - June 26, 1943
IN UNIFORM -
CLIPPINGS - June 26, 1943
James Ross, RM third class is
now with the United States Navy overseas. Ross was in the State Orphans
Home graduation class in 1940.
Cpl. Melvin F. Ritch was recently transferred to
the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command Willow run Air Base, Ypsilani,
Mich
Lewis A. Dugger, son of Mrs. L. E. Dugger, is
now ground crew in Amarillo, Texas
William P. Howard, son of Mrs. C. D. Howard
of 110 South Twentieth Street, Corsicana, today wears the silver wings of an
aerial gunner in the Army Air Forces. He received the right to wear the
coveted insignia and was promoted to the grade of Sergeant after successfully
completing training at the Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School at Tyndall
Field, Florida. He was thoroughly trained in operations of .30 and .50
caliber machine guns, first on ground ranges and later in the air, in
preparation for service as a crew member of a bomber.
Henry W. Scoggins, son of Mr. and Mrs J. H.
Scoggins, 1058 South Seventeenth Street, has graduated from an intensive course
in airplane mechanics at Sheppard Field, near Wichita Falls, Texas, one of the
many schools of the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command which trains the
specialist technicians to maintain our mighty air armada.
Pvt. Jerold Jones left Friday for Camp
Shelby, Miss., after a fifteen day furlough spent with his mother, Mrs. Lillie
Robertson.
PFC. Herschel Wilson is spending a ten-day
furlough with his wife and baby son. He is stationed at Camp Barkley. |
11/26/2003 INSIDE NAVARRO COUNTY: Mildred School honors Vets (w/list of
Veterans)
From Staff Reports
We like to think of it as honoring those who serve our
country by presenting themselves at our country's beck and call.
Mildred's Veterans Day Ceremony was held on Asby Field
last Tuesday and the program began with a flyover by Bobby Grantham. Mr.
Grantham flew his P-19 Fairchild over Asby Field raising cheers from entire
student body, faculty, and visitors. Shawn Skaggs played "Star Spangled Banner"
as a trumpet solo as J.P. Nichols and Josh McCracken raised the nation's flag.
J.P. is an Eagle Scout, and Josh is a Star Scout.
The elementary students sang beautiful versions of "God
Bless America" and "God Bless the USA."
The guest speaker was J.P. Nichols, student council
senior class representative. J. P.'s speech was a very moving and dramatic
speech that spoke of veterans. He especially honored the veterans by telling
them they were all soldiers once, and are still soldiers now.
Each veteran in attendance was recognized by having his
or her name called out, with branch of service, and time served during war or
peacetime. The student council presented each veteran with a personalized
"certificate of appreciation," and the elementary students made each veteran a
handprint with the inscription, "Because of You we are Free."
The audience was given a background on the bugle call
TAPS. A moment of silence, followed by the playing of TAPS by Shawn Skaggs,
ended the ceremony.
Red, white and blue balloons were released to honor the
veterans, along with a single black balloon to honor and remember the Missing in
Action and Prisoners of War. As "America the Beautiful" played, the veterans
were escorted by the student council to the library, where a reception was held
in their honor. The veterans were given a chance to visit with each other, and
all seemed to really enjoy the time they were able to spend with each other.
xxx
On Nov. 11, Mildred ISD honored over 42 veterans in
attendance at its Veterans Day Ceremony. Veterans in attendance included
veterans from World War II to Desert Storm to Service Veterans. In attendance
were the following:
Charles Bancroft, service veteran, Navy doctor; Rodney
Bancroft, Vietnam War, Army; George Baechtle, service veteran, Marine Corp; Jim
Bonner, World War II, Marine Corp; Robert Boyd, World War II, Army; Vernon Boyd,
service veteran, Air Force; Franklin Boyte, Korean War, Army; Lois Bradford for
Ira Bradford, World War II; Bill Brown, World War II, Navy; Louis Cobb, World
War II, Army; Robert Conger, Desert Storm, Marine Corp; Pat Craddock, Vietnam
War, Air Force; Jeffery Scott Faltys, Desert Storm, Air Force; P.D. Fullwood,
World War II, Navy; Wayne Godsey, World War II, Navy; Bobby Grantham, service
veteran, Army and National Guard; Charles Harris, World War II, Air Force; Floyd
Henderson, service veteran, Navy; Buck Hodge, World War II, Army; Willie Hodge,
World War II, Coast Guard; Lynn Heugatter, Vietnam War, Army; Tommy Hulsey,
Vietnam War, Army; Donald Jock, Vietnam conflict, Air Force; Calvin Knauth,
Korean War, Army; Charles McCarter, World War II, Army; Doyle McKanna, World War
II, Army; W. M. Montgomery, World War II, Army; Bill Olsen, World War II, Japan
& Philippines, Army; Robert Pope, Desert Storm, Navy
Bill Rascoe, World War II;
Jerry Reeder,
Korean War; Charles Reynolds, service veteran, Navy; Teresa Roper, service
veteran, Air Force; Clayton Smith, service veteran, Air Force; Eben D. Stover,
service veteran, National Guard; Eben E. Stover, service veteran, Air Force;
Rick Thompson, Vietnam conflict, Army; Bruce Venable, Desert Storm, Air Force
and Air Force Reserves; James Venable, Vietnam, Air Force; C. T. Vinson, World
War II, Army; Keith Weaver, service veteran, Vietnam conflict, Air Force; Mike
Wisdom, Vietnam, Army
Raymond Earl Harris
IN THE NAVY - Raymond Earl Harris (right) entered the
Navy in August and was sent to California where in the unit to which he was
assigned he fund his nephew, J. D. Harris, Jr. (left(. Neither of them
knew that the other was stationed there. Raymond Earl is the son of Mrs.
D. B. Harris, Kerens route three and J. D. is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. D.
Harris, Sr., Italy. Both men are seamen second class. [
VIEW CLIPPING ]
Note:
Clipping Submitted by Fran Massey
Henry J. Paul - PROMOTED
Among the best liked and most diligent
worker in the service battery at Camp Blanding is Corporal Henry J. Paul of
Kerens, according [to] the public relations officer for the battery.
