Letters Home P-Z

Letters Home P-Z

Newspaper Clippings and Letters Home

From World War II

P-Z

Service Salutes

In every town, on every street,
There’s something missing—
The tread of feet, of all the boys we used to know,
And days are weary and nights are long,
We miss them so.


RE: Willie Pedersen

July 23, 1942

Terril Boys with Flying Colors

CPL Willie Pedersen

Cpl. Willie Pedersen, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pedersen was born in Emmett County, March 24, 1915 and received his education in the Estherville schools.  He moved to the Terril community with his parents in 1936 and has lived around here since. He has four sisters, Mrs. Bertha Jackson of Terril, Mrs. Edith Netch of Superior, Mabel and Ardis and one brother, Vernon, at home.

Bill has farmed with his parents all his life until 3 years ago when he did R.E.A. wiring. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps Dec. 9, 1941. He was inducted at Des Moines and from there sent to Kesseler Field, Miss., then on to Hamilton Field, Calif., and from there to Wilmington N. Carolina, then to Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina and then to Memorial Field, Spartanburg, S. Carolina where he is now stationed. He is a radio operator in the 77th Fighter Sqdn. 20th Group.

He enjoyed a 10 day furlough the latter part of June with his family and friends here.

February 25, 194

Home From Florida

Sgt. Willie Pedersen came Saturday evening from Sarasota, Florida for a 15 day leave which he will spend visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pedersen’s went to Algona Saturday night to get him.

April 8, 1943

Willie Pedersen Now Taking Radio Course

Scott Field., Ill., – March 27, Sgt. Willie Pedersen, son of Sam Pedersen, Terril, Iowa, has arrived at this Army Air Forces Technical Training Command post where he will receive an intensive course in radio operating and mechanics to fit him for duty as a member of a fighting bomber crew.

During his training period here, Sgt. Pedersen will be tested by experts as to aptitudes for special types of work, and when his course is finished he will be sent to more advanced training centers which are part of the vast network of Technical Training Command schools. Upon graduation he will be well qualified for duty as an expert radio operator of technician wherever his services are required by the Army Air Forces.

Scott Field is located six miles from Belleville, Ill., in the “Looking Glass country,” immortalized by Charles Dickens. Formerly a training ground for aviators in World War I, it is now devoted exclusively to the production of radio operators and mechanics.

August 21, 1943

(received) August 26, 1943
Willie Pedersen Writes From Scott Field, Ill.

Dear Grows,

I read in you last Record the good news of hearing from Pat. That’s really swell. I wish he could have written more, but it’s enough to prove that you’re right in your belief that Pat is alive, and not too sick. I hope its not too long before he can write again.

I’m sending this clipping that I’ve cut out of the St. Louis paper which explains those Japanese characters on the front of the card, in case you didn’t have any way of finding out their meaning.

I haven’t been much of a hand at writing you folks letter, but its not because I don’t appreciate the home town paper. It’s the best way of keeping track of what happens at home, and above all, what and where the other fellows in the service are and how they’re doing. For my part, you can’t overdo that. The new addition, “Service Salutes” are very interesting to me, keep up the good work.

About the only news I have about myself is that I’ll soon be finished with my schooling here at Scott and will be on my way back to the old outfit in Florida.

In closing I want to thank you again for sending the Record. It’s very thoughtful of you folks. I’m as ever

One of the boys,
Bill

July 27, 1944

Willie Pedersen – Iva Angaloff Married

A colorful midsummer wedding was that which took place Sunday afternoon, July 16 at 4 o’clock in the First Methodist church when the Rev. Dr. Allen W. Moore united in marriage Miss. Iva Vermelle Angaloff, daughter of Mrs. Mrs. Florence Angaloff, 3510 Tangerine Avenue and Staff Sergeant Willie Pedersen, Pinellas air base, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pedersen, Terril, Iowa.

The bridal party entered to the strains of the wedding march from Lohengrin and approached the white kneeling bench which was flanked by tall baskets of flowers and tall candelabra bearing white lighted candles. Before and during the ceremony, Mrs. Emma Corey, organist, and Miss. Gloria Bearse, gave a short recital of appropriate songs, including “I Love You Truly,” “At Dawning” and “Because.”

Mrs. L.J. Moore, New York city, sister of the bridegroom, was matron of honor. The bridesmaids were the Misses Adriene Wheeler, Joyce Whitworth, and Margaret Weiskopf. Flower girls were Charlotte Clark and Beverly Hensen.

The Bridegroom was attended by S.Sgt. Wayne Cragun as best man. The ushers were T/Sgt. Ralph Eichelberger, Sgt. John Smith and Sgt. Max Louthan, all of Pinellas air base.

The bride, who was given in marriage by her mother, wore a two piece street length dress of blue silk crepe, with three-quarter length sleeves and white accessories. Her veil was shoulder length and she carried a white satin prayer book on which was a cluster of gardenias and orchids. She wore a string of pearls, the gift of the bridegroom.

Mrs. Moore wore a street length princess style dress of white pique with white accessories and her corsage was of gardenias and pink roses. The bridesmaids wore similar dresses of princess style, each of a different pastel shade of yellow, pink and green, with white accessories and corsages of gardenias and roses.

The flower girls were dressed in blue flowered taffeta and carried baskets with long ribbon streamers and filled with rose petals. Mrs. Angalogg’s gown was of blue and white silk with white accessories and her corsage was of roses.

Following the ceremony, the wedding party was entertained at dinner at the Detroit hotel. The lace covered dining table was centered with a three tiered wedding cake, topped by a miniature bride and soldier bridegroom and surrounded by yellow blooms, ferns and lighted candles.

Wedding guests from away were Mrs. Moore, New York, and Mrs. Wm. Weiskoph, Tampa, sister of the bride.

A wedding trip to Iowa will follow after a few days spent at the beaches. For her going away costume, the bride chose a suit of aquamarine gabardine with white accessories.

July 28, 1945

Flown over the “Hump” from India, S. Sgt. William Pedersen now is based in China with a troop carrier squadron of the 14th Air Force. His wife the former Miss. Iva Angloff, lives at 3510 Tangerine avenue.

Formerly stationed at Pinellas army air field for 14 months, Sgt. Pedersen was transferred to Greensboro, N.C., before embarking from the states last March. He enlisted in the AAF, Dec. 9, 1941, and attended radio technician school at Scoot Field Illinois. – The above item was clipped from the St. Petersburg, Florida paper.

June 24, 1946

Willie Pedersen is home from the service. He has been discharged and visited his folks a few days. Monday he went to St. Petersburg, Fla., to get his wife.


Re: Adolph Peters

March 8, 1945

Adolph E. Peters.jpgAdolph Peters enlisted in the Navy at Spencer Monday and will go to Des Moines Friday for his physical examination. He will be 18 the 15th of March and wanted to get in before he was drafted. Just another of our lads whom we have seen grow from a toddler to a man big enough to fight for his country.

July 26, 1945

Adolph E. Peters

Adolph E. Peters, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph K. Peters, was born at Terril March 15, 1927. He lived here all his life and graduated from the Terril school at midyear this year. He was inducted into the Navy March 10 and left for his boot training at Great Lakes May 2. He was home on boot leave from June 27 to July 4.

Since going back he has been transferred to Farragut, Idaho. The last word the folks got from him as this was being written was Tuesday and he said he was driving a truck. This is old stuff to Adolph as he had driven for his dad for some time. He has taken his truck drivers examination and passed so is hoping he’ll be there for some time.

There is one younger brother, Clifford.

March 1946

Adolph E. Peters, Cox., wrote his mother that they celebrated his birthday March 15 on Guam with a big birthday cake and 2 gallons of ice-cream with some of his buddies.

1946

Mrs. Ralph Peters tells us that they had a phone call from Adolph at Oakland, California, Tuesday evening. He has been on Guam and left there about a week ago. That means he’ll soon be home.

1946

Adolph Peters left Monday morning for San Francisco where he has to report for his discharge after a ten day leave.


Re: Leon Place

Lt. Leon Place of Milford Killed

Lieut. Leon A. Place son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Place of Milford was killed when the two-engine Douglas bomber was struck by lightning near Mason City at 12:37 Monday.  Lieut. Place recently visited his parents a few weeks ago.  Besides the parents he is survived by four brothers and a sister.  The Henry Peterson family are cousins of Dr. Place.

 

Popular Milford Son Loses Life in Plane Crash
From Spirit Lake Beacon

Lt. Leon Place, son of Dr. and Mrs. Floyd Place of Milford, who was killed Monday noon when the army plane he was riding in was struck by lightning and crashed in flames northeast of Mason City.


Re: Donald Ray Powell

September 1942

Donald Ray PowellDonald Ray Powell is stationed in the army field artillery at Fort Sill, Okla. He entered the service on February 13, 1942

Donald is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell of near Superior. He was born on March 29, 1919.

He attended the schools at Superior and Lake Center.

Donald has 5 sisters, Mrs. Archie Milton of Langdon, Mrs. Metzger of Chicago, Mrs. Blanchfield of Lake City, and Gwenyth of Chicago, and 5 brothers Jess of Chicago, Verle and Guy of Terril, Bob in the army at Fort Sill, Okla., and Otto in the army at San Antonio, Texas.


Re: Otto Powell

October 1942

Terril Boys with Flying Colors

Otto Powell.jpgOtto Powell, third child, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert. Powell is the subject of the picture we are using this week. Otto’s home has always been near Terril and all of the young folks know him. He was 37 years old last March and was inducted into the service in March of this year, and is serving in the signal corps.

There are five sisters, Mrs. Archie Milton of Langdon, Mrs. Lyle Alexander of Terril, Mrs. Metzger of Chicago, Mrs. Blanchfield of Lake City, and Gwenyth of Chicago and five brothers, Jesse of Chicago, Verle and Guy of Terril and Bob and Donald in the armed forces at Fort Sill, Okla.

October 11, 1945

T5 Otto Powell came home the latter part of September and was discharged from service. He served for almost two years overseas.


Re: Robert (Bob) Powell, Jr.

October 29, 1942

Robert (Bob) Powell, Jr.jpgThe picture of the above soldier is of Robert (Bob) Powell Jr. 3rd to the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell Sr.

Bob was 25 years old February 23. He was inducted into the armed forces February 15 and has been stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. since his induction.

Bob has five sisters, Mrs. Archie Milton of Langdon, Mrs. Lyle Alexander of Terril, Mrs. Metzger of Chicago, Mrs. Blanchfield of Lake City and Gwenyth of Chicago and five brothers, Jesse of Chicago, Verle and Guy of Terril, Donald at Fort Sill, Otto at Duncan Field, Texas.

Bob attended school at Lake Center and since finishing school has farmed with his brother and for himself the last couple of years before going into service.

February 1946

Cpl. Robert Powell Jr., was discharged at Camp Grant, Ill., and got home Sunday. He has just returned from overseas.


RE: Robert Powell of Dickens

November 25, 1943

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Pvt. Robert Powell graduated from Dickens high school in 1942 after which he worked for his grandfather, Robert Powell Sr., near Superior.

He was inducted into the army in September 1943 and has been stationed at Pittsburg, California.

He is the son of Jesse Powell of Chicago. His mother lives at Dickens. There is also three sisters and one brother in the family, besides his grandmother, Mrs. Leora Hales of Arnolds Park and the Robt. Powell family north of town.


Re: Dan Quick

LETTER FROM DAN QUICK TO HIS MOTHER

Jan. 6, 1942

Daniel L. Quick.jpgDear Mom:

Well, your soldier son has just made a big advancement.  I was made a corporal yesterday. We are at Fort Dix, New Jersey, temporarily.  We won’t stay here very long, but none know where we are going. No matter where I am I will still have the same address.  You will find it at the end of this letter.

Our company is pretty well broken up now, everything is in a muddle as far as we enlisted men are concerned. We got here on the evening of the 3rd.  We had to walk quite a ways with our barracks bags and all of our equipment and it sure was heavy.

Fort Dix sure is a big place, from where we are we can’t see either edge of it. The trip here was quite uneventful.  We traveled by troop train.  We came through some mountains that sure were pretty. We went around a horseshoe curve when a person could see both ends of the train at once.

I am writing this letter from the service club here, it is quite a nice place.  There are tables for cards and letter writing and radios.  Everything, even a library. Well, I think I will close for this time so write soon and be sure to get the complete address and put all of it on your envelopes or I won’t get them.

Will you send Rosie and Johnny my address as I am using my last stamp for this letter and we haven’t been paid yet.

Corp. Daniel L. Quick, No 37042870 Co. K 133 Inf. A.P.O. 813, % Postmaster, New York City, N.Y.

Love,
Dan

 

DANIEL QUICK WRITES AGAIN

Somewhere at Sea, Feb. 28, 1942

Dear Mom,

You probably won’t get this letter for quite some time, but here goes.  I have to be very careful what I write as you can guess. I was luckier than a lot of the boys, I didn’t get seasick at all, some of us really were so sick that they didn’t eat for a couple of days, but I only missed one meal and that was the first breakfast, I didn’t get up in time.

We had some pretty calm weather the first part of the trip but yesterday and today it has been pretty rough which can account for this bad writing.  Life sure has been easy the past few days.  Nothing to do but sleep and walk around the promenade deck, that’s where I am quartered, but I sure will be glad to set foot on good old mother earth again.

I have a pair of Government Issue field glasses and I spend a lot of time on deck just looking at the other boats in the convoy. We have to have life belts with us at all times even when we eat or sleep, they get to be a bother.

How is every little thing at home?  How many eggs are you getting and all that?  Tell sister Trude that she doesn’t know what she is talking about, Curley Miller is on this ship now. This saltwater isn’t so good to take a bathe in.  It makes you feel like the seven-year itch.

I don’t know how I am going to send money home but I think I can get it arranged to send $20 or $30 every month. Well, I guess that will be all for this time, so will close, my address is the same as before.

Corp. Daniel L. Quick, 37042970 Co. K. 133 Inf., 34th Div. APO 813, %Postmaster, New York City, N.Y.

April 24, 1942

(received) June 4, 1942

Dan Quick Writes From Ireland
Somewhere in Northern Ireland

Dear Mom and Dad;

Well I guess its about time for me to write home for a change. You probably won’t get this for quite some time but there goes. We landed some time ago but I just haven’t had the ambition to write up tell now, but I started several times.
This sure is a beautiful country, the people here are simple country folks with a tremendous disliking for Hitler. About all the men here are in some branch of service or other so there are a lot of girls for the A.E.F.

I had a hard time getting used to the money over here. Instead of dollars and cents they have pennies or pence, shillings and pounds. I had quite a time remembering that 2 pennys or 2 half pennys is equal to 1 penny of course and 12 pence equals one shilling. They have farthings or one-fourth penny about the size of our American penny and the half penny about the size of a 25c piece; the penny is about as big as a half dollar; and 3 pence and 6 pence and shilling and 2 shilling pieces, half crown, or 2 shilling 6 pence and the 10 shilling note and the pound note or 20 shillings.

I have received about 6 letters since I am here and I hope I get more in a few days. The address is the same as it was before be sure to put A.P.O. 813 on it or I won’t get it. Write Johnny and tell him about it as he forgot it once and it came to me way late.

The cigarettes over here are sure inferior to American tobacco and the price they charge is 1 shilling 6 pence or about 30c for 20. The pipe tobacco here is so strong it would take a darn strong man to smoke it. I bought one package of it and smoked 1 pipe full and gave the rest away. We have American ration now though so I am content with my pipe. I am just about out of news now, as nothing out of the way ever happens over here “much”.

Oh yes we had a company dance last night and I had more fun than I have had since I have been in the army. I only danced a few dances but I still had a lot of fun. For once in the Army the girls outnumbered the boys. These Irish girls don’t dance like the American girls but they get around and that’s the main thing I guess.

I have started taking the A.E.F. newspaper the “Stars and Stripes” which doesn’t cost much, only 13 shillings a year. If I go back to the states before a year is up, I won’t kick a bit. This letter will be censored so don’t be suprised if some of it is cut out. I am taking up golf for a change, and I am getting my score down to where it should be.Well I guess that will be all for this time. I will write again in about a week or two.

Love from the A.E.P. son,
Dan

37042970 Co. K. Inf.
A.P.O. 813 % Postmaster
Corp. Daniel Quick
New York City, N.Y

September 24, 1942

Terril Boys with Flying Colors

Corp. Daniel L. Quick

Corp. Daniel L. Quick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Calvin Quick, was born December 31, 1918 at Hartman, Colo. He came with his mother to live at Langdon in 1925 where they lived for 2 years, then moved to Spencer there he attended school.

“Dan” has two sisters Mrs. H.W. Kephart (Rosella) of Vinton, and Miss Trudy of Langdon, and one brother John of San Francisco Calif.

“Dan” enlisted in the army on April 16, 1941 and was inducted at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. He was trained at Camp Claiborne, La. From there he went to Fort Dix, N. Jersey. He left in February 1942 with the 2nd contingent of the 1st AEF, to northern Ireland. When last heard from he was still in Ireland.

****

February 15, 1945

(received) March 1, 1945

Dan Quick Writes From Belgium
Somewhere in Belgium

Mr. and Mrs. Grow,

I have finally decided to write and thank you for the copies of your paper that you have sent. I am always glad to receive any news from home, although it also brings bad news of some of the rest of the boys from around home.

I had a day off today and I met one of my old buddies from the old Inf. Outfit. We spent most of the afternoon talking over old times. He was from Des Moines and had been wounded once. He is in a MP Co. now.

The weather is a lot warmer now than it was a few weeks ago. I think we have seen the last of winter. I sure hope so anyhow. I guess I had better close and get to bed as it is getting late. Thanks again for the paper.

As always,
Dan

June 28, 1945

T-4 Sgt. Daniel Quick arrived home Thursday, June 21, directly from Germany, where his unit, the Adv. Sect. C.Z. was operating on V-E day.

He enlisted from Dickinson county April 16, 1941 and trained at Camp Claibourne, La. He was sent to North Ireland with the second contingent of the U.S. Expeditionary force, Co. K., 133 Inf., 34. Div. He was transferred to the S.O.S. Pub. Div. in January 1943. and stationed in England until shortly after D-day, when they landed in France. From the campaign through France, they were stationed in Belgium at the time of the critical Bulge battle and from there advanced into Germany.

He has had 39 month overseas duty and is honorably discharged. He participated in five battles. His unit was cited for efficiency and all men personally congratulated by General Eisenhower.

Daniel is the son of Mrs. A.P. Cutshall of Terril and has one brother, Pfc. John C. Quick, a mechanic in the Air Force, and a sister, Corp Trude Quick Malson, U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, and a brother-in-law, Corp. Wm. R. Malson, U.S.M.C.


RE: John C. Quick

April 19, 1945

Great Bend Army Air Field, April 10, 1945 – Private First Class John C. Quick, son of Mrs. Bertha Quick, Cushall, of Terril, Iowa is now stationed at the Great Bend (Kansas) Army Air Field, a veteran B-29 operational training base of the Second Air Force, where he is assigned to duty as an air plane electrician in the base unit.

Prior to his enlistment in the army in November 1942, Pfc. Quick was an employee of the Les Vogel Chevrolet company in San Francisco.

He is a former student of the Amphitheatre High School in Tucson, Arizona. His wife, the former Mary Beth Davis and their two-year-old daughter reside at Tucson.


