This day in Ohio World War II history. Clarksburg residents prepare for a New Year...
December 31, 1938: Harold Anderson enlists in the U.S. Army.
December 31, 1943: Corrine Bochard of the Women’s Army Air Corps, spends New Year's Eve in New York City and sends her parents a postcard from the USO in New York, NY.
December 31, 1944: Cary Skinner departs for overseas duty serving in the medical corps attached to the 41st Infantry Division
December 31, 1945: Don Bethel is discharged at Indiantown Gap, PA, following meritorious service with the famed volunteer ranger unit, Merrill’s Maruaders. Bethel earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during his service.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Ater and Prince meet in Hawaii, Crabb flies 53rd mission and Trapp his 13th, Hawkins aboard the USS Stack supports landing
On this day in Ohio World War II history, Clarksburg soldiers, airmen, and sailors experience a significant day of activity:
December 30, 1942: Joe Ater writes home from Hawaii where he is repairing generators and aircraft voltage regulators in the Army Air Force. Joe mentions that Murrell Prince stopped by to see him.
December 30, 1943: S/SGT Charles Crabb participates in his 53rd and final combat mission over German targets in Yugoslavia. Crabb was attached to the 12th Bomb Group’s 81st Bomb Squadron flying as aircraft armorer and top turret gunner aboard a B-25 Mitchell bomber. S/Sgt Crabb prepares to rotate home and be discharged from the Army Air Force after meritorious service. Eventually, he will become the first Clarksburg soldier home from regular fighting.
December 30, 1944: Amos Morris writes to Clarksburg High School Superintendant Pryor Timmons from the South Pacific saying he had seen some interesting things, but some things he never wants to see again. Cary “Scoop” Skinner departs the U.S. bound for the Asiatic-Pacific Theater serving as a Mail Orderly in the 116th Medical Battalion of the 41st Infantry Division. Norman Trapp pilots his 13th bombing mission on Kaiserlauten, Germany in B-17 44-8045 "The Pathfinder," operating the Army Air Force's “experimental” radar targeting device. A rare photo of 44-8045 is above left in the foreground. Note the radar replacing the ball turret gun position in the belly of the aircraft. Ralph Hawkins, aboard the USS Stack destroyer and part of Navy Task Group 78.5, departs the Philippines for Sansapor, New Guinea heading for Lingayen Gulf to support "Blue Beach" landing.
December 30, 1945: Donald Satchell is discharged from the U.S. Army at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Francis Ater arrives the United States.
December 30, 1942: Joe Ater writes home from Hawaii where he is repairing generators and aircraft voltage regulators in the Army Air Force. Joe mentions that Murrell Prince stopped by to see him.
December 30, 1943: S/SGT Charles Crabb participates in his 53rd and final combat mission over German targets in Yugoslavia. Crabb was attached to the 12th Bomb Group’s 81st Bomb Squadron flying as aircraft armorer and top turret gunner aboard a B-25 Mitchell bomber. S/Sgt Crabb prepares to rotate home and be discharged from the Army Air Force after meritorious service. Eventually, he will become the first Clarksburg soldier home from regular fighting.
December 30, 1944: Amos Morris writes to Clarksburg High School Superintendant Pryor Timmons from the South Pacific saying he had seen some interesting things, but some things he never wants to see again. Cary “Scoop” Skinner departs the U.S. bound for the Asiatic-Pacific Theater serving as a Mail Orderly in the 116th Medical Battalion of the 41st Infantry Division. Norman Trapp pilots his 13th bombing mission on Kaiserlauten, Germany in B-17 44-8045 "The Pathfinder," operating the Army Air Force's “experimental” radar targeting device. A rare photo of 44-8045 is above left in the foreground. Note the radar replacing the ball turret gun position in the belly of the aircraft. Ralph Hawkins, aboard the USS Stack destroyer and part of Navy Task Group 78.5, departs the Philippines for Sansapor, New Guinea heading for Lingayen Gulf to support "Blue Beach" landing.
December 30, 1945: Donald Satchell is discharged from the U.S. Army at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Francis Ater arrives the United States.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Dean arrives North Africa, Minnix departs U.S. for the ETO, Garrison describes training to parents
Today in Clarksburg, Ohio World War II history:
December 29, 1942: Kenneth Dean's troopship docks in North Africa.