Corporal Paul is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Wesley Monroe Paul of the Rural Shade community, and entered federal service as
a member of the Kerens unit in the National Guard, which entered federal service
in November 1940. Upon the formation of the service battery he transferred
and has been in the battery and through hard work recently received a promotion
to Corporal.
He is now working in the motor
maintenance section.
Other Kerens boys in the service Battery
are Merrill Sherrill, Joe Baker, John R. Allen, Vernon <???>.
[ VIEW
CLIPPING ]
Note:
Clipping Submitted by Fran Massey
Floyd Cruther
Pvt. Floyd Cruther, we understand has been
given a medical discharge from army service. He arrived here first of this week.
Notes:
Carroll Lee Saunders
Carroll Lee Saunders of Camp Clipper
California has returned home. He has been given a honorable discharge from army
service.
Notes:
Robert Rudolph McClure
Somewhere in France
Robert R. McClure, U. S. Army, regimental bugler, was a member of the American
forces landing on the beaches of the Cherbourg peninsula and is now fighting
somewhere in France. The son of Mr. and Mrs. John McClure, Blooming Grove, he
volunteered for service March 18, 1942.
Note: July 10, 1944
-----
Pfc. [Robert] Rudolph McClure of Camp
Barkeley who was at home last week, visiting his parents Mr. and Mrs. John
McClure left Monday for Dallas to visit with his sister Miss Emma. He will also
stop in Fort Worth for a brief visit with his brother and family, Mr. and Mrs.
Johnnie B. McClure.
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February 26, 1943
Notes:
Biography in The Men
and Women in WWII From Navarro County Texas
Grover Melton, Jr
Pvt. Grover Melton, Jr. visited his
parents Mr. and Mrs. Grover Melton Sr. Saturday
Notes:
Steve Hitt, Jr.
Sgt. Steve Hitt, Jr. of Camp Ruker, Ala, is at home on furlough. Steve has been
in the service for the past two and one half years.
Note: Same paper under Dresden And Vicinity Items
Sgt. Steve Hit, of Alabama, is home on a 10 day furlough.
Notes:
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February 26, 1943
Charles F. Lewis
Ensign C.F. Lewis, a Navy flyer, is doing
ocean patrol work from a station on the island of Puerto Rico
Notes:
Ethon Melton
Sgt. Ethon Melton, of Columbia, S.C. is
at home on Furlough.
Notes:
Ethan W. Melton
STAFF SGT ETHAN W.
MELTON IS AWARDED AIR MEDAL; COMPLETES FIFTY-EIGHT COMBAT MISSIONS
Ethan W. Melton
FROM
AN AIR BASE IN INDIA,
June 19. - (Sp!.) - Flying as an aerial gunner on 68 combat missions against
the Italians, Germans and Japs, and receiving the award of the Air Medal
Is the record piled up by Staff Sgt. Ethan W. Melton, 25, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Ernest C. Melton of Frost, Texas, before he was put on the list for
a possible return to the United States on the rotation policy.
IS Months Overseas.
"Tex," as he ie known to the men of the famous "Earthquakers" group of
B-25 medium bombers
of the 10th USAAF operating in the Strategic Air Force, Eastern Air
Command, has gone half
way around the world since leaving his father's cotton farm in Texas. In
the 13 months he has
spent overseas, he has flown in combat missions over Italy, Yugoslavia
and Burma. Reminiscing
over his travels and experiences, the young 25-year old gunner recalled
his most exciting mission.
'It was Guildonia airdrome in Italy. That was the one. I saw things
there that would make a pig sick," he commented.
Planes Hit.
'Ack ack was heavy, intense and accurate. That was the day every one of
our planes got holed,
My bombardier was wounded, and the load ship's bombardier was hit before
dropping the bombs.
They called the mission pretty successful. We hit a warehouse and
started a fire. I was sure
glad to get back," he laughed. Asked about the lighter side of life
overseas, Melton most enjoyed
a seven-day leave at a rest camp on the island of Capri, just off the
Italian mainland.
"We visited one
Itallian home and spend tnew Years Night there. We rung it in
and out. THey cold speak a little English, and they told us about the
Germans who had been there. Of course they said the German were "no
huo-no."
Beautiful
Scenery
"Tex" told of the matchless scenery and of the beautiful villas of
various prominent English
and American authors who lived on the island.
"One restaurant WP. visited," he remarked, "had the names of the German
Field Marshal Romell and of Italy's dictator, Mussolini signed in the
register. Of course we signed our names, too.
It was a pretty nice restaurant, 3ven had a nickeleodeon a regular juke
box. You put in your 'lires' and away it went," Melton added.
Since graduating from Blooming Grovi'. High school in 1937, Melton has
been farming with his father near Frost.
"After the war, I'm going back to farming," he said. "I've already
bought a farm of my own
down there."
|
Murray McCormick
Captain Murray McCormick of Wickengburg,
Arizona arrived Wednesday for a few days visit here with home folk. Captain
McCormick is in the glider division of the U.S. Air Corps.
Notes:
-
Submitted by
Dana Stubbs
-
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday Feb
26, 1943
Robert B. Smith
Graduated
Cpl. Robert B. Smith who is in the US Army
Air Force, stationed at Camp Courtissair, Buffalo, New York, graduated June 22
from the Camp Courtissair training school operated by Curtis-Wright Corporation
Airplane Division, Buffalo, New York. He is now a member of the Army Air Forces
Technical Training Detachment stationed at the school.
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday July 2,
1943
----------------
Pvt. Robert B. Smith is now serving with
the Air Transport Command. He has been transferred from Camp Luna, N.M. to
Miami, Florida, where he is taking a course in a plane mechanic school.
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February 19, 1943
Notes:
Joe Dean Huffstutler
Lt. Joe Dean Huffstutler, of San Antonio, visited here first of the week with
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Huffstutler. He was in route to Shawnee,
Oklahoma where he is to serve on the Administration Staff Ground Corps Training
School.
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February 19, 1943
---------------
Sgt. W. E. Huffstutler, of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, is expected to arrive here
Friday for a week end visit.
