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From Claudius Branch Hi, Folks! Just haven’t had time to write to you all, as us Southerners might say. I didn’t get back Saturday P. M. to wave good-bye ‘cause it was just too tough a job. Haven’t had a chance to spend the money you folks gave me as I am in “Boot Camp” and that means quarantine—yes, for 21 days. No movies, sodie pop, stoogies or nothin’. There are about 150,000 sailors in these woods. About three-fourths from Texas, and it does your old soul good to know that the ole’ State is more than doing its part. I got my first promotion this morning—a broom to a swag (mop). It’s a funny thing what a fellow goes through with to be an admiral. The funniest thing happened Wednesday. We were getting our Navy hair cut, and when I sat down for my clipping the barber took one look and said “next.” He did cut off my side burns and trimmed two sprigs on top. My troop train left Houston Sunday at 9:00 a. m., arriving at Norfolk at 4 p. m. Tuesday. That was some trip. We didn’t get a bath until on arrival and behind a coal burning engine, too. It took one whole day for clothes issue, physical exams and it was stiff. Nope, they didn’t give me a mental. My company moved over to Camp Bradford Wednesday night, and I had to stand “fire watch” guard duty. Bradford isn’t completed yet, and all of the modern facilities the court house offers isn’t up here. It has rained from the time I got here until a few minutes ago. I have had all of my laundry out since yesterday and only four suits of whites, three suits of blues, 2 pairs of coveralls left. This Navy gave us enough clothes to last us for a year without washing. I do my own laundry, scrub out the wash room and make my own bunk, beside the drilling exercise and staying out of the mud. We start our vaccinations Monday. The old timers say they’re plenty tough. I might pass out when the medicos shoot—so don’t be surprised if I send either arm home for a souvenir. An official bulletin was issued this morning that the 24th Battalion was to construct and hold what they built. Guess these .30 and .50 calibre machine gun training is proof enough. I have tried to persuade the C. O. that I am not a fighting man and had much rather be a Country Treasurer than an Admiral. They’re plenty tough on them—physically not mentally. The C. O. explains that if any of us were sane, we’d be home. As of today, the Navy hasn’t given me a personal stenographer. The Recruiting Officer promised me quite a lot, but I’m afraid they misrepresented this whole set-up. I will write individually as soon as I get time. All of you please write as it is as lonesome as the devil up here. I wouldn’t trade one foot of Jackson County for the whole State of Virginia, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. That’s what I think of you swell folks. I miss all of you and would trade my chances of being an Admiral just to walk into the court house once again. Good-bye and thanks to all of you for the cash. Claudius * * * * Pat Wells, son of Dr. and Mrs. R. W. Wells of this city, who has been attending the University of Wisconsin to become a radio technician on one of Uncle Sam’s bombers, phoned home Tuesday night that he had passed his course and which entitled him to a petty officer’s stripe and he would now get his final training either at Corpus Christi or Pensacola, Fla. * * * * Just before going to press the Herald received the following interesting item from the Navy Aviation Cadet Selection Board, Dallas: Charles Albert Chase, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Chase of Edna has been selected for training as a Naval Aviation cadet and will be ordered to active duty shortly. When ordered to active duty, he will report to the U. S. Navy Pre-Flight School, University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., for three months of physical conditioning, instruction in naval essentials, military drill and ground school subjects. * * * * Supt. Hollenshead in Navy M. R. Hollenshead, superintendent of the Ganado schools for the past eight years, has enlisted in the U. S. Navy and has received his commission, but has not yet been called into active service. “Holly” as he is known to a host of friends here, came to Ganado as superintendent eight years ago from Sugarland, and recently was elected by the board of education for another term. The board was given him a leave for the duration. So far his successor has not been elected. * * * * L. O. (Boon) LaBauve, county surveyor, who enlisted in the Naval Reserves several months ago, got his call for active service the first of the week, and pulled out for unknowns parts Wednesday. Boon is the second country official to enter the service. His cousin, Claudius Branch, entered active duty, a few weeks since in the same arm of the service. * * * * From Burke Hill Burke Hill, son of Mrs. D. W. Hill of the north Edna section, has written the following interesting letter to his mother and other members of the family: “Somewhere in Montana” Dear Mama and Nelle and All: This is to be, I suppose, a sort of travelogue, so I will write it to you all to avoid repetition. We left Great Lakes Wednesday night and were in St. Paul, Minn. by the time we woke up. From there north for half a day was the beautiful lake country (Hiawatha’s old stomping grounds, you know, even saw Lake Minnetonka). There are simply hundreds of lakes along the way—all shapes and sizes. Some dark and emerald under the trees and others a bright turquoise set in golden patches of barley. North Dakota was fairly dull—prairies, wheat, etc. and, I suppose the eastern part of Montana was the same. We came through at night. Then for a while it was an ocean of wheat and then something a lot like West Texas—Indian reservations. They have beautiful horses and fairly nice cattle. We’re climbing the Rockies now and the right-of-way is just covered with flowers—some I’ve never seen before. There’s quite a lot of snow on the slopes. Wish we could get out. Stopped at Glacier National Park for a while to look at the Indians (and let the Indians look at us). August 1st The trip all the way thru Washington was swell—all sorts of evergreens and mountain streams. Seattle is on a bunch of hills—lots of flowers and lakes (we’re on one). It is pretty cool—cool enough to wear our winter clothes. Our place is nice—just the fifty of us. I won’t be able to tell you anything about our business as it’s ultra secret. Anyway, I don’t know anything myself yet. Will start classes Monday. Here is the address: E. B. Hill, A S., Advanced Training Training School, Lake Union, Seattle, Wash. * * * * Joe Schuetz, who has been in the U. S. Navy for several months, and who is stationed at San Diego, California, has written his parents as follows: Joe was a member of the graduating class of the Edna High school the last term, and his friends will find his letter interesting: Dear Mother, Pop, Jerry and Sis: As I set here, having just returned from church, I look back and recall the last two days with a sign of pleasure and contentment. Friday night I went to bed as usual, but in higher spirit than at any time during the past three weeks. Why shouldn’t I have been? I’d been paid and Saturday promised to be a day to