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 July 24, 1944 to August 17, 1944 July 24, 1944 The War Department has made public the names of the following North Carolinian soldiers wounded in action: In the Asiatic Area: Pfc. Roy A. Matteson, Mrs. Mamie E. Matteson, mother, 149 N. Main St., Canton S/Sgt. Roy H. Austin, Mrs. Julia F. Austin, mother, 313 Ann St., Beaufort Pvt. James D. Barnes, Mrs. Pansy M. Barnes, wife, c/o J.T. Johnson, Rt. 4, Asheville Pvt. Marshall L. Benfield, Mrs. Eulah S. Benfield, mother, 214 Sterling St., Belmont S/Sgt. Woodrow S. Blue, Mrs. Ann B. McAdams, sister, Rt. 2, Elon College Pvt. William T. Carter, Mrs. William T. Carter, mother, Waltonburg Pfc. Arestus Children, Mrs. Martha Children, mother, Thurmond Pfc. Grover N. Folsom, Mrs. Genevieve a. Folsom, wife, Rte. 1, High Point Pfc. Roy L. Latham, Claude S. Latham, father, North Cherry St. Extension, Winston-Salem Pvt. William A. Lee, Jr., Mrs. Thelma Lee, wife, 319 4th St., Durham Pvt. Hoe A. Marshall, Mrs. Mary Marshall, mother, Mt. Airy Pvt. Craig L. Mundy, Mrs. Ruby A. Freeze, sister, 327 Parker St., Mooresville S/Sgt. George S. Myers, George h. Myers, father, Rte. 1, Blanch Pfc. Anzlee Price, Mrs. Lula L. Price, mother, Worley S/Sgt. Glen H. Robbins, Mrs. Viola W. Robbins, mother, Rte. 6, Winston-Salem 1st Lt. Henry Remanck, Mrs. Alice Remanck, wife, Elm City Pvt. Frank Sandy, Mrs. Christine Sandy, wife, Rte. 2, Raeford S/Sgt. Bossie J. Stocks, Mrs. Maggie Stocks, mother, Rte. 1, Syden Pfc. Lynn T. Thomas, Mrs. Edna Thomas, mother, Rte. 2, Mt. Gilead Cpl. Charles S. Vestal, Dr. William J. Vestal, uncle, 23 West 1st Ave., Lexington Pfc. Raymond L. Walker, Mrs. Betty P. Walker, wife, Burlington Pvt. Robert L. Young, Jr., Robert L. Young, Sr., father, Clarrisse In the Mediterranean Area: Pfc. Lester L. Carter, Jr., Mrs. Zula E. Carter, mother, Welcome S/Sgt. Jasel I. Hager, Mrs. Lula E. Hager (no relation given), Sherrils Ford Pfc. Boyce Sherrill, Mrs. Anna S. Sherrill, mother, Rte. 1, Davidson Sgt. Walter A. Worth, Mrs. Maude H. Worth, mother, Jefferson Pvt. Milton H. Wright, Tabor City In the Southwest Pacific Area: Pfc. Eugene L. Blackburn, Mrs. Hettie L. Blackburn, mother, Rte. 5, Mt. Airy Sgt. Oliver L. Marsh, Mrs. Jettie L. Marsh, mother, Rte. 1, Cameron Pfc. Lester O. Mundy, Mrs. Essie G. Mundy, mother, Rte. 1, Iron Station Pfc. Persic N. Rudd, George W. Rudd, father, Warrenton Navy Casualties: 2nd Lt. George R. Coble, USMCR, wounded, Paul Coble, father, Greensboro Pfc. Fred Davis, Jr., USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Fred Davis, Jr., wife, Weaverville Aviation Radioman, 2nd Class, USNR, (no name was printed), missing, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Edgar, parents, 67 Burton St., Reidsville Seaman 2nd Class Liston Levi Hines, USNR, missing, Mrs. Agnes Hallowell Hines, mother, 714 North George St., Goldsboro Pfc. Leonard B. Ritter, Jr., WSMCR, dead (previously reported wounded on report of Naval casualties for Jan. 29, 1944), Mr. and Mrs. Leonard b. Ritter, Sr., parents, Betty’s Ford Road, Charlotte Pfc. Claude R. Stratford, USMCR, dead, James P. Stratford, father, Eldorado 2nd Lt. Walter E. Storm, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Sarah J. Storm, mother, 316 Ann Street, Wilmington Army Promotions: Captain to Major: John Albert Spencer, Jr., QMC, 2327 Englewood Ave., Durham Thomas Durant Hatcher, jr., AC, 1200 Goodview Ave., Fayetteville David Walter Davenport, QMC, 1628 Lafayette Ave., Rocky Mount 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt.: Charles Langhorne Firesheets, QMC, 11 Main Street, Reidsville July 25, 1944 Promotions: Captain to Major: Robert Kemp Horton, SN.C., 107 Dormitory Lane, Chapel Hill Joe Speight Sugg, INF., 124 Franklin, Rocky Mount Maris S. Galloway, ANC, 124 Sprague St., Salem 1st Lt. to Captain: Richard William Marshall, AC, Archdale Charles K. Fitzgerald, AC, 1209 Pegram St., Charlotte 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt.: Albert Kelly Taske, GMC, 115 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville Ruby E. Chambers, ANC, 2115 Crescent Ave., Charlotte Joseph Bartlette Brooks, AC, Greensboro Mary G. Sharpe, ANC, 311 Mendenhall St., Greensboro Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross: 1st Lt. Neel Tilton, 83 Brevard Road, Asheville S/Sgt. Richard McGee, RFD2, Walnut Cove Both are members of the U.S. Eighth Army A.F. July 26, 1944 Wounded in Action: In the Asiatic Area: T/4 Ray C. Buchanan, Raymond Buchanan, father, Spear In the European Area: 1st Lt. William S. Scott, Waddie H. Scott, father, Todd In the Mediterranean Area: Pfc. Carl E. Anderson, Mrs. Mater J. Anderson, mother, Oakwoods Pvt. Julius A. Anderson, Mrs. Sara Anderson, wife, 918 S. Salisbury St., Spencer Pvt. Harvey Barnes, Mrs. Florence W. Barnes, mother, Rte. 3, Mocksville Pvt. Rex Biggerstaff, Frank C. Biggerstaff, father, Rte. 1, Nebo Pfc. Garet L. Morgan, Mrs. Letha P. Morgan, mother, Rte. 1, Candler Pvt. Fred L. Morrison, Mrs. Mildred E. Morrison, wife, 317 West 11th St., Charlotte Pfc. Bescom A. Murray, Mrs. Bertha L. Murray, mother, Snow Camp Pvt. John H. Morris, Mrs. Elora K. Morris, wife, Penny Ave., Spindale Pfc. Wane R. Owen, Mrs. Penire C. Owen, mother, Rte. 1, Lake Toxaway Pfc. Bill M. Stafford, Miss Ella Stafford, sister, Kernersville Pvt. Ralph M. Swink, Mrs. Edna S. Swink, wife, Mt. Holly S/Sgt. Joe D. Wilson, Mrs. Eleanor B. Wilson, wife, Stoneville In the Southwest Pacific Area: S/Sgt. Tyrus R. Robertson, Mrs. Evelyn D. Robertson, wife, 110 N. Logan, Burlington Pfc. James W. Southard, Mrs. Cleo Southard, mother, Lawndale Pfc. Melvin R. Williams, Marvin B. Williams, father, Fairview Navy Casualties: S2C Gordon Earl Dillard, USNR, wounded, Mrs. Exie Johnson Dillard, mother, Hendersonville; Clemon Dillard, father, Pine Street, Henderson S1C Charles William Ezzell, USNR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie M. Ezzell, parents, Clinton Shipfitter 3C James William Lookabill, USNC, dead, Mr. and Mrs. Frank David Lookabill, parents, Zionsville S2C Ernest Daniel Shumaker, USNR, wounded, John Henry Shumaker, father, Olin Mrs. John C. Butler of Burlington was advised by the War Department recently that her husband, Pfc. Butler, is now known to be a prisoner of war in Germany. Fighting in Italy, he was reported missing in action on Feb. 17 and had not been heard from until last week. The War Department notice was received Friday , coming through the Red Cross and Pfc. Butler’s mother, a resident of Staten Island, wrote that numerous persons have told her that Pfc. Butler was heard in a short wave radio broadcast from Munich, Germany on Friday night. Pfc. Butler was in the infantry, attached to the Fifth Army Group in Italy. He was wounded in action last December after which he was awarded the Purple Heart. Confined to the hospital for a month, he returned to active duty on Jan. 6. He went overseas in June of last year landing in North Africa. Later he was in action in Sicily before moving on to Italy. Pfc. Butler’s wife, the former Miss hazel Wingfield, resides here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.I. Wingfield on Atwater Street. Mrs. F.N. Perkins of Burlington has been informed that her husband Pvt. Francis Norman Perkins is missing in action since June 23. He was inducted into the army in November of 1943. He received his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Ga., with the infantry. His wife and two daughters live in Burlington. Mr. Perkins is the son of Mrs. G.L. Perkins of Reidsville. July 27, 1944 Four soldiers from this vicinity, three from Burlington and one from Mebane, have been reported casualties of war in the last few days according to official notices received by relatives. Pfc. Wilbert P. Bryant, son of Mrs. W.E. Bryant, Rte. 5, Burlington, is reported missing in action in France; S/Sgt. Tyrus Robertson, husband of Mrs. Evelyn