These pages are dedicated to the Men and Women of World War II.
North Carolinians Service Records Taken from the Burlington, North Carolina Daily Times News This document contains statewide casualty lists along with items local to Alamance County. December 2, 1944 to December 17, 1944 December 2, 1944 The War Department announced the awards to the following N. C. personnel of the 7th Air Force: Oak Leaf Clusters to the Distinguished Flying Cross: Captain Samuel P. Bledsoe, Jr., 47 National Avenue, New Bern 1st Lt. Allen Davis, Jr., Cullasaja 1st Lt. Phillip A. Petrie, Walnut Grove, Distinguished Flying Cross 2nd Lt. Ralph B. Lassiter, Dandor Tech. 5th Grade Alfred T. Kennedy of High Point, was one of the infantry personnel to receive the Bronze Star December 8, 1944 Wounded in Action Central Pacific Pfc. Allen M. Andrews, Mrs. Berea S. Andrews, mother, Fairmont Pfc. Clinton Fleming, Mrs. Flora M. Fleming, wife, c/o W.W. Cox, Rte. 1, Aurora Pvt. Edgar L. Haywood, Mrs. Myrtlie E. Haywood, mother, Aulander Pvt. Howard S. Harmon, Mrs. Addie M. Harmon, mother, 1304 Oak Shade Extension, Kannapolis Pvt. Robert Harris, Mrs. Lena M. Harris, mother, Rte. 1, Belhaven Corp. Ralph J. Keaton, Mrs. Inez C. Keaton, wife, Box 396, Draper Pfc. Arthur B. Lakay, Mrs. Dollie H. Lakay, mother, Rte. 2, East Bend Pfc. George H. Myers, Mrs. Annie S. Myers, wife, Calypso Pfc. James W. Myers, Miss Cathleen Myers, sister, Aulander Pfc. Robert L. Pearson, Mrs. Dollie Page, mother, 823 S. Washington St., Shelby Pfc. Ralph D. Precythe, Mrs. Eliza W. Precythe, mother, Falson(?) Pfc. Clyde M. Ridenhour, Mrs. Pearl L. Ridenhour, mother, Rockwell Tech 5th Grade Thomas R. Smith, Mrs. Ola M. Smith, mother, Rte. 2, Hiddenite Pfc. David Wesson, Mrs. Alice M. Wesson, wife, Valdese European Theater Pvt. Samuel J. Allen, Mrs. Edna E. Allen, wife, 106 North Holman St., Durham Pfc. Talmadge D. Allen, Mrs. Flora B. Allen, mother, Rte. 1, Weaverville Pvt. Edmund S. Atwood, Mrs. Sydney H. Atwood, wife, 846 N. Cherry St., Winston-Salem Corp. Thomas E. Carson, Jr., Mrs. Mary M. Carson, mother, Lincoln Rd., Gastonia Pvt. Robert T. Crawford, Mrs. Lula C. Crawford, mother, Obids(?) Pfc. Carston O.(?) Culler, Mrs. Louise L. Culler, mother, Rte. 1, Steeds(?) Pvt. Len J. Darnell, Clarence P. Darnell, father, Rte. 1, Elkin Tech 5th Grade Clifton Davis, Mrs. Myrtie R. Davis, mother, Kenly Sgt. Rex A. Dean, Mrs. Matile P. (or F.) Dean, mother, Rte. 1, Willow Springs Pvt. Reuben W. Deas, Mrs. Ada K. Deas, wife, 33 Aycock Street, Concord Pvt. Edwin J. Edgerton, Mrs. Pansy S. Edgerton, mother, 401 Glenville Ave., Fayetteville Pvt. Paul R. Frye, Luther E. Frye, father, Rte. 3, Hickory Pvt. Roy T. George, Fletcher E. George, father, Rte. 1, Francisco Pvt. Paul S. Gibson, Mrs. Lula E. Gibson, wife, 437 S. Academy St., Mooresville Pvt. Julius F. Greene, Mrs. Myrtle R. Greene, mother, Linsville Staff Sgt. Ernest S. Hubbard, Mrs. Sarah Hubbard, mother, 200 N. Park, Belmont Tech 4th Grade Louis H. James, Mrs. Ila L. James, mother, Rte. 3, Statesville Pvt. Wm. Johnson, Mrs. Mamie S. Johnson, mother, Rte. 3, Dunn Sgt. Ralph M. Jones, Mrs. Susie D. Jones, mother, Rte. 1, Salisbury Staff Sgt. Robert D. Jones, Mrs. Anna M. Robertson, sister, Harmony Pvt. Jesse J. Joyner, Sr., Mrs. Margaret W. Joyner, wife, 207 Grimmersburg St., Farmville Pfc. Frank F. Langley, Mrs. Robene J. Langley, mother, Rte. 1, Staley Pfc. John H. Melton, Mrs. Lela M. Melton, mother, 2 Grace Avenue, Asheville Pfc. George S. Melvin, Mrs. Martha Melvin, mother, Dublin Staff Sgt. Glen J. Merell, Mrs. Sue A. Merell, mother, Rte. 1, Pisgah Forest Sgt. Alton Paville, Mrs. Alice k. Pavell, mother, Rte. 2, Mt. Olive Pvt. Roy J. Rogers, Mrs. Amanda I. Rogers, mother, 221 North Ransom St., Gastonia Pfc. Leon W. Rowe, Mrs. Mamie W. Rowe, mother, Alliance Staff Sgt. Shufford C. Rowe, Mrs. Annie S. Rowe, mother, Marion Pfc. Rufus E. Samuel, Mrs. Lawrence McManer, sister, 1821 ½ N. Liberty St., Winston-Salem Pfc. Roy Ernest Schukraft, Mrs. Vennie B. Schukraft, c/o Floyd Duncan, Rte. 1, Roxboro Pvt. Frank Scott, Mrs. Mandie J. Scott, mother, Rte. 2, Laurenburg Pvt. George A. Sweum, Mrs. Lois M. Sweum, wife, Brunswick Pvt. Clyde R. Tyndall, Mrs. Carolyn S. Tyndall, mother, Ayden Mediterranean Theater Pfc. John W. Byrd, Mrs. Dorothy P. Byrd, wife, Rte. 8, Lenoir Pvt. James E. Carter, Mrs. Margaret W. Carter, mother, 509 E. 3rd St., Gastonia Tech Sgt. John C. Fritz, John A. Fritz, father, Rte. 2, High Point Pvt. Walter M. Goble, Mrs. Frances E. Goble, wife, 124 N. Mulberry St., Lenoir Sgt. Lloyd Grice, Mrs. Pearl G. McDaris, sister, Rte. 3, Kenly Pvt. Ven Q. Holland, Mrs. Ethel M. Holland, mother, Box 73, Ruth Pfc. E.J. Hudson, Mrs. Cornelia S. Hudson, mother, Rte. 2, Four Oaks Pfc. James R. Lane, Mrs. Dora R. Lane, mother, Rte. 1, Rosehill Pfc. Rondall U.S. Ledford, Mrs. Lola M. Rondall, mother, Rte. 3, Haynesville Pfc. Henry D. Sowers, Mrs. Kathleen Sowers, wife, Rte. 1, Statesville Pvt. George Staley, James R. Staley, brother, Asheboro Pfc. Theodore R. Thompson, Mrs. Genie F. Thompson, mother, Rte. 1, Steeds(?) Pvt. Alonzo C. Wright, Mrs. Naomi J. Wright, wife, 1023 Webb Avenue, Burlington Southwest Pacific Theater 2nd Lt. Thomas M. Bruce, Jr., Mrs. Hilah M. Bruce, wife, 20 Bogwell Avenue, Raleigh Tech 5th Grade Franklin M. Harrison, Mrs. Vern S. Harrison, mother, Grantsboro(?) 