Today in Ohio History: Clarksburg Ohio veterans continue through WWII

September 28, 1942: Ralph Ater enlists in the U.S. Navy. Pictured with his family.

September 28, 1944: Marcus Ater, aboard the USS Denver, returns to Manus. Norman Trapp flies his fifth bombing mission on Magdeburg in B-17 43-38405. Willis Cleary and the 23rd Infantry Regiment’s Personnel Group departs the Landereau, France hospital they were using as the regimental base and travels by train heading northeast toward Belgium.

September 28, 1945: Dwight Overly’s ship docks in the United States

Today in Ohio History: Clarksburg Ohio World War II Daily Update

September 25, 1942: Clarence Minnix transfers from Ft. Benjamin Harrison to Camp Crowder, Missouri attached to D Company, 29th T.N. Signal Battalion. Harold Anderson returns stateside from a two year assignment in Panama. Following a ten-day furlough in Clarksburg, he reported to Ft. Monroe, VA. Harold Hoffman departs the U.S. bound for the Pacific Theater as a Heavy Machine Gun section leader, D Company, 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. John Pool enlists in the U.S. Navy. Richard Minser transfers from Fort McClellan, Alabama to Fort Hamilton, New York.

September 25, 1943: Bob Anderson and the 14th Fighter Group, 37th Fighter Squadron, depart North Africa to inch closer to Europe by basing their P-38 Lightnings out of Sicily for a brief period. Clarence Minnix arrives Clarksburg on a 15-day furlough following additional training in Tennessee and recently transferred from the 2nd Army to the 3rd Army. Corrine Bochard is based at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey attached to a Woman's Army Air Corp unit. Don Garrison and the 538th Battalion depart Fort Pierce, Florida for Camp Pickett, Virginia. Sam Saxour departs the U.S. bound for the Pacific Theater to serve as a Surgical Technician with the 80th General Hospital. Tom Eycke enjoys a weekend in Clarksburg with his parents, grandmother and wife while on a brief weekend pass.

September 25, 1944: Robert Hamman lands at Utah Beach as part of the 9th Armored Division, 73rd Armored Field Artillery. Lewis Dennis and the 10th Armored Division arrive in France.

September 25, 1945: Jack Ater, attached to the 97th Infantry Division arrives the Pacific Theater. Marcus Ater, aboard the USS Denver, provides covering support for troops landing at Wakanouri Wan.

Today in Ohio History: Clarksburg Ohio World War II veterans participate in significant advances

Today in Ohio Military History: Clarksburg Ohio World War II vets move on the enemy:

September 23, 1943: Norman Dean receives a medical discharge from the U.S. Army and returns to Chillicothe, Ohio. He was previously based at Fort Knox, Kentucky. W.A. Anderson is based at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

September 23, 1944: Carl Dinkler (pictured) writes to his parents stating that he is recovering in a British hospital but he has serious surgery ahead on his legs and noted that the Battle of Brest (France) was extremely tough duty. Dinkler was wounded severely days before, when a German sniper singled him out while retrieving bodies from the battlefield, as portions of the 28th Infantry Regiment and the 6th Armored led a task force through the Brittany region of France to cut off German forces in the port city of Brest. Charlie Jobe, part of the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 80th Airborne Artillery, Battery F, boards a glider in England and lands near Nijmegan, Holland as part of Operation Market Garden. Sgt. Dick Garrison, part of I Company, 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, assists in securing the Crozon Penninsula and neutralizing German troops in the area. John Templin enlists in the U.S. Army. Gunner's Mate, Marcus Ater, abord the USS Denver cruiser, provides cover for a Navy Task Force tasked to sweep for mines near Ulithi, in support of the future landing. Tom Sowers enlists in the U.S. Army and eventually serves in the 80th Infantry Division (ETO).

Today in Ohio History: Clarksburg Ohio war veterans

Today in Ohio History: Clarksburg Ohio World War II heavy bomber crew members continue fighting:

September 22, 1943: Ralph Anderson is participating in advanced B-17 training at Dalhart, Texas and preparing to transfer to Scott Field, Illinois in a few days for rotation overseas.

September 22, 1944: Norman Trapp flies his second bombing mission to Kassel, Germany in B-17 42-31879 nicknamed "The Shark." (PHOTO: The Shark behind a 351st Bomb Group crew - not including Trapp)

Ohio Military History: Service...In the Family

Generational Military Service from Clarksburg Ohio - A Family Affair

Recent examinations of Clarksburg Ohio's service rolls from the Civil War, World War I, and World War II identified a number of consistent names. I thought it would be fitting to list them and the information we have about each soldier.