Dawkins Robertson of Logan Street, has been reported wounded in the Pacific theater of war; S/Sgt. George C. Small, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Small of Kivett Street was wounded in France; and Paratrooper Earl Steele, son of Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Steele of Mebane was wounded in Italy. Pfc. Bryant has been missing since June 24. He entered the service in January of 1943 and received boot training in California. He has been overseas six months. A recent communication from S/Sgt. Robertson revealed that he was wounded in New Guinea but is now stationed “somewhere in Australia” with the Army Air Force. The son of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Robertson of Graham, he was inducted into the service in January of 1943 and was sent overseas several months ago after receiving boot training at Keesler Field, Mississippi. A brother, Seaman SC Charles F. Robertson, is in the Navy, stationed at the Naval Air Station at Banana River, Florida. S/Sgt. Small advised his parents that he is now in a hospital in England. He has been overseas since February of this year. Paratrooper Steele has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. He serves with the 101st Division which the Germans claim was destroyed. He was wounded on June 11. he has been overseas one year and has been in the Army over two years. Prior to entering the service he was employed in Burlington by the May Hosiery Mills July 28, 1944 Word has been received here from the War Department that Pvt. Raymond C. McPherson, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. McPherson of Burlington was killed in action in France on July 4. He was employed in the boarding room of May-McEwen-Kaiser Company prior to his entry into the service on Oct. 19, 1942. He received his training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana and Camp Breckenridge, Ky., before being sent overseas in April of this year. Surviving besides his parents are the following brothers and sisters: Homer D., Pvt. Bobby of Ft. McClellen, Alabama, Cpl. Willard of San Antonio, Texas, and Ben, Mae, Doris, Naomi and Catherine at home. Wounded: In the European Area: Pfc. Wilbur L. Eason, Mrs. Gladys W. Eason, wife, Rte. 4, Wilson 1st Lt. Stephen S. Ferehee, Jr., Stephen S. Ferehee, father, Shawboro Lt. Col. Joshua(?) A. Finkel, Lt. Sarah K. Patterson, friend, Station Hospital, Ft. Bragg Pfc. Jack E. Fullerton, Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Fullerton, parents, 1820 E. Kingston Ave., Charlotte Pvt. Vester Haney, Mrs. Belle Haney, mother, Huntdale Pfc. James W. Pridgen, Mrs. Addie S. Pridgen, mother, Rte. 3, Wilmington Pvt. Goshen L. Ross, Tallie Ross, brother, Tryon Pfc. Simon Smith, Mrs. Ellen G. Smith, mother, Rte. 1, Rockingham Pvt. Joseph C.L. Taylor, Mrs. Lillie B. Taylor, mother, Conetoe(?) Pfc. William S. Taylor, Mrs. Edith Taylor, wife, Rte. 3, Gastonia In the Mediterranean Area: Pvt. Eugene R. Boyd, Mrs. Josephine L. Boyd, wife, Rte. 2, Tabor City Corp. Mason G. Boyd, Mrs. Nina R. Boyd, sister, 1917 Hart St., Durham Pvt. Loy Carpenter, Mrs. Pauline R. Carpenter, wife, Rte. 1, Bessemer Cilty Pvt. Cecil E. Daniels, James Daniels, father, 1405 Broad St., Greenville Pvt. James F. Eads, Mrs. Levia Eads, wife, 186 Hines St., Mt. Airy Pfc. Harold D. Farris, Mrs. Grace B. Farris, wife, 125 W. 30th St., Charlotte Pvt. Willard F. George, Mrs. Rebecca T. George, mother, Southmont Pfc. Edwin T. Hodge, Mrs. Helen M. Hodge, wife, Rutherfordton Pfc. Garland L. Huffman, Mrs. Katherine E. Dellinger, sister, 629 Davis, Newton 1st Lt. Charles M. Hunter, Mrs. Pearl D. Hunter, mother, Franklin S/Sgt. Jimmie L. Johnson, Mrs. Dora H. Johnson, mother, Rte. 3, Matthews Pvt. Lawrence A. Lindsey, Mrs. Mary G. Lindsey, mother, Luck Pvt. Glen W. Love, Mrs. Eunice C. Love, wife, 2621 Shenandoah Drive, Charlotte Pvt. Clarence W. Safrit, Mrs. Blanche E. Safrit, wife, Rte. 1, Kannapolis Pvt. William C. Sarvis, Mrs. Sallie B. Sarvis, mother, Tabor City A Silver Star was awarded to 1st Lt. John S. Flowe of Fayetteville. At Georgia, New Solomon Islands, on August 11, 1943, he organized and led a group of infantrymen who carried vitally needed ammunition to newly won positions under exposure to enemy rifle fire during a crucial phase of combat operations. Promotions: 1st Lt. John Maurice Hughes, Jr., of Henderson, to Captain 2nd Lt. William Roger McLean of Tyron to 1st Lt. July 29, 1944 Our Men in Service: Eulis Thomas Ashley, Seaman 2nd Class, entered the Navy on March 17 and received boot training at the Great Lakes Training Station in Illinois. He is now stationed at Little Creek, Virginia. He recently spent a 71 hour furlough with his wife, the former Alice Murray and two children. Pfc. Roy C. Ashley entered the army in October, 1941 and received boot training at Ft. Riley, Kansas. He was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas before going overseas twelve months ago. He is now somewhere in New Guinea. Pvt. Troy J. Ashley entered in Army in June of 1942 and received boot training at Camp Gordon, Georgia. Before going overseas in December, he was stationed at Ft. Stewart, Georgia. Pvt. Arlette W. Gilbert, 24, entered the Army on Nov. 13, 1941 and has been for the past 19 months overseas. At present he is stationed in France. Pvc. Roy P. Gilbert, 19, entered the Marine Corps on May 26, 1942 and has been overseas for the past 19 months. He is stationed in the South Pacific. Both of the above boys are sons of Mr. and Mrs. R.P. Gilbert of Rte.2, Graham David W. (Pete) Hensley, Seaman 1st Class, entered the service in June of 1943 and received boot training at the U.S. Naval Station, Great Lakes, Illinois. He is somewhere in New Guinea. Corp. Jack Hensley entered the U.S.M.C. in May of 1941 and received boot training at Parris Island, S.C. After serving 23 months overseas, he is now stationed at Elizabeth City. Hassell P. (Hank) Hensley, Seaman 2nd Class, entered the service in March of 1944 and received boot training at the U.S. Naval Training Station in Great Lakes, Illinois. He is now based somewhere in the Hawaiian Islands. His wife and daughter reside with his parents. All three boys are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hensley of Altamahaw. An Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal has been awarded 2nd Lt. Harold W. Edwards, piloting a B-17 Flying Fortress for “meritorious achievement” on combat missions over enemy Europe. He has taken part in 13 aerial attacks on the enemy. Lt. Edwards was formerly with Rich and Thompson Funeral Service, Burlington. Pfc. Robert Clark has been presented the Army’s newest award for infantrymen, the Combat Infantry Badge. He is with the 37th Division in Bougainville and has been in the service overseas since May 26, 1942. He is the son of Mrs. Essie Clark of 508 East Davis. Pvt. Russell E. Isley was graduated on July 24 from the Liberator Bomber School at Kessler Field, Biloxi, Mississippi. Pvt. Willard G. Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Martin, 930 Dixie Street, was graduated as an airplane mechanic on July 25 from the B-24 Liberator Bomber School at Kessler Field, Biloxi, Mississippi. Elmer Freeman Baulding, Seaman 1st Class, husband of Mrs. Carleen Baulding, enlisted in the Navy at Spartanburg, S.C. on November 24, 1943. He received boot training at Bainbridge, Md. He has completed the course of training in the Aviation Ordnance School at the naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tenn. Corp. Earnest N. Kirkman of Elon College, son of Mr. and Mrs. M.R. Kirkman, is now serving with the Eastern Command of U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe “somewhere in Russia”, with a contingent of picked American troops that now staff U.S. bomber and fighter bases in the Soviet Union. Sgt. Russell H. Kale of Fifth Street, Mebane, is an airplane mechanic in an Eighth Air Force Liberator station in England. He is in the group that was cited for distinguished and outstanding service in over 100 combat missions over Europe. Thomas E. Gilliam, Jr., A.E.M. 3rd Class, son of Mr. and Mrs. T.E. Gilliam of Elon College, Rte. 2, entered the Navy on July 31, 1943 and received boot training at Bainbridge, Md. He then was transferred into E.M. “A” school at Bainbridge and completed that training on March 5, 1944. he was then sent to Jacksonville, Florida and entered A.E.M. school and completed this course on June 24 with the rating of Aviator Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class. He is now stationed at the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia. He was formerly employed at Glenn Martin and Co. in Baltimore. Robert J. Nicholson, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Nicholson, Sr., 1408 Maple, was inducted into the Army at Camp Croft, S.C. in March of 1943 and received boot training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. He was stationed at Camp Howze, Texas and went overseas in October of 1943. He is now stationed in Italy. He has recently been congratulated on his “magnificent achievements in battle to date” from his commanding officer Major General Fred L. Walker. Mrs. Clayton Weeks, 212 Markham Street, has received word that her brother Pfc. John D. Warwick has been seriously wounded in action on July 13 in Myitkyina, Burma. He left the States for overseas duty on April 20, 1944. Col. Kemp M. Loy is now on duty with a portable surgical hospital of an advanced base service command on Bougainville, Solomon Islands. He is the son of Rev. and Mrs. W.M. Loy and the husband of Norma Loy of Burlington. He entered the army in July of 1942. He completed boot training at Camp Grant, Illinois and was then transferred to Camp Carson, Colorado where he joined his present organization. He was employed by May McEwen Kaiser Company prior to entering the service. An Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal has been awarded 2nd Lt. John F. Thompson, Jr., for “meritorious achievement” on B-17 Flying Fortress combat missions over enemy Europe. A bombardier, Lt. Thompson has taken part in 12 bombing attacks. He is the 23 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Thompson. He worked for the Moss Hosiery Company before entering the Army on July 8, 1942. Pvt. Francis N. Perkins, husband of the former Estelle Fuquay of Kernodle Drive, is reported missing in action since June 23. He was inducted into the service on November 2, 1943 and received training at Camp Wheeler, Ga., with the infantry. He went overseas on April 11. Prior to entering the service he was employed at the N.C. Shipbuilding Company and May McEwen Kaiser Company. Word has been received here of the promotion of Archie K. Boswell of Graham, from Staff Sergeant to Technical Sergeant, on July 15. He is serving with the 15th Air Force Station somewhere in Italy. He has been in Italy since June 2. He received training at Colorado Springs, Colorado prior to going overseas. Warrant Officer Leland L. Richardson returned home after 25 months in the southwest Pacific with the Pay Department of the 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal, New Britain, Cape Gloucester, and New Guinea. After a month’s furlough he will be stationed at Cherry Point. His wife is the former Miss Woodford Teer of Burlington. S/Sgt. Robert S. Baker, 22, tail gunner on an AAf B-24 Liberator bomber has been awarded an Air Medal. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Baker of Haw River. His wife, Mrs. Catherine Baker, lives with their year old son Robert S. Baker, Jr., in Haw River. Prior to entering the AAF in June of 1943, he was employed by May McEwen Kaiser Company. The Air Medal has been awarded to Sgt. Marion L. Swangin, waist gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress on bombing attacks over enemy Europe. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. P.L. Swangin and has taken part in six combat missions. He entered the service in February of 1943. Sgt. Edward L. Kimball, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Kimball of Burlington, Rte. 6, has been awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in bombing attacks on industries and military targets in Nazi held countries. He is an upper turret gunner on a B-24 Liberator stationed in England. He has been in the service since Dec., 1942. Walter McDaniel, Seaman 1st Class, U.S. Navy Armed Guards, recently spent a ten day furlough here with his wife, the former Lessie May Laughlin on Haw River. He entered the Navy on June 29, 1943 and has been on active duty for the past 7 months. Clyde A. Wooten, Jr., seaman first class, recently graduated from Naval Air Technical Training Center in Norman, Oklahoma, completing a course in aviator machinery. He is the husband of the former Virginia Faucette, 503 Lexington. Prior to entering the service in Nov., 1943 he was a theater manager in Greensboro. Thomas Holt Corden, Seaman 2nd Class, recently spent a four day furlough with his mother Mrs. Clara Corden, Maple Avenue, Extension. He has just returned from overseas duty. He entered the Navy on Feb. 23 and received boot training at Bainbridge, Maryland. He has now returned to New York for further orders. Prior to entering the Navy, he was employed at Carolina Paper Box Company. Word has been received of the promotion of Archie K. Boswell of Graham from Staff Sergeant to Technical Sergeant on July 15. He is serving with the 15th A.F. station somewhere in Italy. He has been in Italy since June 2. He received training at Colorado Springs prior to going overseas. Pvt. Glenn A. Fitch, son of Mrs. Bera Fitch, 103 Trophy Street, is now with the Army Engineering Corps in France. He was inducted into the Army in January of 1943 and received boot training at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri. He was sent overseas in may of 1943 and was stationed in England. He was recently awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Sgt. Gene Isley, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.N. Isley, Haw River, has recently been transferred to France after serving several months in England as administration clerk in the Office of Air Force Supply. He entered service August 24, 1942. Pvt. Troy J. Ashley entered the Army in June of 1942 and received boot training at Camp Gordon, Ga. Before going overseas in December, he was stationed at Camp Stewart, Ga. Pfc. Coleman Ashley entered the Marine Corps in March of 1943 and received boot training at Parris Island, S.C. Before going overseas he was stationed at New River. Both he and Pvt. Troy Ashley are stationed in the Hawaiian Islands. Pvt. Howard J. Mitchell entered the Army in January of 1943. He received boot training at Ft. Leonardwood, Missiouri. He is the husband of the former Pauline Ashley and the son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. T.L. Ashley of Attamahaw. He is now stationed at N. Ft. Lewis, Washington. His sister is Mrs. Monroe Lee of Ossipee. Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Stinson of Burlington, Rte. 9, have received word from the War Department that their son Winifred Lee (Wink) was seriously wounded in France on June 19. Corp. John P. Lay, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Lay, Sr., of Snow Camp, Rte. 2, has completed the final phase of training for mechanic gunner of a heavy bombardment unit at the 22nd Combat Crew Training School at Ardmore, Oklahoma. He entered the service on June 14, 1943 and received Army A.F. Gunnery training at the AAF in Kingman, Arkansas and airplane mechanic training at AAF, Amarillo, Texas. July 31, 1944 Casualties: Lt. (jg) Coit McLeen Coker, USNR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ervin Coker, Sr., parents, 329 Tenney Circle, Chapel Hill W.O. Henry L. Hundley, Jr., USMCR, died, Mrs. Harry L. Hundley, Jr., wife, 101 South James St., Goldsboro. Father, Harry L. Hundley, Forest Hills, Wilmington Lt. (jg) Leo Thomas Kenney, USNR, died, Mrs. Kathryn Jones Kenney, wife, 40 National Avenue, New Bern Corp. Harry L. Safrit, USMCR, died, Clarence H. Safrit, China Grove Pfc. William M. Schultz, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Mollie Armstrong, mother, 83 Carolina Avenue, Concord S1C James Charles Smith, USNR, missing, Mr. and Mrs. Will Lewis Smith, parents, 1826 Vance Street, W. Durham S2C Noah James Spence (or Spencer?), USNR, wounded, Noah James Smith, father, Mayville Missing In Action: Pfc. Herman F. Bailey, Mrs. Mayme B. Cannon, mother, Joseph (or Jasper?) E. Barbour, father, 405 East Home Street, Benson Sgt. Clyde W. Beachen, Mrs. Mary Ruth Beachen, wife, Rte. 1, Bath Sgt. Douglas F. Brotherton, Charles E. Brotherton, father, Rte. 1, Statesville Pvt. Walter A. Cantrell, Mrs. Marie Cantrell, wife, Rte. 3, Lincolnton Pvt. Graham B. Cavanaugh, Frank A. Cavanaugh, father, Rte. 2, Wallace S/Sgt. Hassell P. Edmonds, Mrs. Henry D. Edmonds, mother, Carthage TS Clarence M. Edwards, Philip D. Edwards, father, Rte. 1, Princeton Pvt. David A. Gentry, William Gentry, father, Varina Pfc. William H. Holleman, Mrs. Othelia Holleman, wife, Gatesville S/Sgt. Robert B. Kellerman, Mrs. Fannie Kellerman, mother, 114 Park St., Durham (later reported killed) S/Sgt. Otto C. Knoblau, J.C. Fulton, friend, Dunlop Spring, Kernersville S/Sgt. David F. McClenny, John W. McClenny, grandfather, 504 North Daisy Street, Goldsboro 1st Lt. John D. Monroe, Mrs. Bess J. Monroe, mother, 309 W. 17th St., Lumberton Sgt. John E. Nelms, Jr., John E. Nelms, father, Rte. 1, Louisburg Pfc. Mont B. Allison, Mrs. Cora G. Allison, mother, Greens Creek S/Sgt. David E. Pegram, Victor Pegram, father, 1325 Pecan Avenue, Charlotte Capt. Erwin M. Porter, Jr., Mrs. Irwin M. Porter, mother, 700 North East Street, Raleigh T5 Wiley B. Ratcliffe, Mrs. Ellen A. Ratcliffe, wife, Pinetown S/Sgt. John C. Sides, Jr., Mrs. Ada E. Sides, Rte 2, Connelly Springs 2nd Lt. James F. Spear, Jr., Mrs. Nell C. Spear, mother, 109 Mallette, Chapel Hill Corp. Brooks(?) Stith, Mrs. Hattie Stith, Rte. 3, Tarboro S/Sgt. Kennedy W. Weaver, Mrs. Lillian C. Weaver, mother, 12 Chatham Rd., Asheville T/Sgt. Randall N. White, Mrs. Minnie White, mother, Rt. 1, Roanoke Rapids Corp. James A. Wilkins, Mrs. Gertrude Ross, mother, Rte. 2, Raleigh Pfc. Paul A. Luckado, Mrs. Margaret F. Luckado, 108 Cleveland Avenue, Kings Mountain August 1, 1944 Inductees sent to Camp Croft, S.C.: Coriler(?) Howard, Rte. 5, Burlington Alvin Lee Shoffner, Graham John Lawson Stanfield, Rte. 5, Burlington Cicius(?) Jerome Burnett, Rte. 1, Snow Camp Jesse Willard Jones, Rte. 3, Mebane Lonnie Wilbert Hestor, Rte. 5, Burlington Ernest Lee Forrington, Rte. 1, Haw River George Thomas Dilhay, Graham Clyde Olsen Liggens, Rte. 3, Mebane Eddie William Garner, Mebane Thomas Clifton Kimber, Rte. 5, Burlington John Wesley Patterson, Rte 2, Snow Camp Lewis Wallace Alston, Burlington Mrs. W.M. Lodge of Graham has received a letter from her son Pte. Dan Reaves who told his mother that he is recovering from wounds in an English hospital. He did not state the nature of his wounds but said that he was getting along well. The letter was in his own hand writing. Pte. Reaves was seriously wounded on July 5 in Normandy, according to a previous letter to his mother from the War Department. He was inducted into the service last September and was sent overseas in the spring of 1944. August 2, 1944 A soldier who has been missing in action since February 1, Pfc. Trossle W. Wall, is known to be a prisoner of war in Germany and an officer who was wounded, Lt. Robert l. Bryan, has received the Purple Heart for his efforts. Mrs. Dorothy Wall has been notified by the War Department that her husband is being held by the Germans. Pfc. Wall entered the service in August of 1942. He received boot training at Camp Walter, Texas and Capt Pickett, Virginia before going overseas in June of last year. He was in battles in Italy following the campaign in Sicily. Prior to entering the service he was employed by the Barnwell Brothers here. His wife is the former Dorothy Cole and is residing with her parents Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Cole of Rte. 1, Burlington. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Wall of Rte. 4. Lt. Bryan was wounded in action in France on June 30 according to a telegram received by his mother Mrs. Mary Bryan, 510 Maple Ave. Details of the injury have not been revealed. Lt. Bryan has been in the army since 1941 and has been overseas one year. Prisoners of War (G): Pfc. McDowd Belk, Matthew W. Belk, father, Rte. 3, Matthews S/Sgt. Carl C. Bolick, Gerard A. Bolick, father, Rte. 3, Lincolnton Corp. Jasper J. Bowman, Jason H. Bowman, father, Rte. 1, Taylorsville Pfc. Ed Collicut, Mrs. Vinnie S. Collicut, mother, Abner S/Sgt. Arthur F. Carter, Mrs. Sarah E. Carter, mother, 284 Marshall St., Mt. Airy Sgt. Arthur C. Clark, Jr., Arthur C. Clark, father, 424 West 15th, Winston-Salem 1st Lt. William L. Dixon, Jr., Mrs. William L. Dixon, Jr., wife, 119 S. 6th, Wilmington S/Sgt. William L. Finch, Charles B. Finch, father, Rte. 1, Henderson 2nd Lt. Jacob P. Foster, Mrs. Etta M. Foster, mother, 728 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville T/Sgt. James L. Free, Mrs. Bessie M. Free, (no relationship stated), New Bern S/Sgt. Walter W. Hanna, Mrs. Mary R. Hanna (no relationship stated), 710 S. Main, Laurinburg S/Sgt. Rosbud J. Hardison, Eddie P. Hardison, father, 502 Houghton Street, Wilmington T/T Andrew Hensley, John Hensley, father, Vixen S/Sgt. William W. Henson, Mrs. Minnie C. Henson, mother, Rte. 2, (no town given) S/Sgt. Paul B. Howard, Mrs. Ella Mozley Howard, mother, Charlotte S/Sgt. John W. Humphries, Mrs. Carrie A. Humphries, mother, Nebo S/Sgt. Carlee G. Hunt, Mrs. Fannie Hunt, sister, Rte. 9, Fairmont S/Sgt. Carlos J. McColl, Mrs. John McColl, wife, Brevard Pfc. Daniel W. McColl, Mrs. Sarah W. McColl, mother, Rte. 4, Maxton Pfc. Arch. M. McLeod, Mrs. Kate M. McLeod, mother, Rte. 3, Matthews 2nd Lt. Allen A. Perryman, Jr., Mrs. Barbara M. Perryman, mother, c/o W.R. Byford, Elmwood Pfc. James C. Philbeck, Mrs. Lena Philbeck, mother, 2830 Tuckaseegee Rd., Charlotte T/Sgt. Wade E. Pyatte, Mrs. Maude Pyatte, mother, Altamont Pvt. James M. Wilkins, Mrs. Ella C. Wilkins, mother, Henderson Casualties: Pfc. Edward D. Barefoot, USMCR, wounded (previously reported wounded in navy casualty list for January, 1944), Mrs. Edward D. Barefoot, wife, 128 W. King St., Kinston FlxC. James Anderson Johnson, USNR, dead (previously reported wounded in Navy casualty list Jan. 24, 1944), Mrs. Myrtle Anderson, wife, 1204 Water Street, Greensboro, Mrs. Nannie Johnson, mother, same address. Promotions: Captain to Major: Nicholas De Mai(?), Jr., AC, Englewood, Rocky Mount; James Alex Leak, QMC, 227 East Wade St., Wadeshorn 1st Lt. to Capt.: Charles Douglas Shaw, MAC, 307 W. J Street, Erwin 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt.: Treiter Leroy Thomas, AC, 233 S. French Broad, Asheville; Calvin Wayne Davidson, Balfour St., Asheford; Emmy Glenn Rashford, WAC, 516 Polk St., Raleigh; Emma Strown Grantham, WAC, Red Springs; Herman S. Merrill, JAGD, 1424 Lafayette Ave., Rocky Mount; Joseph Randolph Butler, Jr., AC, 324 Western Ave., Rocky Mount. 