Re:Trudie Quick

September 1943

Trudie Quick Joins Marines

Trude Mae Quick.jpgMiss Trudie Quick visited her uncle, John Hopkins, at Langdon on Sunday prior to her leaving for service in the U.S. Marines.

Probably most of you remember Trudy Quick.  She has joined the Marines.  She hasn’t begun her actual training yet, but after a short vacation here with her father she will begin her life as a Marine.

The Methodist Sunday School Class

September 9, 1943

Dear Mother,

Here I am in the south. But first let me tell you about my trip. I arrived in Chicago about 9:00 on Monday after a restless night in the pullman. After I reported to the Grand Central Station another girl and I took out to see the most interesting parts of Chicago as we had until 7:30 p.m. we walked to Lake Michigan and about two miles along the water front to the site of the Century of Progress. There, to our disappointment we found the Adler Planetarium closed. We then went to the Shedd Aquarium where we spent a very interesting hour and a half viewing all kinds of queer fish. I’ll send you the guide I bought. Then we took off for the museum. It’s called the Field Museum of Natural History and has some of the most remarkable exhibits you can imagine. Especially interesting were the prehistoric skeletons of dinosaurs, mammoths and all the others you have heard about. These were supplemented by paintings showing the animals in their natural habitat. There is also a reconstructed home of the caveman. The Chinese and Tibetan hall is remarkable and you should see the Eskimo exhibit. I’ll send you the handbook and guide as it tells so much. We didn’t have time to go through the entire museum but what we saw impressed us very much.

We also went up in the Chicago Board of Trade building, the highest in Chicago, and from the top you can see four states. It’s really a lot of fun going up in the elevators, and when you come down, gosh!

We left Chicago at 9:00 and we rode through Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia arriving at Washington D.C. about 5:00 in the evening of the 7th. We had three hours but didn’t allow us to get off the train so we couldn’t see anything.

We arrived in New River at 9:00 this p.m. and right away started marching to chow. After breakfast we marched again to get our barracks assigned and then had lunch. After lunch we marched again to get our hats. The rest of our uniform will be issued in about ten days. Our physical exam will be the 4th. I sure like it and it may prove to be very interesting. We have a very nice platoon leader and she’s an acting corporal.

It’s rained twice today – regular downpours and it’s a wee bit on the sultry side, but not nearly as bad as Texas was so I reckon I can take it. Ours was the third all-girl troop train to come down and there are 500 new recruits.

I must close now and get some more letters written. We get up at 5:45 but that isn’t bad. The bay is right in our front yard and the camp is beautiful. The barracks are brick and fixed up swell. There is a men marine camp just across the way! They’re restricted from this area tho.

Be sure to write and give my address to everyone.

Love

Trudie

September 11, 1943

(received) October 7, 1943

Excerpts From Letters From Trudie Quick Marine
Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Dear Mother,

Saturday night in boot camp is about as exciting as an old hen’s quilting party, so here I am writing letters and taking life easy. So far we’ve had drill, lectures, inspections and chow. We have been issued uniforms but they will order us into them next week as they have to be fitted first. Tuesday we have our medical and then I’ll know for sure whether or not I’ll be a leatherneck.

Friday night we all had a G.I. party. We swab the decks, clean the ladders (stairs), stow our gear in our lockers, clean all fixtures for the Saturday inspection. Today our barracks got restricted because our corporal gave us wrong instructions about our blankets and of course they weren’t right, so we’re supposed to be confined to barracks but they changed it to Monday as tonight is Saturday.

September 16, 1943

Day before yesterday we had our physicals and shots. Consequently we weren’t feeling up to par at night.

Yesterday morning we started the day off with an hour of drill and an hour of physical education to limber up our arms and we sure felt rotten. But in the afternoon we all went swimming in the Atlantic and our spirits rose 100 percent.

Today we went into our uniforms for the first time and we were a proud bunch of girls. The green striped seersucker uniforms really look smart in fact I think they can’t be beaten.

November 4, 1943

Camp Lejeune
New River, North Carolina
November 1, 1943 

Private First class Trude May Quick, daughter of Mrs. A.B. Cutshall of Terril, Iowa and a member of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, has been attached to this base and assigned as a student in the Motor Transport School.

The course lasts four weeks and embraces instructions in all phases of motor vehicle operation and maintenance. Women Marines who graduate will be qualified to drive one-half ton and one ton light delivery trucks, Jeeps, station wagons, ambulances, and the like and to perform preventive maintenance and light repairs on the vehicles.

January 13, 1944

Terril Women Playing a Real Part in the War Effort

Playing a real part in “keepin’ em’ rollin” for the U.S. Marines at San Diego, Calif., is Corporal Trudie May Quick, Marine Women reserve from Terril, Iowa. She’s a mechanic and welder in the motor transport at the san Diego Marine base, and the vital duties she performs have freed a Leatherneck to fight. Corporal Quick is the daughter of Mrs. Bertha Cutshall of Terril.

Trudy Mae Quick.jpg

February 10, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Trude Mae Quick

Trude Mae Quick is the daughter of Mrs. A.B. Cutshall. She was born Nov. 18, 1920 at Hartman, Colorado. She is a graduate of Spencer high school. There are two brothers, Daniel, in England and John at LaHunta, Colorado, and one sister, Mrs. Rosella Kephart of Cedar Rapids.

Trude enlisted in San Francisco, California in the Marine Woman’s Reserve Corps in July 1943. She took her boot training at New River, N.C. and is now a corporal in the motor transport division, stationed at San Diego, California.

Mrs. Cutchall received a letter a day or so ago that said she had had a short visit with Ralph and Corine Custshall at Los Angeles. Lee Cutshall was also there.

August 10, 1944

Mrs. A.B. Cutshall received an interesting letter from her daughter, Trude Quick, who is now stationed at the Marine Corps Base at San Diego, California. The letter reads in part: “Guess it’s ok to tell you now what I did a week ago Friday. I saw President Roosevelt and saluted him he returned the salute and guess you know I was pretty thrilled. His train was here almost a week and I got to see him the last day he was here. I drove my truck where I knew I wouldn’t miss him. Isn’t that wonderful?”

March 1, 1945

Corp. Trude Quick Weds in California

In the presence of officers and enlisted personnel of the Marine Barrack, Mare Island, San Francisco, California, Corp. Trude Quick, U.S. Marine Corps Womens Reserve, of Terril, Iowa and Pfc. Wm. R. Malson U.S.M.C. of Oklahoma City, Okla., were married at St. Peters Chapel.

The chapel and alter were beautifully decorated with white calla lilies and organ music was played by the chaplains assistant. Myra Brannan, Wave, sang Shuberts “Ava Maria” and “Because”. Preceding the bride down the aisle, was Corp. Margie Edwards, U.S.M.C.W.R., matron of honor, followed by the bride and Colonel Betts M.B. commanding officer, who gave her in marriage. At the alter they were met by the groom and best man, Art Keller U.S.M.C. and the single ring ceremony was performed by the Methodist Chaplain, W.E. Tyree, U.S.N.

The brides dress was the uniform of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve and she carried a white testament, the gift of the chaplain.

Mrs. Malson is the daughter of Mrs. A.B. Cutshall of Terril and is a graduate of Spencer high school in the class of 1938. She was employed for several years at Hopkins store at Langdon and for about a year at the Kiser shipyards at San Francisco, Cal. before enlisting. She has two brothers in the service.

Mr. Malson attended schools and college in Oklahoma before enlisting in the Marine Corps. About 20 guests enjoyed a wedding dinner in San Francisco after the ceremony.

December 6, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Malson came Tuesday from California. They are both out of the service now. They will visit at the Cutshall home for a week and then go to his home in Oklahoma City.

October 1946

Langdon News

Word has been received by relatives in Langdon of the birth of a daughter, Carolyn Sue, to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. R. Malson of Oklahoma City, Okla. Mrs. Malson, former Trudie Mae Quick, prior to her enlistment in the Marine Corps was employed at the Hopkins store in Langdon. Her marriage to Mr. Malson, also a marine, took place in the chapel of Mare Island, Calif. while she was in her country’s service. Both received their discharges early last winter and visited in Langdon and Terril enroute to their home in Oklahoma.

In the presence of officers and enlisted personnel of the Marine Barrack, Mare Island, San Francisco, California, Corp. Trude Quick, U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, of Terril, Iowa and Pfc. Wm. R. Malson U.S.M.C. of Oklahoma City, Okla., were married at St. Peters Chapel.

The chapel and alter were beautifully decorated with white calla lilies and organ music was played by the chaplains assistant. Myra Brannan, Wave, sang Shuberts “Ava Maria” and “Because”. Preceding the bride down the aisle, was Corp. Margie Edwards, U.S.M.C.W.R., matron of honor, followed by the bride and Colonel Betts M.B. commanding officer, who gave her in marriage. At the alter they were met by the groom and best man, Art Keller U.S.M.C. and the single ring ceremony was performed by the Methodist Chaplain, W.E. Tyree, U.S.N.

The brides dress was the uniform of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve and she carried a white testament, the gift of the chaplain.

Mrs. Malson is the daughter of Mrs. A.B. Cutshall of Terril and is a graduate of Spencer high school in the class of 1938. She was employed for several years at Hopkins store at Langdon and for about a year at the Kiser shipyards at San Francisco, Cal. before enlisting. She has two brothers in the service.

Mr. Malson attended schools and college in Oklahoma before enlisting in the Marine Corps. About 20 guests enjoyed a wedding dinner in San Francisco after the ceremony.

December 6, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Malson came Tuesday from California. They are both out of the service now. They will visit at the Cutshall home for a week and then go to his home in Oklahoma City.

October 1946

Langdon News

Word has been received by relatives in Langdon of the birth of a daughter, Carolyn Sue, to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. R. Malson of Oklahoma City, Okla. Mrs. Malson, former Trudie Mae Quick, prior to her enlistment in the Marine Corps was employed at the Hopkins store in Langdon. Her marriage to Mr. Malson, also a marine, took place in the chapel of Mare Island, Calif. while she was in her country’s service. Both received their discharges early last winter and visited in Langdon and Terril enroute to their home in Oklahoma.


Re: Clifford Reely

March 15, 1945

Pfc. Clifford Reely was slightly wounded on Iwo Jima on the 5th day of the invasion. He is in a hospital in the Marianas being treated for shell shock and concussion. Clifford is a brother of Mrs. Ralph Peters and lived here when he was in the grades.

May 17, 1946

Clifford Reely, brother of Mrs. Ralph Peters is in a naval hospital in San Leandro, California. He was wounded on Iwo Jima and was in a hospital in the Marianas, but is now back in the states.


Re: Alvin B. Reinken

March 11, 1943

Alvin B. Reinken Now Attending a Govt. Radio School

Alvin Reinken.jpgChicago, Ill., 2-25-43 – Alvin B. Reinken, son of Abe Reinken of Milford, has been assigned here to be trained as a radio operator-mechanic in the new Air Forces Technical school now operating in the buildings formerly occupied by the Stevens and Congress hotels and Chicago’s historic Coliseum. The new radio school is one of the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command’s Chicago schools under the command of Brig. Gen. Albert L. Sneed.

When he completes his training here, Pvt. Reinken may be assigned to the communications section of an Air force ground unit in a combat zone, or, after further training as an aerial gunner, will take his place as radio operator in a bomber crew.

Pvt. Reinken is a graduate of Milford High School and during civilian life was employed as a farmer. Milford Mail.

April 20, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Alvin Reinken is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Reinken, now of Milford, but who lived near Terril for a number of years. He was born at Woden, May 9, 1922 and attended Terril school, graduating from here with the class of 1939. There are two older brothers, Verl and Andy and a younger sister, Lois.

Alvin went into the service December 26, 1942, going overseas in January of this year and is now stationed somewhere in England.

Alvin was married July 28, 1942 to Louise Flaharty. They have a little boy Conan Alvin, born July 28, 1943.

Mrs. Reinken and baby are staying with her parents southwest of town.


Re: Bert Rens

October 8, 1942

Mail Carrier Gone to the Army

Bert Rens.jpgBert Rens enlisted in the army at Minneapolis and was inducted Monday at Fort Snelling. He has been mail carrier here for about a year, and has made friends among those who got to know him. Ben Miller is driving the mail routes at least for the present.

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Iles living about 6 miles southwest have taken a great liking to Beret’s son Lammert 12, and the liking is mutual. Lammert had three choices and took Mr. and Mrs. Iles as his home while Bert is in the Army.

Lammert has entered the Lake Center school and Mr. and Iles tells us he has a saddle horse, and will get him a pony. It looks indeed like his lines have fallen in pleasant places and he is going to be a much loved boy.

Its deeds like this that make this world bearable in times like this.

There will be an auction sale of the Rens household goods at the Kurtz residence Saturday afternoon at 2.

November 12, 1942

Y.M.C.A. Room 537

St. Paul Minnesota

Dear Grows and Rose:

Thanks for the paper. Have received it regular every week. I have been transferred to the St. Paul recruiting office so will you please send the paper to YMCA Room 537, St. Paul, Minn.

I am enclosing a letter from a soldier that should be worth a laugh and if you can find space and consider worth printing, you may do so.

Again thanks for the paper.
Yours Truly
Rens

I’m one of the fellows who is making the world safe for Democracy! I fought and fought and fought and I fought – but I had to go anyway. I was called Class A. The next time I want to be in Class B. (B here when they go and B here when they come back) I remember when I registered. I went up to a desk and the man in charge was my milkman. He said, “What’s your name?” I said, “Oh you know my name.”

“WHAT’S YOUR NAME?” I said to him “August Childs.” He said, “Are you an alien.” I said “No, I feel fine.” He asked me where I was born, and I said “Pittsburgh.” Then he said, “When did you first see the light of day?” I said “When we moved to Philadelphia.” He asked me how old I was so I told him.

“Twenty-three the first day of September.” He said “First day of September you’ll be in China and that will be the last of August.”

Then I went to Camp and I guess they didn’t think I’d live long – the first fellow I saw wrote on my card “Flying Corps” I went a little further and some fellow said “Look what the wind’s in.” I said “Wind nothing, the Draft’s doing it.” On the second morning they put these clothes on me. What an outfit: as soon as you’re in it you think you could fight anybody. They have two sizes – too small and too large. The pants were so tight I couldn’t sit down. The shoes were so big I turned around three times and they didn’t move. What a raincoat they gave me. I strained the rain. I passed an officer all dressed with a funny belt and all that stuff. He said, calling after me, “Didn’t you notice my uniform when you passed?” I said, “Yes, what are you kicking about – look what they gave me.”

One morning it was 5 degrees below; they called us out for an underwear inspection. Talk about scenery red flannels, B.V.D.’s all kinds. The union suit I had on would fit Tony Galento. The Lieutenant lined us up and told me to stand up. I said, “I am up, sir, but this underwear makes you think I’m sitting down.” He got so mad he put me out digging a ditch. A little later, he passed me and said, “Don’t throw that dirt up here.” I said, “Where am I going to put it.” He said, “Dig another hole and put it in there.”

Three days later we sailed for Australia. Marching down the pier, I had the worst luck. I had a sergeant who stuttered and it took him so long to say “Halt” that twenty-seven of us marched overboard. They pulled us out and lined us up on the pier. The Captain came by and said “Fall in”. I said “I have been in, sir.”

I was on the boat twelve days – seasick for twelve days. Nothing going down, everything coming up. Leaned over the rail all the time. In the middle of one of my boat leans, the Captain rushed up and said, “What Company are you in.” I said, “I’m all in by myself.” He asked me if the Brigadier was up yet. I said, “If I swallowed it, it’s up.” Talk about dumb people. I said to one of the fellows “ I guess we dropped the anchor.” He replied, “I knew they’d lose it, it’s been hanging out ever since we left New York.”

Well, we landed and were immediately sent to the trenches. After three nights there, the cannons started to roar and the shells started to pop. I was shaking with patriotism. I tried to hide behind a tree, but there weren’t enough trees for the officers. The Captain came around and said, “We go over the top at five o’clock.” I said, “Captain I’d like to have a furlough” He said, “Haven’t you any red blood in you?” I said “Yes, but I don’t want to see it.”

Five o’clock we went over the top and 10,000 Japs came at us. The way they looked at me, you’d think I had started the war. Our Captain yelled “Fire at will”, but I didn’t know anybody by the name of Will. I guess the fellow behind me thought I was “Will”, because he fired his gun and shot me in the EXCITEMENT!!!!

Sgt. Bert Rens is visiting in Terril some during his furlough this week.

The Methodist Sunday School Class

Sgt. Bert Rens of Ft. Snelling, Minnesota spent the first part of the week visiting friends here.  His son, Lammert of Carthage, Missouri came Sunday to visit his father.

October 14, 1943

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Bert Rens

The picture this week is one of our boys from Terril, but we are not able to give much history of him. He came here in September, 1941 from Bagley, Minnesota and served as rural mail carrier for about a year when he enlisted in the army.

He is now stationed at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota and is Sgt. Bert Rens. He made many friends while here and has been back twice for a short visit. His son Lammert, is staying at the Walter Iles home at Cartage, Missouri. Most of Bert’s family live out Sioux City way, at Boyden and other points.

February 1, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Bert Rens have moved here. Bert has been honorably discharged from the service and will take over the Terril mail route as soon as arrangements are completed. He has been stationed at Greeley, Colorado. Ben Miller, who has been carrying the mail for over two years, is just waiting the day that Mr. Rens can take over as he’s plumb tired of his job. Bert left the route two years ago last fall to go into the service and Ben took over then until Bert came back or they got a new hauler. Mr. and Mrs. Rens and Lammert will live in Mrs. Emmet Newby’s house across from the Methodist church.


Re: LeRoy Richard

July 5, 1945

Memorial Services were held at the Baptist church at Estherville Sunday for Pvt. LeRoy Richard, who was killed on Luzon May 12. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Richards of Des Moines. Pvt. Richards was inducted Sept. 23, 1944 and received his training at Camp Hood, Texas. His mother was Alma Bergeson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Bergeson, who was a blacksmith in Terril many years ago. Alma Richard is a cousin of Perer Namtvedt and was born in Terril. Mrs. Richard visited at the Namtvedt home Friday night and Saturday.


Re: Ervin O. Rierson

September 6, 1945

North Camp, Camp Hood, Texas

The Tank Destroyer replacement Tranining Center at North Cmap, Camp Hood, Tex., announced today the promotion of Ervin O. Rierson of Terril, to the grade of Technical Sergeant. Sergeant Rierson, who was raised from the grade of Staff Sergeant, wears the distinctive Tank Destroyer shoulder insigne, depicting a black panther devouring a tank, the mission of this force being the destruction of enemy tanks by accurate gunfire from stealthily-occupied positions.


RE: Glen Rockow

January 25, 1945

Sixth Army Group, France – Radio telephone and cable are three of the most important factors in a war of movement and distance and to the officers and men of the 321th Signal Battalion falls the task of providing these means of communication for headquarters of the Sixth Army Group in France.

Hundreds of miles of telephone wire and several huge switch boards are necessary to connect the headquarters with its far – flung units of the American 7th and French 1st armies on a front of several hundred miles along the German border and the Rhine.

Several signal service companies maintain and lay these miles of wire and make sure that the wire and cables are in perfect condition.

Radio circuits between various headquarters in France and radio communications with other parts of the world are other vital parts of the war against the Nazis. Radio relay companies handle the variety of transmitting and receiving stations that instantly connect Sixth Army group headquarters with other parts of the front and of the world.