remember—my first liberty. We planned to get a steak that was a steak and all the trimmings. When I say I went to bed as usual, I don’t mean the way it was at home. Just go to bed and get quiet. It’s a different story out here. I usually make up my bunk about eight, if I don’t go to a show or “Happy Hour,” and if I don’t have to make it up at least three more times or get thrown out of bed at least once before taps, something is wrong. The first thing we did was go to the Brass Rail and order a steak—the best they had. There were four of us and it cost us eight bucks and a quarter, so you can imagine how we ate. We then rented a camera, bought some films and went out to Balboa Park and took some pictures. We’ll take them to the Photo Shop at Ships Service Monday. I don’t know when we’ll get them. But I will send them as soon we get them. After that we went to Mission Beach. There was a carnival there with just about everything. I spent most of my money on the roller coaster, and I had a swell time. We picked up another boy, making a total of five. They wanted to go canoe riding so they rented a couple of canoes and shoved off. Not caring so much about canoes, I stayed ashore and read a magazine I’d picked up earlier in the day. After we tired of Mission Beach we came back to town and took in a movie. It seems the only thing they have out here is double features. We decided we were hungry again so we went to the Saddlerack Grille and had supper. It was more of a midnight snack because it was about 2:30. When we left there we started back. I’m sending a couple of bus tokens in this letter and I hope you get them. They’re two for 15, and every time you go anywhere on the bus or street car it takes one of them. Sis, you and Jerry can each have one and the first time you’re in San Diego you can take a bus ride. I got some cookies from Faunte Saturday just before I left on Liberty, so I had to wait until I got back to eat them. You know how I used to eat something every night before I went to bed? Well last night was the first time since I got your cookies that I have been able to eat before I went to bed, and it sure was a grand feeling. What gripes me is that everything is in odd cents. It’s 41c, 37c, or 22c. And the pennies sure do collect. * * * * Harley Stell dropped in at this office one day last week to order us to send the Herald to their son, Howard, who recently enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Howard’s address is Co. 119 U. S. Naval Training Station, San Diego. * * * * We have been ordered to change the address of Vernon Leissner’s Herald to the Armed Guard Center, New Orleans, La. Vernon has been in service for several months. * * * * From Roy Gerald Wilkerson Dear Ruby and Jean: Received your letter and appreciate it very much. As for fussing, you should hear some of these officers: not at me so far, but some of the other boys really catch it. Surely wish I had your radio now. All the music I hear is band music and as I have to march to that, I don’t enjoy it very much. Tell Mrs. Lon that I always try to be a good boy and that I would do anything for Uncle Sam. As far as scenery is concerned. I have not seen anything but water and dry land. I would not give Edna for the whole state of California. I surely thank you for writing to me and hope you write lots more letters. A letter out here from a friend is worth more than gold. Sincerely, Boddie Roy Gerald’s address is Co. 42-406 U. S. N. T. S., San Diego, Calif. * * * * From Walter Findley San Diego, Calif., Aug. 13, 1942 Mr. and Mrs. Fred Porche, Edna, Texas Received your letter and was very glad to hear from you. I have already met Joe Schuetz (from across the street in Edna), and Boddie Wilkerson of Edna is out here. I’m not sure, but I thought I recognized Gordon Allen Baker and Pee Wee Jetton out here. It surely looked like them anyway. I like California fine. I like the ocean (Pacific) with its cool breeze, and the mountains. The lights of San Diego, about two or three miles across the bay. There is such pretty scenery here one can’t help but liking it. It’s fairly cool and at night when I’m on Barrack guard, I even wear an overcoat. It really seems like fall in Texas out here all the time. I see big ships, submarines, tug boats, seaplanes and everything here all the time. Today I even saw some tanks. They were land and sea tanks. They had big guns mounted on them. They would go blaring out across the beach, into the water and stay afloat and go all the way across the bay, hit the other side and keep going. Boy! Uncle Sam sure has good fighting equipment. We do not use guns here at the Naval Station except the gate guards. We have one twenty-four day and night, instead of 2 twelve hour periods. We start at 12 midnight with 0000 (four zeros), one a. m. is 0100 on up to noon which is 1200 (twelve hundred), then 1 p. m. is 1300, and 2 p. m. is 1400 and on until mid-night which is 2400 or 0000 again. It’s 10 minutes until 7 in the evening now, so it’s 1850 our time. Our floor is the deck; our wall is the bulkhead; ceiling is the overhead, and so on and it is hard to get use to it. But it is good. The navy is a clean place. We get up at 5:30 a. m. (your time) or 01530 our time. We go to bed at 2130 (9:30) at night. We’re off at 4 p. m. and we have free shows, everything one can do in the line of recreation. You get our first liberty this coming Monday from 1 p. m. to 1 a. m. As yet we haven’t been allowed to go to town. The worst of my training is over. I’ve had 4 shots in my right arm, 4 shots in my left and a vaccination on my left and have had three jaw teeth pulled. I must say this man’s navy is o. k. * * * * Pee Wee Jetton, who is in Uncle Sam’s navy stationed in San Diego, is here visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lathy Jetton, having been given a 9-day furlough. Earl Goppert informed us Thursday of last week that his brother, Roy, had written from San Diego, Calif., that he had joined Uncle Sam’s navy and was now in training. For the past several years Roy has been a traveling salesman, however, he always managed to make the old home town occasionally. * * * * Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Green of the Crescent V. Ranch, in the extreme lower end of the county, were Edna visitors Friday. They called around at this office while in town to show us a letter they had received from their son, Eugene, Jr., who has been in Uncle Sam’s armed forces for the past several months. The young man is “somewhere’ in India, and he reports he likes the country all right. He said he was seeing many new, strange and interesting sights, among the camels being used in the place of horses and mules. He, like all of the other soldier boys, eagerly listens for the mail call and the more letters he gets, the better he likes it. * * * * Mrs. Frank Young of Ganado received word last week that her son, Pvt. Odee Johnson, who is stationed at Camp Cook, California, was very ill. A later word from his bedside, however, stated that his condition was improved and that he was expected to recover. The young man became overheated while in maneuvers in the desert. His present address is Pvt. Eddie Odee Johnson, Co. C 65th A. F. A. Bn., Torney Gen. Hospital, Palm Springs, Calif.