2nd Lt. Alla Pittman Meredith, dietician, of Chapel Hill, was ordered to active duty. Our Men and Women in Service: Corp. Willard Foster, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Foster, Jr., Rte. 1, is now serving somewhere in France. He was inducted into the Army on Nov. 13, 1941. He received his boot training at Ft. Belvoir, Va., and was stationed at Ft. Bragg with the 15th Engineers. He left for overseas in Nov. of 1942. After participating in the African campaign, he was sent to Italy where he received the Good Conduct Medal. He then went to England and landed in France on D-Day with the famous Ninth Division. His wife is Mrs. Bliss Foster and their little daughter, Willard (transcriber’s note, may have been a misprint unless the girl was named Willard) are now making their home at 124 Summit Avenue. Capt. Abel L. Hill, MC, 113 Glenwood Ave., Burlington, is serving with a medical outfit operating with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division in Normandy. This unit landed by gliders in France on D-Day night and remained within three miles of the front lines during the time the Division faced the Germans. Mrs. Russell L. Johnson has received word that her husband Russell L. Johnson, seaman second class, has arrived in the U.S. and is not at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego. He entered the Navy in January and has been overseas about five months. His wife resides at 114 Barnwell St. Pfc. Tom V. Brannock, son of Mrs. Ethel W. Brannock, 203 Torphey St., is now serving as a cook in the mess section of an Air Service Command Depot in Britain. He entered the Army in April, 1942. He attended Burlington High School. Pvt. Claudie Light, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Light, is now serving with the 36th Infantry Division somewhere in Italy. This division was commended in a letter written on June 16 by Major General Fred L. Walker who praised the courageous fighting of the division at the first beach head established on the European continent and in their continued action in the Italian campaign. He received his training at Camp Croft, S.C. and Shelby, Mississippi. A letter to Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Sharpe from their son Capt. Granville Sharpe, who is serving with the Army in France, relates that he has been awarded the Purple Heart for a wound received in action on July 4 and a bronze oak leaf cluster for a second wound. The letter was written by Capt. Sharpe in the hospital on July 20 and says that the wounds in his arm and leg are healing. Pfc. Raymond W. Crawford, RFD #1, Graham, was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He is stationed somewhere in Africa. This medal is given to a soldier for exemplary behavior, loyalty and efficiency in his Army service. He entered the Army Air Corps on April 8, 1942 and before leaving for overseas duty in November of 1942 was stationed at Camp Kilmer, N.J. and Oklahoma City Air Depot. He is the son of Mrs. R.G. Crawford and the husband of Mrs. Jessie Crawford of Haw River. He attended Alexander Wilson High School and before entering the Army was employed at a textile mill in Graham. He is one of four members of the Crawford family now in the armed forces. A brother, Pvt. Allen Crawford is in the Marines and is attending technical school in Tennessee. After serving overseas a year, Seaman First Class S.D. Crawford is now stationed at Camp Parks, Col. A third brother, M.G. Crawford, also of the Navy, is stationed in Virginia. Pfc. Hobart C. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl C. Smith of Mebane, is now serving as an instrument mechanic in the instrument section of the largest Air Service Command Depot in Britain. Before entering the service in May of 1944, he was employed as an instrument specialist in the War Finance Office in Greensboro. He attended Mebane High School. Corp. William L. Brooks, son of James L. Brooks of RFT #2, Burlington, is now serving as a sheet metal mechanic in the Aero-Repair Section of the largest Air Service Command Depot in Britain. Before entering the service in 1943, he was employed as a mechanic in the civil service in Tampa, Fla. He attended Burlington High School. Corp. Kenneth H. Huffines, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Huffines of Gibsonville, was recently promoted to the grade of sergeant. He has been overseas 19 months. He is in charge of the Morning Report Section of a Meditteranean Coastal A.F. fighter group. Because he participated in the Tunisian, Sicilian and Italian offenses, he is authorized to wear three campaign stars on his shoulder: European-African Theater ribbon. He has also been awarded the Good Conduct medal for exemplary behavior and conduct in his organization. Before entering the Air Force he was employed in the office force of the E.M. Holt Plaid Mill. He is a graduate of Elon College. Sgt. James H. Lighthouse, Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. J.H. Lighthouse, 401 Church St., a member of the P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Group in Italy, and was recently honored to be chosen as group guidon bearer for an award ceremony at which Major General Nathan F. Twining, commanding general of the 15th Air Force, presented the group with two distinguished unit citations. At a formal review of the group, General Twining attached the streamer to the group guidon. S/Sgt. Robert L. Thomas, Mebane, who has returned from service outside the U.S. is being processed through the Army Air Force Redistribution Station #2, Miami Beach, where his next assignment will be determined. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Thomas, Rte. 1, Mebane, and won the Air Medal. During six months in the European Theater he flew twelve missions on a B-26(?) as radio operator-gunner. He attended Mebane High School and entered the Army in August of 1942. James W. McIntyre, son of Mrs. Ruby C. McIntyre, Rte. 2, Elon College, was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant effective July 1 at the Grand Island Army Base in Nebraska. He attended Altahahaw(?) High School and worked as a stock clerk prior to entering the Army. Pvt. William O. Bulda, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. William Bulda of 429 Norton St., Graham is now taking a special course in the Wheeled Vehicle Department of the Armored School at Ft. Knox, Ky. The Wheeled Vehicle Department trains student mechanics in the intricacies of keeping jeeps, trucks and scout cars rolling in combat. S/Sgt. James W. Smith, whose wife, Christine, lives in Burlington, and Sgt. Robert G. Isley, son of Mrs. Bertie M. Isley of Swepsonville, recently completed a year and a half overseas with an outstanding Fifth Army Ordnance Unit. Since the African invasion in 1942 their outfit has repaired trucks and tanks in its field shops throughout the Tunisian, Sicilian and Italian campaigns. For their work under fire while on the Angio beach head in Italy their company was recently awarded the Fifth Army Plaque of Excellence. James E. Cross, 25 year old son of Mrs. Mary Cross, 1107 N. Mebane St., is the 1st Sgt. Of a signal company at an Air Service Command Base in North Africa. He is married to the former Pauline Owens of Graham. Prior to his induction into the Army, he was a student at Wake Forest College. He entered the Army on Feb. 25, 1942 and has been on overseas duty since August of 1943. Tech/Fifth Ira B. Crenshaw, Jr., was recently authorized by the War Department to wear a bronze star on his Asiatic-Pacific ribbon, indicating his participation in the occupation of the Marshall Islands. He is 22 and is the son of Ira B. Crenshaw of West Davis St. he enlisted in the armed forces in August of 1942 and went overseas in July of 1943. Pvt. Dick Caldwell, husband of Mrs. H.D. Caldwell of Holly St., Burlington, has won the right to wear Wings and Boots of the U.S. Army Paratroopers. He has completed four weeks jump training at the parachute school at Ft. Benning, Ga., during which he made five jumps from a plane in flight, the last a tactical jump at night involving a combat problem on landing. 2nd Lt. Barry R. Hicks of Richmond, Va., formerly of Burlington, is now serving with an Eighth Fighter Command Mustang Group in England. The 20 year old pilot is a graduate of Burlington High School. He received his primary flight training at Albany, Ga., basic training at Cochran Field, Ga., and advanced training at Spence Field, Cal. He was presented his wings and commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps on Jan. 7, 1944. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde C. Hicks of Richmond. His sister Louise is a nurse in the army stationed in the U.S. August 4, 1944 Our Men in Service: Pvt. Sam H. Barnes, who entered service on Nov. 2, 1943, and took his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, is now in France with the infantry. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barnes of Floyd, Ca. His wife is the former Kathleen Robinson and she and their son are making their home with Mrs. Barnes’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Robinson, 616 Washington Street, Graham. Brothers-in-law— Hardin Cecil Gillespie, Seaman 2nd Class, entered the Navy on March 21 and received his boot training at Bainbridge, Maryland and is now serving with the fire department at Vero Beach, Fla. His mother, Mrs. C.L. Gillespie and wife, the former Letitia Layton, live in Graham. Sgt. Fentress Layton of Graham, who was inducted into the Army in January, 1942, has been serving in Italy since February. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Layton. James Colley Kimrey, Seaman 1st Class, Rte. 1, Graham, entered the Navy on March 21, 1944 and took his training at Bainbridge, Maryland. He is now on active sea duty. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Kimrey and his wife is the former Miss Willard Layton. Seaman Gillespie, Sgt. Layton and Seaman Kimrey are brothers-in-law. C.M. Haney, son of A.L. Haney, 312 Hawkins St., is now enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Service Training School, at St. Petersburg, Fla. Upon completion of this training, he hopes to enter the Stewards Department where he will receive special training that will prepare him for ratings as a cook or baker, a mess man on board one of the ships in the Victory Fleet. Wallace Dalton Hensley, son of Mrs. Gladys L. Leonard of Burlington, was recently advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class (Yeoman), USNR. He is stationed on the Gulf at Galveston, Texas. His duties are of a confidential nature in the command office at the U.S. Naval Frontier Base. He graduated from Burlington High School and was employed by Long Finish Mills. He enlisted in the Nave on Feb. 3, 1943. Corp. Harold H. Gross, husband of Mrs. Dorothy Gross, of Burlington, is completing his training as a radio operator on a Flying Fortress at Clovis Army Airfield in Clovis, N.M. He entered the service in January, graduating from the Radio Technical School in Sioux Falls, S.D. and took advanced training with the Philco Radio Factory. Pvt. Clarence D. Forrester recently spent a 14 day furlough here with his wife and daughter. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Forrester , 605 Washington St. He is serving with the infantry at Camp Blanding, Fla. S J-C James Edward Pyles, member of the armed guard aboard the S.S. Clark Howell, has returned to his post after spending a brief furlough with his parents, Patrolman and Mrs. Chralie T. Pyles and his wife, the former Dorothy Hearse of B luefield, W. Va. He has been in the service for about 18 months. His brother, Charlie T. Pyles, Jr., is also in the Navy where he holds the rank of pharmacist’s mate. Mrs. Edward Bruce Jordan of 710 Rainey St., has received word that her husband has been promoted to the rank of captain. He is now serving somewhere in Italy. He has been in the regular army since May 26, 1934. He went to officer’s training school at Ft. Benning, Ga. Since he went to Italy last March he has been in several battles. Capt. W. Holt Barnwell, 24 year old son of Mrs. Robert W. Barnwell and the late R.W. Barnwell, West Davis St., was promoted to the rank of major on July 19, 1944, receiving his second promotion since landing overseas. He has served in Africa, Sicily, England and now France ad has been in four campaigns in the past 21 months. He has been awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. (transcriber’s note: see Aug. 7 issue, deaths) Pvt. Claude Light, son of Mrs. Lucy H. Light, has been cited by his regiment of the 36th “Texas” Infantry Division and awarded the Combat Infantry Badge for actual participation in combat with the enemy while serving on the Fifth Army front in Italy. Standards for the badge are high. The decoration which was recently authorized by the War Department, is awarded to the infantry soldier who has proved his fighting ability in combat. Hoyt S. Phillips, Seaman 2nd Class, is now stationed at the Naval Air Base, Banana River, Fla. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Phillips and husband of Mrs. Louise Phillips all of Swepsonville. He was formerly employed at the Virginia Cotton Mills. Word has been received that S/Sgt. L.A. Ireland, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Ireland of Elon College, is recuperating in an English hospital from wounds received in France3 for which he has been awarded the Purple Heart. He is in the 339th Infantry and entered the Army in October of 1942 and received his training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and Camp Breckenridge, Ky. before going overseas in April of this year. Staff Sergeant Elbert L. (Jack) Glosson, son of Mrs. H.B. Glosson and the late H.B. Glosson of 823 S. Park Ave, was killed in action in France on July 10. Sgt. Glosson graduated from Burlington High School in 1937. He went into the service when the National Guard was mobilized in 1940 and was stationed at Ft. Jackson, S.C., Camp Blanding, Fla., and Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He arrived in England in Feb., 1944 and has been in France since early June. He was a member of Hocutt Memorial Baptist Church. He is survived by his mother, his brother Henry B., and three sisters: Mrs. C.W. Craven, Miss Muriel and Miss Doris Glosson. Casualties: Pfc. Arnold G. Ellis, dead, USMC, Mrs. Edith E. Morris, sister, Durham Thomas Guy Royle, dead, Ship Cook 3rd Class, USNR, Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Royle, parents, Randleman. August 7, 1944 Major W. Holt Barnwell, son of Mrs. R.W. Barnwell and the late R.W. Barnwell, was killed in action in France on July 25. He had been in the active theaters of war in Europe for about 22 months. He was recently promoted from the rank of captain to major on July 19. He saw service in four major campaigns in Africa, Sicily and in France. He had been awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star for wounds received prior to his death in action on July 25. Sgt. Reginal Boland, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.R. Boland, Holt Apartments, has been awarded the Purple Heart as a result of wounds received in action on the Normandy front in France. Casualties: Pfc. Jesse A. Erzell, USMCR, wounded, Mrs. Jesse A. Erzell, wife, 101 Cedar Street, Elizabeth City. Pfc. James C. Henry, USMCR, dead, Charton Henry, father, Rockingham GM3C Clyde Johnson Muse, USMR, missing, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Clayton Muse, parents, Gastonia S 1-C Vernon Edge Whitley, USMR, dead, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Clark Whitley, parents, Roanoke Rapids Promotions: 1st Lt to Captain: James Bryan Banks, AC, Arapahoe; Luther Burton Anderson, AC, Rte. 4, Asheville; Clyde Stewart Boggs, C.H. Farmer; Hiram Samuel Lemmond, Infantry, Indian Trail 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt.: Howell Wilfred Stroup, Infantry, W. Church St.; Thomas Lane Overman, AC, Box 131, Troy. Mrs. Elaine Kessley Farrell of Hillsboro has been advised by the War Department that her husband A.D. Farrell died in France on June 30 from wounds received in action. He had been overseas about one year after receiving training at Camp Wheeler, Ga. It was also reported today that Pfc. Alexander Vestal of Raleigh, formerly