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February 19, 1943
Notes:
Ray Russell
Sergeant Ray Russell, a member of the United States Marines, appeared before the
school assembly Wednesday afternoon, giving a few of the thrilling and
breathtaking experiences of his ship, the Boise which played a dramatic part in
the present war crisis. The famous Boise was Christened, not with the
traditional champagne but with water from the Snake River in Idaho. Sergeant
Russell concluded talk with an explanation of the Marine uniform.
Notes:
- Submitted by
Dana Stubbs
- The Blooming Grove Times, Friday
Feb 19, 1943
James Edwyn Hinkle
All Clippings for James Edwin Hinkle moved to
his Biography Page
John Sidney Moore
Pvt. John Sidney Moore, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanford Moore, is now
stationed somewhere in Alaska. He states in a letter to his parents that he has
been promoted to First Class Private and has transferred to the machine gun
squadron.
Notes:
R. D. Scott
Ensign Scott
R.D. Scott, after four hard
months of training at Chicago, received his commission as Ensign on October 30th.
He ordered her “Times” sent to Murchison last week, so we assume that he is at
home for a short vacation, after which he is to report to the new ship yards at
Pascagoula, Miss. for training of personnel.
Notes:
- Submitted by
Dana Stubbs
-
The Blooming Grove Times,
Friday Nov 13, 1942
George William Patterson
Cpl. G.W. Patterson, of
Greige Field, Spokane Washington, and Lt. Dick Massengale of Luke Field,
Arizona, arrived Wednesday for a visit with friends and relatives. This is their
first trip home since their induction more than a year ago.
Notes:
Jack Smith Griffin
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February 19,
1943
Capt. Jack Griffin, who has been home several days left Wednesday afternoon for
Oklahoma City. He was accompanied as far as Dallas by his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
J. R. Griffin.
------------
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February 19, 1943
Captain Jack Giffin, former graduate of the Blooming Grove High School,
addressed the students and faculty members of the local high school last Friday,
February 12, at the assembly hour. The subject of his address was “A Bombing
Raid.”
He named the men who were members of a bombing crew, listing the respective
duties if each man. Then Captain Griffin, in an interesting manner, gave the
details of a bombing raid until the men landed from their return trip with a
report trip with a report if the raid for their superior officers. Captain
Griffin’s address was not only interesting but it was very educational. It was a
real thrill just to look at one who has seen active service for Uncle Sam.
---------------------
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February
12, 1943
Capt. Jack S. Griffin, US Army Air Corps,
who has been stationed in England for the last several months, came by home this
week on a surprise visit to his parents Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Griffin. He flew to
Washington where he reported to the War Department for orders. After a few days
rest here with his family and visiting friends he will proceed on his mission.
He states with conviction that Texas and Navarro County and Blooming Grove is
the best looking place he has seen yet.
Notes:
Submitted by
Dana Stubbs
See WWII Stories Index for more clippings
with Jack Smith Griffin
Mavis Griffin
The Blooming Grove Times,
Friday February 19, 1943
Lt. Mavis Griffin of camp
Swift was here Sunday night and Monday, visiting her parents, and brother,
Captain Jack Griffin who was at home for several days.
----------
The Blooming Grove Times,
Friday November 13, 1942
Miss Mavis Griffin, who has been on the nurses’ staff at the University hospital
at Ann Arbor Michigan for the past five years, has resigned her position and
returned to Texas. She is with the State Health department doing Public Health
nursing and left for her new assignment October 1.
---------
The Blooming Grove Times,
Friday November 13, 1942
Joins Army Nurse Corps
Miss Mavis Griffin left Monday for Camp Swift, Texas, where she was inducted
into the US Army Nurse’ Corps with the rank and commission of Second Lieutenant.
Lt. Griffin received her training at the Jefferson Davis hospital, Houston, and
after graduation there went into practice at the University hospital, Ann Arbor,
Mich. For the past year she has been doing Public Health Nurse Work in Detroit,
Mich. and Austin.
She has asked the Army for a Foreign Service assignment and hopes to receive it
after the usual period of orientation is served. Her brothers, Lt. James R.
Griffin and Lt. Jack S. Griffin both have preceded her in foreign service and
are now serving in unnamed areas over there.
Notes:
Submitted by
Dana Stubbs
Woodie Harrison
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February 19, 1943
Pvt. Woodie Harrison, of Berkeley, California; Cpl. Bill Harrison, Killeen, and
James Harrison, of Dallas visited their sisters, Mrs. Jeff Smith, last week.
Notes:
Submitted by
Dana Stubbs
A. Z. Warner
The Blooming Grove Times, Friday February
19, 1943
Pvt.
A. Z. Warner and his wife, of Waco, and Mrs. H. H. Crawford, if Corsicana, were
recent visitors in the H. S. Crawford home.
Notes:
Blake, Johnny
IN ENGLAND - Cpl. Johnny Blake, 24, U.S. Army Airforces, now stationed
somewhere in England, is in excellent health and getting along fine according to
recent letters received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Blake, Frost.
Entering the service December 27, 1941, he has been overseas since December
1943. He attended Blooming Grove high school.
View Clipping
Harris, Kelton B.
Wounded Corsicana Soldier Recovering English Hospital
A U. S. General Hospital England—Hit in the right arm by shrapnel from a
German artillery shell near Metz, Frances, Private First Class Kelton Harris, of
600 North Commerce street, Corsicana, Texas, is now recovering at this United
States army general hospital in England.
His ward surgeon, Capt. John J. Kanengeiser, of Woodhaven, L. I., New
York, said, “He is making a rapid recovery.”
Pfc. Harris, an infantry jeep driver, said he was moving up to the front
lines when a lone German shell landed nearby.
“A medic in a jeep behind me dressed my wound as soon as I was hit and I
was sent to an aid station,” he said.
“After stopping at several field hospitals for emergency treatment, I was
sent to England by plane.”
Pfc. Harris was a clerk for an Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company store in
Corsicana before entering the army in October, 1942. His wife, Mrs. Lottie
Harris, lives at the North Commerce street address. He has received the Purple
Heart.
Notes:
---
Kelton Harris Wounded in French Invasion
Pfc. Kelton Harris, 35, U. S. Army, was wounded in action in France Sept. 8,
according to information received from the war department by his wife, Mrs.