2nd Lt. Grover w. Perkins, Mrs. Ruth E. Perkins, wife, Rte. 2, Granite Falls Navy Casualties Corp. George C. Hobby, USMC, wife, Mr. and Mrs. E.N. Hobby, parents, Fuquay Springs Pfc. Thomas L. Jackson, USMCR, wounded, Samuel J. Jackson, Belmont; guardian Wm. F. Horsley, Gastonia Pfc. Raymond E. Jones, USMCR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Lyons, guardians, West End Sgt. John D. Langley, USMC, wounded, Mrs. Allie B. Wilson, mother, Stokes Pfc. James A. Lipe, USMCR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. Albert R. Lipe, parents, 391 Patton Avenue, Asheville Gunnery Sgt. Wellington B. Long, Jr., USMC, wounded, Mrs. Wellington B. Long, jr., 1119 N. Queen St., Kinston Pfc. German G. Manus, USMCR, wounded, Wm. A. Manus, father, Waxhaw A Silver Star was awarded to Marine 1st Sgt. Robert D. Christenbury of Catawha, N.C., for “heroic initiative and valiant conduct against the Japanese in the Pacific”. He won the decoration for valor during the Cape Gloucester campaign where he was a gunnery sergeant with the 1st Marine Division. The citation which accompanies the award to the 29 year old North Carolinian says he ignored painful shrapnel wounds in his face and led an attack on a strongly fortified Japanese position. “Refusing medical aid he gallantly pushed forward and encouraged his men to advance, carried on the attack and routed the enemy from the crest of the hill”. He also saw action on Peleliu where he was wounded. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Christenbury of Rte. 2, Catawha. December 11, 1944 Two additional war casualties involving soldiers from this vicinity were revealed today in the announcement that Private Charlie E. Perry of near Graham was missing in action and Private James M. Neal of Burlington was killed in action both in the European theater of war. Private Perry is the son of Mrs. Lottie Perry of Rte. 1, Graham, and has been missing in action since Nov. 16. He has been in the service since Sept. 16, 1940 when he left Burlington with the National Guard Company. He is 23 years old. Private Neal is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jams L. Neal of Hamilton St. and was killed in action in France on Nov. 25. He had been in the service since Jan. 15, 1943 and received training at Ft. Lewis, Washington and Camp Phillips, Kansas before going overseas. Prior to entering the service he was employed by A.J. Whittemore and Sons. December 12, 1944 Navy Casualties Pfc. Wm. W. Brickell, USMC, wounded, George C. Brickell, Halifax Pfc. Wm. G. Brown, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Mary T. Brown, mother, Mocksville Pfc. Roderick L. Crenshaw, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Margaret M. Crenshaw, mother, 106 Hamilton St., Burlington Corp. Wiley Roger Dickens, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Mary L. Dickens, 402 West Vance St., (city cut off) Pfc. Robert F. Elliott, USMC, wounded, Mrs. Carrie Wilson, mother, Murphy Gunner’s Mate 2C Paul Arnold Gweltney, USNR, dead, (previously reported missing on report of Navy casualties Oct. 13, 1944), Mrs. Emma Jones, mother, Asheville Seaman Paul Clifton Miller, dead, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Paul Miller, parents, Morganton Ship’s Cook 1C George Felix Piotowski, USNR, dead, Miss Ruby Coates Johnson, friend, Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst Signalman 3C James McGee Riddle, USNR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Riddle, parents, 610 West Peace St., Raleigh Wounded in Action European Theater Pvt. Wm. M. Anderson, Mrs. Ruby P. Anderson, wounded, 107 Charlotte St., Sanford Sgt. Edgar E. Berry, Mrs. Mont E. Berry, mother, Valdese Pfc. Charles Burrell, Mrs. Lora Burrell, mother, Victory Station, Gastonia Pfc. Willis E. Coles, Mrs. Monnia E. Coles, wife, Henderson Pvt. Charles R. Chambers, Mrs. Millie(?) Chambers, mother, 1006 N. Eugene St., Greensboro Sgt. Wm. B. Cumber, Mrs. Pauline Cumber, wife, Rte. 4, Fayetteville Pfc. Roy W. Davis, Mrs. Laura L. Davis, wife, Rte. 2, East Bend Pvt. Graham H. Eason, Mrs. Esther L. Eason, wife, 1003 N. 3rd St., Wilmington Pvt. Robert F.(?) English, Mrs. Bertha Andrews English, wife, Rte. 2, Mt. Gilead Pfc. Phillip W. Faucette, Mrs. Eloise N. Faucette, wife, Brown Summit Pvt. Rogers Freeman, Mrs. Hattie Freeman, mother, 622 Nantucket, Greensboro Pvt. Wister F.