Among the soldiers in this battalion who are contributing so greatly to the approaching victory is Sgt. Glen W. Rockow.


Re: George Roe

October 15, 1942

George Roe Graduates From Radio University at Scott Field, Ill.

George H. Roe.jpgFully equipped to take his place among communications experts in the U.S. Army Air Forces, Pvt. George H. Roe, son of U.G. Roe of Milford, has graduated from this radio university of the Army Air Forces Technical Training command, it has been announced today by Col. Wolcott P. Hayes commanding officer at Scott Field, I.

At commencement exercises Pvt. Roe received his diploma from the Director of training along with the scores of other radio operators and mechanics and will soon be assigned to duty with one of the Air Forces tactical units.

Many former classmates of Pvt. Roe are now serving with combat units in the various theaters of war as communications men with ground and air crews Scott Field school officials have intensified studies and laboratory work here to supply the necessary men for almost 200,000 aircraft urged by the president for production this year.

Scott Field with its vast facilities for turning out skilled and competent radio communications men, is one of the many schools of the Technical Training command devoted to the training of mechanics for the Army Air Forces.

November 19, 1942

Terril Boys with Flying Colors

Pvt. George H. Roe

Pvt. George H. Roe is the man in service we are featuring this week.

George the son of U.G. Roe was born March 5, 1910 at Ames. He attended school at Terril and graduated here in 1929 and then went to Ames where he majored in engine ring.

He has six brothers, Art, Dave, Will, and Ralph of Terril, Cleo of Boone and Clifford of Des Moines, four sisters, Mrs. Mchan of Ames, Mrs. Reece of New Ulm, Minn. and Pansa and Ruth of Terril.

He entered the army May 5, 1942 and after his induction was sent to Jefferson, Barracks, Mo. He then went to Scott Field, Ill. attending a radio school from which he graduated on October 8. He is now located in Colombia S. Car. As radio technician on the bombers.

October 7, 1943

U.G. Roe’s are in receipt of a communication from the Brigadier General U.S. Army, Acting Chief of Staff, giving an extract from a citation reading in part. “The 340th Bombardment Group, United States Air Force for Outstanding Performance of Duty in Action Against the Enemy in direct tactical support of the British Eighth Army in the Tunisian campaign in the Middle East theatre from March 1943, to the capitulation of the axis forces in Africa. Living under conditions of great personal hardship and danger in the desert directly behind the advanced echelons of the ground forces and operating through all types of weather and despite frequent enemy attacks. The flying and ground personnel of this organization at all times exhibited the greatest courage, resourcefulness, initiative, efficiency and devotion to duty. By the successful execution of devastating bombing attacks on enemy airdromes, supply lines, troops, and installations in which were encountered intensive anti-aircraft fire and repeated attacks by enemy fighter planes numbers of which were destroyed. This organization contributed directly to the destruction of enemy forces and the expulsion of the axis powers from the continent of Africa. The meritorious performance of missions and devotion to duty demonstrated by this organization in action against the enemy are worthy of the highest degree of emulation.

George Roe is a member of this group.

February 28, 1945

S-Sgt. George Roe in Group that is Cited

From headquarters of the Twelfth Air Force in Italy comes word that the B-25 Mitchel bombardment group to which S-Sgt. George H. Roe, 34, of Milford, Iowa, is assigned as a radio mechanic, has been cited again by the war department as a distinguished unit, this time for the sinking of the Italian cruiser, Taranto, in La Soezia harbor on Sept. 23. Sgt. Roe’s father, U.G. Roe, resides in Milford.

Carried out without loss of air craft and with no casualties despite a formidable concentration of anti-aircraft fire, the brilliant attack frustrated German attempts to move the Taranto into position to block the entrance of this vital harbor. The group was previously cited as a distinguished unit for outstanding close support missions flown in Tunisia and Sicily in favor of the British Empire and American Fifth and Seventh armies.

June 14, 1945

Staff Sgt. G.H. Roe Helped Break Enemy’s Back in Italy

With a 12th AAF B-25 Mitchell Bomb Group in the Mediterranean Theater – Staff Sgt. George H. Roe, 35, of Milford, Iowa, radio mechanic, and other communications specialists of the 340th B-25 Mitchell bomb group helped make the Allied air offensive that broke the enemy’s back in Italy.

The Milford radio mechanic and the men of his section were commended by 12th Air Force staff officers for their “tireless and unstinting efforts” in helping their group put a record number of bombers over the Nazi positions and installations in Italy.

In the three weeks air campaign in support of the Fifth and Eighth armies, Sergeant Roe’s group through record achievements in maintenance work, put more than 1100 bombers over enemy targets.

Sergeant Roe is the son of U.G. Roe, who lives east of Milford. He went overseas in February, 1943.

July 1945

Staff Sgt. George Roe, son of U.G. Roe, was discharged on the point system and came home about two weeks ago. He has been in the service about three years and overseas since February 1943. He had 98 points. He has 7 battle stars. George and his father went to Lafeyette, Minn., Saturday to visit his sister, Mrs. Andy Reece and Family. This also was to celebrate U.G.s birthday, which was June 28 and Mrs. Reece’s is also that date. George came home from Italy.


Re: Wm. Rohlf

March 25, 1943

Wm. Rohlf has a Purple Heart on exhibition at the pool hall. Bill said a good many had asked what a Purple Heart was, so he brought over the one he had in World War I. Any one that wishes to may go in and look at it.


Re: Robert “Bub” Roy

August 5, 1943

Terril Boys in the United States Army and Navy

Robert (Bud) RoyRobert “Bub” Roy

Bud Roy of Jeffers, Minnesota was born near Gilmore City, Iowa, January 18, 1920.

He was drafted into the army in October 1941. He has been stationed at Camp Roberts, California and Fort Lewis, Washington and for the past year he has been stationed some where in the Hawaiian Islands.

Before his induction he worked around Terril for Herman Peters. August Schnell, William Schnell, and Wilbur Schnell.

He is a brother of Mrs. Wilbur Schnell and a nephew of Mrs. August Schnell.


Re: Dale Roy

February 1945

Dale Roy, Machinists Mate First Class came Saturday for a few days visit with relatives and friends. He has been on the Pacific and only was in now because his ship was torpedoed and the ship was in for repairs. He will go to Minneapolis in a few days to see the parents of one of the boys who were killed. He will report back to San Francisco, February 8.

January 31, 1946

Dale Roy has been discharged from the Navy and will soon be back to Terril.


Re: Clifton Rubis

June 4, 1942

Clifton Leroy Rubis.jpgMr. and Mrs. Andy Rubis received word from their son Clifton L. Rubis that he has finished his primary training in Aviation and is now stationed at Gardner Field Calif., and has started his basic training.

Graduates From Flying School

July 30, 1042

Here is a letter from the Public Relations Office of Gardener Field, Cal.

Dear Sirs:

This is to advise that Cadet Clifton L. Rubis a member of the class of 42, who is now enrolled as an Aviator Cadet in the Air Corps Basic Flying School, located at Gardner Field, Cal. will be graduated from that school on July 27, 1942 and will proceed from there to one of the advancer flying schools for the ten weeks advanced course. Upon the successful completion of this course Cadet Rubis will receive a commission as a second Lieutenant in the Air Corps Reserve.

Cadet Rubis is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Rubis of Terril, Iowa.

David E. Rose
2nd Lt. Air Corps

September 10, 1942

Terril Boys with Flying Colors

Clifton Leroy Rubis

Clifton is the second son of Andy and Iva Rubis and was born here on December 28, 1921. Besides Cliff there is Lyle at Sutherland and Weldon here working in the post office, Joyce, Regina and Shirley still in school.

Clifton graduated in 1938 from Terril high. He enlisted July 5, 1940 in the army air corps. He was at Santa Anna, Calif. for his primary training and at Santa Marie, Calif. for his basic training. He is now at Stockton Field, Calif. where he will graduate September 26.

October 1, 1942

Clifton Rubis Gets Wings

Sgt. Clifton L. Rubis, son of Mr. Andy Rubis, of Terril, is a member of a class of Aviation Students and Student Officers to be graduated soon from the Air Force advanced school at Stockton Field, California.

Rated as a Sargent in the air force reserve, he will be given the coveted silver wings, symbolic of the aeronautical rating of Pilot and will be placed on active duty with the Army Air Forces.

Before entering the final and advanced course at Stockton Field, Sgt. Rubis completed 18 weeks of primary and basic training at Santa Maria, Calif., and Gardner Field, Taft, Calif.

April 29, 1943

Cligton Rubis – Marcella Henry Married Apr. 20

Flight Officer Clifton Rubis, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Rubis of Terril and Miss Marcella Henry of Spirit Lake were married at Miami, Florida, April 20.

Clifton has always lived in Terril until he joined the armed forces in 1940. He is a graduate of Terril High with the class of 1938. He is now flight officer with headquarters at Homestead, Florida.

The bride is a graduate of Spirit Lake high in 1940 and was in California when Clifton was located there during his training.

May their flight be long and their landings happy.

Clifton Rubis received his commission as Lieutenant and is now stationed at Reno, Nevada.

September 13, 1943

Flight Officer Clifton Rubis and wife of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Rubis and children of Sutherland and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rubis were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Rubis.

June 29, 1944

F/O and Mrs. Clifton Rubis announce the arrival of a charming little model named Richard LeRoy on June 23, 1944. Specifications: weight 8 lb. 14 oz.; fully equipped; free squealing; automatic feeding; seldom requires oil; sparking lamps, gray; body color, pink; travels nicely wet or dry. Now on display at Lorney General Hospital. F.O.B. Money couldn’t buy it.

November 16, 1945

Lt. Clifton Rubis is now in India flying a C-46 over the Himalayas.

March 8, 1945

Air Transport Command Base, India 2nd Lt. Clifton L. Rubis, Pilot, of Terril, Iowa, has been awarded the Air Medal, it was announced by Brig. Gen. William H. Turner, commanding general of the India China Division, Air Transport Command.

The award was made upon completion of 150 hours of operational flight in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult India-China air routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected.

The air trail over the Hump, famed route through the towering peaks of the Himalaya Mountains, blazed by the Air Transport Command, is recognized by airmen as the world’s toughest. Today the Hump route is the only life stream of vital military for the Allied forces fighting the Japanese in China.

The citation accompanying the award adds:

“Flying at night as well as by day, at high altitudes over impassable mountainous terrain through areas characterized by extremely treacherous weather conditions necessitating long periods of operation on instruments, requiring courageous and superior performance of his duties to overcome, he accomplished his mission with distinction.”

The award was made for the period of service from October 10, 1044 to November 15, 1944.

April 1945

Air Transport Command Base, India 2nd Lt. Clifton L. Rubis, Pilot, of Terril, Iowa, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, it was announced by Brig. Gen. William H. Turner, commanding general of the India China Division, Air Transport Command.

The award was made upon completion of 300 hours of operational flight in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult India-China air routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected.

The air trail over the Hump, famed route through the towering peaks of the Himalaya Mountains, blazed by the Air Transport Command, is recognized by airmen as the world’s toughest. Today the Hump route is the main life stream of vital military supplies for the Allied forces fighting the Japanese in China.

The citation accompanying the award adds:

“Flying at night as well as by day at high altitudes over impassable, mountainous terrain through areas characterized by extremely treacherous weather conditions necessitating long periods of operation on instruments, requiring courageous and superior performance of his duties to overcome, he accomplished his mission with distinction.”

The award was made for the period of service from October 10, 1944 to May 9, 1945.

May 1, 1945

The Andy Rubis family received telephone calls Sunday from both the boys who are in the service. Lt. Clifton Rubis, who has been flying over the Himalayas and has not been home since August, called from Florida and will be home the latter part of the week. T. Sgt. Weldon Rubis, marine, who has been overseas over two years and has never been home since he enlisted in November 1942, called from California and will also be home the last of the week. Mrs. Clifton Rubis and Regena will meet Clifton in Minneapolis.

May 10, 1945

Lt. Clifton Rubis came home Friday from India for a three weeks furlough. T.Sgt. Weldon Rubis got here Monday from some of the far flung places of the Pacific. He has a 30 furlough. He has been gone 28 months, which is a long time. Both of the boys look well and both acted like Terril was a good place to be. Mrs. Clifton Rubis and son from Spencer are also here.

May 31, 1945

Air Transport Command Base, India – 1st Lt. Clifton L. Rubis, pilot, Terril, Iowa, has been awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, it was announced by Brig. Gen Wm. H. Turner, commanding general of the India China division, Air Transport Command.

The award was made upon completion of 450 hours of operational flight in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult India-China air routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected.

The award was made for the period of service 10 October 1944 to 11 February 1945.

July 12, 1945

Air Transport Command Base, India – 2nd Lt. Clifton L. Rubis, pilot of Terril, Iowa, has been awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster to his Distinguished Flying Cross, it was announced by Brig. Gen. William H. Turner, commanding general of the India China Division, Air Transport Command.

The award was made upon completion of 600 hours of operational flight in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult India-China routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected.

The award was made for the period of service from Oct. 10, 1944 to Mar. 26, 1945.

March 1946

Mrs. Clifton Rubis and son came Tuesday to visit at the Andy Rubis home. They have been visiting her folks in Spirit Lake for a few days. Clifton is located in Stockton, Calif.


Re: Weldon Rubis

February 1, 1943

received February 11, 1943)

Weldon Rubis Writes From San Diego, Cal.

Marine Corp Base
San Diego, Calif.

Dear Grows,

I think it’s about time for me to write and thank you for the Terril Record. Yes, I receive it regularly every week, and its just as welcome as a letter from home. Straight from the shoulders, I never did think I’d appreciate the paper as I do now. I’m sorry I must write that statement but it’s the truth nevertheless. I don’t I don’t think you’d think too highly of me if I didn’t come out with the truth. Would you now?

I really like the life in the Marine Corp, of course it isn’t all peaches and cream but it isn’t that way all the time no matter who you are, what you do, and where you are. I’ll try to make the best of things here and that’s all I can do.

Boot Camp is for seven weeks and this is now my last week. It surely has gone fast but I’m not sorry at that. Where I go and what I do after this I don’t know. All I can do is wait and see. My hope is they send me to Hawaii for my advanced training and then on to the battle front. I singed up for aviation trade school but the way things are in that branch my chances are pretty thin.

Well, I must close now but I’ll write again you can be assured. I hope this finds you and everybody in Terril in tip top shape. Good luck, and again thanks for the Record it’s tops with me. “Even beats Wheaties.”

As Ever,
Weldon

April 8, 1943

Terril Boys in the United States Army and Navy

Weldon Clare Rubis

Weldon Clare Rubis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Rubis, was born in Terril May 11, 1923. He attended the Terril school and graduated with the class of 1941.

He worked for Ben Nutting and at the Home Service Station and at the time of his enlistment was working in the post office.

Weldon enlisted in the Marine Corp in December, 1942 at Minneapolis. He took his basic training at San Diego, California and is now at Norman, Oklahoma.

“Tommy” has two brothers, Lyle, at Sutherland and F/O Clifton at Homestead, Florida. He has three sisters, Joyce, Regina and Shirley all at home.

June 10, 1943

Letter From “Tommy” Rubis in Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma

Dear Grows,

I’m sitting down here on the creek bank and not a darn thing to do so it’s a good chance to write you folks again. It’s the least I can do is to write to you once in a while when you send me the paper once a week. It’s a lot better than a little any day.

I’m still struggling in school, but not for long any more. I have three weeks left and then I don’t know what will happen for sure. I reckon I’ll go to Dago and then across, but one can never tell what they might do in the Marine Corps. They’ve done some mighty funny things here lately. I don’t do anything in school hardly to write about so I won’t stay on that subject anymore.

Right now I wish I was back in Iowa. It’s just getting hotter than heck here. Maybe it’s that I’m not used to it, but still I don’t like it. Why crab about the weather, I’ll probably be in hotter places than this in the near future.

It’s hard to find anything to write and I’m not kidding. We don’t do much anyway here on the base. Of course on liberty it’s a different story but I’m afraid you wouldn’t be interested.

I guess I’ll have to close. This Marine wishes you have a lot of good luck. God bless you and everyone in Terril. Thanks again for the Record. A lot of other guys get a kick out of it beside me. Good bye again.

Pvt. Rubis, U.S.M.C.

*****

Sgt. Weldon Rubis has been sent overseas, according to a letter written October 16 at Kearney Mesa, San Diego, California, and received October 20 by his parents.

*****

Weldon (Tommy) Rubis has been promoted to staff sergeant. He is somewhere in the South Pacific.

March 16 1944

Weldon Rubis has been promoted from Staff Sergeant to Technical Sgt.

*****

Mrs. Andy Rubis tells us that they have again received letters from Weldon, after about four weeks wait. He says he is in the jungle where you can not see more than five feet. They use candles to see to read and write.

March 9, 1944 In the Pacific Paradise

(received April 6, 1944)

Weldon Rubis Writes From South Pacific

Now isn’t that a laugh.
Oh, yes indeed.

Dear Grows,

No, I haven’t kicked the bucket yet. Way things are going now you can never tell. I really don’t have a lot to say because not much going on I can talk about. I’m well, happy, but a little shaky. You wouldn’t be perfectly calm either if you were in my boots.

First of all how’s every little thing coming in Terril? I’ve lost track slightly because I haven’t been receiving the Record. It just don’t catch up with me. Have really missed it. Especially the funnies and the school news. We all look forward to those items. Kids will be kids.

I have a little story I want to tell you. It gives a little inside dope. A bad part comes with it, though.

When the Raiders had been on this island for a while, the CB’s came in and helped build up this place. They named a road here after them. Here’s a small verse that goes with it: “To our very good friends and able protectors, the fighting Marines; we dedicate this road: ‘Marine Drive’” The Marines also paid their tribute with this verse:

“When we reach the isle of Japan
With our hats at a jaunty tilt
We will march to Tokyo
On the road the Seabees built”

Here’s the bad part. One night some Army boys took the sign down and replaced it with a sign which read “MacArthur Drive”. I call that a dirty trick. It was straightened out when the CB’s replaced their sign and put a guard on it twenty-four hours a day. You can imagine the friction here. You have to give them credit. More than they are getting. I’m speaking of both CB’s and Marines. Not me. I don’t deserve a lot, but I’m doing my part as good as I can.

Say hello to everybody in Terril for me. Tell them the Marines will finish this thing in a hurry. So long now.

As ever,
Weldon

(This should have appeared last week but we just couldn’t get it into type)

October 5, 1944

Andy Rubis had a letter from Weldon saying he was headed for where he wanted to go and was very happy about it. He said that they were not to worry if they did not hear for awhile because he’d be all right.

May 24, 1945

Marine Corps Air Deport, Miramar, California-May-Marine Technical Sergeant Weldon C. Rubis, of Terril, IA., has returned here from the Pacific for furlough and reassignment.

He served as an ordnance man with three Marine Air Wing torpedo bomber squadrons, based in the Solomons, New Hebrides, Green and Palau Islands. He underwent bombings, strafings, but was not injured.

He was graduated in 1941 from Terril High school, where he participated in football and basketball. Prior to his enlistment, 1942, he was employed as a Government Postal Clerk.

A brother, Clifton is also in the service.