December 29, 1943: Clifford Minnix departs the U.S. bound for the European Theater serving as a radio operator in Battery D, 129th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. Don Garrison writes his parents from Camp Pickett, Virginia detailing his rigid training in the desert alongside the 81st Division as well as landing craft training in Florida. John Kirkwood Sr. writes a note to the men at the Chillicothe Paper Company (Mead Paper) thanking them for their donation of cigarettes to the soldiers in Italy.
December 29, 1945: Dwight Willis is discharged from the Army Air Force.
December 29, 1942: Kenneth Dean's troopship docks in North Africa.
December 29, 1943: Clifford Minnix departs the U.S. bound for the European Theater serving as a radio operator in Battery D, 129th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. Don Garrison writes his parents from Camp Pickett, Virginia detailing his rigid training in the desert alongside the 81st Division as well as landing craft training in Florida. John Kirkwood Sr. writes a note to the men at the Chillicothe Paper Company (Mead Paper) thanking them for their donation of cigarettes to the soldiers in Italy.
December 29, 1945: Dwight Willis is discharged from the Army Air Force.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Anderson promoted to Tech Sergeant, Rittenhouse's troopship docks in England
This date in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:
December 28, 1942: Bob Anderson Receives promotion from Staff Sergeant to Technical Sergeant while based in Tumwater, WA with the 37th Fighter Squadron.
December 28, 1944: Fred Rittenhouse’s (pictured left) troopship carrying the 777th Tank Battalion docks in England.
December 28, 1942: Bob Anderson Receives promotion from Staff Sergeant to Technical Sergeant while based in Tumwater, WA with the 37th Fighter Squadron.
December 28, 1944: Fred Rittenhouse’s (pictured left) troopship carrying the 777th Tank Battalion docks in England.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas furloughs for some Clarksburg soldiers, Norman Trapp flies 12th bombing mission, Garrison prepares for the ETO
Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History:
December 24, 1942: Herschel Bethel visits his mother in Greenland, Ohio while on a ten-day furlough from Camp Van Buren, Arkansas.
December 24, 1943: Hoyt Graham hosts his friend, Lt. Henry Fielder who is also based at Wright Field, at the Graham house in Clarksburg for Christmas. Lewis Garrison’s parents receive word that Lewis is transferred to Alamogordo, NM and attached to the 466th Bomb Group, 787th Bomb Squadron, where the group was preparing for overseas departure. Merrill Hughes receives a furlough from Easton, Pennsylvania to spend a three-day pass with his wife and family in Clarksburg. Tom Eycke returns to Clarksburg to enjoy a holiday furlough from Camp Ellis, Illinois.
December 24, 1944: Allen Anderson returns to Ohio from his base in San Antonio, Texas to enjoy a 14-day furlough with his mother in Chillicothe. Corrine Bochard and Jack Ater return to Clarksburg to enjoy furloughs with their respective parents. Marcus Ater, aboard the USS Denver - returns to Manus. Norman Trapp (photo above - Trapp front row center) flies his 12th bombing mission with the 351st Bomb Group, 508th Bomb Squadron, in B-17 44-8374 and the target is the Biblis Airfield (recon photo through link).
December 24, 1945: Sgt. Dwight Willis returns to the United States following service in China, India and Burma. Robert Boggs departs the European Theater bound for the United States. Tom Eycke is officially discharged from the U.S. Army following service in the Pacific Theater.
December 24, 1942: Herschel Bethel visits his mother in Greenland, Ohio while on a ten-day furlough from Camp Van Buren, Arkansas.
December 24, 1943: Hoyt Graham hosts his friend, Lt. Henry Fielder who is also based at Wright Field, at the Graham house in Clarksburg for Christmas. Lewis Garrison’s parents receive word that Lewis is transferred to Alamogordo, NM and attached to the 466th Bomb Group, 787th Bomb Squadron, where the group was preparing for overseas departure. Merrill Hughes receives a furlough from Easton, Pennsylvania to spend a three-day pass with his wife and family in Clarksburg. Tom Eycke returns to Clarksburg to enjoy a holiday furlough from Camp Ellis, Illinois.
December 24, 1944: Allen Anderson returns to Ohio from his base in San Antonio, Texas to enjoy a 14-day furlough with his mother in Chillicothe. Corrine Bochard and Jack Ater return to Clarksburg to enjoy furloughs with their respective parents. Marcus Ater, aboard the USS Denver - returns to Manus. Norman Trapp (photo above - Trapp front row center) flies his 12th bombing mission with the 351st Bomb Group, 508th Bomb Squadron, in B-17 44-8374 and the target is the Biblis Airfield (recon photo through link).