Edna Weekly Herald, August 27, 1942 |
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Edna Boys Receive “Wings” Lieuts. Shoemate and Paxton
As noted in these columns last week, two Edna boys were awarded “wings” Sunday, Pat Moore Field, Mission, Texas and Jack Paxton at Ellington Field, Houston. These boys are now lieutenants in the air corps and are full fledged flyers, ready for active combat service. * * * * From the Office of Public Relations, Camp Hulen, the Herald has received the following news item: Sgt. Edwin H. Duenow, Camp Headquarters, has been ordered to Fort Washington, Maryland, where he will take a three months course leading to a commission as Second Lieutenant in the Adjutant General’s Department. Sgt. Duenow is the son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Stierling. Duenow will receive his commission around the middle of December and at that time will be assigned to some other military post. He has been stationed at Camp Hulen for over a year, working in the Camp Intelligence Office. * * * * Our young friend Bob Williams writes us from Fort Meyers, Fla., as follows: Dear Cap: I am here at Ft. Meyers, Fla., instead of Panama City, and would like for my paper to be sent here. I’ve certainly enjoyed reading the ‘old’ home town paper and especially your column of “Our Boys in Service.” Jimmie is now at Dalhart, Texas, and Ed is still at Chanute Field, Ill., which makes us three brothers quite a distance apart. Bob’s new address is Pfc. Robert W. Williams—A. A. F. G. S., 717th School Sqdn., Fort Meyers, Fla. * * * * Walter Findley, who has been in training at the U. S. Naval Training Station at San Diego, Calif., has written the editor the following interesting letter: Dear Mr. Staples: I am somewhere in Arizona enroute back to Texas. I was one of four of our company who made the Radio School at Texas A. & M. College. Three of us are Texans: the fourth is from Minnesota. I have graduated from the U. S. Naval Training Station “Boot Camp,” and am now selected to go to school. It will surely be good to get to go home every once in a while. It sure is good to be headed back to Texas after six weeks in California. It didn’t sprinkle a drop while we were there. College Station, Texas, 9|5|42 LATER: In writing to the Herald to give us his new address, Walter adds: We count ourselves very lucky to be here. We have every week end off here. Our living quarters are perfect compared to the mass living conditions at the training station. Here we stay three in a room, whereas at the training station _____ slept in each barracks. Some camps were more convenient than others. Our last one being the most congested. We all look back and sort of pity ourselves, but really we enjoyed going through all the hard knocks. That is, other than the 8 shots and vaccinations that we got. One of the double shots got me the second week I was in “Boot Camp.” I went out three times that night. We were really sick. All this is over now and we’re beginning to really enjoy this navy life. I ran into Jean Goppert and Tommy Bolling yesterday. We were all glad to see each other. Remember the Class of ’39: I seemed quite a bit of place in my white uniform on while in the midst of khaki uniforms. My address is Walter A. Findley, A. S., Co. 10, Barracks S, Room 221, Naval Radio School, College Station, Texas. * * * * Wharton (Bub) Barnes, who is stationed in Selma. Alas being a member of the ground crew of the air corps, came in last week to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Barnes. As noted in these columns some time ago, Mrs. Barnes was awarded the FIVE STAR EMBLEM, showing that she had five sons in Uncle Sam’s service. Another star will soon have to be added as John Lee Barnes expects to enter the service this month. This is perhaps a record for Jackson County, and one that will rank high in the whole state. Where the majority of parents have one son to worry about, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes will have six. The names of the boys are: Elvin, Wharton (Bub), James Edwin, Tommy, Guy and John Lee. * * * * Harrison Brooks, colored, who has been with the West Ranch at Vanderbilt for many years, was in town Tuesday. Harrison, like many other American fathers, is proud that he has sons in Uncle Sam’s Service. He told the writer that he had three sons in service and that he was proud of them. Some day he wanted the Herald to print their picture. We believe Harrison has a right to be proud of his boys. * * * * Pay of Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers
* * * * Mr. and Mrs. Hobart, Dunham have received the following letter from their son, Ardrey, who recently entered Uncle Sam’s armed forces, and who was recently transferred from Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to Kessler Field, Biloxi, Miss.: Saturday, Sept. 5, 1942 Dear Folks: We finally arrived after riding so long. We left San Antonio Thursday evening at 4:00 o’clock and we got to New Orleans at 9:00 Friday morning. We had to lay over there till 3:00 Friday evening, then we got here at 7:00 last night. We had a pretty good trip, Kessler Field is just 1 ½ miles from Biloxi, Miss. It is just about 650 miles from here to San Antonio. I believe I am going to like it a lot better here than I did in San Antonio. We have been off all morning and will be off all evening and all day tomorrow. Kessler Field is quite a big place. There isn’t but just about fifty thousand men here now and some more are expected to be in here tonight or tomorrow morning. We are right out in the middle of the piney woods, there are tall pine trees all around our barracks. They told us that we would get our basic training here which will last for four weeks then we will be transferred to another field. I believe we have our choice as to what school we will go to when we finish up here. We have about four or five written exams to pass before we will be able to get what we want to get into. Have about 35 or 40 Mexicans in our bunch and the corporal here said that they were the first that he had ever seen and he surely does have a hard time pronouncing their names. My address is: Private Hobart A. Dunham, Flight B, 298th S. S. Kessler Field, Mississippi.