October 11, 1945

Weldon Rubis came Wednesday morning from Cherry Point, N.C., for good. He has discharge papers and is out of the Marines now. The folks didn’t know he was coming and the next thing, there he was.


Re: Daren E. Russell

April 26

Milford Mail

Amarillo Army Air Field, Amarillo, Texas. – Pfc. Daren E. Russell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Art Russell of Arnolds Park, has completed his course of studies as an aviation mechanic is this army air forces technical training school.

His graduation from this technical school now fits him for airplane maintenance. He will be sent to an air base where he will assist in keeping America’s B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-29 Super Fortresses in the air for Allied victory.

In addition to completion of the schedule of academic and practical studies as an aviation mechanic, he has been thoroughly drilled in military tactics and defense and a course of physical training that has conditioned him to meet all requirements of an American soldier.

Daren is a brother of Mrs. Harley Maas of Terril.


RE: Earl H. Sampson

December 21, 1944

Combat Navigators Receive Wings at Texas Air Field

Several hundred navigation cadets who silver navigation wings and army air forces commissions at this huge AAF Training Command air base last week, and below are the names of two Iowa boys of the lot:

Terril, Flight Officer Earl H. Sampson, 19 son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Lester Sampson, Terril, Iowa.

 


Re: George Sands

August 24, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

George Sands.jpgWe have for this week a picture of George Sands, our one time D-X man who joined the navy last April. He took his boot training at Farragut, Idaho, and is now located in California. George was 40 last February 12 and has a wife, Ida Belle, three children, Martha, Howard Jay, and Clara Belle and his father Jay who makes his home here. There are four brothers, Richard, Roger, and Harvey in the service and Delmar who lives in Cedar Rapids and one sister, Mrs. Mabel Hatch of Central City George and family were here when we came so you know them better than we do but he looked pretty nice in his navy uniform when home on boot leave a short time ago.

September 1945

At an Advanced Naval Base in the Western Pacific-George C. Sands of Terril, Iowa, stationed at this Naval hospital, was assigned to care for wounded and sick Army, Navy and Marine Personnel during the heavy casualty periods.

November 1, 1945

Mrs. George Sands got a hot letter from George Saturday. This is the first word she had since the typhoon which struck Okinawa October 8. She has been pretty anxious but George is all right. There was lots of damage buy very little loss of life. The released prisoners are being brought there and taken care of in pup tents. Most of their equipment was destroyed by the storm but they are getting along as best they can and taking care of the boys who are brought in.

December 13, 1945

Mrs. George Sands went to Minneapolis Saturday to meet George. They returned home Tuesday evening. George has just recently returned from Okinawa and is now discharged from the Navy.


Re: Howard Jay Sands

December 14, 1944

Howard Jay Sands.jpgFort Sill, Okla., Technician Fifth Class H.J. Sands, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, has been enrolled as a student in the Field Artillery Air Mechanics course at the Field Artillery school. Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He is the son of H.J. Sands, Terril, Iowa.

September 27, 1945

Howard Jay Sands 2c returned to Memphis, Tenn. Saturday.

November 22, 1945

Howard Jay Sands, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sands, was born June 3, 1927 at Washington, Iowa. He attended the local school, graduating in 1945.

Howard enlisted as aircrew man in the Navy in April, 1945. He was called in July. He is attending a radio school at Memphis, Tennessee.

Howard has two sisters, Martha and Clarabelle.

June 13, 1946

When Adm. William F. Halsey flew from Washington, D.C. last week to Cedar Rapids, a Terril boy, S 1c Howard Jay Sands, radio man, was one of the crew. An excerpt from the Cedar rapids Gazette June 8 says in Central City man were aboard the admiral’s plane, one a crew member and the other a hitch hiker. They are Seaman 1-c Howard Sands, a radio man on the crew, who will spend the weekend visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Sands at Central City. He was met at the field by his father. The youth, who is stationed at the airport in Washington, explained to his father that he wasn’t scheduled for this trip originally. When he learned where the plane was headed however, he requested that he be permitted to make the flight as radio man.

August 9, 1945

Howard Jay Sands went to Des Moines July 28. Dick Blum went the following day.


Re: Richard Sands

January 21, 1943

Richard Sands was born in Central City, Iowa, January 28, 1917. He moved to Terril in 1929 and graduated from Terril high school in 1936.

Richard Sands.jpgDick joined the U.S. Navy in the winter of 1936. He reenlisted in 1940 as aviation ordinance mate being stationed at Naval Air Station, Keneohe Bay, Oahu, T.H. He came through the Jap attack on December 7, 1940 with minor wounds. In July 1942 he was sent into aerial combat as rear gunner on a carrier based plane, in Midway, Solomons and Guadalcanal areas. In November he was sent to a hospital at Pearl Harbor to recover from wounds received in aerial combat over Guadalcanal. He was sent back to the States for 30 day sick leave and then reported December 19 at Chicago, Illinois for 4 months course in advanced aviation ordinance.

Dick has four brothers, Harvey and Delmer of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Roger in the U.S. Navy and George of Terril. He has one sister Mrs. Howard (Mable) Hatch of Central City.


Re: Roger Sands

February 25, 1943

Roger Sands, son of Jay Sands, was born July 18, 1914 at Central City.Roger Sands.jpg He moved here with his father and other members of the family where he completed his high school work in 1934. He enlisted in the Navy in September 1940 and is Seaman first class now at Norfolk, Virginia. He took his basic training at Great Lakes.

He has four brothers, George here, Harvey and Delmar at Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dick, also in the Navy now stationed in Chicago and one sister, Mrs. Howard Hatch of Central City.

 


Re: Charles Schnell

March 14, 1946

Farewell Dinner for Pvt. Charles Schnell

Charles Schnell.jpgA farewell dinner was given in honor of Pvt. Charles W. Schnell at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Schnell Sunday. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. William Schnell, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Peters, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Johnson and family, Mrs. Luverne Johnson of Arnolds Park, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Schnell and family of Wallingford, Mr. and Mrs. James Spencer and family of Estherville, Mr. and Mrs. Art Griffith of Estherville, Gene Edward of Estherville, Bonnie Griffith of Mason City, Mr. and Mrs. August Schnell of Rolfe, Arlene Schnell of Spirit Lake, Helen Schnell of Fort Dodge. Pvt. Schnell is being moved to Camp Beale, California.

March 14, 1946

Pvt. Charles Schnell came last week from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for a week’s furlough. He left Sunday to report to Camp Beale, Calif.

May 2, 1946

Charles Schnell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Schnell, was born near Terril, October 22, 1926.

He graduated from Estherville school in 1944 and entered the army December 3, 1945.

May 1946

Pvt. Charles Schnell has a new address: Pfc. Charles W. Schnell, 37891057 Co. 19, APO 26247, c/o Postmaster New York, New York.

October 3, 1946

Chas. Schnell Calls From Berlin, Germany

Mrs. Charles Schnell and Mrs. Harry Schnell talked to Charles Schnell in Berlin, Germany, Friday, September 25.

Charles was to call September 23, on their first wedding anniversary but trouble between Germany and New York interfered. They went to Spirit Lake, took the call and heard him as though he were in the room. He was feeling fine but homesick. He is learning to be an assistant to a major, whose office takes care of all the construction work. His address is Pfc. Charles W. Schnell 37891057, 252 Engr. (C) H. and S. Co. APO 75g % Postmaster, New York, New York.


Re: Harold W. Schnell

Terril Boy in Service in Uncle Sam’s Army

Harold W. Schnell.jpgHarold Schnell, son of Mr. and Mrs. August Schnell of Rolfe, formerly of Terril, was born near Terril October 12, 1925. He graduated with the class of 1943.

After graduation he helped his father with the farm work until he was inducted into the Army October 23, 1944. He received his basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama and is now stationed somewhere in Germany.

He has two sisters, Helen of Terril and Arlene of Spirit Lake.

March 25

Pvt. Harold Schnell came home last week from Ft. McClellan, Ala., on a short furlough. When he goes back, he will go to a camp in Maryland.

Mrs. Schnell sends us a letter and change of address for Harold. She also says that Arlene is better and getting along nicely following her recent operation and will be back at work next week. She sent a poem that she wrote for Harold when he left and thought some of the service boys might enjoy it in the service salutes.

Always look upward; never look down
Remember this son, when you go into town,
Your country has called you, your duty fulfill.
But remember God’s promise, He is with you still.

When midst the din, of the battle roar,
And you’re in strange country never seen before,
Put all your trust in the one above
And he will guide you with his love
Remember this son, wherever you go
Remember this son, when you face the foe,
Keep looking upward, never look down
And I pray may God keep you safe and sound.


Re: W. W. Schoellerman

November 8, 1942

W.W. Schoellerman.jpgW. W. Schoellerman of the Seabees, who has been at Quody Village, Maine and Mrs. Schoellerman and Jimmy, who have been at Pierson with her folks, were here Saturday, calling on friends. Bill has to go back to Maine and then expects to be sent to the west coast and probably sent out from there. Mrs. Schoellerman and Jimmy will accompany his mother, who has been in Iowa several weeks, to California, where they will spend some time.

March 8, 1945

A letter from Mrs. W. W. Scheellerman at Los Angeles, Calif., was received by the Record last week telling us to send her Record to Pierson. She said that Bill left for the South Pacific in January and she has just received her first letter from him. She and Jimmy are coming back to Pierson to stay with her folks.

November 8, 1945

W. W. Schoellerman

Wm. Schoelerman was born in Lake Park July 8, 1913. He completed his high school work there and attended Chicago Technical college. Later he worked for the Farm Mortgage Dept. of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York with headquarters at Sioux Falls, S.D. From there he came to Terril to operate the Smith Lumber Co.

Bill enlisted October 27, 1943 in the Seabees and was sent to Camp Perry, Williamsburg, Va., Camp Lee Stephenson, Eastport, Me., Camp Endicott, Davisville, R.I., Camp Rousseau, Oxnard, Cal. Last January he was sent to the Philippines and when Mrs. Schoellerman wrote, Oct. 18, of this year he was waiting to be shipped to China. He has a wife, Ruth Broadie of Pierson, and one little boy Jimmy. They visited here about a year ago for a short time and made short calls on most of us. Bill is an all round fine guy, whom Terril missed. However, we were proud of his enlistment and going into actual service when, perhaps he would not have had to, at least not so soon.

January 10, 1946

Bill Schoellerman has been discharged from the Navy and has been seen around in neighboring towns, but hasn’t showed up in Terril, yet that the Record knows.

February 19, 1946

5407 Deane Ave.
Los Angeles, 43, Calif.

Dear Mrs. Grow,

I have been going to write you ever since we have had an address out here. Things have happened so fast and we have done so much in a short time that I still can’t believe we are here.
Bill received his discharge December twenty-first and arrived home the following day. He was very lucky in that he didn’t have to wait for transportation.

His mother has this place for us so that is what prompted our westward move. Our furniture hasn’t arrived yet but should be here any day now. We had hoped to see everyone in Terril but with so much to do we couldn’t make it. It surely takes time to get settled again.

We have had one rainy day in the three weeks we have been here. They say we should be having much more. Jimmy is enjoying being outside every day.

With best wishes to you and yours.

Ruth Schoellerman


Re: Allen Schooley

Alleln Schooley arrived in Spencer Monday from Washington, D.C., where he laid over until Wednesday morning.  Walt Chapman brought him up Wednesday and he will visit his mother Mrs. A.H. Schooley, and friends for about 10 days.  Allen is Senior Radio Engineer of United States Naval Research Laboratory at Washington.  He has not been home for about four years.


Re: Virgilia Lenox Schooley

July 27, 1944

One of Our Girls is Airplane Stewardess

Virgilla Lenox Shooley.jpgVirgilia Schooley was born in Terril March 13, 1920. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Schooley and Mrs. Bertha Schooley and grew up here. She graduated from Terril in 1937 and from the school of journalism at the State University in June, 1941. Before her graduation from the university, she was hired by the editor of the Monticello paper to begin her duties at once following graduation. From there she went to Tipton and from there to Rock Island where she worked on the Argus. Each move was an advancement. However, she left the newspaper world and attended school in New York City. She entered the services of American Airlines, Inc. Jan. 9, 1944 and completed her Flight Stewardess training course in the March class of 1944 when she was awarded her flight wings and insignia. While in Iowa City she was elected to the National Journalistic sorority, the Theta Sigma Phi National Honorary Society. This is an outstanding honor.

She is stationed at Burbank, Cal., which is very near to Los Angeles. This is the Lockheed terminal. Her flight is from Burbank to El Paso, Texas with routine stops at Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona and stops to pick up army personnel at Long Beach, Palm Springs and San Diego. They just swoop down and take off at these points.


Re: Morris Schroeder

October 19, 1942

A Letter From Morris Schroeder

U.S. Naval Tgr. Sta.
Great Lakes, Illinois

Dear Grows,

Morris William Schroeder.jpgI wish there was some way in which I could do more than just thank you for sending me the news from home. No matter where a person goes, or how much better a place he finds to settle down in, he always thinks of the home town, and is glad to receive news of the home folk.

We have fellows here from Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Indiana, the Virginias and Pennsylvania. We have a wonderful spirit here. Today our commander told us that we were all here for one purpose, and no matter where we were from, we were all Americans. If all the people of the civilian life could see the ambition of the youth here, they’d not doubt, in the least, the outcome of this struggle. Every walk of life is found here.

If I’d known that the navy was a sit really is two years ago, I’d certainly have been here long before. I hope that everything comes out in the wash and things at home haven’t changed too greatly after this war is over. The best of luck to all the boys from home who are in the service. Until I get home again, it’s Anchors Aweigh

Always,
Morris Schroeder

P.S. I understand that others from Terril are here. Would you kindly inform me of their complete address.

October 19, 1942

A letter from Morris Schroeder

Lido Hotel
Long Island, New York

Dear Grows,

I want to thank you again for sending me the Record while at Great Lakes. To date no mail has reached me from great Lakes due to the fact that it had to go from the 2nd regimental office to the 7th battalion office, from there to company 827, then to the outgoing office at the main gate and from there to Pier 92, N.Y. City, finally reaching me here at Long Beach. This is a transfer of 6 times; so I’ll probably be meeting a few Japs, before my mail catches up with me.

We were issued a full line of equipment today. Incidentally, we are in the Commando unit along with a detachment consists of 30-30 rifles Model 1903 Remington with bayonets, 45 automatic pistol, gas mask, sub-machine gun, steel helmet, canteen haversack, medical kit and mosquito netting. I was also issued 3 sets of whites and 2 blues so I imagine we will enjoy a warm winter noisy as it probably will be.

I was really surprised at the motto that our Chaplain uses: “Praise the Lord and pass me the Ammunition. Get him or he gets you” He has been in the thick of it all, will go right with us wherever we go. Putting all jokes aside, he can handle the rifle as good as anyone here.

The rifles here are really the best. The windage and distance are all figured out, so, all one has to do is set then correctly and shoot. Boy, you can’t miss. I hit the bulls eye six times straight, and you couldn’t tell that more than one shot had been fired other than by the results shown on my arm.

Well I really must call this a letter. I will receive any mail that comes to the address on the envelope some time or the other.

Always,
Morris

January 28, 1943

Terril Boys Now With the Flying Colors

Morris William Schroeder

Morris William Schroeder is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schroeder and was born November 25, 1920 in Chautauqua County, Chautauqua, New York.

He received his 12 years of schooling at the Terril High school. Since his graduation in May 1940 he has taken one year of college at Buena Vista at Storm Lake and a course in welding at Marion, Iowa.

Besides working on his father’s farm and in the community, he has also been employed at defense plants at Three Rivers Michigan, Bethlehem Steel Works at Buffalo, New York.

He enlisted in the Navy in August.

He was home on leave in October and since that time has been at the Great Lakes Naval Training school and Long Beach, Long Island, New York. He left the states sometime in the fall and the last heard from was somewhere in Africa.

Morris has five sisters, Mrs. Raymond Hemme of Terril, Mrs. Francis Hoppe of Spirit Lake, and Evelyn, Eleanor and Margurite of Terril.

……….

North Africa

Dear Grows,

I was reading the Record and saw your little item asking the folks to write once in a while; so here’s my contribution. I was quite interested in the letter Lee Moore had written because he happens to be at a place about three hundred miles from me. I’ve been to the place he speaks of; was stationed about eight miles from there four months ago. It’s really a pretty nice place probably one of the nicest in North Africa. I certainly wish I could run into him sometime.

The Arabs here are celebrating some sort of holiday at the present time. It last several days. They eat nothing during the day, but make up for night in feasting etc. I listened to them one night and it sorta made chills run up my spine. First one would make a big noise on some sort of horn in one part of the medina, and then others in other parts of the medina would answer him. They are supposed to be thanking God for all the good things they have received during the past year, and at the same time, asking him for more. They certainly have some odd customs.

I hope this letter finds you folks in the best of health. You should have seen the dinner we had Labor Day. We had turkey with all the trimmings. I sent mother a copy of the menu. If you see her, ask her for it. I know you will envy us. That’s one thing I can’t kick about in the navy. We certainly do have good meals. Some of the soldiers eat with us once in a while and they say that we are really lucky.

I finished radio school about two months ago. I had been going about three months. I am now in communications copying press which consists of the latest news.

I’m beginning to find myself lost for words; so I take it this letter had better be ended quickly. I’ve written you; now I hope you’ll be so kind as to write me too.

Always,
Morris

March 18, 1943

Morris Schroeder Writes From Africa

Dear Grows,

Your Record is now reaching me irregularly. I really don’t know what I’d do without it. I’d like to ask a special favor of you. Could you possibly send the Record to Johnny Bielfeldt. He’s in the Army here at the same place I’m at. He’s not around right now or I’d send along his address.

Have you had any recent word from Pat? I wouldn’t worry too much about him, because I think he’ll be able to take care of himself.

This is really an education all by itself. I hope I have the opportunity to see the Pacific side too. I can’t figure out how this country can be so backward when it was settled so long ago. Evidently, that’s what happens when they fight too much. Their standard of living is about as low as it can possibly go.

I understand that these Arabs are merely Jews who became Christians by force. They are so slick that you can be looking right at them and they still steal you blind.

I must close and get some sleep.

Always,
Morris

October 3, 1945

Morris Schroeder Writes from Toyko, Japan
Toyko, Japan

Dear Grows,

I hope this finds everything around Terril Ok. According to the last Record I’ve received, you have a few discharges. Was sort of surprised to hear about Kenneth McCoy. Am only a short distance from Okinawa, and am rather lucky that that island was never on my list. Even during the last days of the occupation, Okinawa was a very hot spot. It was a very quiet spot here in Tokyo Bay at that time and is more so now. They have the big Jap battleship out in the center of the bay here with the Stars and Stripes flying. It looks as though it was burnt completely out, but evidently wasn’t, because they have stream up in preparation for the trip to Okinawa to be repaired and thence to the states.

Has Pat returned home yet? If so, I would like to know which hospital ship he came back on. Then I can kick myself for not going aboard that particular one while it was here. He probably was sitting right under my nose. There are still a few here; so, it’s possible that he may still be here.