December 24, 1945: Sgt. Dwight Willis returns to the United States following service in China, India and Burma. Robert Boggs departs the European Theater bound for the United States. Tom Eycke is officially discharged from the U.S. Army following service in the Pacific Theater.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ater graduates with top honors, Cleary returns home before shipping to the ETO, Bethel's ship docks!
On this day in Clarksburg, Ohio World War II history:
December 23, 1942: Willis Cleary returns home on leave from Camp McCoy, Wisconsin to enjoy a 14-day furlough in Clarksburg, which will be his last before shipping overseas.
December 23, 1943: Bernard Ater graduates from the Pratt & Whitney Engine School in Ypsilanti, Michigan at Willow Run Airport. Ater receives the highest classification in his squadron (pictured above left to right: Clarksburg airmen Joe Ater, Ralph Anderson, Bernard Ater, and Bob Anderson). Ralph Richardson writes to Pryor Timmons describing the rainy weather conditions while serving as a cook with the U.S. Army in North Africa.
December 23, 1945: Sgt. Robert Bethel’s troopship docks in the United States.
December 23, 1942: Willis Cleary returns home on leave from Camp McCoy, Wisconsin to enjoy a 14-day furlough in Clarksburg, which will be his last before shipping overseas.
December 23, 1943: Bernard Ater graduates from the Pratt & Whitney Engine School in Ypsilanti, Michigan at Willow Run Airport. Ater receives the highest classification in his squadron (pictured above left to right: Clarksburg airmen Joe Ater, Ralph Anderson, Bernard Ater, and Bob Anderson). Ralph Richardson writes to Pryor Timmons describing the rainy weather conditions while serving as a cook with the U.S. Army in North Africa.
December 23, 1945: Sgt. Robert Bethel’s troopship docks in the United States.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Clarksburg Ohio World War II today in history.
December 22: Clarksburg, Ohio World War II history as it happened today...
December 22, 1944: Carl Dinkler returns home from Temple, Texas to enjoy a 30-day furlough with his parents while continuing to recover from wounds received in the battle for Brest. T/SGT Morris Templin returns to Clarksburg from his intelligence post with the 4th Army Headquarters at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas to enjoy a furlough with his parents over the holiday season. Willis Cleary departs Camp Elsenborn with the 23rd Regimental Personnel Section to establish a safe operation inside the Palace de Justice in Verviers, Belgium (pictured above left, May 2000).
December 22, 1945: SGT Cecil Southward departs the European Theater bound for the United States following service as a heavy truck driver in the 693rd Engineer Equipment Company.
December 22, 1944: Carl Dinkler returns home from Temple, Texas to enjoy a 30-day furlough with his parents while continuing to recover from wounds received in the battle for Brest. T/SGT Morris Templin returns to Clarksburg from his intelligence post with the 4th Army Headquarters at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas to enjoy a furlough with his parents over the holiday season. Willis Cleary departs Camp Elsenborn with the 23rd Regimental Personnel Section to establish a safe operation inside the Palace de Justice in Verviers, Belgium (pictured above left, May 2000).
December 22, 1945: SGT Cecil Southward departs the European Theater bound for the United States following service as a heavy truck driver in the 693rd Engineer Equipment Company.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Carroll arrives North Africa with 6th Armored, Lt. Morris writes home from Stalag Luft 3
On this day in Clarksburg, Ohio World War II history:
December 21, 1942: Marvin Carroll arrives North Africa attached to the 6th Armored Infantry of the 1st Armored Division.
December 21, 1944: Lt. Jack Morris writes to his parents from Stalag Luft 3 POW camp in Sagan, Poland (then Sagan, Germany) that his activities have been limited due to the snow storm and that he has been keeping busy by cutting the hair of other prisoners. Joe Kelly enlists in the U.S. Army at Fort Hayes, Ohio.
December 21, 1945: Carl Dinkler finally receives his discharge from the U.S. Army at McCloskey General Hospital, Temple, Texas and sent home following extensive surgery on his wounds received while fighting near Brest, France in the Fall of 1944. Dinkler was shot numerous times by a German sniper, while helping to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded soldiers from his unit stranded at the front.
December 21, 1942: Marvin Carroll arrives North Africa attached to the 6th Armored Infantry of the 1st Armored Division.
December 21, 1944: Lt. Jack Morris writes to his parents from Stalag Luft 3 POW camp in Sagan, Poland (then Sagan, Germany) that his activities have been limited due to the snow storm and that he has been keeping busy by cutting the hair of other prisoners. Joe Kelly enlists in the U.S. Army at Fort Hayes, Ohio.