Lottie Harris, former Corsicana resident, now employed at the Red Cross Center,
Dallas.
Prior to entering the service in October 1942, Harris was employed at the A and
P. Grocery. He has been overseas since April 1944. He was fighting with Gen.
Patton's Third Army when wounded.
Notes:
Harrison, Charles H.
Pvt. C. H. Harrison Wounded In Action French Invasion
Pvt. Charles Henry Harrison, 20, U. S. Army, infantry, 79th Division, was
seriously wounded in action, Nov. 18, in France, according to a telegram from
the war department received Sunday by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Harrison of
Corsicana. The parents received a short letter Saturday, written by their son,
Nov. 19, the day after he was wounded, stated he was in a hospital somewhere in
France with a shrapnel wound in the hip.
Pvt. Harrison, a
1941
graduate of Corsicana High School, had been engaged in farming and stock raising
when he entered the armed forces March 19, 1944, and went overseas Sept. 14,
1944.
English, Jerry R.
SPECIAL TRAINING - Airman Jerry R. English, son of Mr. and Mrs. Beldon
English, Frost, has been selected for training at Sheppard Air Force Base
as an Air Force aircraft maintenance specialist. He recently completed basic at
Lackland AFB, Texas. A
1964 graduate of Frost High School, he attended Navarro Junior College
Corsicana Simi Weekly Light - Dec 7, 1965
Notes:
William Junius
McKie, III
NAVAL AVIATOR - William Junius McKie, 21, son of Mrs. Ethel W. McKie, 1917
West Seventh avenue has been commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine
Corps Reserve and designated a naval aviator at the Naval Air Training Base,
Pensacola, Florida. He was be ordered to duty either at an instructor's school
for further training or at an operational base.
Notes:
Lindsey C.
Morgan, Jr. SGT. L. C. MORGAN GETS HIS DISCHARGE FROM US
AIRFORCE
T-Sgt L. C. Morgan, Jr., U.S. A.A.F., 90th Bomber Group Headquarters, Pacific
area, was started home recently on a furlough and ended up with a discharge, it
was revealed.
Arriving last week in San Antonio he was asked if he desired a discharge as he
had 104 points. The answer was in the affirmative, and he arrived home Thursday
with his discharge and made the acquaintance of his two-year-old daughter,
Peggy, whom he had never seen.
Sgt. Morgan was stationed in New Guinea, Blak and in the Philippines before
being sent home after 32 months overseas service.
A 1938
graduate of Corsicana High School, Sgt. Morgan was a senior in the University of
Texas Business Administration school when he enlisted in the AAF in January
1942. He plans to return to the University and finish his BBA degree.
Mrs. Morgan, the former Everly Aldridge of Many, La., and Peggy were here with
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Morgan. Notes:
Ray Langston
CPL RAY LANGSTON BACK IN STATES AND TALKS TO HIS WIFE
Cpl. Ray Langston, ordnance U.S. First Army has arrived in the states and
expects to be sent to San Antonio, and then home on furlough, according to a
telephone message to his wife Sunday night. He telephoned from an East Coast
port. Cp Langston has been overseas 19 months and has een stationed in
England, France, Belgium and Germany. He entered the armed forces January
29, 1943.
Notes:
- Corsicana Semi-Weekly Light - Jun 8, 1945
- Submitted by Verna Bonner
Posted January 4th, 2009 by
Stu Beitler
FOUR FLIERS KILLED IN COLLISION OF 2 ARMY BOMBERS.
TRAGEDY OCCURS AT ARIAL -- FOLLOWED BY FIRE AND
EXPLOSION.
FIVE PLANES WERE FLYING IN V-FORMATION FROM
SAVANNAH TO LANGLEY FIELD.
ONE JUMPS CLEAR IN PARACHUTE BUT SUFFERS BROKEN
NECK AND DIES.
Rains, S. C., May 19 -- (AP) -- A collision of two
light army bombers high above this little Eastern South
Carolina community, followed by fire and an explosion,
cost the lives of four pilots today.
Army authorities at the Savannah, Ga., air base, from
which the planes had taken off on a training flight to
Langley Field, Va., said the victims were:
Second Lieut. FRANK H. RALSTON, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Second Lieut. ALLEN J. MOORE, Reno, Nev.
Sargeant DAVID L. BOYD, Frost, Texas.
Corporal HERBERT O. PRUITT, Collinsville, Miss.
One of the planes was shattered to bits by an explosion
and burned as it landed in front of a deserted tennant
house, and the other caught fire and was so thoroughly
consumed that eye-witnesses at first were certain there
had been six men killed.
Lieut. MOORE jumped in his parachute. Witnesses say he
made a slow landing in a field, but he died of a broken
neck while being taken to a hospital at Mullins near
here.
Witnesses said the two planes, leading a flight of five
bombers, apparently were thrown together, as if by a
gust of wind, just as they emerged from a cloudbank
almost directly above the Rains school house. Both
appeared to be out of control immediately thereafter.
The first to fall crashed into an open field near
Atial's Cross Roads, about a mile and a half from here
on the Mullins highway. Some spectators said the pilot
seemed to be trying for a pancake landing in the field,
but, others added smoke was pouring from the plane,
indicating it was on fire before it reached the ground.
As it struck, flames shot up and consumed it quickly.
The bodies of the occupants could be seen in the charred
wreckage several hours later.
The other, from which Lieut. MOORE leaped, fell a mile
and a half farther to the northeast, in front of an
empty house and exploding. The plane and its occupant
were shattered and burned.
The flight began from the Savannah air base at 10:30
a.m., and it was 11:40 when the accident occurred. One
of the remaining three bombers continued on to Langley
Field, while the other two returned to the Savannah
base.
MOORE was married and had established a home in Savannah
since his assignment to the base there. His body was
found near the burned fragments of his plane.
MRS. INEZ SMITH and MRS. DAISY MARICELLON took the flier
into an automobile and started for the Mullins hospital
but he was found dead upon their arrival.
Guards were posted around the wreckage to keep back the
curious pending arrival of army authorities take charge.
NEIL McCRACKEN, a farmer of Rains who saw the crash,
said he was watching the planes flying in formation high
in the air. One of them collided with one just ahead.