Edna Weekly Herald,
September 10, 1942 |
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Houston, Oct. 17 (Spl.)—First Lt. Duval A. Davidson Jr., bombardier of the Little Beaver, a Liberator in the 5th Air Force in the Southwest Pacific, has made good his intent to avenge the death of his brother, Capt. Bill Davidson, Flying Fortress pilot, who was lost with his crew more than a year ago during a raid over Romilly-sur-Seine, France. Member of the 90th Bombardment Group, whose airmen call themselves the “Jolly Rogers” and mark their planes with skull and cross bones, Davidson has completed more than 60 missions and won the Air Medal with at least two clusters. In 22 months of combat his group has sunk more shipping, shot down more planes and flown more successful combat missions than any other group in the theater, according to its commanding officer. Davidson’s co-pilot also is a Texan. He is 1st Lt. Herbert C. Corley of Terrell. They were with the first land-based planes to attack the island of Yap last June.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
October 18, 1944 |
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Lt. Col. Wilmuth Gray Home Dr. Wilmuth Gray, who has served his country 44 months overseas, in the South Pacific area, is at home visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Gray. When he volunteered for service he was commissioned a second lieutenant, and he came out a lieutenant colonel. All of his promotions being earned you might say on the battle fields of islands that were taken from the Japs. Dr. Gray was in the medical corps and did a great deal of plastic surgery pertaining to dental work, after having taken special courses in this highly specialized work. We are all proud of the great war record made by this old Jackson County boy, and it does our hearts good to see these fine boys returning home to again take up their places in civilian life. Below is a citation that Lt. Col Gray received when he was given the Bronze Star Medal. Lt. Colonel Gray arrived at Taclaban, Leyte, on 1 November 1944. He immediately established a Base Dental Laboratory and assumed the responsibility of locating and establishing dispensaries and clinics to give adequate dental care to the large number of troops on the Island at that time. As Base K Dental Consultant, working long hours often during air raids with utter disregard to his own safety and comfort, Colonel Gray established and supervised the operation of a superior Dental Service. He maintained at all times close liaison with medical units under this command, working under extreme handicaps, including shortage of personnel and supplies and frequent changes in personnel. He demonstrated a keen interest, high grade performance of duty and outstanding ability in coordinating the dental activities in the base, by careful assignment of dental personnel in accordance with the requirements of widely distributed troops. His attention to duty was constant and his performance outstanding. Throughout this period of time there was complete and harmonious cooperation in the functioning of the Medical and Dental Services in the base. As a result of this superior Dental Service, the tactical forces were materially benefitted, and Lt. Colonel Gray contributed greatly to the success of military operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands. By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, a Bronze Star Medal is awarded by the Commanding General, United States Army Forces, Western Pacific, to the following named officer: Lt. Colonel (then Major) Eugene W. Gray, Jr., (0-408568), Dental Corps, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in Leyte Province, Philippines from 11 November 1944 to 2 September 1945, in connection with military operations against the enemy.
Home address: Edna, Texas. * * * * Burns General Hospital, Santa Fe, New Mexico Monday, Dec. 24, 1945 To the Edna Herald: My Old Friends and Pals: This leaves me feeling well, and improving. Now, that Christmas will be gone before this is put in print, I want to thank all of my friends who thought of me on that wonderful day, and may I wish each and everyone of them health, happiness and prosperity for the New Year. Your friend, Cpl. H. D. Haynes * * * * Mrs. J. J. Sappington of Lolita has directed us to change the address of the Herald going to her son, Staff Sergeant James E. Sappington, who has been overseas for a long time, but who has been returned to the States. He expects to be at home soon. That will be good news to his host of Jackson County relatives and friends. * * * * Pete Roderiquez, who has served his country as a staff sergeant in the Army for the past 18 months, was discharged on the 27th of Dec. Pete was in the Battle of Okinawa and after the Japs surrendered was stationed in Korea. He was overseas 11 months. He reported that he saw Tommy Singleton while in Korea and also saw him in Seattle, Washington, on his way home. * * * * Johnnie D. Sherwood, B. M. 1|C, arrived home on December 15 with an honorable discharge after having spent three and a half years in service overseas. He was with the Navy all the way from start to finish. He is glad to be back in good old Jackson County with his family and friends. * * * * Mrs. S. B. Sherwood also received a letter from her son, Junior, who is in the Navy, saying he was back in the States after a third trip across the seas. Though the Navy comes first with him, Junior said he would be happy to be back home. He said his outfit had been busy moving the troops back home. * * * * Okinawa—Technician Fifth Grade Newton E. Turner, 20, son of Mrs. Emma Turner of Edna, has re-enlisted in the regular Army and is expected to leave here soon to spend his enlistment furlough in the States. Corporal Turner was among the first 8,000 men on this historic island to enlist under the Army’s new program which provides furloughs, financial benefits, and other inducements for those who are joining America’s new peacetime Army. A machinist in civilian life, he entered service in December, 1943, and has served overseas since August, 1944. * * * * Walter Ray Cook, member of the U. S. Navy, is here visiting relatives and friends. He has been aboard a carrier, but is now “detached,” and for that reason was able to spend part of the holidays with homefolks. * * * * Andre Magninat, who is a member of Uncle Sam’s Navy, came in last week end to visit his father Andre Magninat. “Son” has been around quite a bit since he last visited the old home town. * * * * Emmett Jackson, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Jackson, who has been faithfully and efficiently serving his Uncle Sam in the Army for years, arrived home from overseas in time to spend the holidays under the parental roof. Emmett has been lots of hot spots during the late unpleasantness, and it is good to have him for keeps.