(?) Garrett, Mrs. Ora H. Garrett (no relationship stated), Rte. 1, Julian Pvt. Norris H. Gotchell, Mrs. Louise Gotchell, wife, Rte. 2, Thomasville Sgt. Alton J. Harrell, Benjamin L. Harrell, Rte. 3, Edenton Pfc. James H. Heath, Mrs. Violet O. heath, wife, Rte. 1, Bear Creek Pfc. Paul H. Hoffman, Mrs. Essie G. Hoffman, mother, Ret. 1, Rickingham Pvt. Otis R. Holmes, Mrs. Belle T. Holmes, mother, 1120 Harp St., Raleigh Pvt. Henry W. Huffman, Mrs. Dorothy H. Huffman, wife, 305 W. 25th St., Charlotte Tech 5G Wilson Z. Isem, Mrs. Iss(?) L. Isem, mother, Rte. 1, Walnut Grove Pvt. Leonard Jolly, Mrs. Gertie M. Jolly, mother, 1305 Walnut St., Albemarle Pfc. Lonnie J. Koonce, Mrs. Harriett J. Culifer, mother, Rte. 1, Maysville Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Large, Mrs. Mocella Large, wife, Burlington Corp. Albert N. Leatherwood, Mrs. Mila Duckworth, sister, Rte. 1, Marble Pfc. Arthur R. Ledbetter, Gilbert G. Ledbetter, father, Rte. 2, Shelby Pfc. Lloyd E. Long, Mrs. Pate E. Long, mother, Rte. 1, Charlotte Staff Sgt. John W. Lookabill, Mrs. Nellie M. Lookabill, wife, 448 Lindsey, Reidsville 1st Sgt. Cecil A. McColl, Mrs. Letha B. McColl, mother, Rte. 1, Ellerbe Sgt. Atlas L. McLaurin, Mrs. Thelma L. McLaurin, wife, 271 Lucus St., Fayetteville 1st Lt. David R. McNaught, Mrs. Sarah R. McNaught, wife, 2378 S. Main St, Winston-Salem Staff Sgt. Walter E. Melton, Mrs. Mae Richardson Melton, mother, Rte. 4, Monroe Tech 5G Edwin J. Messick, Mrs. Swanee W. Messick, mother, 85 West End Blvd, Winston-Salem Pvt. Leon J. Mabley, Mrs. Blanche A. Mabley, mother, Rte. 1, Beulaville Pfc. Elwood E. Peeden, Mrs. Alice P. Peeden, grandmother, 943 Davis St., Henderson Pfc. Paul J. Price, Ossie W. Price, father, Rte. 1, Nebo Staff Sgt. John Register, Luther D. Register, father, Brunswiek Pvt. Marshall E. Sprouse, Rte. 5, Sanford (father was next of kin) Pvt. Frank H. Taylor, Mrs. Gladys R. Taylor, wife, Rte. 3, Murphy Pfc. Perry L. Teague, Mrs. Lee A.J. Teague, mother, Rte. 2, Taylorsville Tech 4th Grade Vern L. Tesh, Miss Currie M. Tesh, sister, 730 West Walnut, Winston-Salem Corp. Rexford L. Thompson, Sidney Floyd Thompson, father, Rte. 1, Princeton Tech 5G Robert K. Treat, Mrs. Henrietta S. Treat, mother, Pineville Pvt. Mark L. Willis, Mrs. Rhugenia Willis, wife, Draper December 13, 1944 Wounded in Action European Theater Pfc. Vernon H. Bowers, Mrs. Selena M. Bowers, wife, Rte. 4, Albemarle Staff Sgt. Wm. L. Bramlett, Mrs. Glenn Bramlett, mother, 19 Platt St., Canton Pfc. Clarence H. Brown, Utlies(?) H. Brown, father, Stanley Tech 4G Ernest H. Bryan, Mrs. Bertie M. Bryan, mother, Havelock Sgt. Weldon Cable, Solphus M. Cable, father, 616 Cable St., High Point Staff Sgt. Walter M. Cummings, Mrs. Alma L. Cummings, wife, 820 ½ N. Trade St., Winston-Salem Pfc. John A. Daniels, Mrs. Juanita Daniels, wife, 315 Sykes St., Wadesboro Tech 4G John E. Diggs, Mrs. Thelma Diggs, wife, 6 South Pine Tree Drive, Havelock Pvt. Lloyd J. Driver, Jr., Mrs. Nora L. Driver, mother, Stoneville Sgt. John H. Eller, Mrs. Florence A. Eller, mother, 361 Patton Avenue, Asheville Sgt. Fred L. Eudy, Mrs. Alice M. Eudy, mother, Rte. 2, Mt. Gilead Pvt. Clarence P. Fagg, Mrs. Margaret J. Fagg, Rte. 2, Mt. Airy Lt. Col.. Charles T. Fort, Mrs. Dorothy J. Fort, wife, 112 N. Broad St., Winston Salem Tech 5G Cecil E. Frye, Mrs. Carrie H. Frye, mother, Stoneville Pfc. Lewis Garner, Mrs. Gladys H. Garner, wife, Rte. 2, Hemp Corp. Thelma C. Gray, Gover C. Gray, father, Clyde Pfc. Charlie Gregory, Mrs. Ruth E. Gregory, wife, Rte. 2, Union Grove Pvt. Noble P. Hardy, Mrs. Helen L. Hardy, wife, 704 West 9th St., Kannapolis Pvt. Thomas B. Hartis, Samuel E. Hartis, father, Indian Trail Pvt. Robert G. Holston, Mrs. Nancy J. Holston, mother, 2005 Locust St., Winston-Salem Pfc. Bob L. Huff, J.M. Mangum, friend, Chapel Hill Pfc. Wm. T. Jacobs, Mrs. Ressie R. Jacobs, mother, Rte. 3, Fairmont Pfc. Willie S. Jarrell, Jovie J. Jarrell, father, 920 Champion St., Henderson Sgt. Ben E. Jones, Miss Dollie Mae Jones, sister, Memorial General Hospital, Salisbury Pvt. Lehmon Kilby, Mrs. Cindy Love, mother, Rte. 1, Swannanoa Corp. Harvey L. King, Mrs. Sallie H. King, mother, Rte. 3, Littleton Sgt. Melvin G. Lee, James W. Lee, father, Rte. 3, Four Oaks Pfc. Israel R. Livingston, Jr., Israel R. Livingston, Sr., father, Miller’s Creek 2nd Lt. William B. Logan, Mrs. Dellie G. Logan, wife, Box 247, Kings Mountain Pfc. Fred S. McCraven, John t. McCraven, father, Rte. 2, Davidson Pvt. James C. McPherson, Mrs. Vannie McPherson, mother, Rte. 1, Clarenton Tech Sgt. Bristol A. Messick, Mrs. Eva F. Messick, mother, Rte. 2, Harmony Pfc. Walter Miller, Mrs. Stella P. Miller, mother, D Street, N. Wilkesboro Tech 5G Calvin N. Mills, Mrs. Kucille Mills, wife, Rte. 1, Candler Pvt. Gaston Okendine, Miss Luis C. Odendine, sister, Pembroke Pvt. Ray T. Terres, Miss Tessie Terres, sister, Rte. 4, Lincolnton Pvt. James Thompson, Mrs. Rhonda M. Thompson, wife, Leland Pvt. Earl Wesse, George W. Wesse, father, Canton Staff Sgt. Arlin C. Whittington, Mrs. Lonnie S. Whittington, mother, Rte. 3, Winston-Salem Pvt. Jesse C. Woodard, Mrs. Esther M. Woodard, wife, Rte. 2, Wilson Pvt. Bailey G. Woodlief, Mrs. Ethel M. Woodlief, wife, Rte. 1, Henderson Staff Sgt. Wm. H. Zoellner, Mrs. Nellie