The planes, he said, seemed to be flying at an altitude
of two miles.
"Suddenlty," said McCRACKEN, "one of the planes shot
forward at a much greater speed and at the same time
were out of control. After the crash, both machines
spiraled downward."
The collision occurred almost directly above the Rains
school. Rains is a country community 8 miles south of
Mullins. Many of the school children witnessed the
crash.
The planes fell about a mile apart, each about 100 yards
on opposite sides of Highway 57. In a few minutes,
hundreds of farm people, school children and passersby
had gathered to view the wreckage of the two bombers.
The crash was the first fatal mishap involving army
planes since the army air base was established at
Savannah last October. Late yesterday afternoon the
bodies of Lieut. RALSTON and Sergeants BOYD and PRUITT
had not been removed. It was reported at Mullins that
the body of Lieut. MOORE had been carried to Fort Bragg.
Florence Morning News South Carolina 1941-05-20
Harvey A. Frank
Blooming Grove Soldier Wounded In German Fighting
BLOOMING GROVE, Texas, May
6—Pfc. Harvey A. Frank, who has been serving overseas for many months, was
wounded in action in Germany, and spent six months in a hospital in England,
according to information received by his wife, Mrs. Harvey Frank, who lives
here. Mrs. Frank is the former Miss Imogene Ward. Pvt. Frank has been awarded
the Purple Heart decoration.
The
Corsicana Daily Sun - Saturday, May 5, 1945
Submitted by Imogene “Jean” (Ward) Frank-Ragain-Sluder
Charles Franklin Campbell, Dr.
Air Medal Has Been Awarded To S-Sgt. Campbell
Staff Sgt. Charles Campbell, U. S. Army Air Forces, based in England, has been
awarded the Air Medal "for meritorious achievement in accomplishing with
distinction several aerial operational missions over enemy occupied Continental
Europe.
"The courage, coolness and skill displayed in the face of determined opposition
materially aided in the successful completion of these missions. His actions
reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States."
Flight engineer and gunner on a B-24, Sgt. Campbell participated in the battle
of the Belgium Bulge when the Germans staged their Christmas breakthrough.
An honor graduate of the Blooming Grove high school, he volunteered for service
in August. 1941.
The
Corsicana Daily Sun - Wednesday, Mar 14, 1945
Submitted by
Diane
Richards ----
SERIOUSLY INJURED - Staff Sgt. Charles Campbell, U. S. Army Air Forces, turrent
gunner on a B-17 was seriously injured somewhere in England when his plane made
a forced landing according to information received by relatives at Blooming
Grove. The son of Mr. and Mrs. T> M. Campbell, he entered the service in August
1941, and received primary training at Ellington Field. Completing gunnery
school at Boston Mass., he was then sent overseas. His wife resides in Florida.
View News Clipping
with photo
The
Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, Dec 8, 1944
Submitted by
Diane
Richards
R. L.
Stevenson FROST MAN GUNNER
ON FLYING FORTRESS
WHIPPING GERMANS
WASHINGRON, March 27.—Details of the exploit of the Yard Bird, a Flying Fortress
of the United States air forces, which had two Texans in its crew, were made
public Saturday by the war department.
The Fortress fought it out with 26 enemy aircraft over France and although
damaged by 20-millimeter cannon shells, destroyed seven of its attackers and
then returned to its base in England. One shell hit the left wing of the
Fortress and exploded, breaking the main spar. Another exploded in the fuselage
and a third ripped the right wing. Lieut. J. W. Farrar of Mattoo, Ill., pilot
made a safe landing at his base in England despite the fact that the left wing
vibrated so violently that crew members thought it would break off.
Texas members of the crew were Second Lieut. J. W. Stewart of Austin,
bombardier, and Sgt. R. L. Stevenson of Frost, left waist gunner.
The
Corsicana Daily Sun
- Monday, Mar 29, 1943
Submitted by Diane
Diane
Richards
Ralph DeWitt McAfee See:
NATIVE OF NAVARRO
COUNTY, NAVY PILOT MISSING IN ACTION
Otis G.
Bryant Germans Surrender To Former Frost
Man
Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Bryant, Frost, have received a clipping from an El Paso paper
which told of five Germans surrendering to their son, Lieut. Otis G. Bryant, on
June 26 at Cherbourg. Lieut. Bryant was born and reared in Frost and is a
graduate of the Frost high school and Hillsboro Junior College. He received his
commission at Ft. Benning, Ga. Lieut. Bryant is now making his home in Loving.
N. M.
Notes:
Stevenson, William E.
T-SGT. STEVENSON, LIBERATOR CREW MEMBER, DECORATED
S-Sgt. William E. Stevenson, U. S. Army Air Forces, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom
Stevenson of Frost, has been awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal for
exceptionally meritorious achievement while on combat missions over Germany and
occupied Europe, according to word received by relatives at Frost. The award was
recently announced somewhere in England by Major General James P. Hodges,
commanding general of a Liberator bomb division.
Stevenson is a radio operator on a B-24 Liberator and enlisted in the Army,
April 7, 1942. He was a student at North Texas State
Teachers College prior to enlisting.
Notes:
Citizens Asked Give
Blood For Wounded Soldiers
Six more days!
Six more days in which to ask for an opportunity to send a pint of your blood to
a wounded man on a battlefield. The Red Cross mobile blood bank will be
stationed in Corsicana for three days next week, April 26, 27 and 28. You are
being asked, now, to mall a postcard to Mrs. L. S. Cooper, 117 West First
Avenue, Corsicana, for an appointment. Blood donations can be made by
appointment only, and many appointments will he required to fill a three day
schedule. The three-day stay is in itself a compliment to Corsicana and Navarro
county. Red Cross officials feel that a sufficiently large number of people are
anxious to donate blood to justify a three day schedule in this area. A pint of
your blood plus the Red Cross equals a man in battle. Mail your postcard at
once. You will he notified in advance of the time of your appointment. Keep your
appointment. Every broken appointment means a Red Cross bed will be empty for
twenty minutes, a pint of blood lost, perhaps a man's life lost.
Notes:
William
Logan McCluney
Feb. 9, 1900 - Dec. 25, 1982
Seriously Injured.