Edna Weekly Herald, January 3, 1946 |
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Mr. Eugene Oliver Cherry, Edna, Texas My dear Mr. Cherry: Your son, Travis Joshua Cherry, Gunner’s Mate first class, U. S. Navy, has been carried on the official records of the Navy Department in the status of missing as of 1 March 1942. He was serving aboard the USS Houston when the ship was sunk during an engagement with enemy ships in Soenda Straits while enroute from Batavia Java to Tjilatjap, Java. The Houston engaged the enemy about 11:00 p. m. on 28 February 1942. The night was dark, clear and starlit and the sea was calm. The HMS Perth accompanied the Houston and participated in the engagement but was hit early during the encounter with the enemy and sank almost immediately. During the engagement, hits by the enemy shells on the Houston occurred on the after engine room, breaking the steamline, on the paint locker, setting it afire, on the number two turret, on the number 1.1 gun mount and on the hanger deck. Two enemy torpedoes hit the starboard side approximately abreast the bridge and another hit the port side, the exact location being unknown. The hanger area on the port side was strafed by enemy machine gun fire. The Houston was afloat approximately thirty minutes after the damaging hits were received and therefore, the possibility of all personnel alive being able to abandon ship before sinking, was very good. A large number of enemy combatant ships and army transports were present in the enemy area. Personnel who had abandoned the ship were in life rafts, hanging on to floating wreckage and swimming towards shore. Some of the personnel who were seen by survivors in good physical condition in the water in the vicinity where the ship sank, have not been seen or heard from since. It has been reported that the natives of Java were very hostile in some localities. In view of the additional length of time that has now elapsed since your son was reported missing in action, and because of the strong probability that he lost his life as a result of the shell or torpedo explosions or in the water after abandoning ship, and because there have been no official nor unconfirmed reports that your son survived or was taken prisoner of war, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that he is deceased. In compliance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, the death of your son is, for the purpose of termination of pay and allowances, settlement of accounts, and payment of death gratuities, presumed to have occurred on 15 December 1945. I extend my deepest sympathy to you in your sorrow. It is hoped that you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. Sincerely yours, James Forrestal ------------- When the first USS Houston went down in the Soenda Straits in February , 1942, we mourned the loss of two fine Jackson County Boys, Travis Cherry and Elmo Kennedy. Later we were happy to learn that Elmo had been picked up by the Japs and was a prisoner, and later was released in a safe and sound condition. But no word was ever heard from Travis. Elmo said that after they had abandoned the Houston he swam to a life boat filled with sailors, and that Travis was among them. He talked to Travis for a few minutes and left for another life boat which was not too badly crowded. That was the last ever heard of this Jackson County youth. The letter below to his father shows that the Navy considered him dead. Travis was the first Jackson County boy to give his life for his country in World War II. * * * * Yokohama, Japan, 12|24|45
Mr. Staples Dear Sir: I am sending you a short sketch of my travels up to the present time. On October 22, 1944, eight of us boys left the States for some destination, but we didn’t know where. All we knew was that we were coming overseas as combat M. P. replacements. We landed at Orle Bay, New Guinea where he stayed for awhile in a replacement depot. We then moved to Hollandia, New Guinea, where we joined the 8th Army Headquarters. Our duty was to guard the headquarters. In December, 1944, we headed for Leyte, Philippines, where he joined the 213 M. P. Co. This company was assigned to guard the 8th Army Headquarters and General Eichelberger. We were also influential in raids on black market products. Our company rates as one of the best M. P. companies in the Pacific. We stayed on Leyte until September, 1945 when we headed for Japan. We arrived in Yokohama September 13th and immediately took up our former task of guarding General Eichelberger. I was placed in charge of the general’s escort. Our duties are to accompany him wherever he wishes to go. I have traveled all over Houshu with him. Japan is a beautiful country. Every spare inch of it is in cultivation. The mountains are cultivated, with oranges and fruit growing on the hillsides. The cities were bombed badly, but there are some beautiful buildings left standing. The buildings are not tall , but cover a large area, the reason for their being built low is because no one is supposed to be high enough to where they must look down upon the Emperor. General Eichelberger travels in a special train which is very pretty. The general is liked very much by all the men. I consider myself very lucky to have been chosen for the job that I have. I have seen Tokyo Rose. She looks like any ordinary Japanese girl. I have never regretted the fact that I asked for a release from my deferment so that I might serve my country to the best of my ability. When I return home it will be a pleasure to give you a final sketch of my travels and work. Yours truly, Sgt. Chas. W. Silliman, 2113 M. P. C. A. P. O. 343 * * * * Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Chase came to the first of the week from California to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Chase. Elmer has recently returned from four years spent in the Pacific with the Marine Corps. He was on about every island where a major battle was fought and has seen just about all the late war had to offer in the way of thrills and dangers. He got his honorable discharge on Christmas Day and was also married on that day. * * * * Ralph Porche, son of Mr. and Mrs. Omar Porche of the Edna section, has returned from Europe where he served his country long and well. Ralph was decorated and cited for his act in cleaning out single-handed a machine gun next that was retarding the progress of his company. It is good to see these youngsters once more back in the old home town. * * * * David Seligman, who has been with the US Navy for some time, is here visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Seligman. * * * * Leon Kilgore, who recently joined the Navy and who has just completed his boot camp experience, is here from San Diego, California, visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Kilgore. * * * * John J. Miller, son of Mrs. Angie Miller of Edna, who has spent many months over in the South Pacific, where he was with the air force, arrived home this week and is or soon will be a civilian. This young man saw some very interesting sights during the war and no doubt had experiences that he would not take a million dollars for, and would not go through them again for that sum. * * * * Sam Dodds, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Dodds of Edna, is another old Edna boy who is now an ex-soldier. After serving a very lengthy hitch over in Europe, Sam reached the shores of the good old USA last week, and is now with his wife in Edna. * * * * Lt. and Mrs. Jean Goppert of Florida were here the past week visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Goppert. Jean was married in England to an English school teacher. She made all the headlines later when she “stored away” on a plane to France when Jean and his crew were in France. When she landed in New York a few weeks ago Jean met her and they again made the headlines in all the papers. Jean is still in the service of his country and lately has been stationed in Florida.