F. Zoellner, mother, Highlands Navy Casualties Pfc. Lantz p. Gaffney, USMC, wounded, second time (last reported wounded on report of March 1, 1944), Mr. and Mrs. Carl L. Gaffney, parents, Northville Pfc. Fred V. Griffin, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Fred V. Griffin, wife, 230 Glenn St., Concord; Mrs. Lilly H. Griffin, mother, Monroe Sgt. Jack D. Harbolt, USMC, wounded second time (last reported wounded on 9-11-44 list), Mrs. Jack D. Harbolt, wife, Shallotte Pvt. Henry M. Harrel, USMCR, wife, Mrs. Henry M. Harrel, wife, Tarboro Pfc. Wm. R. Walston, USMCR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Walston, parents, Pinetops Signalman 3C Robert Howard, USNR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wyatt Watson, Hickory December 14, 1944 Pvt. James L. Vipperman of Mebane, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Vipperman, was killed in action on Nov. 22, his parents have been advised by the War Department. He is survived by his parents, one brother, J.H. Vipperman of Danville, Va., and two sisters, Mrs. Dollie Rice and Mrs. Carrie Hill, both of Mebane. Wounded in Action European Theater Pfc. Roy R. Aebischer, Mrs. Dorothy M. Aebischer, wife, 1009 ½ West 6th St., Charlotte 2nd Lt. Lucien D. Agniel, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Agniel, wife, 1710 Fountain View, Charlotte Pfc. John Antwine, James B. Antwine, brother, Rte. 1, Jacksonville Pvt. Wm. C. Brantley, John C. Brantley, father, 120 S. Boylan Avenue, Raleigh Pfc. Johnny Q. Buchanan, Mrs. Prudena P. Buchanan, mother, Senia Sgt. Joseph E. Bullard, Mrs. Eloise A. Bullard, wife, Rte. 2, Fairmont Pvt. Wm. P. Burkhimer, Mrs. Mary E. Hyman, aunt, 210 Colonial Drive, Wilmington Pfc. Samuel C. Burnette, Mrs. Buelah G. Burnette, wife, Rte. 3, Reidsville Pfc. Grover C. Cagle, Mrs. Julia A. Cagle, mother, Rte. 1, Whittier Tech 5G Roy E. Douglas, Mrs. Attie W. Douglas, mother, Rte. 1, Crumpler Pvt. Gene W. Ervin, Mrs. Ruth L. Ervin, wife, 105 Gidney St., Shelby 1st Lt. Linley W. Gerringer, Jr., Mrs. Mary E. Gerringer, wife, 9020 Oakland Avenue, Greensboro Pfc. Howard G. Griffin, Mrs. Alfred J. Griffin, mother, Rte. 2, Brevard Pfc. Joe Griggs, Mrs. Lela M. Griggs, mother, Rte. 1, Lilesville Pfc. Wm. S. Hamilton, Mrs. Nellie Hamilton, mother, 225 West David St., Raleigh Pfc. Adam A. Haynes, John A. Haynes, father, Rte. 1, Union Mills Pvt. John A. Hepler, Mrs. Bessie L. Hepler, mother, Rte. 1, Rural Hall Pvt. Roy C. Hicks, James B. Hicks, father, 155 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville Pvt. Curtis A. Holyfield, Anna L. Holyfield, wife, Rte. 1 (no town shown) Pfc. Herbert A. Hughes, Mrs. Mary W. Hughes, wife, Rte. 3, Washville(?) 1st Lt. R.C. Ivey, Mrs. Ethel R. Ivey, wife, Water St., Lamberton Pfc. Henry E. Lawson, Mrs. Esolu H. Lawson, mother, Rte. 2, Tabor City Pfc. Wesley R. Markham, Mrs. Clara W. Markham, mother, Rte. 4, Elizabeth City Pvt. Glayden Massey, Mrs. Ella M. Massey, mother, Rte. 1, Marshall Pvt. Sell H. McDaniel, Mrs. Ruby L. McDaniel, wife, Rte. 1, Bostic Pfc. Charles A. McLendon, Lennox p. McLendon, father, 2301 W. Market St., Greensboro 1st Lt. James A. Midgett, Mary T. Midgett, wife, Rowntree(?) Park, Kinston Pvt. Floyd A. Moore, Mrs. Lucille M. Moore, wife, Rte. 5, Monroe Pfc. Roy L. Nelson, Mrs. Helen L. Nelson, wife, Rte. 1, Stokesdale Staff Sgt. Roy R. Norton, Mrs. Nellie L. Norton, mother, Rte. 1, Penrose Pvt. William A. Peacock, Mrs. Ruby E. Peacock, wife, 230 Woodland Ave., Greenville Pfc. Harlen E. Peeler, Mrs. Frances A. Peeler, wife, Rte. 5, Shelby Pvt. James E. Pittman, Mrs. Malinda F. Pittman, mother, Rte. 3, Clayton Pvt. Cecil H. Powell, Mrs. Sarah A. Powell, wife, Valdese Staff Sgt. Royce E. Pugh, Mrs. Lilly R. Pugh, mother, Siler City Pfc. James T. Rathbone, Mrs. Dovie M. Rathbone, mother, Rte. 2, Waynesville Pfc. Horace Reef, Mrs. Eleke M. Reef, mother, Rte. 1, Iron Station Pvt. Argie R. Reinhardt, Fred F. Reinhardt, father, 917 Greenleaf Avenue, Charlotte Pvt. Blake H. Rhodes, Mrs. Clyde V. Rhodes, mother, 31 Langewell Ave., Asheville Pvt. Kenneth N. Scott, Mrs. Betty M. Scott, wife, Haywood Road, Hendersonville Staff Sgt. Robert F. Sessoms, Mrs. Mckella B. Sessoms, mother, Rte. 5, Lumberton Pfc. Charles C. Smart, Mrs. I. W. Smart, mother, 1320 Lowder St., Albemarle Pfc. Lemuel J. Smith, Ed Smith, father, Rte. 2, Pink Hill Tech 5G Melvin Snow, James S. Snow, father, Rte. 1, Semora Pfc. Coy R. Webber, Mrs. Mary S. Webber, wife, 515 Arlington Ave., Charlotte Pfc. Dale J. Bond, Mrs. Billie J. Bond, wife, 905 ½ Merriman Avenue, Asheville Pfc. Douglas H. Bowers, Mrs. Mary A. Bowers, mother, Rte. 3, Concord Pvt. Edwin C. Bridges, Mrs. Mittie D. Bridges, mother, Rte. 5, Shelby Pvt. Kermit Bryant, Mrs. Jane M. Bryant, mother, Poplar Staff Sgt. Thomas L. Clayton, Mrs. Mary C. Jones, sister, Rte. 1, Sylva Pfc. Elmo Daves, Mrs. Merlyn L. Daves, wife, Shelby Pvt. Howard Dickey, Thelma I. Dickey, sister, 204 W. 10th, Winston-Salem Staff Sgt. Dallas R. Graves, Mrs. Susie