Saw in the Record where you needed a request from a person before the paper could be sent overseas; so, if the folks haven’t already seen you, I’d like to make it now. Just let me know the costs and I’ll send it to you. This happens to me the first one I’ve gotten since leaving Guam three weeks prior to the occupation of Japan. The mail situation is still very bad. It will probably take some time yet before everything is organized. We returned last Monday from the occupational landing at Ominato (northern Honshu); a four day affair as far as we were concerned. Most of the task force is still there. That’s where our mail is now supposed to be. By the time it gets back to Toyko Bay, we’ll no doubt, be somewhere else again.

I’ll be looking forward to a few lines from you one of these days Till then,

Always,
Morris Schroeder


Re: Douglas C. Shonkwiler

December 9, 1943

Terril Boys in the Army and Navy

Richard S. Shonkwiler

Douglas C. Shonkwiler.jpgRichard S. Shonkwiler was born August 16, 1908 at Hartley. He attended school through the 11th grade at Spencer and graduated with the class of ’27 at Estherville. He farmed with his father until his induction in July 1942. He is now with the 5th Army serving in Italy.

Richard is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Shonkwiler.

December 16, 1943

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Douglas C. Shonkwiler was born September 13, 1919 at Spencer. He attended the Estherville high school 3 years, graduating at Terril with the class of 1937. He helped his father on the farm until he joined the Navy December 27, 1941. He is now Boatswain Mate 2c on the Destroyer Escort U.S.S.F.C. Davis.

Douglas is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Shonkwiler.

Douglas Shonkwiler left Tuesday of last week for Miami, Florida where he will be stationed. Douglas had been enjoying a few weeks visit at the parental, Shonkwiler home here.

Flight Officer Clifton Rubis left Tuesday of last week for Homestead, Florida where he will be stationed. He had been visiting at the parental, Andy Rubis, home for a few days.

March 10, 1945

Roger M. Shonkwiler of Estherville, who was sent to Fort Snelling a week ago Friday, has been classified in the Navy.

Discharged 1945


Re: Milton Simpson

March 16, 1944

Saturday night

Milton Simpson Writes Interesting Letter

Dear Folks,

Well, here it is Saturday again and we have finished our third week of training. One can notice that it is getting tougher as it continues. But nevertheless we are becoming more hardened. It all goes with Army life, I guess. It really isn’t so bad. In fact, it really could be much worse. You hear fellows beefing everyday about some little inconvenient thing that they probably didn’t ever have at home. The Army isn’t all glamor as some of the motion pictures create it. We have had days and bad conditions to work and frill under. I know that it isn’t quite as it would be if we were to operate the service, but we also probably wouldn’t have such an effective army either. We will do one thing that seems as if it is miles from what should be taught in the army. Another day or so we do Milton Simpson.jpgsomething else, it also seems very irregular to the Army ways. Then we do something else. Then is when we find that all we had done comes to our advantage. It is a connection of many ways used to make the Army life much easier for its service men. Our physical drill also coincides with many of our protection tactics and bayonet strokes.

We are learning every day. Things that seem insignificant, but which are very significant in the sense of the word.

We have seen our second film in a series of films showing what we are fighting for and against.

We have real fun down here amongst ourselves. Of course, we miss home, but so does many others who will never see home until all of this is over. We are the ones who are going to bring them home.

Next week we go out on P.R.I., which means Preliminary Rifle Instructions.

I got your letter today. The five dollars always comes in handy.

I will soon have my picture up to you. Tomorrow I will finish my role of films and then I will have them developed as soon as possible.

Some of the fellows are going to have some extra drill. I notice that I am not on the list as yet.

I got a letter from Uncle Jim and Aunt Virginia today. Letters are what one always looks for at all times. One can usually find time to read them. You can always read them in chow line.

We are having a full inspection Monday morning, rifles, mess kits, appearance foot lockers and shelves. We will have all of tomorrow to get ready for it and we really will be busy.

Also we get paid Tuesday and that is one of those things that comes in handy. We never are to busy to keep from spending money.

Well I must close now.

Your Service Son

May 25, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and Navy

Milton Simpson

Milton D. Simpson.jpgMilton Simpson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Simpson, was born September 12, 1942, on a farm northeast of Terril. Milton attended grade school and graduated with the class of 1942 at Terril.

Milton was inducted into the army January 23, 1944 and is stationed at Camp Blanding, Florida. He is in the infantry.

Milton Simpson is now at Camp Blanding, Jacksonville, Florida. He left Terril Sunday, January 23 for Des Moines and left there for Florida Friday, January 27.

July 13, 1944

Pvt. Milton Simpson called his folks the Elmer Simpson family Monday evening from New York and talked for about 15 minutes. He has been in New York since the fourth of July. He said he was having a good time, has a good place to stay and had been in New York City enjoying the sights four nights. He doesn’t know where he is going from there but now has an APO number.

Milton D. Simpson Missing in Action

The following telegram was received by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Simpson Monday:

“The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Private first class Milton D. Simpson, has been reported missing in action since September 15 in France. If further details or other information are received, you will be promptly notified.”

J.A. Ulio,
Adjutant General

Milton is the younger of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Simpson and was inducted in January 1944. He was a graduate of the Terril school in 1942. He went overseas in July, arriving in England August 1. The family has received letters from him regularly. And have gotten three since the telegram came, written before that, of course.

 

May 25, 1944

Milton Simpson Terril, Missing in France

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Simpson of Terril, received official word from the Secretary of War last week that their son Pfc. Milton D. Simpson was reported missing in action since September 15th in France. He was inducted in the service in January of this year and was sent to England late in July.

****

November 2, 1944

Milton D. Simpson Killed in Action

Word came last Thursday, October 26, to Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Simpson that Milton has been killed in action September 15 in France. He was serving in the front line infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson had received word on October 9 that he was “missing in action”. As his position was very dangerous, the family had been greatly worried and while they had tried to bolster up their hopes, the word did not come as an entire surprise.

Milton was born in Twelve Mile Lake township September 12, 1924 and was just 3 day over 20 at the time of his death.

He entered the Army January 23, 1944 and took his basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida. He was home on a furlough in June and left for overseas in July 22.

Memorial services will be held at the Methodist church November 12.

Memorial Services for Milton D. Simpson to be Held Sunday.

November 9, 1944

Memorial services will be held at the Methodist church at 2:30 Sunday afternoon for Milton D. Simpson, who was killed in action over France September 15.

Milton was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Simpson and had lived near Terril all his life. He graduated from Terril high school in 1942 and entered the service of his country in January of this year. He was just 20 years old at the time of his death. He was a loveable sunny dispositioned lad whom every one liked. He had asked his family not to worry and wish would be that they carry on with brave hearts and clear eyes to help restore the peace he was fighting for.

November 1944

Memorial Services Held for Milton Simpson

Memorial services for Milton D. Simpson, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Simpson, were held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Harvey Nelson.

Milton, who entered the Army in January, was killed in action in France September 15. He was 20 years old on September 12. He was born and brought up in Emmet and Dickinson counties and was well known by the the school students, the members of the young peoples class in the Methodist church and the 4-H club group. He graduated from the Terril High School in 1942 and until his induction into the army, helped on his father’s farm 2 miles west of Terril.

Milton was a boy of clean habits and a happy disposition which endeared him to all who knew him. He was killed in the line of duty and literally gave his life for his country and for the ideals of Americanism which was his heritage.

His last letters home were cheerful and while nothing now can seem to help the broken hearts at home they can justly be proud of their fine son and relative, who laid down his life for his friends.

The services Sunday were largely attended by family, relatives and friends who in this small way only can pay a tribute of love an d respect to the boy who is gone, and love and sympathy for those who are left.

Besides his parents, there is one older brother, Merle and wife, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Simpson, and a large relationship of uncles, aunts, cousins and more distant relatives.

The senior class of 1942 attended in a body as did the members of the United Service Women.

Those from away attending the services were Mr. and Mrs. George Fowler of Lismore, Minnesota, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Yates and son of Bigelow, Minnesota, Mr. and Mrs. Dale TerVeen of Lake City, Mr. and Mrs. Forest Lewis and Lola Lee of Ft. Dodge and Mrs. David Hayward of Wheaton, Illinois.

December 7, 1944

Milton D. Simpson Awarded Purple Heart Posthumously

The Secretary of War
Washington

November 20, 1944

My dear Mr. Simpson,

At the request of the President, I write to inform you that the Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to your son, Private First Class Milton D. Simpson, Infantry, who sacrificed his life in defense of his country.

Little that we can do or say will console you for the death of your loved one. We profoundly appreciate the greatness of your loss, for in a very real sense the loss suffered by any of us in this battle for our country, is a loss shared by all of us. When the medal, which you will shortly receive, reaches you, I want you to know that with it goes my sincerest sympathy, and the hope that time and the victory of our cause will finally lighten the burden of your grief.

Sincerely yours,

Henry L. Stimson


Re: Maurice L. Small

November 9, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and Navy

Maurice L. Small.jpgPvt. Maurice L. Small, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Small, graduated from Superior High school with the class of 1934. He then attended Mankato Business college.

He entered service in January, 1944, taking his basic training at Amarillo, Texas and was then sent to school at Chaunute Field, Illinois. He went overseas in August and is now in Egypt.

 


Re: Verne W. Small

November 16, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Verne W. Small.jpgS. Sgt. Verne W. Small is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Small. He graduated from the Superior High School with the class of 1938.

He enlisted in the Army in January, 1941 and was in recruiting work being in charge of recruiting activities at Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. Verne transferred to the Air Corps in September, 1942 and at present is stationed at Tyndall Field, Florida.

April 15, 1945

Sgt. Verne Small now Stationed at Sioux Falls

S/Sgt. Verne W. Small, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson R. Small, of Superior, has been assigned to the AAF Training Command Radio School at the Sioux Falls Army Air Field, Sioux Falls, S.D., for training as a radio operator mechanic.

Upon completion of a 26 week course, he will be fully trained to take his place as a member of a highly skilled bomber crew of the Army Air Forces.


Re: Wilbur C. Smith

April 8, 1943

Wilbur C. Smith, A Former Terril Boy Tells of Storm and Battle

The following thrilling account of experiences in the Pacific is from Wilbur C. Smith, a former Terril boy and a nephew of Roy J. Smith.

Wilbur C. Smith Now on Leave Describes Storm & Battle with Japs.

Waterloo, (IDPA) – His feet still bearing scars of sunburn suffered during 13 days in a life raft, Electrician’s Mate Wilbur C. Smith brought home with him sharp memories of a tropical storm which capsized a small freighter in the Pacific and vivid recollections of a sea battle.

The young sailor is here on a 15 day leave for a visit with his wife and mother, Mrs. Blance Hansen, after two years of experience-filled naval adventures.

Ordinarily a small freighter such as the one on which Smith was passenger, seldom puts out to sea except in the best of weather.

“But this was an emergency.” Smith explained.

“We ran into a flerce tropical storm Aug. 21,” he recalled. “There was a 30-mile gale, and the waves were 40 feet high.”

“The storm was so heavy we were swamped and the ship was capsized.”

“Two rubber rafts and one 18-foot life boat held 29 men for 13 days. We fought those waves as the storm continued. Our rafts and boat were tied together; so we didn’t lose one another all during the storm.”

“Our food supply consisted of one case of canned peaches, one case of canned tomatoes, and small supplies of water and cubed chocolate.

The men traveled more than 150 miles and landed on an island near the one from which they had embarked. Starvation took the life of one of the men.

“Very few of us could walk when we landed on the beach,” Smith said, “We crawled to shade. Our thirst was much worse than our hunger. When we were able, we scattered to find cocoanuts. I had a hunting knife. It came in handy for cutting cocoanuts.

“We had one pair of shoes among the whole bunch of us, and my feet, as well as those of the others, were badly sunburned. I had second degree burns on top of both of them, and I still have the scars.

“Natives found us and brought two buckets of water down. One later brought a black iron kettle and made Japanese tea for us. It has a Tokyo label on the can.”

He also abandoned the U.S.S. Elliott, a 10,000-ton transport which he had been on since it was commissioned in December of 1940.

“We took the first bunch of marines that landed in Guadalcanal Aug. 7. After the marines had landed, we continued to unload equipment.

“I was in the engine room when the Elliott was hit and I got out through the after escape hatch.”

After boarding another transport, Smith recalled:

“We got word that the whole bay was lit up. By that I mean lit up by flares, star shells and searchlights.

“It was a battle between Jap surface craft and allied forces in which four united nations cruisers were lost. We saw Jap planes being shot down by our own cruisers. I was more excited than scared. It was just like watching a ball game everybody was cheering and yelling.


Re: Alvin A. Soat

February 3, 1944

Cpl. Alvin A. Soat was born at Lake Andes, South Dakota, June 14, 1913. He moved with his parents to Milford when he was two years old. Alvin received his education at St. Joseph’s school and the Milford public school.

He entered service on December 26, 1942 and received his basic training at Clearwater, Florida. He was then sent to Fort Logan, Colorado and from there to Felts Field, Galena, Washington. He is now stationed at Great Falls, Montana. He is with the Air Corps as clerk for Engineers and Operations.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Soat, and his sister, Leona are living at Milford. He also has two brothers, Lawrence, near Terril and Henry east of Spirit Lake.

Alvin farmed west of Terril before entering service.

April 20, 1944

Cpl. Alvin Soat came Monday, April 10 from the U.S. air base at Great Falls, Montana. He is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Soat at Milford and with other relatives at Terril and Milford. He came from Montana to Des Moines by plane.

April 20, 1944

Cpl. Alvin Soat came Monday, April 10 from the U.S. air base at Great Falls, Montana. He is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Soat at Milford and with other relatives at Terril and Milford. He came from Montana to Des Moines by plane.

November 8, 1944

Army Air Base, Great Falls, Mont., Alvin A. Soat of Terril, Iowa, on duty at the Great Falls Army Air Base, Alaskan Division, Air Transport command, has been promoted to the grade of Sergeant.

Sgt. Soat is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Soat of Milford, Iowa. Prior to his military service he worked as a farmer.

April 19, 1945

Former Terril Man Married in Montana

Sgt. Alvin Soat was married Monday, April 2, to Pfc. Eileen Conners of Cincinnati, O. The double ring ceremony took place at 8:15 a.m. at St. John’s Cathedral in Great Falls, Mont., where both the bride and bridegroom are stationed at the air base. The Very Rev. James J. Donovan officiated. The young couple and their attendants all wore their dress uniforms. The bride and her attendant, who was also a member of the WAC, both wore corsages of talisman roses.

At ten o’clock a wedding breakfast was served the bridal party and Father Donovan at the Rainbow Hotel. The young couple spent their honeymoon at Helena, Mont., and will be at home to their friends in an apartment in Great Falls.

The bridegroom is well known in this community. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Soat, Sr., and a graduate of the local high school in the class of 1934. He joined the service in December, 1942. Before entering the service, he had farmed with his father near Terril. His many friends here join is extending best wishes and congratulations. – Milford Mail

February 29, 1946

Alvin Soat received his discharge from the army earlier this month. He was here Saturday for a short time visiting friends. He will go back to Great Falls, where his wife is for a time but has not fully decided what he will do but will soon be busy at something.

June 1946

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Soat of Cleveland, Ohio, are the parents of a daughter, Barbara Jo, born Tuesday, June 4, 1946. Alvin, former Milford young man, is employed as assistant to a survey with a construction company at Cleveland.


Re: Elden J. Spencer

March 25, 1945

Elden J. Spencer.jpgPvt. Elden J. Spencer, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Spencer, has been in the service over a month and is stationed at Camp Maxey, Texas. His address is: Pvt. Elden Spencer, 33787335, Co. A., 92nd I.T.B., 23rd Regt., Camp Maxey, Texas.

July 12, 1945

Pvt. Elden Spencer is home on an 8 day furlough from Camp Maxey, Texas to visit his folks at Raleigh and relatives around. He will report to Ft. Riley, Kansas at the end of his furlough.

October 25, 1945

Elden J. Spencer was born east of Terril November 26, 1924. He graduated from Terril high school is 1942. He has lived around Terril all his life. He is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Spencer and has two brothers, Vernon and Irwin, at home.

Elden left for service in February of 1945. He went to a induction station at Fort Snelling, Minn., and then to a reception center at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., From there he was sent to Camp Maxey, Texas for his basic training. He was there until July 5 and was then home on furlough. He was then transferred to Ft. Riley, Kansas for two weeks and then to Camp Adair, Oregon, From there he was sent to San Francisco and he left for overseas August 17.


Re: Jacob Stratman

November 5, 1942

Local Man Now Wearing The Navy Blue

Jacob Stratman.jpgJacob Stratman, 38, son of Claus Stratman, Terril is learning the most important job he ever has, that of being a fighter with Uncle Sam’s fleet. He reported to the U.S. Naval Training Station here last week to begin recruit training.

Recruit training consists of learning the fundamentals of seamanship, naval procedure, and military drill, and participation in the Navy’s strenuous physical hardening program. Up on completion of recruit training, the new bluejacket will be granted a nine day leave at which time he may go home.

When returning from leave, he will either be selected for advanced specialized training at one of the Navy’s many service schools, or assigned to active duty at sea or some other naval shore station.


Re: Ervin Steele

April 23, 1942

Letter From Ervin Steele

Mr. and Mrs. Art Lutz
Terril, Iowa

Dear Folks;

Ervin Steele.jpgWell you will have to excuse me for not writing, as I have been too busy and tonight I was looking over my mail and ran across the letter you folks wrote to me some time ago. So I thought I had better answer it. Well, there is not very much to write about but can say that am feeling great. Would like to do a little welding back in the old garage with Art. I am getting a swell tan here on the island and the place is really nice. It is just as the pictures show sun shine and land of pleasure, swimming surf boating and so on.

Well folks it is about time for black out so will have to sign off for now. I hope to see all you folks again someday and will that be spree. Well here’s to all of you, good luck and good bye. I haven’t a different address yet, will have to send it later on, until hen so long.

Say Art, tell Bill Engholm hello for me.

Yours truly,
Ervin Steele

 

Ervin M. Steele is a Fireman First Class in the U.S. Navy, leaving Terril late last fall and joining the Navy. According to his rank, has gone up pretty fast to be a fireman first class in short time after being taken into the navy.

December 7, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Ervin Steele

Ervin Steele lived here a short time with his parents, his father being depot agent. While here his mother died. There is one brother, Wallace, who is also in the service Ervin has been overseas and spent some time in China. Many of the younger folks remember him as a schoolmate.


Re: Eugene J. Strube

April 6, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and Navy

Eugene J. Strube.jpgEugene Strube, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Strube was born near Terril, April 18, 1925. He attended the Terril school for nine years. Eugene helped his father on the farm north east of town and was working for Harley Maas when he was called into service.

He left for the Navy December 10. 1944 and was stationed at Farragut, Idaho. After his six weeks boot training, he was home for a ten day furlough. He is now stationed at Ft. Pierce, Florida.

Eugene has one sister, Irma.

June 4, 1945

Eugene Strube, USN is home for a few days furlough.

…………..

Eugene Strube was a dinner guest of his grandmother, Mrs. Sophie Strube Monday. Eugene has recently been discharged from the Navy.


Re: Gerald “Jeddy” E. Taylor

October 19, 1942

Terril Boys with Flying Colors

Gerald "Jeddy" E. Taylor.jpgGerald “Jeddy” Taylor is another of the boys we all know. He’s the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Harley Taylor. His birthplace was near Jolley on April 23, 1918. Most of his life however, has been spent here and he is another of the graduates of Terril High with the class of 1936. He was a student at Buena Vista for two years and after that worked around here until his induction June 28, 1941. His first training was at Camp Polk, La. and now he is Technical sergeant on maneuvers in the deserts of California. He was home in January 1942 for a week.