Edna Weekly Herald,
January 10, 1946 |
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Captain Howard Well, Jr. First Lt. Howard Wells, Jr., who served his country for five years in the late war, and who is now at home in Edna on terminal leave, this week received notice that he has been promoted to a captain, and the Herald extends congratulations. Howard enlisted as a buck private and worked his way up the hard way. This promotion means that now both of the Wells boys, Howard and Norton, are captains. * * * * Mr. and Mrs. Sam F. Allen of Lolita were Edna visitors Tuesday, and while in the city made this office a pleasant call. Sam, who is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Allen of the Lolita section, and who has given his Uncle Sam a few years of his time and talents in helping win the war, has just been given his honorable discharge, and has returned home. Sam spent many months overseas and of course “knows what it is all about.” We are glad for these young people, and their families, who, after finishing their mission, are returning home to take up civilian life where they left off. * * * * Pfc. Daniel Bell, one of Jackson County’s colored soldiers, who has been over in the South Pacific where he served in many hot spots, called in at the Herald office Tuesday. Dan proudly wears two campaign stars on his service ribbon, one for the Saipan campaign and another for a little “scrimmage” on another island out in the Pacific. Dan reports he is still in service and is here on a visit to homefolks. * * * * Walter and Pete Braddock, the last of the six brothers serving their country in the late war, are at home having been recently honorably discharged. Six boys in service at the same time is a record the Braddock family may well be proud. * * * * Leo White, son of Mrs. Henry Whalen of Vanderbilt, has returned from the South Pacific area where he was a member of the 1st Marine Corps. Leo was in Edna Sunday visiting Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Laughter. While attending school in Edna he resided at the Laughter home. * * * * Oscar Berryhill, Jr., who recently joined the Navy, and who has completed his boot camp training, was here from San Diego, Calif. last week visiting his parents and other relatives and friends. He returned to San Diego last Thursday. * * * * Roy Clements, son of Mr. and Mrs. I. B. Clements of the LaWard section, who has been serving with Uncle Sam’s Naval forces in the Pacific, has received his honorable discharge and has returned home to take up where he left off as a civilian. He entered service in May, 1944, and received his discharge on January 10, 1946. His friends extend to him a cordial welcome home. * * * * Pete E. Zambrano, 24, Seaman, 1|C, son of Lucis Zambrano. He entered service in June, 1942 and has served 22 months in the Asiatic-Pacific during which time he took part in the invasions of the Aleutians, The Marshalls, the Marianas, and the Philippines. * * * * The U. S. Naval Personnel Separation Center, Camp Wallace, has informed the Herald that the following servicemen from Edna have received honorable discharges: Lolo Velasquez, 22, Radioman, 3|C, son of Rafael Velasquez., who entered the Naval service in October of 1942, and who has served 28 months in the Asiatic-Pacific, during which time he took part in the invasion of Okinawa. * * * * According to a press release from the U. S. Naval Personnel Separation Center at Camp Wallace, Texas: Robby Mercer, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Mercer of Edna, has received his honorable discharge from the Navy. Robbie, whose rank was Electrician’s Mate first class, had served 26 months in the Pacific and European-African theatres. He took part in the Normandy invasion. The Herald is always glad to be able to mention the fact that our young boys, who did such a wonderful job of helping to win the late war, are returning home one by one, and we know it is a happy occasion for them and their families.
Edna Weekly Herald,
January 17, 1946 |
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Capt. E. T. Bratton Coming Home Mrs. E. T. Bratton received a phone call from her husband, Captain Talmage Bratton, who has been in France and Germany since the invasion of those countries by our forces, stating that he had arrived in New York and that within a couple of weeks he expects to be home with an honorable discharge to his credit. This old Jackson County boy saw his share of the late war and saw it from close range, and over a period of several years. Talmage and all the other returning boys will receive a cordial welcome to the old home town. Mrs. Bratton and little son have been living with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Gerjes, during her husband’s absence. * * * * Hugh C. Ricks, S 1|C, USNR, husband of Mrs. Johnnie L. Rick of Ganado, is one of the many high point Army and Navy veterans whom the Navy is returning to the States for discharge aboard the U. S. S. Breton, which left Yokohama, Japan, January 4th. * * * * Another Jackson County boy, S|Sgt. A. C. Green of Vanderbilt, is among the high-point veterans being returning to the States on the U. S. S. Alcon Polaris. The young man is due to be discharged upon his arrival in the States. This will be good news to Sgt. Green’s family as well as his friends. * * * * Tommy Tatum, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Tatum of this city, came in the last week end, and is now a full-fledged civilian, having received his discharge from the Navy at the U. S. Naval Personnel Separation Center at Camp Wallace, Texas. Tommy, shipfitter, 3|C, had been in the Navy a long time and spent 28 months in the Pacific Theatre, when things were really popping out there, and no doubt had some very interesting experiences. Tommy is an only son and his home coming has been a happy occasion in the Tatum household. * * * * A press release to the Herald from the U. S. Naval Personnel Separation Center, Camp Wallace, Texas, states that Howard Stell, 21, Aviation Radioman, first class, has been given an honorable discharge. Howard, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Harley Stell of Edna, served 14 months in the Pacific Theatre in the early days of the war—the days when the war was at its worst—and took part in the New Guinea and Philippines campaigns. He was awarded the Navy Air Medal for completing 32 missions. It makes us happy to see these young men, many of whom enlisted in the service when mere boys, return home to take up civilian life among us after doing well a dangerous and unpleasant job of crushing the Japs and the Germans. * * * * The Naval Personnel Naval Separation Center, Washington, D. C., has sent the Herald a press release, announcing that Irma L. Albers, Yoeman First Class, has received an honorable discharge from the WAVES. She is a daughter of Rev. G. C. Albers, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Koop Settlement, and had been in active duty since July 15, 1943. Her last duties were at the Bureau of Personnel, Navy Dept., Washington, D. C. While we do not enjoy the lady’s acquaintance, we feel sure that