A. Graves, mother, Rte. 1, Stokes Pfc. Willie S. Hampton, Mrs. Rachel D. Hampton, mother, Newland Pfc. Jackson L. Hand, Mrs. Garnett B. Hand, 146 E. Sharpe, Statesville Tech 4G Edward E. Hanner, Mrs. Blanche H. Russell, sister, Thomasville Corp. Gunnard Hill, Mrs. Elanora Hill, wife, 38 Cedar St. New Bern Pfc. John R. Hinson, Franklin D. Hinson, father, Rte. 3, Marshville 1st Lt. Thomas B. Keys, Robert C. Keys, father, Washington Pfc. Marvin B. Manning, Lee R. Manning, father, Rte. 3, Williamston Pvt. James H. Mitchell, Mrs. Clara Tuck, sister, 111 S. Poplar St., Kannapolis Pvt. Wesley Morton, Jesse Morton, father, Rte. 2, Jacksonville Pvt. Hubert S. Simpson, Mrs. Hazel Simpson, wife, Rte. 1, Concord Corp. Ephraim J. Singleton, Mrs. Ron A. Singleton, mother, 717 Live Oak Avenue, Shelby Pfc. Walter L. Wilkinson, Jr., Mrs. Mary B. Wilkinson, mother, 240 Patterson St., Concord Pvt. Ray J. Wyatt, Mrs. Allene Wyatt, wife, Rte. 1, Marion Died: European Theater Pfc. Willie J. Gilbert, James Gilbert, father, 913 Cedar St., Elizabeth City Pvt. Allen M. Gillie, Mrs. Celesta L. Gillie, mother, Early Avenue, Draper Pvt. F.C. Goins, Mrs. Rosa B. Goins, mother, 814 Arcola St., Belmont Pfc. Boyce Haynes, Mrs. Arizona Haynes, mother, Rte. 1, Uree(?) Pfc. Lynn A. Hinson, Mrs. Louvenia P. Hinson, mother, Rte. 4, Monroe Tech 5G Lawrence N. Hughes, Mrs. Felia Hughes, mother, Belmont Pvt. Marvin C. Johnson, Mrs. Ila I. Johnson, mother, Rte. 4, Mt. Airy Pvt. Mahlan M. Leonard, Mrs. Laura A. Leonard, wife, Rte. 1, Shallotte Pfc. William A. Parrish, Mrs. Grace E. Parrish, wife, Rte. 1, Belew Creek Pvt. Kirby P. Patterson, Mrs. Ella M. Patterson, mother, Rte. 1, Jackson Springs Pfc. Glen Ray, Mrs. Nora H. Ray, mother, Burnsville Mediterranean Pvt. Samuel L. Andrews, Mrs. Irma S. Andrews, wife, Rte. 1, Williamston Pvt. John Ballard, Mrs. Maxine S. Ballard, wife, Colfax Pfc. Roman W. Bentley, Mrs. Stella Mae Bentley, wife, Rte. 1, Lenoir Pfc. Leonard J. Bowen, Roy E. Bowen, brother, 1918 Lombard St., Charlotte Pfc. Benjamin W. Cogdill, Mrs. Iris A. Cogdill, wife, East Marion Pfc. Neil R. Cox, Mrs. Lula P. Cox, mother, Rte. 4, Monroe Pfc. Ralph K. Matthews, Mrs. Ola M. Styles, mother, Rte. 2, Raleigh Pfc. Wade R. McConnell, Mrs. Annie Mae McConnell, wife, Prentiss Pvt. Wm. T. McMoore, Mrs. Annie M. McMoore, mother, 208 High St., Concord Sgt. Lloyd R. Norris, Mrs. Jennie A. Norris, mother, Rte. 1, Sugar Grove Pfc. Robert E. Parker, Mrs. Margaret E. Parker, mother, Rte. 1, Goldsboro Pvt. Eugene J. Partin, Mrs. Minnie S. Partin, mother, 2404 Proctor Rd., Durham Pfc. Clarence H. Patterson, Charlotte L. Patterson, wife, Rte. 2, China Grove Pfc. Earl W. Pearson, Mrs. Annie E. Pearson, wife, Rte. 1, Morganton Tech Sgt. Roy W. Phillips, Mrs. Pearl L. Phillips, wife, Rte. 1, Weaverville Sgt. Clarence L. Pilson, Mrs. Ila(?) M. Pilson, mother, Rte 2, Dobson Pfc. Wm. C. Proctor, Jr., Mrs. Margaret E. Proctor, wife, 291(?) Parkwood Avenue, Charlotte Pfc. Lester E. Ragan, Mrs. Minnie L. Ragan, mother, 73 Morrison Avenue, Concord Pvt. Cecil R. Redmond, Mrs. Lutasba R. Redmond, mother, Rte. 1, New Hope Pfc. Conrad Reeves, Mrs. Docia B. Reeves, mother, Rte. 1, N. Wilkesboro Pfc. J.T. Dancy, Mrs. Addie D. Hamby, sister, Cricket Pfc. James W. Dellinger, Mrs. Dixie Dellinger, mother, Renie Station, Gastonia Pvt. Austin M. Ensley, Mrs. Gladys M. Ensley, wife, Topton Sgt. Ralph Fesperman, Jr., Mrs. Marie Fesperman, wife, Kannapolis Pfc. James W. Fisher, Miss Dorothy Fisher, sister, Weaversville Pfc. James M. Forbes, Mrs. Annie P. Forbes, Rte. 1, (illegible place) Staff Sgt. Clifford W. Frizzell, Mrs. Selma L. Frizzell, mother, Webster Pvt. Charles T. Garner, Mrs. Lydia G. Garner, wife, 900 Fisher St., Morehead City Pvt. Lee Gibson, Ernest Gibson, father, Walnut Pvt. Richard C. Gregg, Mrs. Jennie Gregg, mother, Rte. 1, Swannanoa Pfc. Lloyd T. Hamilton, Mrs. Arlene D.F. Hamilton, wife, East (illegible word) Pvt. Cornelius Harris, Thomas M. Harris, father Staff Sgt. Ernest R. Hinson, Mrs. Carrie(?) N. Hinson, mother, Rte. 2, Monroe Pvt. Bruce H. Jones, Mrs. Sarah S. Jones, mother, Rte. 1, Mt. Airy Pvt. Wm. Rodgers, Mrs. Cora P. Rodgers, Rte. 5, Greenville Sgt. Wade F. Russell, Mrs. Alma R. Cranford, sister, Denton Staff Sgt. Guy B. Secrest, Mrs. Addie L. Secrest, mother, Drexel Pfc. Nelson B. Sharpe, Mrs. Betty E. Sharpe, wife, 60 Merchant St., Biltmore Staff Sgt. Lenoir G. Shook, Leslie W. Shook, father, Tarboro Pvt. Horace F. Sills, Mrs. Louise H. Sills, wife, Rte. 1, (place illegible) Staff Sgt. George Smith, Mrs. Mabel Smith, mother, Shelby Pvt. Paul Scots, Mrs. Lessie Scots, mother, Ronda Tech Sgt. Ernest H.L. Sutton, Mrs. Lillie R. Sutton, mother, Rte. 2, Greenville Corp. Verdes Tarbon, Mrs. Bessie M. Tarbon, mother, Rte. 3, Oxford Pfc. Hilliard M. Thomas, Mrs. Leata(?) B. Thomas, mother, Rte. 1, Broadway Staff Sgt. Roby Tysinger, Mrs. Cora h. Tysinger, mother, Rte. 6, Lexington Sgt. Dennie L. Ward, William J. Ward, father, Robersonville Pfc. James W. Wilson, Jr., Mrs. Hettie