of Burllington, was killed in action on Saipan Island on July 9. He had been in the Army almost three years and had been overseas since March of 1942. August 8, 1944 Wounded in Action: In the European Area: Pfc. Paul J. Abbott, Mrs. Ida J. Abbott, mother, Rte. 1, Kittrell Pfc. Walter T. Allrad, Charles W. Allrad, father, Rte. 1, Biscoe Sgt. Artust J. Baucum, Mrs. W.S. Baucum (no relation stated), Rte. 2, Polkton Pfc. Charlie Bradford, Mrs. Jean P. Bradford, mother, Bee Log Pfc. John P. Bridges, Mrs. Wilma R. Bridges, wife, Rte. 5, Shelby Pfc. Dallas R. Briggs, Mrs. Catharine A. Briggs, wife, Rte. 3, Roxhorn S.Sgt. Richard P. Brown, Mrs. Hazel A. Brown, mother, Rte. 1, Liberty Pvt. Kelly W. Byars, Mrs. Bertha Byars, wife, 2 East Wilson Avenue, Mooresville T/4 Thomas C. Chason, W.H. Chason, father, Lumber Bridge Pvt. Glenn E. Childers, Miss Catharine Childers, sister, hildebrand Pvt. John F. Cornatzer, Mrs. Lulu Q. Cornatzer, mother, Rte. 4, Salisbury Pvt. Walter F. Dabbs, Noble F. Dabbs, father, 206 Logan St., Burlington S/Sgt. Kenneth E. Davidson, Mrs. Georgia E. Davidson, wife, Rte 2, Wilson Pvt. Louis M. Dodson, Mrs. Maggie J. Dodson, mother, Rte. 1, Blanche Corp. Robert A. Freeman, William a. Freeman, father, 324 S.E. Avenue, Kannapolis Pvt. William R. Gainey, Mrs. Iva N. Gainey, wife, 430 Pine St., Extension, Kannapolis T/T James L. Gordon, Mrs. Lillie M. Gordon, mother, 1115 East 21st St., Winston-Salem Pfc. Willie V. Greens, Mrs. Annie Furr Greens, mother, Rte. 3, Monroe Pvt. Roy Hatcher, Bill Hatcher, father, Rte. 2, Beulsville Pvt. Winston C.C. Holland, Mrs. Myrtle Bridges Holland, mother, 714 N. Mebane St., Burl Pfc. Robert F. Isenhour, Thomas E. Isenhour, father, Bessemer City Lt. Col. James D. Johnston, Joseph B. Johnston, father, Barium Springs Corp. Louis M. Killebrow, Mark L. Killebrow, father, Rte. 2, Rocky Mount Pvt. Artie C. Kirkman, Mrs. Lillie B. Kirkman, wife, Rte. 2, Mount Airy Pvt. William Lee, Mrs. Mollie D. Lee, mother, Rte. 2, Pink Hill Pfc. Harry C. Nevins, Mrs. Mary C. Nevins, mother, 4422 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte Pfc. Charles M. Pepper, Mrs. Jean E. Pepper, wife, Camden Road, Wadesboro Pvt. George W. Price, Mrs. Annie F. Price, mother, Rte. 5, Durham Pfc. Arnie H. Scronce, Mrs. Ruth E. Scronce, mother, Rte. 1, Vale Pvt. Howard M. Sharpe, Mrs. Sallie E. Sharpe, mother, Rte. 5, Yadkin Valley S/Sgt. Myron L. Shinn, Mrs. Helen T. Shinn, wife, Mt. Pleasant Pvt. Warren C. Shank, Lawrence Shank, father, Rte. 2, Granite Falls Pfc. Herbert M. Viverette, Mrs. G.W. Viverette, mother, Sharpsburg 1st Lt. Tilghman L. Wade, Marvin Wade, Jr., brother, Dunn Pvt. Raymond M. Webster, Mrs. Claudia E. Webster, mother, 409 South Street, Durham Pfc. Henry J. Williams, Lucien A. Williams, brother, Clarendon Pfc. Richard A. Williams, Mrs. T.C. Williams, wife, Rte. 3, Kernersville Mediterranean Theater Pvt. Elvin C. Cox, Mrs. Nettie M. Cox, mother, Ramseur Pvt. Robert W. Fagan, Mrs. Helen C. Fagan, mother, Gastonia T/5 Thomas K. Graham, Mrs. Inez L. Graham, Rte. 1, Mt. Ulia(?) 2nd Lt. John L. Jelfress, Clarence A. Jelfress, father, 620 North Mitchell St., Kinston Capt. Frank A. Merigold, Lt. A. Margaret Merigold, wife, Hospital 2, Ft. Bragg Sgt. William Reese, Mrs. Grace H. Reece, mother, 40 Arlington St., Asheville Sgt. Marvin l. Rhyne, Mrs. Betty M. Rhyne, wife, 222 South French Broad Ave., Asheville Pvt. Thomas J. Russell, Mrs. Annie S. Russell, mother, Rte. 1, Rocky Mount Pvt. Hubert L. Sells, Mrs. Flora M. Sells, mother, Rte 1, Kernersville 2nd Lt. Dayton A. Starnes, Mrs. Lorraine Elizabeth Starnes, wife, Conover Sgt. Wayford R. Stewart, Mrs. Laura M. Stewart, mother, Rte. 1, Lowgap(?) Sgt. Forest S. Wooten, Mrs. Mavis G. Wooten, wife, 1669 McFarland Ave., Gastonia S.W. Pacific Area Sgt. Carl Hardin, Mrs. Essemer Hardin, mother, 230 Chestnut St., Shelby 2nd Lt. Luther S. Morrison, Mrs. Margaret M. Morrison, wife, 102 North City St., Kings Mountain Silvers Stars have been awarded to: S/Sgt. Johnnie A. Martin, infantry, 19 South 1st St., Belmond. On Feb. 10, 1944, in Italy, he and his squad were attached to an infantry company as flank protection. Returning to his squad, the company command post, he found them surrounded by the enemy. He fought through the German line, rejoined his men and then directing their movements, and fire, he began infiltrating through the enemy line. His quick estimate of the situation enabled him to re-establish contact without losing a man. S/Sgt. Ralph W. Moody, infantry, posthumous. Mrs. Mary F. Moody, mother, RFD 2, Waynesville. When his company was attacked by strong German forces in Italy on Feb. 1, 1944, he, a bazooka gunner, voluntarily organized eight men into a firing line. Then, taking a rifle from a casualty, he knocked out an enemy gun crew as it was moving into position, killed two Germans and drove the third one away. He next fired on a machine gun 75 yards away and silenced it. Throughout the two and a half hour battle, he killed or wounded at least six more Germans and exposed himself steadily to direct automatic weapons fire and tank shells, which once struck ten yards from him, to control the fire of his men. His action secured an exposed flank of an advancing company during a critical period. (reported killed in action on April 24, 1944) Pfc. Paul W. Guthrie, Jr., of Burlington, has been awarded the Bronze Star, given by the army for gallantry in action, his father, P. W. Guthrie, Sr., was advised this week. Fighting in Italy with the 36th Infantry Division of the Army, Pfc. Guthrie was a Pvt. At the time of his citation on July 10, but has been since advanced. The citation was made by Major General Fred L. Walker, commanding general of the division, and read as follows: “When the remainder of his company was pinned down by an incessant barrage of artillery shells, Pvt. Guthrie and four comrades moved forward of the battalion’s positions to establish an observation post. Although fully aware that their only protection from the intense small arms fire and numerous hostile snipers would be furnished by their own five men section, they set up their post at a vantage point from which they could observe enemy movement. While two men observed, the other three formed an outpost for the position, in spite of heavy and ceaseless fire and numerous engagements with enemy attackers they maintained their observation post and reported invaluable information concerning enemy strength, dispositions and movements. Pfc. Guthrie is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Guthrie, Rte. 1, Burlington. He entered the service in July of 1943 and has been overseas since February of this year. August 9, 1944 With the Ninth Infantry Division in France; A group of southerners was included among 63 officers and enlisted men who were awarded decorations for bravery in the Cherbourg campaign by Major General M.S. Eddy, commander of the Ninth Division. The Silver Star was awarded to Pfc. Jones E. Morley of Ferguson, N.C. A Bronze Star was awarded to Pvt. Robert V. Saunders, Rte. 1, Malden, N.C. Casualties: Pvt. William a. Bost, USMC, wounded, Clarence E. Bost, father, 310 Government St., Lincolnton C/M 2nd Class William Robert Burns, dead, (previously reported missing on report of naval casualties July 22), Mrs. Fannie Jane Burns, mother, Evergreen S1C Fred Clayton Grainger, USNR, Mrs. Julia McClellan, wife, Orum, Mr. Videll Strickland Grainger, Proctor Pfc. Robert G. Jones, USMCR, wounded, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Jones, parents, 401 Morrison Avenue, Raleigh August 9, 1944 R3C Thomas Clifford Wade, USN, dead, (previously reported wounded on Navy casualty list July 18), Mr. and Mrs. Roy Douglas Wade, parents, 812 Fisher St., Morehead City August 15, 1944 Word has been received by S.A. Florence and Mrs. Lizzie R. Florence, Rte. 1, Graham, that their son, Corp. Samuel Florence, 27, was killed in Italy on