There are two brothers, Raymond of Des Moines and Derb of Terril, two sisters, Mrs. Homer Arthur of Fairmont, Minn. and Mrs. Edwin Eick of Terril, besides six nieces and four nephews.

March 11, 1943

Dear Grows,

It’s been so long since I’ve written to you. I’m nearly ashamed to write. I get the paper every Sunday morning and look forward to getting it as much as everyone in Terril looks for the Des Moines Sunday paper on Sunday.

The weather out here is nearly the same as it is at home only not quite so much cold weather or snow. It’s a very pretty place where we are. There are mountains all around and we are down in the valley. It surely is a lot colder up in the mountains than down here. Usually the temperature varies from 15 to 20 degrees. It’s 20 miles to Harrisburg, the capital. New York isn’t very far away, as a person can get there by train in about 4 hours.

We are doing a lot of walking out here. More than I’ve done in my life before. Usually make about three 25 mile hikes a week. So far I’ve been lucky enough to get out of all but one, but guess I’m stuck for one tomorrow unless something unforeseen happens. They say these hikes keep us in shape, but I can’t see it myself.

Well, I want to thank you for the paper. Tell everyone “hello”.

As ever,
Geddy

October 5, 1944

Harley Taylors received a letter Monday from Geddy, in Germany, dated the 30th of September. Either he looked at the calendar wrong or it came through in a hurry. In any event, it was written later than the last three.

October 4, 1945

Gerald Taylor got home early last Thursday morning. He has been in service since July of 1941 and in Europe for about 2 years. He received his discharge.


Re: Harry Raymond Taylor

August 12

Terril Boys in the United States Army and Navy

Harry Raymond Taylor.jpgRaymond Taylor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harley Taylor, was born April 23, 1901 at Jolley. He came to Terril with the family in 1930 and attended school here. He has worked on various farms near here. He worked for the Decker Company in Des Moines for two years.

He was married in October, 1941 to Lavina Burrell.

He enlisted in the Seabees in September, 1942 and left Des Moines for camp November 3, 1942. He is now stationed somewhere in Alaska.

He has two brothers, Derb of Terril and Gerald in the Army. He also has two sisters, Mrs. Ed Eick and Mrs. Homer Arthur.

We have published Gerald’s picture before, but the only recent picture the family had was the one of the brothers taken together when they met in camp. (Harry on left, Jeddy on right)

June 15, 1944

Raymond Taylor, USN and wife came from Des Moines Friday for a week end visit with relatives. Raymond had been in Alaska for several months and had but recently returned to the states. He had a 30 day furlough.
………….

Raymond Taylor received discharge October 1945


Re: Marvin Terveen

July 4, 1943

Marvin Terveen Writes of Alaska

Mr. and Mrs. Berton Newby received the following letter from Marvin Terveen who is working on the Alcan road.

(received July 29, 1943)
Alaska

Dear Sis and Bert:

Well, this is the 4th so I’d better celebrate by writing some letters. We finally got here. All we’ve done since we left Sibley is stand and wait. The train was so crowded we slept in single seats and some had to sleep on the floor. We got into Seattle at 8:30 Saturday morning. Had to go sign some papers, take a regular army physical exam.

Seattle was full of guys coming up here. There were about 700 on the boat. We left Tuesday at midnight and arrived at 7 Saturday night. We did not get off the boat until 5 the next morning, had a couple sandwiches and pulled out for camp 300 miles in the back end of a truck. It wasn’t very rough, oh, no! But I wouldn’t have missed the whole trip for anything. For all the pretty scenery from Valdez, over the mountains the waterfalls are prettiest. There are over 500 falls in 300 miles.

We saw a whale ¼ mile away from the boat. It was about 50 feet long, just a small one. We’ve seen quite a few bears. One was in camp the other day back of the kitchen (in garbage can). The cook shot 3 times with a 30-30 and missed it. I’m never going hunting with him.

Don’t let them tell you it never rains in Alaska. It’s rained about every other day this week. It about washed our camp out. We had to go change the channel of the river. It seems funny to never see darkness, its light around the clock.

The Indians have dances here but charge 50 cents to get in. Clarinet, bones and rums is the music. Some of the men went and said they just hop around.

The engineers found some bones of elephants that are supposed to be 2 million years old. Mastadon they call them. They have them here in camp. The trunks are 8 ¼ feet long and 23 inches around. They are pretty well decayed but all there.

We have hot showers and washing machines, good bunks and plenty to eat. I surely like it. All of the Estherville gang is 15 miles down the road. I’m going to ride down on a truck some night. Bert, you should see some of these 6 x 6 tandem wheels-all wheel drive 10 speeds ahead and 2 reverses. They can really go.

Say, what do you know; I went to church tonight, something I never did at home. A young man studying to be a minister is working with us this summer.

Tell all the kids and everyone hello.


Re: Everett Titterington

March 19, 1942

Memorial Services Held at Milford for Everett Titterington

The American Legion and Auxiliary sponsored a memorial service Sunday for Everett Titterington, who was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7.

Rev. J. C. Korthal was speaker on the occasion with Roland Hegg, Larry Jensen, Mrs. L. B. Moreland, Mrs. Dwight Hemphill, Mrs. W. G. Anderson, Dr. J. E. Shelledy and Dale Petersen singing, In the Garden, and Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. Dr. H.J. Kooiker also spoke in behalf of the Legion.

The following obituary was read: Everett Cecil Titterington, oldest son of the late Everett and Mrs. Maud Pearl Titterington, was born at Terril, Iowa, August 5, 1921. With the exception of two years in Michigan and two years in the navy Everett had lived his entire life in and around Milford. He attended the Milford schools which he left when 16 years of age and was later transferred to the camp at Bancroft, Iowa. During the 27 months spent in camps he was a willing worker and he tirelessly gave his whole effort in helping maintain a home for his four younger brothers and sisters.

On December 9, 1939, Everett enlisted in the United States Navy. He received his three months basic training at the United States Naval Training Station at Great Lakes, Ill. He was home on a short furlough in February 1940.

His one great desire was that his brother, Robert, who is also in the navy, might reach the Hawaiian Islands so that they could be together. Although Robert’s ship sailed past his brother’s on November 2, 1941, he did not have the opportunity to see him before the disastrous raid on December 7, 1941. Everett was of a sunny disposition and was well liked by both young and old alike.

He is survived by his mother, two sisters, and two brothers, namely, Mildred, now Mrs. Ralph Watson, of Oahu Island, Hawaii, also a grandmother, Mrs. M.H. Titterington, Pomona, Calif., and a grandfather, J. H. Griffin of Milford, also one niece, Sharon Lea Watson and a host of relatives and friends.


Re: Donald Tow

June 24, 1943

Terril Boys in the United States Army and Navy

Donald Tow.jpgPfc. Donald LeRoy Tow was born at Estherville, April 24, 1922 and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Tow. He went to school at Superior and for the past several years has lived with his folks.

He was inducted November 26 last year at Ft. Des Moines and is located at Camp Beale, Colorado.

He has two brothers, Forest and Russell of Superior and three sisters, Mrs. Bert Barrett of Estherville, Mrs. Con Fogde of Graettinger, and Mrs. Howard Bendixen.

He has held a number of jobs around here and Superior and the last year before he went into the army he was a truck driver for Ed Lockner.

December 7, 1944

Pfc. Donald Tow left Monday for Camp Beale, California.

Cpl. Donald Tow of Camp Gordon Johnson, Florida and Wanda Tipton of Chico, California, were married at Jackson, Minnesota November 28. Donald was home on his furlough and while they were here they were married though each had to go their separate ways. Mrs. Tow returned to California and Donald went back to his camp in Florida Saturday.


Re: K. E. Tuel

August 30, 1942

(received) September 3, 1942

Pvt. K. E. Tuel Writes From Wyoming
Ft. Francis E. Warren, Wyo.

Dear Grows;

K.E. Tuel.jpgJust a line to tell you I really appreciate getting the Record each week. Anything from home is welcome but getting the local paper is something. News of so many people you don’t otherwise hear about. Your sending it to all the Terril men in service is mighty commendable and believe me it does a lot to build morale among the fellows so far from home.

I am getting along fine, having finished my basic infantry training which all quartermaster men get now. I have had one week in Supply School and after 7 more weeks will be assigned to a regular outfit such as the Air Corps or Mechanized Division or Infantry as a member of the quartermaster unit that takes care of their supply of food, clothing and equipment.

Until this war the quartermaster Corps received no combat training, but that has all been changed since this corps has suffered the heaviest casualties of any branch in this war to date. Our job is to feed and clothe the army and I’m finding out what a tremendous job that is and realizing under what conditions we will have to work after we reach a combat zone. We can do the job and Bataan and Pearl Harbor and Dunkirque and a few other things are going to be avenged because I know a heck of a lot of fellows that want the job done so they can get back home, this one included.

Thanks again for the paper and the best of luck to all of you. Hello! To everyone I don’t have time to write to.

Sincerely
Pvt. K.E. Tuel

March 21, 1943

(received) March 25, 1943

Ken Tuel Writes Grows From Bloomington, Ill.
Dear Grows,

Have been going to write you ever since I got here to Bloomington but it’s been about the most hectic three months I’ve ever spent. I’m glad it will be over this week and I can get back in the army. Of course I would rather be going back to civil life but I guess I won’t be for a while yet. The army will be a relief tho’ after this school where our time has really been all taken up. I would like to have had Evelyn here with me but we would have had so little time together that I guess it was just as well she stayed in Colorado Springs. I expect to be back there in about a week so you can hold the Record up for this week as I won’t get it this week here. I really appreciate and look forward to getting it each week. I can’t thank you enough for sending it as you do.

It sure did me a lot of good to learn that Pat is safe. I can understand how glad you must have been to have been to have word from him. Makes the whole world seem better doesn’t it?

I hope you are all well and getting along O.K. Maybe I’ll get to see you sometime next month as I really expect a furlough soon. Was to have had it at Christmas time but is was cancelled on account of coming to this school. I am a qualified refrigerator mechanic now so when I get to the old job again I can do a few things more than I used to. It will make me a jack-of-all trades I guess.

I surely would have liked to get back to Colorado before Bud leaves Denver but he will leave there the same day I leave here. Its been a long time since I’ve seen him. He and Evelyn got to see each other several times.

Well so long and good luck and thanks again for the paper

As ever
Ken

……………………
Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Tuel of Camp Carson, and wife of Colorado Springs came Saturday for a visit at the Mike Cruse home, and to see Bud Cruse who is also home on a furlough.  They will also visit the Eugene Tuel home at Milford.

March 2, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Kenneth Tuel was born in Carroll county in 1907. His folks live at Milford but he is well known here, having worked for J.R. Morton from 1938 until his induction in 1942. His wife is the former Evelyn Cruse, so Terril is the home town too.

He trained for quartermaster at Ft. F. E. Warren, Wyo. He has been stationed at Camp Carson, Colorado except for three months specialist schooling at Bloomington, Illinois. He is at present attending Quartermaster Officer Candidate school at Camp Lee, Virginia.

Ken has a brother, S-Sgt. Harold Tuel in Camp Howe, Texas and a sister, Lieut. Dorothy Tuel in the Army Nurses Corp in England. There are five other sisters.

Ken was here and at Milford a few days the first of the week.

February 15, 1945

Pvt. Kenneth Tuel came Friday from Camp Meade at Maryland, to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Tuel and visited Friday night with his wife’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cruse at Terril. He left Saturday for Colorado to visit his wife. Kenneth plans to return to Milford sometime this week end for a few days.

November 15, 1945

Kenneth Tuel, recently returned from the European theater, visited at the Mike Cruse home here last week, and with his folks at Milford, before going to Colorado Springs, Colo. to join his wife.


Re: Chas Varney

March 22, 1945

Chas Varney, U. S. Navy, came home Sunday from a naval training camp in Virginia


Re: Ralph Wade

April 27, 1944

Military Services Held Wednesday for Capt. Ralph Wade

Following are a few facts in the life of the one who has departed into the great Beyond. Ralph Vernon Wade, son of Paul and Maude Wade was born November 24, 1917 at Terril. He attended the Terril School until his family moved to Minneapolis where he was graduated from John Marshall High School and then attended the University of Minnesota. He made application to join the Army Air Forces in the fall of 1940 and reported for Flight Training on June 1, 1942 at Ontario, California. He received his pilots commission at Stockton Field California on January 9, 1942. He served with the twelfth Fighter Squadron in the South Pacific theatre of war and had made more than fifty missions over enemy territory on Guadalcanal and New Caledonia. For this service, he was awarded the Air Medal and four Oak Leaf Clusters. He was commissioned Captain in July 1943. He was taken ill in May, 1943 and was hospitalized overseas until he was returned to the United States in January of this year. He departed from this earthly life at the Schick General Hospital at Clinton on Sunday, April 23, 1944.

Those of his immediate family who mourn his death are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wade of Bode, one brother, Lyle of Bode, and one sister Mrs. Lloyd Pehrson of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Beside these there are many other relatives and friends who will greatly miss the congenial presence of this young man.

Friends of the family at Bode have contributed a sum of money to the Red Cross in memory of Ralph.

Ralph was baptized in the Christian Faith and later joined the Methodist Church. His faith was his source of courage and assurance during the long time of illness. It brings to our minds the words of the apostle who spoke, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give to me.”

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Reverend Nelson and under the auspices on the American Legion.

Pall bearers were A. D. Coleman, Wm. Nachtigall, Claude Krieger, August Schnell, Wm. Cruse, of World War I and Perry Hodge of World War II.

Those from a distance attending the services were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wade and Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Wade of Bode, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Pehrson of Minneapolis, Minn. Jeane Pelland, fiancée of the deceased and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pelland of Minneapolis, Mrs. Lloyd Place and son, Ensign Warren. Place and bride, who until her marriage a short time ago was also an Ensign in the Navy Nurses Corps, of Milford, Helen Davison of Spirit Lake, Mrs. Chas. Stanley of Clarksville, Mrs. Hannah Wade and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Prochaska of Superior, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Clark of Sioux Falls, S.D. Mr. and Mrs. Jay Wade of Plainview, Nebr., Mrs. Foster Kamp of Estherville.

There were American Legion members from Superior, Arnolds Park, and Milford in attendance with our local Legion.


Re: Joe Walsh

February 1946

Joe Walsh left Saturday for Ft. Sheridan, Ill., from where he was sent to Marsh field, California.

March 1946

Born Friday evening at a Spencer hospital, a 7 ½ pound daughter, Mary Jo, to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Walsh. Joe had been home a couple days and had to go to the train, buy the happy event occurred just before the train pulled out and the hospital had him paged at the depot and he knew he was pa to a black haired daughter and all was well, before he left. Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Ida are bearing up well and waiting.

May 16, 1946

Joe Walsh came from Lowry Field, Colorado and spent a day with his wife and baby at the Buns home. He had to return Friday so was not here to see his daughter baptized Sunday.


Re: Ellen Weiland

January 18, 1945

Miss Ellen Weiland, former Palo Alto county girl now in war work in Tacoma, Wash., writes The Yanks that she had an interesting letter from her two brothers, both overseas telling of their meeting in Germany. The boys, Sgt. Alfred (Sib) and Sgt. Arthur Weiland, wrote that “this is the third country we’ve met in and we hope that the next one will be the U.S.” Sib and Art made plans to meet on Christmas (their letter was written Dec. 9) and they told of a little shopping expedition they made and “we have a few things we are going to send you and Elsie (Mrs. Frank Connell of Arnolds Park, another sister). Sib is with a cavalry unit and Art with a hospital division. The brothers mention seeing news in the Democrat, including their brother, Otto’s wedding to Hilda Vanderby last fall. Emmetsburg Democrat.


Re: Elden S. Willard

P.F.C. Elden S. Willard, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Willard of Gilmore City has completed an intensive course of study in air force clerical duties at the Training Detachment of the U.S. Army Air Forces Technical Training Command located on the campus of Colorado State College of Education.

His completion of this intensive clerical training has fitted him for further duties with the army air forces in the service of his country.

While on the campus of Colorado State College of Education, within sight of the Rocky Mountains, he lived and ate his meals in the modern dormitories of the college and attended classes in the campus buildings. At graduation ceremonies, he was presented a diploma. He is now located at Key Field air base, Key Field Mississippi.

Elden Willard, or Bud, as he is known by friends and relatives of this community was born at Terril, Iowa, May 1st, 1919 and is the youngest brother of Mrs. August Schnell.


Re: Bernice Wray

July 8, 1943

Bernice Wray has enlisted in the SPARS and is now stationed at Palm Beach, Florida. Bernice is a former Terril girl. She has made her home for the past few years with Mr. and Mrs. Trimble at Cherokee where she worked as telephone operator. Her sister, Arlene is employed at the state hospital at Fort Steilacoon, Washington. She also made her home with the Trimbles. Another sister, Aldine is employed in defense work in Cedar Rapids. These girls are older sisters of Alice Wray, who makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Lester Evans.

………….
The following letter was written by Bernice Wray, who is in the Coast Guard stationed at Palm Beach, Florida, to her sister, Alice.

Dear Alice,

I arrived here Monday and love it. I guess I’d better start from the beginning and tell you what all has happened. I left Cherokee on Wednesday of last week and got in Chicago Thursday morning. I went to the Chicago Theater and saw Jimmy Dorsey on the stage. He was perfect.

I left Chicago Saturday around 1 p.m. and was sent on a troop train instead of the Pullmans we were supposed to have had. It was terrible hot and dirty but we had a lot of fun. We got down here Monday morning about 9:30 and were brought over here to the Biltmore hotel. It is just perfect. Our room is on the 6th floor. Each room has 3 double deck beds with 6 girls in each room. My roommates are swell. There are twins from Wisconsin, one from Illinois, one from Michigan, one from Minnesota, and me.

Our big double window on the west looks out over the bay that divides Palm Beach with West Palm Beach. It’s really pretty when the sun is setting. The palm trees are gorgeous. From the other side of the hall the girls can see the ocean. We saw a blimp yesterday and there are submarines off the coast also.

We have drilled every day and its fun. We get up at 6:00 and go to bed at 2200. (10:00 to you). Our room has to be in ship-shape condition every day and has to pass captain’s inspection every Saturday.

I haven’t had any mail and it’s sort of lonesome when everyone else gets some. So please write soon.

Lots of love,

Bernice

March 23, 1944

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Fassler of Quimby are the parents of a son born March 17, weight 7 pounds, 13 ounces. The baby has been named Roger Warren. Mr. and Mrs. Fassler was formerly Bernice Wray of this community. Mrs. Fassler is living with her husband’s folks while he is in service.


Re: Clarence Woodyard

October 26, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and Navy

Clarence Woodyard.jpgPvt. Clarence H. Woodyard, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Woodyard. He enlisted in the air Bourne glider infantry February 1943. He landed in France the 6th of June this year and was wounded June 10th and is still in England in a hospital. The latest report, he had been moved to another hospital in England. He says he has not received the Terril paper since he was wounded and he surely missed it.

Clarence has finally gotten settled again with a new address and we are again sending him the Record.

He has a brother, Donald, in the Navy.