her return home will be a happy occasion for her as well as members of her family, and we assure her of a cordial welcome to our community. * * * * Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Slusher of Edna have received the following letter from their nephew, Travis F. Slusher, C 1|C, who is stationed at Camp Elliott, San Diego, Calif. My Dear Uncle and Aunt: Hello my loved ones. I surely was glad to hear from you today, as I am always happy to hear from you. I am also glad that Christmas is gone and the new year is here. I hope it is better with me than the last one was. I will get a discharge in April if there are no more changes made. So all I can do is to pray to the Lord to keep me out here until then. I mean in the States. I tell you I surely would hate to spend another Christmas like the last one. So many of the boys and officers were drunk. I think Christmas is a time to worship and be holy and not to drink and get drunk. I do not like to be around drunk people. If they could see one inch beyond their nose they would change their way. Well I will come down to see you when I get home. Your nephew, Travis * * * * Julius Zella, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Zella, who has spent the last 22 months in Burma as a member of the USA 19065 Engineers Aviation Corps, was a pleasant business caller at the Herald office yesterday. When asked how he liked the Burma section, he replied “I don’t think much of it, and I am happy to be back in Jackson County.” * * * * The U. S. Naval Personnel Separation Center at Camp Wallace, Texas, reports that two men from the Edna section had received their honorable discharges from the Navy recently. They are Leo J. Skrla, 22, Gunner’s Mate, 2|C, who served 29 months in the Asiatic-Pacific during which time he took part in the liberation of the Philippines, and Rudolph Littlejohn, 22, Steward’s Mate, 1|C, who served 11 months in the Asiatic-Pacific during which time he took part in the invasion of Okinawa. * * * * Sam Westmoreland, of the U. S. Navy, is here visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Westmoreland. Sam says he has no idea when he is going to be given his discharge. * * * * James Garner, who has been over in Germany for the past year or so with the U. S. Armed forces, came in the first of the week to take up civilian life where he left off when he entered the service, having been given an honorable discharge. Jimmie was over in Germany when there was really plenty for the American boys to do, and those of us who know Jimmie, know that he did a man’s share on matter what his assignment was. We welcome the young man back to the old home town, and trust that he has traveled his last mile at the government’s expense. * * * * W. F. Minkert, Farm Security Supervisor in Jackson County, who was given a leave of absence while he served his country in the late war, has been given an honorable discharge, and has returned to Edna to resume his duties. O. L. Tullis, who has been Farm Security Supervisor during the absence of Mr. Minkert, has gone to Bay City where he accepts a like position in Matagorda County. Mr. Minkert was in the U. S. Medical Corps, and was in service about two years, and his many friends are glad to know that he has again returned to Edna to take up his former duties. Mr. Tullis made many friends during his stay in Jackson County, all of whom wish him success in his new field of labor. * * * * Max Sprung, who is stationed at the Personnel Separation Center at Camp Wallace, Texas, was here the last week end visiting his family.
Edna Weekly Herald,
January 23, 1946 |
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Tips Westhoff, Jr., who has been serving his Uncle Sam in the Navy for the past 18 months arrived home the last week end a full-fledged civilian, having received his honorable discharge the week before. We are mighty glad to see these boys coming home, and we hope the day is not far distant when all of them can come home to stay. * * * * T-Cpl. Phillip Deckert, who has been stationed in Manila since last May, has been given an honorable discharge and is now at home. Phillip entered the Army on January 16, 1942, and has given his country his best services since that time, and now that the job has been finished he has been discharged. Before entering the Army, Phillip spent two years in the tree army. * * * * To the Edna Herald: One by one, the men are coming home. Woodrow Pope, who for 29 months helped keep Uncle Sam’s planes in tip top shape, arrived home January 26th with the coveted paper, and is a civilian once more. Woodrow will make his home in Houston. That makes four of the five Pope boys who did their bit for Uncle Sam, civilians again. Carey, who is in college in Boulder, Colorado, returned from Europe in July, last year. He was in the thick of things, having 62 missions to his credit and a hatful of medals. Erno, who served in the Navy, is now home with his family at 3135 Crane St., Houston. He doesn’t care for Japan, especially Tokyo. Hoyt is home with his family in St. Paul, Minn., discharged January 8th after serving since July 1941. Kermit is stationed in Greensboro, N. C. He has been kept busy helping the sick and wounded for the past three years, and says he is hoping to be home in the near future. The Pope boys, all of whom are former residents of Jackson County, have many friends among our people who will read the above with interest, and all will be glad to know that most of them have been released from the service. * * * * The following letter was received by Mrs. W. L. Baker of Ganado from her son, Eugene, who has been a member of the Merchant Marines for the last two years, most of that time being spent in the Atlantic. February 15, 1945 My Dearest Mother: Tonight as I sit writing this letter, I am thinking of you back home because it is your birthday. There are not many men like me, whose mother’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day and not many have a mother like you. I didn’t know all the things I do now until I left home. There are many things I think of out here that I wish I had done for you when I was at home, but I just didn’t think at that time what a mother was like. I could have done more for you if only I would have. But boys at home do not realize these things until there is no mother and then they begin to realize what they wish they had done, instead of going some place else. If I only had the chance some boys have, like staying at home, I would do better, because I am beginning to know how things are. If only my sisters could be in my shoes for one single day, I do not think that you would have to cook another meal, wash another dish or clean house. All you would have to do would be to rest, eat, sleep and take life easy. Some day I hope to repay you and dad for what you can have done for me, but I know I can never repay you for everything, even if I lived a thousand years. All I can do is to thank you that I have mother and dad like you. I am thankful that I can be with you and dad as much as I am and for a home like I have. Mother, I hope you have many more happy birthdays