ADAMS
Ralph Adams, Sergeant, 166th Infantry Regiment, H Company, World War I
Donald Adams, 1st Lieutenant, 485th Bomb Group, B-24 Liberator Pilot, World War II

ATER
George Ater: Company A, 90th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Abraham Ater: Company K, 89th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Glenn Ater:, Corporal, H Company, 166th Infantry Regiment, World War I
Joe Ater, 1st Lieutenant, 324th Army Air Base Unit, B-17 Pilot, World War II
Jack Ater, Sergeant, 97th Infantry Division, Heavy Machine Gunner, World War II
Marcus Ater, U.S. Navy, Gunner’s Mate, U.S.S. Denver – Cruiser, World War II

DAWSON
Lewis Dawson, Mechanic, 330th Infantry Regiment, G Company, World War I
Robert E. Dawson, Captain, 11th Air Force, 54th Fighter Group, P-39 Pilot, World War II
Robert K. Dawson, Sergeant, 69th Infantry Division, World War II
John M. Dawson, Corporal, Radio Operator Mechanic, World War II

DONAHOE
William S. Donahoe, Company H, 149th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Emmitt Donahoe, Seaman aboard the U.S.S. Michigan battleship, World War I

DOWNING
William Downing, Mail carrier for Company H, 149th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Joseph Wesley Downing, 236th Engineer Combat Battalion, World War II

HAMMAN
Royal Hamman, Private, 84th Infantry Division, 333rd Inf Reg, I Company, World War I
Robert Hamman, Lieutenant, 9th Armored Division, World War II

MADDUX
J.W. Maddux, Company A, 61st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Nelson Maddux, Company K, 89th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Don W. Maddux: 35th Infantry Division, 137th Infantry, World War II (Killed In Action)

MALLOW
Anson Mallow, Company H, 149th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Reed Mallow, PFC, 1st Cavalry, 7th Regiment, World War II (Killed In Action)

RITTENHOUSE
Fred Rittenhouse, Private, 166th Infantry Regiment, H Company
Fred Rittenhouse, PFC, 777th Tank Battalion, World War II
Tom Rittenhouse, Ship Fitter, U.S.S. Hamul, World War II

SHANTON
Orlie Shanton, MP, 330th Infantry Regiment, K Company, World War I
Dick Shanton, Corporal, 389th Anti-aircraft Battalion, World War II

SKINNER
Joshua Skinner, 90th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Cary Skinner, Litter Bearer, 41st Infantry Division, World War II

TAYLOR
Frank Taylor, Sergeant, 332nd Infantry Regiment, D Company, World War I
Willis Taylor, Corporal, 2nd Engineer School, World War II

TEMPLIN
E.W. Templin, Company H, 149th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
John Templin, Corporal, 1504th Army Air Base Unit, World War II
Wanda Templin, Chief Yeoman, WAVE’s, World War II

WILLIS
John W. Willis, 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Civil War
Jas. Willis, Company H, 149th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
Dwight Willis, Sergeant, 1337th Army Air Base Unit, World War II

Today in Ohio World War II history

Today in Ohio Military History:

September 17, 1944: Norman Trapp (pictured center bottom row), pilots his first bombing mission of the war with the 351st Bomb Group over Nijmegan, Holland in B-17 43-37956, in support of Operation Market Garden.

September 17, 1945: Hoyt Graham departs Wright Field to points west, including Los Angeles, on an inspection tour of various aircraft factories in California.

September 17, 1946: Joe Kelly departs the Philippines bound for the United States. Troy Reisinger departs the Pacific bound for the United States.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII history

Today in Ohio World War II history:

September 16, 1942: Roger Bryant is training in Canada.

September 16, 1943: John Martin (90th Infantry Division) is participating in additional infantry training at Camp Hood, Texas.

September 16, 1945: Oscar Garrison's ship docks in the U.S. following 37 months of overseas duty (82nd Airborne Division)

World War II's "Most Admired"

World War II's Most Admired

Photo: (March 1998: Williams Gateway Airport, Mesa, Arizona) Left to Right: General Joe Foss, Vic Cleary, Joe Forster, and Jack Purdy.

Very rarely do I stray far from 610 WTVN talk radio in the mornings and afternoons during my drives to and from work, but this morning, I was caught in a jam on the Columbus outerbelt. A massive fender bender locked up 270 this morning around 845 am, just in time to catch me in the act, returning from a quick morning meeting with our fine marketing agency. For a change of paste, I flipped to 1460 the FAN for some sports news. It's football season, and I love listening to local chatter on the Buckeyes.