 


Re: Donald D. Woodyard

October 19, 1944

Donald D. Woodyard.jpgDonald Woodyard S 1 c, San Francisco, Calif., is a son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Woodyard, who have made their home in Terril for several years. He started to school here and went through the eighth grade. He enlisted January 17, 1944 in the Navy. Since then, he says he has seen lots of water and when this is over and they all get home again, he will be glad to be good on dry land.

He hears from his brother, Clarence, who was wounded and has been in a hospital in England.

His wife and son are here with her folks, Mr. and Mrs. Harley Higley.

March 8, 1945

Donald Woodyard, S 1-c came Friday from San Francisco for a 22 day visit with his wife and baby here, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Woodyard at Estherville.

February 29, 1946

Donald D. Woodyard, S1-c has been honorably discharged from the Navy at the Naval Personnel Separation Center in Shoemaker, California.


Re: Donald C. Wright

March 18

Donald C. Wright.jpgDonald C. Wright, son of Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Wright, was born at Fort Dodge, Webster County, Iowa, September 28, 1923. He attended kinder garden school at Spencer, starting first grade and graduating at Terril in 1941, where he played both football and basketball. Enjoyed boring and boxed considerable as A. A. U., also Golden Gloves.

While in high school he was employed part time at Terril State Bank, but after finishing school was employed at farmers Cash Store until Navy enlistment September 10, 1942 at Des Moines. He was sent to Great Lakes naval Training Station for Boot Training and was selected for special training. After his Boot training, he was home on leave. He was then sent to Morehead, Kentucky for further training for Electricians Mate. He graduated at Navy school at Morehead with rating of Electricians Mate, 3rd class March 1, 1943. He was granted leave and was at home until March 11, when he left to report to station on the east coast for either sea duty of further training. At the present time he is temporarily stationed at Hatboro, Penn. Station Barracks.

Donnie has three brothers, Keith, Dale, and Bruce and two sisters, Margaret and Gloria all at home.

September 17, 1942

Donald C. Wright Joins the Navy

Donald Wright has joined the navy. He left Friday morning for Des Moines and from there went to the Great Lakes Navel Training school. Donnie is another one of our kids and since he was a youngster in the lower grades he’s run into our shop and said “where’s” Pat?” in the most awestruck voice. Younger kids always have a hero. He’s hunted and fished and ate chicken and noodles with Pat so much we got so we could boss him as well as his own folks. So there’s another boy gone from Terril. Since his graduation in 1940 he has worked in the Farmers Cash Store.

 October 29, 1942

Donald Wright left Tuesday evening for the Naval training station at Great Lakes, Ill. after spending a week with his parents and friends here.
………….
A card from Donnie Wright Tuesday, says it’s pretty cold at the Great Lakes and they haven’t had all their clothes issued as yet. He gets the Record on Saturday and finds it a welcome edition to his mail.
…………

Great Lakes, Ill., 7 January – Donald C. Wright, 20, Terril, Iowa has been enrolled in the Navy V-12 Unit at Tufts College, Medford, Mass.

Entrance into the special training unit enables seaman Wright to take a series of approved university courses. The regular academic curriculum is supplemented with military drill, physical education and Naval Organization. The young Bluejacket will also have the opportunity to participate in competitive sports and campus activities.

Satisfactorily completing the V-12 program, seaman Wright will be sent to one of the many Midshipman Schools established for the training of Naval Reserve Officers. The Bluejacket will be commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve after successful completion of the midshipman course.

May 13, 1943

Letter From Donald Wright in New Jersey
Rio Grand, N.J.

Dear Grows,

Excuse the writing for it’s on my knee. Probably could do no better elsewhere. Stuck amid the swamps and undergrowth of Jersey. What a life. This state is swamp, undergrowth, sand and bugs. Typical place not to spend a picnic. But human nature over does itself and this is a prospering resort section. Right now the Tombs of Egypt are a bedlam in comparison. However, I do enjoy myself.

Nearly a year in the Navy and this is the first place I’ve seen the ocean. Ironical, what, Incidentally that’s the place I either live or die on in the near future. An aircraft carrier will soon be my new residence. The outfit I’m with is made up of a few old salts, but mostly new young fellows. So I start out on the same footing as they. Pacific I hope, but of course, I know not where. My work consists of electrical repair and readjustment of carrier aircraft. Interesting in its way.

They have a few WAVES here. My opinion of them has not been changed, but merely confirmed. The work they do doesn’t justify the publicity they receive. I could never be a recruiting officer, could I?

The east bustles with defense, air raid, etc. activity. Dimouts, a slightly modified black, are in all coastal cities. Black outs every now and then, tolerated, by demand, I guess. Like the sailor said, “kissed three people in the black out the other night before I got a hold of a woman.” That comes under the facts of life heading.

The officers here have more confidence in the weather than I. White uniform is the uniform of the day in a week or so. Personally, I think we’ll freeze at night.

Well, running out of scuttlebutt, so I’ll have to close. Would like to hear from everyone back home and will be glad to answer anyone’s letters.

I’ll go quietly, doctor. Cherio.
As Ever
Donnie

July 6, 1944

Donald Wright, USN, left Monday for Dartmouth college, Hanover, New Hampshire after a weeks visit at home.

December 26, 1944

Donald C. Wright, USN, came home from the east coast last Thursday night and remained until Monday. On his return he expects to soon be sent out where there’s things to do.

December 6, 1945

Donald Wright is discharged from the Navy. He expects to go to school in the spring.


Re: Keith Wright

December 3, 1944

received December 7, 1944
Keith Wright Praised Red Cross Canteen

Dear Family,

Keith R. Wright.jpgI wish you could be here with me now. I’m writing from the Red Cross canteen. A very likable atmosphere. You would get a kick out of it especially, Mom. There are five negroes with violins, one with a base viol piano, and clarinet. They play long haired stuff, but its really good.

When I get out of here and am asked for a donation, I’ll really come across. When I was a civilian. I thought it was a very good organization and now I’m convinced. Its changed a lot since the last war. I grant you there is some graft, but any organization of any size has that. I’m sold on the Red Cross 100% and my opinion will last. For example, they are passing out ice cream and cookies during intermission. They have a fine library here too. They have special Red Cross workers that go around to the bed patients, giving them reading material and something to do.

Do you know, I’ll be 19 years old the 17th. I’m getting to be a very old man be voting in two years.

Be seeing you eventually.
All my love
Keith.

December 14, 1944

Keith Wright writes of a phase in his training at boot camp: “no kidding, I really like it here. It’s not as bad as some guys would have you believe. Sure is tough and you have to take a lot, but I wonder what I would have been doing if were put in the Infantry. It gives me chills to think about it.

I had three small fillings in my teeth yesterday. They told me my teeth are in darned good condition. And don’t get the wrong idea on navy dentists. They have the best doctors and dentists equipment available anywhere. Some guys are getting dental work free that would have cost them three hundred dollars in civilian life.

You mentioned something about being stiff from physical exercises. We have them on the grinder every morning ten minutes after we get up and they last an hour. We get them plenty more times during the day only with a rifle.

The first week we were here we had to do exercises until we dropped. We do it again before we leave.

December 28, 1944

Keith Wright, USN, came Sunday from Great Lakes, Illinois for a short visit at the B.C. Wright home.

March 8, 1945

Terril Boys in the Army and Navy

Keith is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Wright. He was born at Spencer, December 17, 1925. He started and completed his twelve years of school in Terril, graduating in May 1944 as salutatorian.

After failing twice to enlist in the Navy, he was called for Selective Service in May 1944. He was rejected then but was to be re-called in 90 days. While waiting for reexamination, he was employed at the John Deere plant in Waterloo. He was reexamined in August and was accepted entering service September 18, 1944. He was sent to Naval Training Station at Great Lakes, Ill. After completing “boot”, he was returned to Great Lakes for signalman’s school, which he is now attending. He is now Keith Wright S 2-c.

Keith has 3 brothers, Donald in the Navy since September 1942 and Dale and Bruce at home, also 2 sisters Margaret and Gloria, both at home.

May 17, 1945

Among those graduating recently from an intensive course of Signalman training at Service Schools, Great Lakes, Illinois, was Keith R. Wright, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Wright, Terril, Iowa. This Bluejacket was selected for his specialized training on the basis of his recruit training aptitude test scores. Graduates from the ten specialized courses taught here at the Service Schools are sent to sea to shore stations, or to advanced schools for further duty.

November 1945

A letter from Keith Wright Monday says he is in Tsing, China and expects to leave for Shanghai on the USS Montauk December 17.

August 1, 1946

Keith Wright, who has been in the Navy, in China arrived home Friday. He has his discharge and went on to Weaver to attend the wedding of his brother, Donald.


Re: Fred E. Wyland

June 18, 1942

Fred Wyland Writes Home

Dear Grows;

Fred E. Wyland.jpgBreakfast had BEANS, with catsup, French toast, figs, bread, butter, and coffee. The morning passed rather fast as work was to be done in the office. Had dinner at the Chow Hall. The menu- steak, boiled potatoes, gravy, creamed corn, direct from Iowa, bean soup, sliced tomatoes, bread, no butter, and iced lemonade. Really a lovely meal.

This afternoon I took in the sights that appear daily. No news. And now, supper. Stew, green string beans, French fried potatoes, cookies, bread, jam, and iced tea.

Evening well spent. Lost five cents in a poker game. Knocked off a few lines to folks at home. Saw movie playing here at station. And now, I see my time is up, so-tiz a goodnight.

Fred E. Wyland, Jr. SK3-c

P.S. Enjoy the TERRIL RECORD very much.

Fred E. Wyland, Jr. SK3-c
U. S. Naval Station
Supply Office, West Bank
Balboa, Canal Zone.

August 19, 1942

Terril Boys in the United States Army and Navy

Fred Elliott Wyland

Fred Wyland, second son of Dr. F. E. Wyland was born here Nov. 24, 1918. He attended Terril School and graduated with the class of ’39.

He worked in Wisconsin as an engineer doing road word. He enlisted in the Navy Nov. 1, 1940 at Fort Dodge taking his training at The Great Lakes Navel Training Station. He was stationed at Norfolk, Va., for a short time and is now in Panama where he has been for over two years. He was home on leave at Christmas time. Fred and Marilyn Duroe were married during the Christmas holidays. There are three brothers in the service, John, Ralph and Jerry and Richard and Mary at home. Mrs. Fred Wyland is employed in Minneapolis.

September 1942

Fred Wyland, Warrant Officer, came home Tuesday after being in the south Pacific for 4 ½ years. Fred hasn’t been home for over 2 years and has met his wife on the east coast where she spent some time a year and a half ago. This is the first time he has seen his daughter, Peggy Jean, and he is very well pleased with her. Fred has only 15 days furlough. He saw his brother, John, for three days in San Diego, in route home. This is the first time any of the four brothers have met while in service. While we haven’t seen Fred yet, we are glad to chronicle the fact that he in home with his wife and daughter, parents and brother and sister.

December 17, 1942

News Letter from the Terril Community

Sunday, December 13, Miss Marilyn Duroe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Duroe, was united in marriage to Fred Wylkand, son of Dr. and Mrs. Fred Wyland, in a pretty home wedding. Rev. Harvey Nelson performed the single ring ceremony. The bride and her father walked to the altar to the music of Lohengrin’s wedding march, preceded by Mary Wyland, flower girl and Dick Wyland, ring bearer. The altar was decorated with red roses and white carnations.

The bride wore white wool with a shoulder corsage of yellow roses. Only immediate families were present.

Both young people graduated from Terril High School. The bride then going to Buena Vista and working in a bank at Lenox, S. D. the past year. The groom entered the Navy over 2 years ago and is now a storekeeper, second class. He has been stationed in the Panama Canal Zone and will return to his Navy duties when his furlough expires.

November 2, 1944

Born Sunday night, October 29, to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wyland, Jr., a girl weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces and was born in an Estherville hospital, Fred is in the Navy with a fleet post office address out of San Francisco. All parties are doing fine.

March 27, 1945

Letter From Fred Wyland

Dear Grows,

Well, ‘tis time I get hot and drop a few lines and thank you for the Terril Record’s I’ve been receiving and enjoying very much. They were held up for some time but think the most of them have caught up with me now.

In reading the paper I find that you know that Pat has been transferred to Japan. Some time ago when the prisoners of war were rescued from one of the prison camps in Manila we had sixty of them aboard ship for chow and a place to hang their hats while waiting transportation back home. I had some very interesting talks with them. I was trying to find someone who might know Pat but was unable to. He must have been in one of the other camps. However, I did ask just how they were treated – if they received mail and just what the living conditions were. From all reports they were much better than I had expected. They said they received food, clothing, and medical supplies from the Red Cross. If I learn anything new I’ll be sure and let you know.

From the letters to you, that you print in the paper, I find that some of the boys from home are out in this neck of the woods. As yet I haven’t come across any of them but sure am keeping my eyes open. You know, I think it might be a good idea to print a list in the paper of the home town boys in the service giving their ship or station address. I know you have your hands full but am sure you could get plenty of volunteers to give a hand.

Well, guess this is all for now. Be seeing you –

As Ever,
Fred

September 20, 1945

Warrant Officer Fred E. Wyland and Mrs. Wyland and baby, Peggy Jean, left Sunday to drive to San Francisco, where Fred was ordered to stay there for some time.

May 16, 1946

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wyland and Peggy arrived home from California Thursday morning. Fred is discharged after 5 years and they could not get to Iowa quite fast enough to suit either of them. They have gone to Park Rapids, Minnesota, to visit Fred’s folks, after spending a few days here with Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Duroe.


Re: Jerry Wyland

January 14, 1943

Letter from Jerry Wyland

Jerry Dale Wyland.jpgJust a line to let you know I am still here at Jacksonville, Florida and feeling fine. I hope this letter finds you and the rest of the Terril gang the same. The weather here has been very mild this year. I have been in Florida three winters now and this winter at Christmas time it was warm enough to go swimming.

I sure wish I could get some water under my feet. I don’t want to be a dry land sailor the rest of my cruise.

I wish to thank you very sincerely for sending me the Terril Record, I really enjoy it. I am sure every other service man who receives it will agree with me on that. They do to

Well, it’s time for lights out so I better bring this to a close so I can get it off in the morning mail.

Thanks again for the Record

One of the boys,
Jerry

September 2 1943

Terril Boys in the United States Army and Navy

Jerry Dale Wyland

Jerry Dale Wyland, fourth youngest son of Dr. and Mrs. Fred E. Wyland, was born here Jan. 21, 1923. He attended school here until he joined the Navy, enlisting in November of 1940. He took his boot training at Great Lakes Training Station and is now located at Jacksonville, Florida. The three older boys, John, Fred and Ralph are also in the armed services while Dicky and Mary Alice carry on at home. Jerry was one of the likable kids around town about which the little jingle on the tip of “Service Salutes” was written.

June 28, 1945

Memorial Services Held for Jerry Wyland

Memorial services were held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon, honoring Jerry Dale Wyland, who gave his life in the South Pacific May 11. Following is the short history of his life as given by Rev. Nelson.

Jerry Dale Wyland, son of Dr. .and Mrs. Fred Wyland, was born January 21, 1923 at Terril. He grew to young manhood in this community and attended the Terril public school. When he was seventeen years old, he enlisted in the service of his country. That was in the fall of 1940, over a year before the United States was engaged in war. He took his boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. From there, he went to Jacksonville, Florida, where he took further training at the naval Base and at the Lee Air Field. His training was continued at the Naval Base in Miami, Florida. In May of 1944, he was transferred to the Naval Base at San Diego, California. There he was assigned to an aircraft carrier and entered active duty at the beginning of the year 1945.

On May 29th, his parents were notified that he has been killed in action while in the service of his country. A letter from his commanding captain stated that Jerry’s death occurred on May 11, 1945. He was buried by a Protestant Chaplain. Memorial services with full military honors were also held May 20, with the ship’s company in attendance.

Jerry had attained the rank of Aviation Machinist’s mate, second class, United States Navy. His commanding captain spoke of him as a very competent aviation mechanic and one in whom all the pilots had the greatest confidence. His willingness and ability in his work and the cheerful manner in which it was performed, said his captain, gained for him the respect of every officer and man in his squadron.

The following members of his immediate family mourn his death, his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Fred Wyland, four brothers, John, Fred, Ralph and Dick, of whom the first three are members of the Armed Forces, and one sister, Mary. There are also two aunts, Elizabeth Wyland and Mary Jane Wyland of Pennsylvania. The whole community mourns with the family as it has with the other families who have gone through this same experience in recent months.

This boy was one of our boys,
So, we share each other’s woes,
Each other’s burdens bear
And often for each other’s flows,
The sympathizing tear.”

“O Valiant hearts, who to your glory came-
Though dust of conflict and through battle flame.
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved.
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.”

June 28, 1945

Killed in Action in the South Pacific

May 31, 1945

Memorial Day will have more significance for Terril this year, perhaps than ever before, as the news spread rapidly on May 29 that Jerry Wyland had been killed in action in the South Pacific and his body buried at sea.. These few words can break the hearts of parents and family and sadden the hearts of all friends and acquaintances

Jerry Dale Wyland, AMM 2-c, fourth son of Dr. and Mrs. F. E. Wyland, was born in Terril January 21, 1923. He attended school here until he joined the Navy, enlisting in November 1940. He took his boot training at Great Lakes Training school and was later located at Jacksonville, Florida. He was transferred to San Francisco in the fall of 1943. He visited home in February 1944 and has been out since January 1945.

There are three brothers in the service. John SC 1-c, in the Navy in the South Pacific; Fred Jr., CSK, in the Navy in the South Pacific and S. Sgt. Ralph in the Army on his way home from the European theater.

Jerry was among the first from here to enlist. All four of the Wyland boys enlisted.

There are two children yet at home, Dicky and Mary Alice, who will ever remember and grieve and still be proud of their sailor brother who gave his life for his country.

July 5 1945

Jerry Wyland of Terril killed in action on the Bunker Hill

The censorship has been raised and the story of the death of Jerry Wyland son of Dr. and Mrs. Fred Wyland of Terril has been made public by his ship mate Francis Van De Walle of Wallingford.

Jerry Wyland was killed May 11 in the Japanese attack on the Bunker Hill and was buried at sea. The next day Memorial honors were given May 20 for him and others who died in this action his family was notified May 28 of his death but was not permitted to reveal the action in a letter received later the commanding officer paid tribute to Wyland and told of the circumstances of his death. Memorial services were held at Terril June 24.

Jerry Wyland went into the service in the autumn of 1940 enlisting well yes attending high school he went to the Great Lakes Naval Station and later to Florida and then to San Diego, California.

Van De Walle escaped uninjured and is now at home while the Bunker Hill is being repaired at Brermerton Washington.

Two of his buddies 17 and 18 were suffocated below deck of the carrier after the deck hatches had been closed and the smoke and flame was drawn below by ventilators. All but a few of the engine crew died but enough survived to bring the ship back to port.

The Bunker Hill lost 383 in dead 19 missing and 284 wounded when the 27,000 ton Essex class carrier was attacked off Okinawa by suicide planes that had eluded detection.


Re: John J. Wyland

John J. Wyland.jpgJohn Wyland, oldest son of Dr. and Mrs. F.E. Wyland was born in Terril October 25, 1936. He attended Coe College one year and for the rest of the time was employed in the Farmers Cash Store here, a grocery store in Minneapolis and after his marriage August 7, 1940 he and his wife ran a grocery store here.