and May God bless and keep you safe for me. You loving son, Eugene The young man’s address at this time is: Eugene L. Baker, S. S. Zubal A. Early, c/o Likes Brothers, S. S. Co. New Orleans, La. * * * * Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Dodds are here visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Dodds. J. B. came in from Kansas City, Kans., where he had been stationed for some time. He saw foreign service in the South Pacific, and at one time was on Okinawa. Altogether J. B. has given three and a half years service to his country, and naturally was very happy to become a plain civilian again. * * * * Seaman Second Class Oscar Berryhill, Jr., has returned to his base in San Pedro, California., after spending two weeks with relatives in Edna. He has just completed his “boot training” and is now ready to ship out. * * * * The AAFPDC Public Relations Office, San Antonio, has sent the Herald the following interesting item about an old Edna boy: Announcement has been made of the promotion of Second Lieutenant Jack E. Asbeck to the rank of First Lieutenant at the San Antonio District AAF Personnel Distribution Command. Lt. Asbeck is check pilot at the PDC field operation. He is a foster son of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Aseck of Edna, Texas. Jack’s many old Edna friends extend congratulations upon his promotion. * * * * This week the writer ran across two old Edna boys who have recently exchanged the khaki for civvies—Jack Crow and James Garner. Both have been over yonder doing a great job for the U. S. A. and we are happy to see them set foot in the old home town. Mrs. Crow and little daughter have been living here with her mother, Mrs. N. H. Strane, and Mrs. Garner and little son have also been residing in Edna during her husband’s absence. It is a happy occasion when the strife of war is ended and families are again united.
Edna Weekly Herald, January 31, 1946 |
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Dan Waters Given Discharge From the Public Relations Office, U. S. Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland, the Herald has received the following interesting item: “Member of an under water demolition team which on June 14, 1944, made pre-invasion assaults on enemy held islands in the Marianas, James Daniel Waters, Boatswain’s mate first class, earned the bronze star medal. But this week he received his final World War II award—an Honorable Discharge Certificate presented at the Bainbridge Separation Center. The returned veteran rejoined his wife, Mrs. Kathleen Nivens Waters, at their home in Edna, Texas. He has been in the Navy for 46 months of which 38 were spent overseas. “Vice Admiral H. K. Turner, Commander of Amphibious Forces of the US Pacific Fleet, made the presentation of the medal. He explained in the citation that the assault unit to which Waters was attached cleared channels leading to the beachhead in the face of heavy enemy rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire. Waters later made two trips to the beachhead to rescue two wounded men who were injured as the result of Japanese fire. After each operation by the demolition force, men of the unit worked during the invasion to guide the landing craft through the channels to the beach. He also participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns doing the same kind of work. “He holds the American and Asiatic-Pacific Theatre ribbons—the later with seven battle stars. As the veteran left the Separation Center he commented on his Naval career, ‘I wouldn’t give two cents to go through with it again, but wouldn’t take a million dollars for the experience.’” Capt. and Mrs. Tony Staples came in the first of the week from Manchester, N. H., where they have resided the past several months, where he was in the Maintenance Branch of the Air Transport Command, to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Staples. Tony was separated from the service the last of January after having served almost three and a half years, one year of which was spent in Newfoundland. During his entire period of service he was stationed in the frigid zone, and he found the winters very, very cold. After resting up for a few weeks he expects to resume his work as an engineer with the Texas Company. * * * * J. E. Chapman, Jr., who has been in the U. S. Army for the past 18 months is now on his way home, or about to board a ship. Chapman was with General Patton’s Army, and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal and three battle stars while the war was on. He is another Jackson County boy who saw lots of hard service and who was really in the thick of the fighting. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Chapman of LaWard. * * * * Steve Kucera of the McCrory School section, who was mingling with friends and looking after business matters in the county capital Saturday, called in at this office to direct us to stop the paper going to his son, Alvin, in Germany, as the young man arrived home last week. Mr. Kucera had four sons in the service at one time. To say that Mr. Kucera is happy to have his boys home again is putting it mildly. * * * * Aboard the USS Kaskasia.—Jacob Gideon Rose, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Rose of the Edna section, who is rated as seaman, second class, served on this oiler during part of her war cruise in the Pacific. The vessel, is now stationed at Hong Kong as a station tanker, served with the 3rd Fleet during operations off Japan immediately prior to the cessation of hostilities. * * * * Robert Hack, who has been in the service for the past few years, called at our office Saturday to order us to change the address of his Herald from Fort Sam Houston to Bloomington. He received his discharge last week. He informed us that he expected to open an automotive supply house in Port Lavaca in the next few weeks. * * * * Pearl Harbor, T. H.—Ray Clements of Ganado, Texas is one of the 2,000 high-point Army Veterans who are being returned to the States for discharge aboard the S. S. Devil. They were expected to arrive at Seattle, Wash., about January 23rd. The USS Sea Devil is one of the hundreds of Navy and Maritime Commission ships which accomplished the huge task of supplying the Fleet, ground forces and land-based air power during the Pacific war. * * * * Neely Terry is another Edna man who has been recently discharged from the service and has taken up civilian life again. Neely entered the Infantry branch of the service about two years ago, and was later transferred to the Air Corps. He saw service all over the Pacific area, and at one was in Tokyo. * * * * Keith Cochran, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Cochran of Edna, has recently returned from Japan after having been in the service of his country for several years. He has employment with the C. A. A. after a vacation spent with homefolks. The Cochran home is also enjoying a visit from Lt. Audrey Cochran, who has just arrived from Calcutta, India, where she has been for some time.
Edna Weekly Herald, February 7, 1946 |
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