December 21, 1945: Carl Dinkler finally receives his discharge from the U.S. Army at McCloskey General Hospital, Temple, Texas and sent home following extensive surgery on his wounds received while fighting near Brest, France in the Fall of 1944. Dinkler was shot numerous times by a German sniper, while helping to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded soldiers from his unit stranded at the front.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Future Clarksburg NASA engineer continues experimental work
Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History:
December 20, 1942: Richard Pabst departs Ft. Benjamin Harrison for Ft. Barrancas, FL attached to the 764th MP Battalion, B Company, 2nd Platoon
December 20, 1945: Hoyt Graham departs Wright Field in Dayton for Ladd Field, Alaska to perform experimental engine testing.
December 20, 1945: Hoyt Graham departs Wright Field in Dayton for Ladd Field, Alaska to perform experimental engine testing.
PHOTO: Clarksburg brothers and Army Air Force officers Solon and Hoyt Graham.
Friday, December 19, 2008
World War II: 576th Bomb Squadron win an excellent crew, 23rd Infantry Regiment regroups from initial shock of Battle of the Bulge
On this day in Clarksburg World War II history:
December 19, 1943: Lt. Jack Morris’ B-24 crew (pictued left) gets assigned to the 8th Air Force, 392nd Bomb Group, 576th Bomb Squadron based at Wendling, England.
December 19, 1944: Dwight Overly enlists in the U.S. Army at Fort Hayes, Ohio. Willis Cleary and the remainder of the Provisionary Reserve Group leave their defensive position along the Elsenborn Ridge near Berg, Belgium, pair off for safety and march 12 miles back to Camp Elsenborn through the cold and snow, to reform the 23rd Infantry Regiment’s Personnel Section. Visit this excellent site featuring the 2nd Infantry Division monument erected in the Twin Villages (Krinkelt/Rocherath, Belgium) by Pierre Constant to honor the men from the 2nd Infantry Division who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
December 19, 1943: Lt. Jack Morris’ B-24 crew (pictued left) gets assigned to the 8th Air Force, 392nd Bomb Group, 576th Bomb Squadron based at Wendling, England.
December 19, 1944: Dwight Overly enlists in the U.S. Army at Fort Hayes, Ohio. Willis Cleary and the remainder of the Provisionary Reserve Group leave their defensive position along the Elsenborn Ridge near Berg, Belgium, pair off for safety and march 12 miles back to Camp Elsenborn through the cold and snow, to reform the 23rd Infantry Regiment’s Personnel Section. Visit this excellent site featuring the 2nd Infantry Division monument erected in the Twin Villages (Krinkelt/Rocherath, Belgium) by Pierre Constant to honor the men from the 2nd Infantry Division who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Battle of the Bulge rages for the 2nd Infantry and 82nd Airborne, Satchell returns home
Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history the Battle of the Bulge continues to rage in Belgium for Clarksburg soldiers engaged in the fighting...
December 18, 1944: Charlie Jobe (325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 80th Airborne Artillery Battalion, F Battery) supports 82nd Airborne ground troops with artillery fire near Spa and Liege Belgium (photo: Jobe, far left holding helmet). Willis Cleary’s convoy departs Camp Elsenborn by truck toward the front line and ultimately the small village of Berg, Belgium to form a secondary line of defense to support retreating 2nd Infantry Division troops withdrawing from the forest, twin villages (Krinkelt/Rocherath) and Wurtzfeld to regroup.
December 18, 1945: Donald Satchell’s ship docs in the United States returning from the South Pacific, following his service with the 618th Engineer base Equipment Company as a motion picture projectionist in New Guinea and Australia.
December 18, 1945: Donald Satchell’s ship docs in the United States returning from the South Pacific, following his service with the 618th Engineer base Equipment Company as a motion picture projectionist in New Guinea and Australia.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
T/5 Cokonougher Awarded Bronze Star during Battle of the Bulge, Army Air Force Training continues
Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:
December 17, 1942: Thomas Pearce receives his wings following the completion of training in Midland, Texas.
December 17, 1943: Solon Graham departs the San Antonio Classification Center and enters Pre-Flight School.