V. Wilson, mother, Rte. 1, Asheboro Pfc. Billie A. Younce, Mrs. Hazel R. Younce, wife, Rte. 2, Hickory Navy Casualties Pfc. Paul B. Moore, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Lula Moore, mother, Fletcher Pfc. Henley A. Pointer, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Fern R. Pointer, mother, Bryson City Storekeeper 2nd Class Edward Samuel Sykes, Mrs. Minnie Ioaw Sykes, wife; Mrs. Reubah Sykes, mother, 1240(?) Walnut St., Greensboro Staff Sgt. Fred T. (Bill) Proctor, Rocky Mt., N.C., Infantryman, has returned to this country after four years overseas during which time he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement action on Makin Island. He was wounded at Saipan but went back into action three weeks later. After a furlough with his mother, Mrs. Harry Proctor, of 752 Nashville Rd., Rocky Mt., he expects to return to action against the Japanese. Sgt. Don E. Scott, Jr., son of Brigadier General and Mrs. Don E. Scott of Graham has been reported missing in action by the War Department, since December 2. Gunner on a B-24 Bomber, Sgt. Scott was based in Italy and his plane failed to return following a raid in enemy territory over Yugoslavia. Having recently receive a promotion to his present rank, Sgt. Scott volunteered and entered the Army Air Corps in January of 1943. He received training in Miami, Florida; Laredo, Texas; Tucson, Arizona; and in Lincoln, Nebraska, before going overseas in September of this year. He attended Graham High School and later school at Woodbury Forest, Virginia. He had completed a number of missions over enemy territory before the raid in which his plane did not return. Notification was sent to his parents in Richmond, Va., where General Scott is stationed and was forwarded to his aunt Mrs. L. (or I?) S. Thompson in Graham. General and Mrs. Scott will return to their home in Graham today. December 20, 1944 Navy Casualties Pfc. Thomas W. Adams, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Thomas W. Adams, wife, Archdale Corp. Everett H. Allran, USMCR, wounded, Lester L. Allran, brother, Salisbury Pfc. William H. Cundiff, USMCR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Cundriff, parents, Country Club Road, Winston-Salem. Chief Radio Technician Wilbur Ross Current, Jr., USNR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Ross, parents, Charlotte Pvt. Charles H. Howan, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Merle F. Howan, mother, 703 West Innes St., Salisbury Pvt. Marc C. Shiflet, USMCR, dead, Mr. and Mrs. Earley B. Shiflet, parents, 49 West Street, Asheville Pfc. Coy Triplett, USMC, dead, Mr. and Mrs. Coy Triplett, parents, Hudson He killed 31 Japanese during the swift American victory at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, but Pvt. Wilbur R. Lewis, 26th infantry, from Tarboro’, N.C., remembers best the sniper who surprised him in his birthday clothes. Relating the episode in an interview at a West Coast port, Lewis said he had taken advantage of a lull in the fighting to plunge into the cooling waters of a jungle stream. He said “I swam under water a few feet and as my head cleared the surface a rifle bullet whistled past my ears. I got out of that steam in nothing flat, flopped into the mud behind the rock where my rifle was and started looking. The man who took a pot shot at me was one sniper I was determined to get whether I had my clothes on or not. I raised up quickly to let him get another pot shot at me so I could locate him. His muzzle flash gave him away. He was in a tree about 75 yards back in the jungle. That was all I needed to know. I plugged him three times. I knew I hit him and wondered why he did not fall. Finally I saw his body sagging in a tree. He had tied himself in among the branches.” He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Lewis, 101 West Walnut St., Tarboro. Lewis had been in the service four years and was a member of the 24th Infantry Division. He was the first American infantryman to open fire on the Japanese three years ago. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks on December 7. The War Department announced today the awarding of the Silver Star to Tech Fifth Grace Myrlen J. Hix, RFD 4, Asheville, and Pfc. Paul J. Abbott, RFD 1, Kittrell, N.C., for gallantry in action in France last June. Our Men and Women In Service: Seaman Second Class Homer Holder recently spent a 12 day leave with his parents Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Holder, 418 Ward St., Graham. He was inducted into the Navy on July 30 of this year and received basic training at Camp Peary, Va. He is at present stationed at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Va. Corp. Joseph S. Shoaf, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Shoaf, 314 Fisher Street, is an airplane mechanic with a heavy bombardment group of the 15th Army Air Force at an air base in Italy which was recently presented with the Blue Battle Streamer for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy in a formal interview. Corp. Shoaf attended Burlington High School and was employed by the Dominion Box Co., before enlisting in the A.A.F. on Sept. 28, 1942. His wife, Mrs. Edith C. Shoaf, resides at 306 Logan St. He has two brothers, Clyde M. and Nash J., both in the service. Pfc. Paul G. Shepherd, son of Mr. and Mrs. T.B. Shepherd, Rte. 2, Burlington, is an aircraft armament specialist with the 92nd Bombardment Group, oldest Flying Fortress group in the 8th Air Force. An overseas veteran with 13 months in England; he has been working in one of the least known and most vital jobs in the 8th Air Force—armament. Armorers such as Shepherd are responsible for all combat equipment on the Fortresses including machine guns, power operations of gun turrets, gun sights, bomb sights, bomb racks, bomb bay doors, and the intricate wiring system of the bomb release mechanisms. He entered the service two years ago and was for a time a member of the M.P. He later attended aircraft maintenance school at Buckley Field and Lowry Field, Colorado, joined the 92nd Bombardment Group overseas 15 months ago. He attended Elmira School and was employed by E.M. Holt Plaid Mills, Burlington Pfc. Joel J. Huffman, Jr., of the Marine Corps has reached his destination in the south Pacific safely according to word received here. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Huffman, of Gibsonville. Word has been received by Mrs. E.G. Lewis that her husband Elmer has arrived safely in New Guinea. Pte. Lewis entered the army on Jan. 6 of this year and received training at Hartford, Connecticut and at Fort Ord, Colorado. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Lewis of Roxboro. Mrs. Lewis and daughter Kay are at home at 303 May Avenue. In order to pursue a course of study as an aerial engineer or radio operator on a C-46, the largest 2 engine cargo plane in the world, Pvt. Ernest W. Owens of 928 Stockard Street, has been placed on the flying status at the Reno Army Air Base ferrying division installation. This will require regular participation in aerial flying. In a position as an aerial engineer, Pte. Owens will be responsible for all maintenance and repair on a C-46 which has proved the most dependable ship for the carrying of military personnel and vital war cargo. Pvt. Gerald Dupree, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Dupree of 163 Lindsey Street, has landed safely in France, according to word received by his parents. He is a former employee of the B. & O Railroad Company in Baltimore. Pfc. Alex M. Mebane, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.R. Mebane, 711 North Main Street, has landed safely in England. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in July of 1942 and was called into active service in March of 1943. He received his training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, received special training at Queen’s College, New York City, and later was transferred to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Before entering the service he was a student at the University of North Carolina. Marine Pfc. Alfred G. Tankerlsey of Rte. 3, Burlington, was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in Saipan. He was wounded in the head by a Japanese rifle bullet that pierced his helmet. The 20 year old Marine was a truck driver with the 2nd Marine Division and saw action at Guadalcanal. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Tankerlsey and enlisted in the Marines in January of 1942. He is stationed at present at the Marine barracks at Klamath Falls, Oregon for treatment of a tropical ailment after spending 25 months in the islands. Captain George W. Lawson, 312 S. Main St., Graham, arrived recently at the Asheville Ground and Service Forces Redistribution Station where he will spend approximately ten days before re-assignment to duty. He has returned from seven months of service in the southwest Pacific. He earned battle stars for the major campaigns, he was in Papua, New Guinea. His branch of the service is the Medical Corps. His wife resides at the above address. Willard Fouchee, Seaman First Class, son of Rev. and Mrs. J.B. Fouchee of Haw River is now stationed in the New Hebrides Islands in the southwest Pacific. He took his training at Great Lakes, Illinois after entering the service in June of 1943. He went overseas the following November and has been in many islands in the Pacific. Fred C. Combs, 612 S. Cameron St., has been promoted to from private first class to corporal (technical). This was announced by the 10th Mountain Medical Battalion of the 10th Mountain Division with which he is serving. He is the son of Mrs. Iretra Stanley Combs of Rte 2, Graham and the husband of Mrs. Florence Combs of this city. Technical Sgt. Charles A. Rush, Jr., 605 Kivett Street, has been assigned as a radio operator at Alexandria Army Air Field, Flying Fortress Crew Training Center. He has seen 15 months action in Europe. He has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, with three Oak Leaf Clusters, a Presidential Group Citation and wears the E.T.O. Ribbon with two stars. He graduated from Burlington High School and prior to entering the service was employed as a textile designer at Virginia Mills at Swepsonville. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A Rush, Sr., 605 Kivett Street. Staff Sgt. Norman E. Allred is spending a three day leave with his wife, the former Edith Sykes and his parents Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Sykes after serving six months in the 15th Air Force in Italy. He is a ball turret gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber and flew in 51 missions to targets in German, Austria, Hungary, Romania and the Balkans and in southern France. He has 286 combat hours to his credit. He has been awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Presidential Citation, the European Theater Operations Ribbon with three battle stars including one for the invasion of southern France. He entered the service in September of 1940 with the National Guard, and was transferred to the Air Corps in August of 1943. He trained at Fort Myers, Florida and Chatham Field, Georgia. Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bradford that their son Corp. Odus W. Bradford has arrived in San Diego from the central Pacific where he was stationed in a Naval hospital. He entered the Marine Corps before Pearl Harbor, participated in D Day in the Marshall Islands invasion and fought on Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas. He is being treated for a tropical disease and has been overseas a year with the 4th Division of the 25th Marines. The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Staff Sgt. John T. Ingle, the 21 year old B-17 Flying Fortress tail gunner of this city. Veteran of major 8th Air Force operations including a recent AAF Russian shuttle mission, Sgt. Ingle, the son of Mrs. E.L. Ingle, has been decorated with the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. Shortly after D Day he was credited with the destruction of a Messerschmitt 109 shot down in an air battle near Paris when the city was still controlled by the Nazis. He was formerly employed with the Standard Hosiery Mills and has helped deliver bombs against German targets from the western front and the Ruhr Valley to central Europe. He is serving with the veteran 390th Bomber Group, cited by the President for its successful precision bombing of the important ball bearing factories at Schweinfort, Germany in October of 1943. His group is a unit of the 3rd Bombardment Division which received a Presidential Citation for its epic Europe to Africa shuttle bombing of the Messerschmitt plants in Regensburg, Germany. Staff Sgt. Oltha W. Meeks, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Meeks, recently spent a 15 day leave with his parents at 930 Webb Avenue. He has just returned from two years service with the Marine Corps overseas. He left December 3 for Camp Lejeune, New River for re-assignment. Hit in the left arm by shrapnel when the tank he was in was attacked by three enemy tanks near Brussels, Belgium, Pvt. Raymond E. Vanderford of 218 Rolling Road, Burlington, is now at the #22 General Hospital in England. He is recovering rapidly according to his ward surgeon, Major C.H. Rommel of La Fayette, Indiana. It was while he was on a reconnaissance patrol in Brussels that his light tank ran into three German Tiger tanks and during the battle that followed he was wounded. He is a former employee of Associated Transport and entered the army in January of 1943. He is the son of Mrs. C.H. Vanderford of the above address. He has been awarded the Purple Heart. Corporal Willard G. Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Martin, 930 Dixie Street, has graduated from the Army Air Force Flexible Gunnery School at Laredo Army Air Field, Texas. He is a member of the A.A.F. Training Command. He is now qualified to take his place as a member of a bomber combat crew. Melvin D. Browning, son of Mrs. Rosa Browning, 103 Barnwell St., who is a private first class, was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in action during the period between Sept. 13 and Oct. 29 in Italy. His wife is the former Ruth Harper of this city. He entered the service in August of 1943 and trained at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma and at Fort Meade, Maryland before going overseas eight months ago. Word has been received by Mrs. Mozella Wright that her husband Pvt. Wm. P. Wright was slightly wounded in action during a battle in France. He has been in the army since September 23, 1943 and was sent overseas to England in May of this year. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Florence received word that their son Seaman Second Class Frank A. (Fuz) Florence, has arrived in the Hawaiian Islands.
Transcribed by Christine Spencer December 2007
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