There are four brothers, Fred, Jr. in the Navy stationed in the Canal Zone; Ralph, in the army somewhere overseas and Jerry in the navy at Jacksonville, Florida, Dicky, and one sister Mary at home.

He enlisted in the Navy September 1, 1942 and took his boot training at Great Lakes, Illinois and was stationed on the U.S. Chicago. He was home on a short leave last fall.

July 12, 1942

John Wyland SC 1-c came home Friday from the west coast after nearly a year on the Pacific. He was off Okinawa for some time. What he thinks of the Japs isn’t much. But there are lots of things he doesn’t care to talk about and who can blame him. He has a 30 day leave and is getting acquainted with his daughter Penny Joan, as well as visiting his wife and parents and other relatives.

March 11, 1943

Terril Boys in the United States Army and Navy

John J. Wyland

John Wyland, oldest son of Dr. and Mrs. F. E. Wyland was born in Terril October 25, 1917 and attended school graduating in 1936. He attended Coe College one year and for the rest of the time was employed in the Farmers Cash Store here, a grocery store in Minneapolis and after his marriage August 7, 1940 he and his wife ran a grocery store here.

There are four brothers, Fred Jr., in the Navy stationed in the Canal Zone, Ralph, in the army somewhere overseas and Jerry in the navy at Jacksonville, Florida, Dicky and one sister, Mary at home.

He enlisted in the Navy September 1, 1942 and took his boot training at Great Lakes, Illinois and was stationed on the U. S. S. Chicago. He was home on a short leave last fall.

July 6, 1944

John Wyland, USN, and Mrs. Wyland, who have been here the past two weeks spent a week at the cottage at the lake and left today for San Diego, California, where John reports for orders. Pearl will stay there and likely get defense work on the coast somewhere.

April 26, 1945

John Wyland, S.C. 2-c and Mrs. Wyland are the parents of a baby girl born Tuesday at an Estherville hospital.

October 25, 1945

John Wyland has received his discharge from the navy and is now on the west coast where he has employment. Pearl and the baby are still here and will help Dr. Wyland’s move and get settled, then after visiting her folks at Hallack, Minn., they will join John at the coast.


Re: Ralph E. Wyland

August 6, 1942

Ralph Wyland Marries July 14

Ralph E. Wyland.jpgSergeant Ralph E. Wyland third son of Dr. and Mrs. F. E. Wyland, was married to Elizabeth McDonald of Jackson, Mississippi July 14, 1942.

Ralph is stationed at Columbia, S. Carolina with a Bomb Squardron.

August 26, 1943

Terril Boys in the United States Army and Navy

Ralph Eugene Wyland

Ralph Wyland, third son of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Wyland, was born in Terril November 4, 1920. He graduated with the class of ’39 and took two years schooling at Buena Vista. He enlisted in November of 1940 at Fort Dodge and is serving in the Army Air Corps. The last two letters they had from him was three weeks ago. He was in some of the attacks on Sicily.

Ralph was married in July of 1942 to Elizabeth McDonald of Mississippi. Mrs. Wyland is now in Mobile, Ala., working in an army airport.

Ralph has the same set of brothers which John and Fred had. John, Fred and Jerry in the armed forces, and Dickie and Mary at home.

June 1, 1944

Dr. F. E. Wyland received a telegram Wednesday May 31 from the Adjutant General, stating that their son, T/Sgt. Ralph E. Wyland, was slightly wounded in action May 13. The Wyland family had received a cablegram from Shorty May 26, saying he was O.K. and not to worry.

February 15, 1945

From headquarters of the ?? Air Force in Italy comes word that the B-25 Mitchell bombardment group to which Technical Sergeant Ralph E. Wyland of Terril, Iowa, is assigned as clerk, has been cited again by the War Department as a Distinguished Unit, this time for the sinking of the Italian cruiser Taranto in La Spezia harbor September 23.

Carried out without loss of aircraft and with no casualties despite a formidable concentration of anti-aircraft guns, the brilliant attack frustrated German attempts to move the Taranto into position to block the entrance of this vital harbor. The group was previously cited as a Distinguished Unit for outstanding close support mission flown in Tunisia and Sicily in favor of the British Eighth and American Fifth and Seventh armies.

June 21, 1945

T. Sgt. Ralph Wyland and his wife arrived home Saturday. When asked where he’d been he said, “all over the world”. He joined his wife in St. Louis and has a 30 day leave. His last stopping place before leaving for home was Italy.

September 20, 1945

Sgt. Ralph Wyland and Mrs. Wyland came from Fort Worth, Texas last week for a visit. Ralph stopped long enough to Jefferson Barracks to get his discharge. They accompanied Dr. and Mrs. F. E. Wyland to Minnesota for a few days’ vacation. Mrs. John Wyland is looking after Dick and Mary.

July 26, 1946

Miami Beach, Fla. T. Sgt. Ralph E. Wyland, 24, of Terril has arrived at Army Air Forces Redistribution Station No. 2 in Miami Beach for reassignment processing after completing a tour of duty outside the continental United States.

Medical examinations and classification interviews at this pioneer redistribution station, operated by the AAF Personnel Distribution Command for AAF officers and enlisted men, determine his new assignment. In the words of Col. Ralph Rhudy, post commanding officer, putting the returnee in the right job, after we have once established his physical and mental readiness for reassignment, is the mission of the post. During his processing, he is housed in an ocean-front hotel and enjoys abundant facilities for rest and recreation in this year-round beneficial climate.

Technical Sergeant Wyland was member of an Intelligence detachment during 28 months in the European theater of operations. He is the holder of the Purple Heart and a Distinguished Unit Citation. Husband of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Wyland, of Terril, he entered the Army in March 1941.


Re: Carl Zehnder

August 3, 1944

Carl Zehnder USN left Friday night for training camp. He got his commission and uniform before he left here.

November 23, 1944

ECarl Zehnder.jpgnsign Carl Zehnder, son of Mrs. Freda Zehnder was born at Battle Creek, April 27, 1914. He is a graduate of Terril High with the class of 1932 and a graduate of Buena Vista College in ’36.

He taught at Thompson three years at Philipps, S.D. two years and Marcus for one year.

He enlisted in the navy in March of this year and received his commission in May. He left for Hollywood, Fla., July 27. He has completed his first course of training.

There are three brothers, Emil in New Guinea, Sam in Reno, Nevada in training and Rudolph here. Freda Heinman of Estherville. He is married and his wife and two children have been with him in Florida and have just returned.
……………….
Carl F. Zehnder, Lt., (jg) was discharged from the navy February 25, 1946 at Great Lakes, Illinois.

November 1944

Ensign Carl Zehnder came Friday from Hollywood, Florida on a few days leave. He visited friends at Marcus and relatives here and while home moved their household goods from the Sands house to store it in the Morton building. Sands are moving back into their own house and Chris Strubes will move into the Ridley house where Sands lived. Strubes bought it.
……..
Discharged August 1945


Re: Emil Zehnder

February 1943

Sgt. Emil Zehnder went back to Aberdeen, Maryland last week after visiting his wife and his mother and brother. Mrs. Zehnder is working in the Gill Pharmacy. Mrs. Gill left Sunday for Los Angeles, California to visit her son Merwyn and family.

January 6, 1944

Emil A. Zehnder

Sgt. Emil A. Zehnder was born at Battle Creek, Iowa June 5, 1905. The Zehnder family have lived west of town for a good many years and Emil and his wife farmed south west of town for a time. Later they went to Sioux Falls, S. D. and from there to Fairmont, Minnesota, where he worked until he enlisted August 24, 1942. He went from Minneapolis to Aberdeen Proving grounds at Aberdeen, Maryland. From there he went to Camp Adair, Oregon, He is in the automotive electric division of heavy maintenance.

His wife, Elsie is with her mother Mrs. Matilda Kohlwes. His mother, Mrs. Freda Zehnder and brother, Rudolph, and wife and baby live west of town. Sam is stationed at McChor Field, Wash., Marie Gooreham lives in Des Moines, Freda Hejman in Estherville and Carl in Marcus.


Re: Samuel W. Zehnder

October 28, 1943

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

PFC Samuel W. Zehnder

Sam Zehnder has lived on a farm near Terril for 23 years, moving here from Battle Creek. He has three brothers, Emil, who is in the armed forces in Oregon, Carl who is coaching at Marcus and Rudy who is farming at home. He has two sisters, Mrs. Fred Heiman of Estherville and Mrs. Alvia Goreham of Des Moines, and his mother, Mrs. Freida Zehnder at home.

Sam entered the armed forces in November, 1942. He was stationed first at Fort Sill, Okla. and now is located at McChord Field at Seattle, Washington.

June 14

Pfc. Samuel W. Zehnder’s new address is Supply & Service Sqdn., Sec. D, RAAB, Reno, Nevada. Pfc. Zehnder is with the Administrative section of the Supply & Service squadron of the 545th AAF base unit of the Army Air base.

October 11, 1945

Samuel W. Zehnder, son of Mrs. Freida Zehnder, Terril, Iowa has been honorably discharged from the Army Air Forces, it was learned today. Zehnder’s last duty station was at the Air Transport Command’s Ferrying division base near Reno, Nev., and he received his discharge at the Sioux Falls separation center. Zehnder enlisted at Ft. Sill, Okla., November 1942. He was promoted to the rank of private first class in 1943.


Re: Donald Zelinsky

March 30, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Donald Zelinsky

Donald Zelinsky is the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Zelinsky. He was born in Harrison county, July 17, 1926. He attended Terril school for a time after his folks moved to the farm east of town and graduated from Estherville in 1943. He attended junior college for a short time.

He enlisted in the Navy in the fall of 1943, taking his boot training in Farragut, Idaho and is now stationed at Seattle. Washington.

Brothers and sisters are, Roy, Wilbur, and Francis, and Lillie, Leota and Verdene.

December 20, 1945

Donald Zelinsky came home Friday from Okinawa on a 60 day leave. He has reenlisted in the Navy for two years and has to report Feb. 7 at Columbus, Ohio.

February 1946

Donald Zelinsky left Monday for Columbus, Ohio, after spending a 62 day furlough here with relatives. He has reenlisted in the Navy for two more years.


Re: Francis Zelinsky

October 25, 1942

Francis Zelinsky Appreciates Record

Camp Grant, Ill.

Dear members of the Terril Record,

At the sound of “mail call” which comes at 12 and 5 each day, it is really one mad scramble in all the barracks. Nothing is more appreciated than a letter, a box of cookies or candy and last but not at all least the home town paper. I always enjoyed reading it at home, but now I just kind of long and wait for it each week. So I really want to thank the members who make up the best little home town paper in the Union.

This is my seventh week in training. I am attached to the veterinary departments and like it fine. After one more week of basic training here, I am ready for shipment, where too of course, I don’t know. But where ever I go, I will surely try and do my part to help get this war over with in a hurry.

As I have several other letters to write this Sunday afternoon, I will say thanks again for the Terril Record.

So Long

Francis

P.S. I will send you my new address as soon as I am stationed.

January 7, 1943

Terril Boys Now With the Flying Colors

Francis F. Zelinsky, third son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Zelinsky, was born at Persia, Iowa August 30, 1921.

He graduated from Terril high school with the class of ’37. Following this he has one year at Ames and the C. P. T. Course at Estherville Junior College.

He was called to the Army in September of this year. He took his basic training at Camp Grant, Illinois. For the past four weeks he has been stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia as Veteran Technician. His work at present is that of food inspector.

Francis has three sisters, Mrs. Dorrance Jacobs of Estherville, and Leota and Verdene at home.

There are three brothers, Roy of Graettinger, Donald, a senior at Estherville and Wilbur, who took his physical at Des Moines December 18 and was rejected.

Francis was home for a ten day Christmas furlough.


Re: Charles Zenor

Letter from Charles Zenor

SanDiego, California
March 2, 1942

The Terril Record,

I have seen the Record every week for the past three years.  I always think of Terril as “The Old Home Town.” I joined the U.S. Marines three and a half years ago. I thought that many of the Terril folks would like to know a little about the United States Marines.

The symbol of the Marines is Semper Fidelis meaning “Always Faithful.” The Marines are the first to fight.  It is a known fact that during the last war there was nothing the Germans hated to hear worse than, “There are some American Marines headed this way.”

People sometimes wonder how the morale of the armed forces really is.  Well, in the Marines it is extremely high.  We all want to get a little Jap blood on the end of our bayonet.  Every time there is a few thousand Marines leave  here to go across (that is we presume they are going to pay the Japs a visit) you will find 99% of the rest of the guys griping because they didn’t get to go with this bunch.  I know I wouldn’t mind giving my Tommy Gun a little Jap exercise.  I had several pals here in the Marines who will never come back.  They were on Wake Island.  I don’t think people will have to worry about who will win the war as long as there are a few marines in existence.  You know folks “The Marines Never Retreat.”

Sgt. Charles Zenor
2nd Scout Co.
2nd Marine Div. F.M.T.M.C.B.
Camp Elliot, San Diego, Calif.

November 12, 1942

Man in Marines Writes Record

Camp Elliott
San Diego, Calif.

Dear Grows and all people of good old Terril:

I have read about all of the fellows of Terril in the good old home town. I guess it is about the best morale builder I know of. I believe I know as much about the service as any of them as I joined the Marines in 1938. Of course as you know I am one of the very very proud men of “The United States Marines”. I expect to go across the pond in a very few days so I thought I would tell the folks back home of the Marines.

You see before the war we were a very easy going bunch of men. But I’m telling you as soon as the war broke out it was like walking from a canary cage into a lion’s cage. To top it all off when they had to put a thousand Japs to every Marine on Wake, that was the blow that killed father. As far as the USO and all the rest go they can give that to somebody else as I had seven good pals killed by them sons of ——- so all they have to do is let us go.

Well I’m going to close this letter and I’ll try and describe the details when this thing is over. So take it easy as the Marines have the situation well in hand.

S/Sgt. Charles Zenor

P.S. Since I left Terril I have gotten married and have a son 11 months old. I wish to keep them free, that is my aim.

April 29

Letter From Chas. Zenor From Over Seas

Dear Grows and all of Terril,

I have been receiving the Terril Record and enjoy it very much. As you probably know, I’m overseas. Boy, what I wouldn’t give to be back in the good old U.S.A. I know all the follows feel as I do about this thing. We would rather fight it out over here than have our country blown to heck and back like a countries over on this side of the pond. There is one thing for Americans to remember, don’t growl about conveniences being taken away. The people over here have been fighting a heck of a lot longer than we have and are doing on a lot less than the people in the states will ever have to, even if the war lasts three or four years longer.

I know one thing and that is the American armed forces are the best equipped of any in the nation. So keep it coming and we will stake our lives that the axis are going.

As Ever
Charles “T” Zenor

June 17, 1943

Charles Zenor Writes From Overseas

% Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Dear Grows,

How is everything in good old Terril? I received a letter from home and the folks said people enjoy hearing from guys overseas. I don’t know why, because they don’t allow us to say where we are or what we do. I’ll say one thing though. It is five blankets cold and twice as windy and just as wet. By gosh, I’ve never seen a place in my life where the wind could blow so hard, or the rain be so darned cold and yet the sun shines. You can guess where I’m at. I am between 5 and 10 thousand from the good old U.S.A. That is a little water.

I just got out of the hospital. An emery stone broke on one of our electric motors and hit me over the heart. If it would have broken a second sooner, it would have hit me in the face, so I’m pretty lucky.

As Ever
Charles

August 3, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Charles Zenor

We are publishing the picture of Charles Zenor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Zenor, who spent most of his young life here. He has been in the marines for a number of years even before we were in the war. He has been married about four years and has one child. We are publishing a V-mail letter we got from him this week, which tells that he was on Saipan. So the picture comes in timely. His folks living near Milford makes it difficult to get much personal dope on him but practically everyone knew young “Tee” and we are mighty glad he got in his licks and came through safely on the islands.

Dear Grows,

I thought it high time I drop a few lines again. I’m on Saipan Island. I’ve had some very good experiences here. Such as help take three prisoners, also having mortar shells drop exactly where I had been standing a minute or two previous, also having had a few snipers take a shot or two. But don’t let anybody kid you, it was no fun at the time. We were shelled several times. One shell landed about eleven feet from my fox hole. This being no fun either at the time. The first time they shelled my fox hole was a foot and a half deep. When they quit, I was down four feet and if they hadn’t stopped shelling I’d never have quit digging either. Give all the Terril people my regards.

Charles Zenor

February 7, 1945

Chas. Zenor, Marine, came back to the states recently after 29 months in the South Pacific. He is now going to school in San Francisco.


Re: Everett W. Zitterich

December 31, 1942

Terril Boys Now With the Flying Colors

PVT. Everett W. Zitterich

Pvt. Everett W. Zitterich, son of Henry Zitterich, was born June 28, 1920 on a farm near Terril. He received his schooling at Terril and graduated from high school with the class of 1938.

Everett has five sisters, Maleta, Velma Plautz of Lurens, Dorothy, Leila and Lucille and two brothers, Willard and Leonard.

Everett was inducted into service October 1, 1941 at Fort Des Moines where he remained for six weeks. He then was transferred to Camp Callen, San Diego, California, where he was trained as Coast Guard. He also took ten weeks training in mechanic school. From there he was transferred to Ft. Lawton, Seattle, Washington. From Fort Lawton, he was sent to Fort Mears on Dutch Harbor, Alaska. He was there when Japan first attacked Dutch Harbor. At present the families aren’t certain just where he is located.

Before his induction into military service, he was a hired hand on the Andrew Reno farm.

April 5, 1945

T/Sgt. Everett Zitterich came Thursday from Denver, Colo. for a 30 day furlough.

October 18, 1945

Everett Zitterich came home Tuesday, honorably discharged from the armed forces.


Re: Leonard Zitterich

May 18, 1944

Leonard Zitterich, son of Henry Zitterich, was born November 19, 1925 on a farm near Terril. Leonard received his schooling at Terril, graduating from high school with the class of 1943.

He was inducted into the Army Air Corp on January 23, 1944 and was stationed at Amarrillo, Texas. From there he went to Truax Field at Madison, Wisconsin. At present he is taking a 18 week course in Radio Mechanics.

Leonard has two brothers in service, Cpl. Everett, now stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas and Cpl. Willard, on the Hawaiian Islands. He has five sisters, Mrs. Alfred Plautz of Pocahontas, Maleta, Dorothy, Liela and Lucille at home.

April 1945

Cpl. Leonard Zitterich returned Monday evening for Topeka, Kansas after a 15 day furlough.


Re: Willard C. Zitterich

January 20, 1944

Terril Boys in the Army and the Navy

Willard C. Zitterich

Cpl. Willard C. Zitterich, second son of J.H. Zitterich, was born near Terril, November 22, 1922.

He received his schooling in Terril.

Willard entered the service January 25, 1943. He was stationed at Fort Warren, Cheyenne, Wyoming. From Fort Warren he was transferred to San Antonio, Texas in the Ordnance Bn. Division. From San Antonio he was sent overseas and is now located on the Hawaiian Islands.

He has two brothers, Cpl. Everett, on the Aleutian Islands, and Leonard who is entering service this month. He also has five sisters Mrs. Alfred Plautz of Pocahontas, Maleta, Dorothy, Leila, and Lucille at home.

Before entering service Willard worked for Harley Maas.

December 13, 1945

Willard Zitterich came home Friday and has received his discharged.

Top