Logan McCluney, youngest son of Mrs. W. A. McCluney of this city was
seriously injured by the east bound Cotton Belt passenger train at
Dawson last Saturday evening, Young McCluney was visiting his
sister, Mrs. C. C. Turner at Dawson, and late Saturday evening
accompanied Miss Billy Wiley Robins to the depot to send a telegram
to Miss Robin’s sister in Oklahoma City. They reached the station
just as the train from Waco pulled in and were caught between the
engine and a truck. Logan shoved Miss Robins out of the danger zone
but was himself struck by the engine and knocked in front of it. He
would have been crushed to death had not two men standing near
seized him by the feet and pulled him from the track. As it was he
was dragged several feet by the engine, and his nose was broken, jaw
bone and knee shattered, and otherwise badly bruised. At last
accounts he was resting as well as could be expected under the
circumstances and hope were entertained for his recovery.
The following relatives went to Dawson to be at the bedside of young
McCluney: J. E. and Finis McCluney Saturday night: Mr. and Mrs. L.
E. Willsford and Lon and Clem McCluney and R. H. Logan, Sunday:
Eugene McCluney of Breckenridge, Monday.
Notes:
Albert Edward
McMichael, Sr.
Sep 1, 1923 - Apr 3, 2005
S-Sgt. M’Michael, Engineer-Gunner, Has Narrow Escape
SEVENTH AAF HEADQUARTERS, Central Pacific—S-Sgt. Albert E. McMichael, 20, of
1919 West Collin, Corsicana, Texas, first engineer and top turret gunner of the
7th AAF heavy bomber, the “Hellcat,” tossed overboard everything he and the
other members of the crew could tear loose, in order to keep their ship in the
air while it struggled home for almost 1,200 miles, after two engines failed
during a mission over Saipan.
Perilous Landing.
A perilous landing after dark was made successfully on only one engine, for a
third engine failed just as the bomber turned into the traffic pattern over its
home field at Eniwetok, after 14 fatiguing hours in the air.
No other Liberator flying the Pacific Area has been known to have flown so great
a distance under such handicap. The Hellcat was with a flight of 7th AAF B-24s
flying with Navy Liberators over Saipan, in the beginning of the campaign
against the Jap held base. Leaking oil in one of the engines caused the Hellcat
to fall behind the formation. An attempt to speed up the remaining engines in
order to keep up with the flight caused a second engine to go out.
Japs Attack.
The flight approaching the target and Jap interceptors could be seen leaving the
ground.
“We lost altitude rapidly,” said Sgt. McMichael, “Lt. Grady F. Sheppard of Big
Sandy, Texas, our pilot, gave us orders to go off oxygen and jettison everything
possible. In a few minutes we fell to 2,000 feet. We dropped our bombs over the
water, threw out flack suits, the oxygen tubes and chopped away equipment with a
hatchet.
“The ball turret gave us trouble, so we worked in shifts until we got it loose
and threw it over along with all ammunition except 200 rounds for each gun in
case enemy fighters attacked—still a possibility at this time.”
Everything Overboard.
All loose clothing, including the radio operator’s boots went overboard,
followed by the waist guns, bombsight and camera. The ammunition belts were
broken in to sections so they would not damage the plane when being jettisoned.
Then the crew removed the pilot’s armor plating and the entire gun-assembly was
unbolted and thrown over.
Sgt. McMichael is the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. McMichael of Corsicana. He was
graduated from Corsicana High School and before enlisting in December 1943,
worked at the Simon Daniels Hardware Co. With other members of his crew, he is
credited with destroying two Jap zeroes. He has been awarded the Air Medal.
Notes:
Corsicana Man, Prisoner
War, Hear on Radio
Parents of three Navarro county youths, prisoners of the Japanese government in
Java, heard directly from them during the week-end when a government official of
Long Beach, Calif., from a short wave post, telephoned Eddie Donaho, Corsicana,
Route 3, that the voice of his son, Eddie Donaho, had been recorded in a radio
talk.
Mr. Donaho, who resided on Route3, Corsicana, was telephoned Sunday morning at
2:30 o’clock over the phone of R. L. Harris, near Retreat, and it is reported to
have been advised his son stated in the broadcast that he and two companions,
Hugh Garland of Mildred and Ronald Moses of Corsicana, were being well-fed, were
getting plenty of exercise and were well treated. Mr. Donaho was advised that a
recording of his son’s talk would be sent him.
Donaho graduated from Corsicana High in 1939, and left the local units of the
National Guard in 1941 and volunteered for duty in the Philippines. He was
reported missing in action June 4, 1942 in Java, and was reported a prisoner of
war, Jan. 22, 1943.
Hugh Garland, son of Supt. And Mrs. H. A. Garland, of the Mildred schools, was
reported missing in action, June 11, 1942, and a prisoner of war in Java, Jan.
28, 1943.
Ronald N. Moses, a former Texas National Guardsman, son of Mrs. Alma Steele,
Corsicana was reported a prisoner Jan. 28, 1943.
Notes:
Eddie Leon Donaho
Parents Informed Of Son’s Broadcast From Jap Prison Camp
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Donaho, Corsicana, Route 3 have received a telegram from the
Provost Marshal General in Washington, stating that a broadcast from their son,
Pvt. Leon Donaho, a prisoner of war in Camp Fukuoka Camp No. 2, Japan, had been
recorded recently and had been checked with the International Red Cross.
In the broadcast Pvt. Donaho stated that he was well and was working daily. He
requested his friends to write him at the camp.
Notes:
-
The Corsicana Daily Sun
- Feb. 26, 1944
- Submitted by Diane
Richards
-
View News Clipping
- Eddie Leon Donaho -
Aug. 20, 1922 - Sep. 20, 1984
- Buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX
- h/o Elanor Janell (Johnston) Donaho s/o Edward "Eddie" Donaho
& Gladys (Vandygriff) Donaho buried in Hamilton Beeman Cemetery
Eldred L. Costlow
ELDRED L. COSTLOW, CORSICANA SOLDIER, PRISONER IN JAVA
Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Costlow, 620 North Main street, Tuesday received a telegram
from the adjutant general, Washington, stating:
“Your son, Private Eldred L. Costlow, field artillery, prison of was of Japanese
government in Java. Letter follows.”