July 11. He was inducted into the service at Ft. Bragg on Feb. 19, 1941 and received training at Ft. Knox, Ky., and in Mississippi, South Carolina and North Carolina. He was sent overseas in may of 1942 and served in northern Ireland, N. Africa and Sicily. He has been in action for the past 27 months. Prior to entering the service, he worked several years with the County Schools as a bus mechanic. He attended Alexandria-Wilson High School. He has two other brothers in the service, Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Millard Florence and Pvt. Delbert Florence who is now overseas. August 17, 1944 Casualties-wounded in action: Asiatic Area: Pfc. Fred L. Barnett, Miss Ruth M. Barnett, sister, Bessemer City Pfc. Clarence M. Hovis, Mrs. Gladys I. Hovis, wife, Rte. 1, Dallas Pfc. Roland D. Lawrence, Mrs. Sadie R. Lawrence, mother, Rte. 1, Beaufort Pvt. Convie L. Procter, Mrs. Lottie D. Procter, mother, Rte. 2, Henderson Tech. 4th Grade Elzie D. Pruitt, Rte. 1, Laurel Springs Pvt. Frank J. Trivette, Mrs. Ella N. Trivette, mother, Walkerstown European Area: Flight Officer David Clark, Mrs. Clare Clark, mother, 152 Church, Mt. Airy Pvt. Paul F. Clontz, Sr., Mrs. Melba L. Clontz, Wilkinsboro Pvt. Charlie C. Cook, Mrs. Mattie R. Cook, mother, Pamona Sgt. Cecil C. Crouse, George L. Crouse, father, Thurmond Tech. 4th Gr. Victor L. Cumbo, Ms. Lillie M. Cumbo, wife, 524 Hill St., Leaksville Pvt. James B. Fox, Mrs. Lillian P. Fox, mother, 100 W. 6th St., Kannapolis S/Sgt. Charles H. Harrison, Mrs. Carrie J. Harrison, mother, box 142, Granite Falls Pvt. Charlie E. Hatcher, Mrs. Mary W. Long, mother, Hill St., Roxboro Pfc. Glenn A. Hembree, Mrs. Mary R. Hembree, Rte. 4, Ashville Pvt. James W. Hinton, Mrs. Lela J. Hinton, mother, Rte. 2, Clayton Pfc. Herbert P. Hudgins, Mrs. Bessie N. Hudgins, mother, Rte. 1, Mill Spring Tech. 5th Gr. Russell P. King, Mrs. Sara A. King, wife S/Sgt. John A. Millard, William P. Millard, father, Rte. 1, Mt. Olive Pfc. Harkless Morgan, Mrs. Julia M. Morgan, mother, Lowell Pvt. John R. Morgan, Mrs. Edna A. Morgan, mother, 1200 S. Tryon St., Charlotte Tech. 5th Gr. Robert L. Penny, Jr., Mrs. Shirley L. Penny, wife, 66 East Massachusetts Avenue, Southern Pines Pfc. Kelly W. Pitman, Mrs. Eva P. Pitman, mother, Spruce Pine Pfc. Carl S. Rufty, Helen L. Rufty, wife, Rte. 4, Salisbury Pfc. Clifford Scroggs, Joe Scroggs, father, Robbinsville 1st Lt. Alton Smith, Jr., Mrs. Iley T. Smith, mother, 601 East Gordon St., Kinston Tech. 5th Gr. Eppie P. Tillery, Mrs. Susie Tillery, mother, Aulander Pfc. Sylvester W. Twiford, Mrs. Annie B. Twiford, mother, East Lake Pvt. James L. Wall, Mrs. Cora T. Wall, mother, Speedwell Pvt. Clay D. Wilson, Mrs. Edna B. Wilson, wife, Rte. 4, Shelby Sgt. Avery L. Yount, Mrs. William B. Cline, sister, Granite Falls Mediterranean Area: Pvt. Pinkney H. Burress, Franklin W. Burress, father, Rte. 1, Box 234, Waynesville Pvt. Elmer E. Chambliss, Mrs. Rose M. Chambliss, mother, Gaston Pvt. Edgar J. Farlow, Mrs. Robbie Farlow, wife, Park Square, Ashville Pfc. Clifton R. Frederick, Mrs. Bessie G. Frederick, mother, 331 Cleveland St., Rocky Mount Pfc. Robert L. Gates, Mrs. Rose B. Gates, mother, Glen Raven Pvt. Grant M. Harless, Jr., Mrs. Mary L. Harless, mother, Whitehead Pvt. Harvey L. James, Mrs. Sallie W. James, mother, Rte.3, Lexington Pfc. Hugh H. Jones, John R. Jones, brother, Box 132, Andrews Pfc. Elford E. Love, Mrs. Ruth L. Culber, sister, 67 Third St., Laurinburg Pfc. Raymond R. O’Neal, Mrs. Lottie B. O’Neal, mother, Rte. 1, Box 245, Madison Pvt. George L. Webb, Mrs. Hattie S. Webb, mother, Pleasant Hill, Northampton S.W. Pacific Area: Tech. Sgt. Hugh F. Morrison, Mrs. Cora Morrison, mother, Rte. 1, Newton Pfc. Joseph W. Pritchard, Mrs. Pearl Johnson Pritchard, mother, Rte. 1, Union Mills Guam—A 22 year old High Point, N.C. Marine Corpsman, George D. Case, today saved the life of his commanding officer Lt. Col. Eustace R. Smoak, also of High Point. A Japanese machine gunner was playing possum when Col. Smoak passed and the Japanese dived for his gun and Case killed him. The Marines had advanced nearly 1,000 yards and it was late afternoon when the incident occurred. Col. Smoak, with Case and another man moving forward through an area honey combed with caves, decided to inspect one of the caves. The first runner entered the cave and saw the Namber machine gun and what appeared to be a Japanese body. Col. Smoak followed him in and stepped over the body with Case bringing up the rear. As soon as Col. Smoak passed, the Japanese raised himself from the ground and made a grab for his machine gun. Case ended that with a bullet. The 10th Air Force headquarters in India announced the award of the Air Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross to 2nd Lt. Vander B. West, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vander B. West, 202 Adams Avenue, Burlington. The citation reads in part: “for extraordinary achievement while participating in operational flights totaling more than 200 hours in an unarmed, heavily loaded transport plane during which exposure to enfilading fire was probable and expected. During the periods indicated he has completed flights from bases in Upper Assam, providing food, clothing, mail and medical supplies and material to our forwarding elements and in those of our India, British and Chinese allies in the hills and mountains of Upper Burma. Undaunted by the hazards faced, he performed his duties in such a manner that the highest credit is reflected upon himself and the military forces of the U.S.” Lt. West has served in the Army Air Forces for nearly three years and has been on active duty in Indian for the past seven months with a 10th Air Force Troop Carrier Squadron, Eastern Air Command. Capt. James W. Smith, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Smith of Graham and brother of Mrs. Pauline S. McCraw of Graham and Mrs. Margaret Ann Noblin of Durham was killed in action in France on August 2. He entered the army on Oct. 2, 1940 and had his basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. and entered officer’s training at Ft. Benning, Ga., and received his commission as captain at Camp Blanding, Fla., Nov., 1942. He was sent to England in Feb. of 1944 and was in France since July. In addition to his two sisters, he is survived by his wife Mrs. Marjorie Burns Smith of Hamilton, Ohio; his foster mother, Mrs. Mary Purse of Graham and two aunts, Mrs. W.L. Holt(?) of Burlington and Mrs. E.F. Knight of Durham. The War Department has informed Mrs. H.C. Lewis, Jr., that her husband, T/Sgt. Hinton C. Lewis, Jr., was killed in action in France on June 23. He was employed at the Mayfair Division of the Burlington Mills, Inc., prior to entering the Army on Sept. 16, 1940. He received his boot training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. and Camp Blanding, Fla., and was stationed at Camp Atterbury, Indiana before going overseas in February of this year. Sgt. Lewis is survived by his wife the former Dorothy Moore; his parents Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Lewis, Sr., one brother Melvin who is also in the army and three sisters, Mrs. Clarence Fesperman of Snow Camp, Mrs. Charles W. Clark and Mrs. Marvin Whitley. Pfc. Harold Donald McPherson, son of Mrs. Hattie R. McPherson of Snow Camp and the late H.D. McPherson was reported killed in action in France on June 22, according to a message to his mother from the War Department. He entered the service on Oct. 2, 1944 and received his boot training at Camp Wheeling, Ga. Later he was sent to Camp Gordon, Ga. He has been overseas since January of this year. He is survived by his mother, three sisters Misses Josie, Rachel and Anna Laura McPherson; four brothers, Raymond and Boyd of Snow Camp, Jack of Graham and William of Burlington.
Transcribed by Christine Spencer, May, 2007
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