December 17, 1944: Solon Graham Departs Ellington Field, Texas bound for Westover Field, Massachusetts following flight training in the Beech AT-10 (AT-10 cockpit). Wayne Cokonougher, Artillery truck driver for the 740th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A, (photo top left) was awarded the The Bronze Star for evacuating heavy equipment and artillery pieces from the front line during German attack on St. Vith, Belgium (Battle of the Bulge). According to military records, “T/5 Cokonougher distinguished himself by meritorious achievement on 17-18 December, 1944 in Belgium. According to the actual citation “Cokonougher, serving as a tractor driver, distinguished himself during the evacuation of vehicles, howitzers, and ammunition, from positions threatened by enemy action. Despite enemy artillery time fire over {his} battery’s position near St. Vith and small arms fire into the area near Poteus, T/5 Cokonougher did not at any time seek cover or cease his efforts to evacuate threatened material. Under adverse conditions of weather and in muddy terrain presenting extremely difficult traction, T/5 Cokonougher’s resourcefulness and untiring efforts were directly responsible for the evacuation of considerable amounts of ammunition and material. The determination and devotion to duty without regard for his own safety displayed by T/5 Cokonougher served as an inspiration to all members of his unit and reflects credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.” Read the After Action Report following this action, it's fascinating.
December 17, 1942: Thomas Pearce receives his wings following the completion of training in Midland, Texas.
December 17, 1943: Solon Graham departs the San Antonio Classification Center and enters Pre-Flight School.
December 17, 1944: Solon Graham Departs Ellington Field, Texas bound for Westover Field, Massachusetts following flight training in the Beech AT-10 (AT-10 cockpit). Wayne Cokonougher, Artillery truck driver for the 740th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A, (photo top left) was awarded the The Bronze Star for evacuating heavy equipment and artillery pieces from the front line during German attack on St. Vith, Belgium (Battle of the Bulge). According to military records, “T/5 Cokonougher distinguished himself by meritorious achievement on 17-18 December, 1944 in Belgium. According to the actual citation “Cokonougher, serving as a tractor driver, distinguished himself during the evacuation of vehicles, howitzers, and ammunition, from positions threatened by enemy action. Despite enemy artillery time fire over {his} battery’s position near St. Vith and small arms fire into the area near Poteus, T/5 Cokonougher did not at any time seek cover or cease his efforts to evacuate threatened material. Under adverse conditions of weather and in muddy terrain presenting extremely difficult traction, T/5 Cokonougher’s resourcefulness and untiring efforts were directly responsible for the evacuation of considerable amounts of ammunition and material. The determination and devotion to duty without regard for his own safety displayed by T/5 Cokonougher served as an inspiration to all members of his unit and reflects credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.” Read the After Action Report following this action, it's fascinating.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Germans Breakthrough American lines, 8th Infantry moves into place, 463rd AAA surrounded
This day in Clarksburg, Ohio World War II history:December 16, 1943: Archie Wright of the 28th Infantry Regiment, Anti-Tank Company is officially stationed in Castle Coole, Ireland preparing to train for the invasion of Normandy and Carl Dinkler (pictured left) of the 28th Infantry Regiment, A Company arrives Breandon, Ireland.
December 16, 1944: German forces cross the Siegfried Line, surprising Allied forces in the Ardennes Forest, starting the Battle of the Bulge. Roy Hawkins of the 463rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery is cut off by the German offensive. Hawkins, along with other men of the 463rd are ordered to stand by their artillery pieces with grenades in preparation of destroying the guns in case they are captured. Harold Dawson returns to Clarksburg from his base in Massachusetts on a 12-day furlough. Howard Fay transfers from Great Lakes Training Center to Naval Station Jacksonville, Florida.
December 16, 1944: German forces cross the Siegfried Line, surprising Allied forces in the Ardennes Forest, starting the Battle of the Bulge. Roy Hawkins of the 463rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery is cut off by the German offensive. Hawkins, along with other men of the 463rd are ordered to stand by their artillery pieces with grenades in preparation of destroying the guns in case they are captured. Harold Dawson returns to Clarksburg from his base in Massachusetts on a 12-day furlough. Howard Fay transfers from Great Lakes Training Center to Naval Station Jacksonville, Florida.
Monday, December 15, 2008
8th Infantry based in Ireland, leave from the USS Ranger, Margraten Cemetery
Today in Clarksburg Ohio's World War II history:
December 15, 1942 - PFC Richard “Jack” Minser is promoted to Corporal while based in North Africa.