Pvt Costlow was a member of the first contingent of selectees sent to an
induction center from Navarro county Draft Board No. 1, his father, a former
resident of LaRue, Henderson county, stated Wednesday.
The last letter the parents received from the soldier was on Feb. 1, 1942, that
he had landed in Java. He was reported missing in action in June 1942.
Notes:
Harvey Crenshaw
DAWSON YOUTH IS PRISONER OF JAPS
DAWSON, Feb. 27, - Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Crenshaw have recently received
notification that their son, Harvey Crenshaw, who was in military service in the
Philippines, is a Japanese prisoner Crenshaw had been in the service two years,
and it had been about fifteen months since his parents had heard from him.
Notes:
Taylor McCullooch
NAVARRO COUNTY SOLDIER REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION
Taylor McCulloch, U. S. Army, Italy, is “missing in action,” according to a
telegram received by the parent, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. McCulloch, Navarro Mills,
Friday from the war department, friends here Saturday morning reported. No other
details were available here.
Notes:
Elmer Neil Griffin
Father Receives Purple Heart for Son Killed in Action
Robert M. Griffin, Purdon, has received a Purple Heart decoration, awarded
posthumously for his son, Elmer N. Griffin, who was killed in action in the
Southwest Pacific area on August 15.
Notes:
Orland J. Watson
Jan 22, 1921 - Mar 29, 1944
Buried in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas
S/o Joseph Alfred Watson and Willie Irene (Morrison) Watson
Native of Barry Killed In Action
Orland Watson, 23, native of Barry, son of Mrs. Willie Watson of Dallas, was
killed in action, March 29, over Germany, according to a telegram received by
the mother Monday night from the War Department, Watson was an aerial gunner on
a Flying Fortress, according to his aunt, Mrs. G. F. Gay of Corsicana, and had
been in England only three weeks when he was killed.
Surviving are his mother and a brother, Durwood Watson, both of Dallas.
Notes:
Johnny Lois Burgett
Feb. 12, 1904 - Nov. 13, 1942
JOHNNY L. BURGETT, NAVARRO COUNTY BOY, MISSING IN ACTION
ENLISTED IN UNITED STATES NAVY MORE THAN TEN YEARS AGO.
Johnny Lois Burgett, United States Navy, who has been reported missing in
action, is the son of Mrs. J. C. Carver, Pursley, Rt. 1. Prior to his enlistment
in the navy in the late fall of 1922, at the age of nineteen, he lived in the
Montfort community.
He received a citation for bravery after participation in the Nicaragua Campaign
in 1928, and saw service at Pearl Harbor. Both he and his wife, the former Helen
E. Horne of Boston, Mass., whom he married in the spring of 1932, were present
during the December 7 sneak bombing by the Japanese.
They escaped injury and continued their residence at Pearl Harbor until March
1942, when they returned to the United States for commissioning of the “Barton”
a ship on which Burgett served in the capacity of chief machinists mate.
No word has been heard from him since October, and Mrs. Burgett has received a
message from the war department stating that he is missing in action.
Wife Visited Here.
Mrs. Burgett has been visiting her husband’s mother and other relatives in
Navarro county and Oklahoma. Two weeks age she returned to Buckeye, New Mexico,
where she has been making her home with a sister-in-law, Mrs. H. Russell, since
her husband’s departure from Boston into active duty.
Burgett has three brothers, L. L. Burgett of Ardmore, Okla.; Chester Burgett of
Houston; Lester Burgett of Texas City; three sisters, Mrs. R. F. Jones of
Montfort; Mrs. Henry Russell of Buckeye, New Mexico; Mrs. Jessie James of
Houston; one half-brother, Gene Carver of Pursley, and two half-sisters, Mrs.
Roy Ellis of Corsicana and Fern Carver of Pursley.
Notes:
-
The Corsicana Daily Sun
- Tues., Apr 27, 1943
- Submitted by
Diane Richards
- w/o Johnny Lois Burgett who was killed in action Nov. 13, 1942
- Buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Metro
Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines h/o Helen E. (Horne) Burgett
s/o W. F. “Frank” Burgett and Maude Florence (Finley) Burgett-Carver (Maude
is buried in Resthaven Memorial Park, Corsicana, Tx.)
- WWII
Biography
Helen E. (Horne)
Burgett
Died about Jun. 1, 1944
Mrs. Helen Burgett Found Dead Recently In California Home
Mrs. Helen Burgett, wife of a Navarro county sailor killed in action, and
daughter-in-law of Mrs. J. C. Carver, Dawson, Route 1 was found dead in her
apartment in San Pedro, Calif., June 1 and had apparently been dead several days
when discovered. Death was attributed to natural causes. The body was cremated
and burial was in California.
Mrs. Burgett, a former resident of Boston, Mass., had visited Texas many times
since her marriage in 1932 to Johnny Lois Burgett, chief machinists mate, U. S.
N., whose home was in Montfort until his enlistment. Burgett enlisted in the
navy in 1932, was cited for bravery in 1928 after participating in the Nicaragua
campaign. He and his wife were at Pearl Harbor when the Jap bombing occurred. He
narrowly escaped death by hiding in shrubbery as low flying Jap planes strafed
those on shore with machine gun fire. Later they returned to the States. Mrs.
Burgett resided in Texas and New Mexico with her husband’s relatives while he
continued in the service. He was listed as missing in action when his ship went
down during the heroic defense of Guadalcanal. One year later this was changed
to killed in action.
Mrs. J. C. Carver has received the Purple Heart for her son, which was
posthumously awarded to him in June.
Survivors of Mr. and Mrs. Burgett are his mother, brothers, L.L. Burgett, Roane,
who made a trip to California after hearing of the death of his sister-in-law;
Chester Burgett, Houston; Lester Burgett, Texas City; sisters, Mrs. D. F. Jones,
Montfort; Mrs. Henry Russell, Buckeye, N. M.; Mrs. Jessie James, Houston; one
half-brother; Gene Carver, Dawson; two half-sisters, Mrs. Ray Ellis, Corsicana,
and Fern Carver, Dawson.
Notes:
Jay B. Ragan, Pvt.