Instead of getting "Buckeye" locker news, the Mike and Mike show was on, but they quickly caught my attention with an interesting topic. Mike (I am not sure which one), asked the other Mike his opinion who the most admired one or two figures in pro sports are, that are still living today? In other words, if you were sitting at a restaurant, and you worked in the sports entertainment business, who would HAVE to walk in and sit down at the restaurant for you to be humbled by their presence?

All in all, it was an excellent question and they provided their own opinions and why. Mike (I can't remember which Mike), said in baseball, it would have to be Hank Aaron. The other Mike said Cal Ripkin, but added the fans may agree more with him more so than the players. In basketball, one picked Bill Russell, the other picked Dr. J, because Michael Jordan regularly refers to Dr. J as the "real" legend. In hockey, Gordie Howe and Gretzgy (did I spell it wrong?). And for some reason, in football, they both agreed Anthony Munoz (which I couldn't quite figure out), Coach Shula and Coach Ditka. Good choices overall.

This conversation made me think back to March of 1998 when I was producing the Cox Communications Air & Motor Spectcular in Mesa, Arizona. Each year, during our air show, we would invite a number of Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and Army pilots to fly their fighter jets, cargo planes, bombers, refuelers, and helicopters into our show, to provide "static" aircraft displays for the tens of thousands of people who purchased tickets to view up close and personal. In some cases, the pilots and crew would even allow spectators (taxpayers and true owners of the aircraft) to sit in their seats, flip the switches, grab the stick, and try the aircraft "on for size."

To keep these young men and women in-uniform entertained, we would oftentimes invite them into our VIP Chalet for drinks and food, and to relax while watching the air show from an unobstructed patio. To enhance their entertainment, I would personally invite a few World War II era fighter aces, who wintered, or lived fulltime in the Phoenix, Arizona market, to attend the event and sit with us in the chalet, enjoy the show, and talk to the young, active pilots, to share "war" stories, per say. It was somewhat a selfish gesture on my part, because I loved talking to these guys as well, but I found, year after year, they were staunch supporters of the show because they loved reliving their pasts and sharing words of encouragement with the young fighter pilots flying the new jets, who admired their service 50 years ago. There was definitely a level of mutual respect between the old warriors and the new warriors, and it was quite an experience to be a "fly on the wall" and listen to their conversations.

I was easily star struck by any of the old WWII aces who agreed to come to my show and fortunately for me, I call many of them my friends... Colonel Jerry Collinsworth (and his lovely wife Fran), Jack and Liz Purdy, Joe Forster, etc. However, once, during the show, I truly realized how star struck the aces themselves were of one in particular among their ranks. In March of 1998, Jack Purdy and Joe Forster from the 475th Fighter Group attended the show and told me they had convinced another well known ace to also attend the event. Both men were P-38 Lightning aces during the war and had miraculously impressive flying records. Jack Purdy shot down 7 Japanese aircraft, was the first man to survive a water crash in a P-39 Air Cobra, and lived a second crash in a P-38 outside Manila. He lived a long, successful life and became a self made millionaire and small business owner in Dayton, Ohio before retiring fulltime in Scottsdale. Joe Forster was even more successful from the P-38 cockpit. Joe shot down 15 Japanese aircraft (a triple Ace by definition) and still today holds the record for the longest flight in a P-38 on one engine, when he lost power in one of his engines over a remote section of the South Pacific and was forced to fly the aircraft for hours and hours back to his island base, which he did safely. As you can imagine, most of the squadron's maintenance men's jaws dropped when they heard the story.

Anyway... back to "my" story. We stood around for a half hour and talked, had some laughs, and I introduced them to a few current pilots who were in attendance, and deep conversation began to take place. However, at a moment's notice Jack Purdy snapped to attention in a fit of nervousness when his invited guest (and wife) arrived the chalet. It was Brigadier General Joe Foss. Joe was responsible for shooting down 28 Japanese aircraft VERY early in the war, when the Japanese were at full strength and had superior aircraft. This accomplishment earned him a trip home, a cover of LIFE magazine, and a PR tour of the country, even though he would have preferred to have kept fighting. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor during the war, later served as the Governor of South Dakota, the Commissioner of the American Football League in the late 1950's, and was a spokesperson for the National Rifle Association including the television host of the show American Rifleman. Joe was impressive, no doubt. He was a true American. Even though Jack Purdy and Joe Forster were by definition true men among men, - they even knew Joe Foss was something special. The energy radiated from the crowd when Joe was present. His confidence was evident and the young pilots (especially the Marines who were taught his legendary stories) flocked to be by his side. I can confidentally say that Joe Foss falls into the category of World War II's Most Admired. I have never seen such a moving display of admiration for one man - from his peers who themselves are unbelivably admirable. That was definitely a rare occurence in my life and I will never forget it, for as long as I live.