December 15, 1943 - Sgt. Dick Garrison, 8th Infantry Division, 121st Infantry Regiment is stationed in Colebrooke, Ireland training for the invasion of Normandy. Lt. Harold Anderson departs the states for a second tour of coastal artillery service in Panama. Herman Dinkler returns to Clarksburg on furlough from Camp Ellis, Illinois. Ralph Ater is on leave from the USS Ranger and flies into Dayton's Wright Field to spend time with his parents in Clarksburg. Solon Graham is participating in flight training in San Antonio, Texas with the 43rd Squadron, Group E, Wing 1. Cpl Warren Martin officially arrives the European Theater when his troopship docks in Scotland.
December 15, 1944 - Fred Rittenhouse’s convoy of troopships departs the U.S. bound for Europe. Rittenhouse serving with the 777th Tank Battalion, A Company. PFC Leo Rose returns to Fort Lewis, Washington following a furlough in Clarksburg.
December 15, 1945 - Cpl Eugene Morris is promoted to the rank of sergeant while based in Bamberg, Germany. T/5 Charles Hughes, Merrill Hughes' brother, writes to his parents from Holland describing Merrill's grave at Margraten, Holland American Cemetery and the Dutch family who has adopted the grave promising to care for it in the family’s absence.
December 15, 1942 - PFC Richard “Jack” Minser is promoted to Corporal while based in North Africa.
December 15, 1943 - Sgt. Dick Garrison, 8th Infantry Division, 121st Infantry Regiment is stationed in Colebrooke, Ireland training for the invasion of Normandy. Lt. Harold Anderson departs the states for a second tour of coastal artillery service in Panama. Herman Dinkler returns to Clarksburg on furlough from Camp Ellis, Illinois. Ralph Ater is on leave from the USS Ranger and flies into Dayton's Wright Field to spend time with his parents in Clarksburg. Solon Graham is participating in flight training in San Antonio, Texas with the 43rd Squadron, Group E, Wing 1. Cpl Warren Martin officially arrives the European Theater when his troopship docks in Scotland.
December 15, 1944 - Fred Rittenhouse’s convoy of troopships departs the U.S. bound for Europe. Rittenhouse serving with the 777th Tank Battalion, A Company. PFC Leo Rose returns to Fort Lewis, Washington following a furlough in Clarksburg.
December 15, 1945 - Cpl Eugene Morris is promoted to the rank of sergeant while based in Bamberg, Germany. T/5 Charles Hughes, Merrill Hughes' brother, writes to his parents from Holland describing Merrill's grave at Margraten, Holland American Cemetery and the Dutch family who has adopted the grave promising to care for it in the family’s absence.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
December 14: Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII History
December 14, 1943: John Jordan returns to Clarksburg from the west to enjoy a furlough for the holidays. Mert Garrison's family receives word that he has transferred overseas from Camp Roberts, California and is now located "Somewhere in Australia."
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Clarksburg Ohio's Proud 222 World War II Veterans
Welcome to Clarksburg's Courageous World War II blog, preserving, honoring and celebrating Clarksburg Ohio's WWII history. Between 1938 and 1945, 222 men and women from Clarksburg, Ohio and surrounding Deerfield Township volunteered or joined the U.S. Armed Forces through the selective service draft and proudly served their country in various capacities.
To put things into perspective, approximately 16 million men and women served in the United States Armed Forces by VJ-Day (August 15, 1945) -- 1 in 8 American citizens. In 1945, approximately 1,000 people populated Clarksburg and Deerfield Township - located in the northwestern most portion of historic Ross County. Between 1938 and 1945, Clarksburg and Deerfield Township sent 222 soldiers (219 men and 3 women) to war. In comparison to an already notable national average of service, the village’s ratio equated to an impressive 1 in 5 residents.
By the numbers --- of the 222 who served:
To put things into perspective, approximately 16 million men and women served in the United States Armed Forces by VJ-Day (August 15, 1945) -- 1 in 8 American citizens. In 1945, approximately 1,000 people populated Clarksburg and Deerfield Township - located in the northwestern most portion of historic Ross County. Between 1938 and 1945, Clarksburg and Deerfield Township sent 222 soldiers (219 men and 3 women) to war. In comparison to an already notable national average of service, the village’s ratio equated to an impressive 1 in 5 residents.
By the numbers --- of the 222 who served:
- 9 (4%) were killed-in-action.
- 11 were wounded-in-action.
- 122 (55%) served in the U.S. Army
- 47 (21%) U.S. Army Air Force
- 42 (19%) U.S. Navy
- 5 United States Marine Corps
- 2 U.S. Coast Guard.
- 200 Clarksburg soldiers were enlisted
- 22 were officers.
I hope you enjoy this blog and contribute regularly. The video has also been posted to You Tube under Clarksburg's Courageous.
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