Jun 1, 1922 - May 11, 1945
KILLED ON OKINAWA - Pvt. J. B. Ragan, 22, U. S. Army,
infantry, was killed in action on Okinawa May 22, according to
information from the war department received by his parents. Mr. and
Mrs. John Ragan Chatfield. He had previously been reported missing
in action. Entering the service September 11, 1944, he had been
overseas since February 1945. He is a graduate of the Montfort
school. Besides the parents, four sisters and five brothers survive.
One brother, Dexter L. Ragan, 29, recently received a medical
discharge from the army as the result of wounds received in Germany
Jan. 31, while serving in an infantry division with the U. S. first
Army.
Notes:
----
Reburial Rites For Pvt. Ragan Held Thursday.
Reburial services for Pvt. Jay B. Ragan, 22, U.S. Army, were held
Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Chatfield Methodist church.
Burial was in the Dresden cemetery. Rev. W. Vinsant was in charge.
Pvt. Ragan was killed in action on Okinawa, May 11, 1945.
Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Ragan, Chatfield; five
brothers, W. D. Ragan, Roane; D. L. Ragan, Dallas; Bueford Ragan,
Corsicana; Ray and Bobby Ragan, both of Chatfield; four sisters,
Mrs. C. J. Haley, Orange; Mrs. H. I. Gaines, Chatfield; Mrs. Thomas
Lucas and Mrs. W. C. Poston, both of Corsicana; grandmother, Mrs. N.
J. Grimmett, Barry, and other relatives.
Pallbearers were Cub Pierce, Ed Ellington, Bud Kelt, Mass Maxwell,
Byron Kirby and Chester Goodwin.
Corley Funeral Home directed.
Notes:
Ronald Neal Moses
Aug 26, 1920 - Oct 19, 1972
SGT. RONALD MOSES FORMER PRISONER OF JAPS BE HOME SOON
Sgt. Ronald Moses, 25, Japanese prisoner for more than three years is now at the
Brooks General Hospital in San Antonio and is expected home on furlough during
the week end. He returned to the States Nov. 1.
A member of one of the local Texas National Guard unites mobilized in November,
1940. Sgt. Moses was with the "Lost Battalion" captured in Java early in 1942 by
the Japs. He wears the Purple Heart. Presidential Citatio0n and two Oak Leaf
Clusters, Silver Star decoration, Infantry Badge, five Bronze Battle Stars and a
Good Conduct ribbon.
His wife of Dawson is with him at San Antonio. Sgt. Moses is the son of Mrs. R.
E. Steele 1214 West Twelfth and One-Half avenue, Corsicana
Notes:
Jack Crawford
Newcomb
Feb 6, 1923 - Jan 20, 1945
FORMER CORSICANAN KILLED IN CRASH OF BOMBER SATURDAY
Pfc. Frank C. Newcomb, 22, 3516 Peabody, Dallas, was one of nine persons killed
in a crash of a heavy bomber near Muroc Army Air Field, at Muroc, Cal., Saturday
morning. The body will be shipped here for burial and funeral services are
expected to be held Wednesday or Thursday from the Corley Chapel. Interment will
be in Oakwood cemetery.
Pfc. Newcomb was born and reared in Corsicana and graduated from the Corsicana
high school in 1939.
The plane in which he was killed was reported on a combat training mission by
Col. W. A. Maxwell, commanding officer of Muroc Field.
Surviving are his parents, Capt. and Mrs. Donald Newcomb, and two sisters. Capt.
Newcomb is with the U. S. Army, and Mrs. Newcomb and two daughters reside in
Dallas.
Notes:
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Pfc. Jack Newcomb Be Buried Here On Thursday Afternoon
Funeral services for Pfc. Jack C. Newcomb, aged 22 years, who was killed
when a U. S. Army heavy bomber crashed near Murdoc, Calif., Saturday, will
be held from the Corley Chapel Thursday at 3 p.m., with interment in
Oakwood cemetery.
The body accompanied by Sgt. Elton C. Tines, military escort, was shipped
from Los Angeles Monday night and was scheduled to arrive in Corsicana
Thursday at 11:51 a.m., according to a telegram to the mother of Pvt,
Newcomb from Col. W. A. Maxwell, commanding officer of the field.
Surviving are his parents, Capt. Don D. Newcomb, U. S. Army, commanding
officer, U. S. prisoner of war camp at Rosenberg, Texas, and Mrs. Ruby M.
Newcomb, Dallas; two sisters, Mrs. Will Roy Thompson and Emma Jean Newcomb,
both of Dallas; a brother, Festus Earl Newcomb, student at Allen Academy,
Bryan, and other relatives.
Pvt. Newcomb was born and reared in Corsicana, graduating from Corsicana
high school in 1939.
Notes:
Jimmy Doyle Carroll
RELEASED FROM NAZI PRISONER WAR CAMP
Howell Raymond Rollins
Sep. 1, 1920 - Apr. 1, 1945
---
His parents on buried at Ridge Park cemetery, Hillsboro, Tx. They are Claude
Raymond Rollins and Maude Louella “Ella” (Howell) Rollins. This is their
marriage record in the Johnson County book
Notes:
CHARLES HAROLD CARTER
Notes:
---
George Bruce Gillen, Sr.
Nov 12, 1922 - Oct 26, 2000
Notes:
Homer Irvin Davis
Feb. 13, 1916 - Feb. 8, 1991
The Corsicana Daily Sun
- Fri., Dec. 10, 1943
Submitted by Diane Richards
Notes:
- Buried Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, TX
- UA Army WWII -POW
- WWII
Biography
- h/o Gladys Marie (Wilkinson) Davis; s/o Marion Finch Davis & Edna
Lee (Moore) Davis buried in Dawson cemetery, Dawson, TX
----
WWII
Submarine Visits Corsicana
Carl Mac Hagle
Notes:
-
Obituary
- Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio,
Bexar Co., TX
Roy Everett
Whitfield
Charlie Leon "Slim" Dorton
Sep 23, 1920 - May 29, 2008
Notes:
- New Chatfield Cemetery, Chatfield, Navarro Co., TX
John Afton Mayo
Notes:
James
Adrian Mayo
Notes:
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