Ohio WWII history: From Somwhere In France - Cleary's latest book on one Ohio village's effort during the war

From Somewhere in France, Vic Cleary’s second book on World War II, focusing exclusively on Clarksburg Ohio's effort during the war, is scheduled for release in late fall 2009.

The book will feature 186 personal letters from Clarksburg Ohio’s soldiers, sailors, and airmen during training, the transitional and staging period before the war, combat, and following the conclusion of the war including personal reflection on the circumstances and unique experiences faced by the servicemen.

Letters from 70 individual service personnel (listed below) are included in the compilation, over 50 of whom were not included in the individual chapter stories of Clarksburg’s Courageous: World War II, Cleary’s first book on the subject.

According to Cleary, "From Somewhere in France provided me the opportunity to share the unique stories of a number of Clarksburg's World War II veterans, who I lacked sufficient data on to dedicate an entire individualized biography for my first book. Even though I realized I was leaving a number of incredible stories out of Clarksburg's Courageous, I simply couldn't change the research format of the book to include a handful of letters, without carefully crafting them in order, as I have done with From Somewhere in France. With the chronological structure of this second book, an excellent letter from one individual easily fits into one of the four sections of the book - Training, Transition, Combat, or Aftermath. One letter is enough to contribute to the overall reflection of each chapter. I am confident readers will thoroughly enjoy this book which focuses specifically on content generated by the servicemen themselves and relies less on photos and detailed 'research-oriented lists' that I compiled to explain Clarksburg's collective effort during the war. There is nothing more 'real' than reading a letter written from a soldier sitting in a damp foxhole, or from a sailor sunning himself on the deck of a battleship floating in the South Pacific, and painting a picture in your head of what they were attempting to describe to their family members and friends back home in Ross County." Cleary concluded.

Cleary hopes to have the book on shelves before the 2009 holiday season. A limited number of copies will be printed and distributed to retail outlets, as he plans to primarily offer the book for purchase online in print-on-demand and ebook format. Details on how to purchase the book online will come soon. However, to better determine the demand for a printed version of the paperback, the author is compiling a pre-order mailing list for the book. Send your request, including name, physical address, email address, and number of copies requested to viccleary@aol.com.

The following is a list of Clarksburg, Ohio service personnel and family members whose letters are included in From Somewhere in France:

SSGT Ralph W. Anderson
Aerial Engineer
8th Air Force, 92nd Bomb Group, 325th Bomb Squadron

TSGT Robert C. Anderson
P-38 Crew Chief
15th Air Force, 14th Fighter Group, 37th Fighter Squadron

SGT Allen Anderson
Navigator-in-training
36th Training Group, Squadron A

Seaman 1st Class Marcus Ater
Gunner's Mate
USS Denver (CL- 58): Cruiser

LT Joe Ater
Multi-engine pilot
324th Army Air Force Base Unit

SGT Jack Ater
Heavy Machine Gunner
97th Infantry Division, 387th Infantry Regiment, Company D

PFC Robert Bethel
Surgical Technician
58th Medical Corps. 344th Medical Dispensary

SGT Corrine Bochard
General Clerk
WAAC Detachment 4201

SGT William Bochard
Radio Operator
6th Army, 10th Corp., 99th Signal Battalion

SSGT Sylvester Bookwalter
Medical Laboratory Tech
3702nd AAF Base Unit, 344th Bomb Group

CPL Delbert Boyer
Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun crewman

T/5 Wendell Bryant
Amphibious Truck Driver
479th Amphibious Truck Company

Roger Bryant

PVT Charles Bryant

SGT Wendell Carroll
Infantry Medic
3rd Army, 80th Inf. Div., 319th Inf. Reg., HQ Detachment

SGT Willis Cleary
Infantry Clerk
2nd Infantry Division, 23rd Infantry Regiment, K Company

SSGT Charles Crabb
Top Turret Gunner
12th Bomb Group, 81st Bomb Squadron. The Earthquakers!

SGT Robert K. Dawson
3rd Army, 69th Infantry Division

CPL John M. Dawson
Radio Operator Mechnic
3507th AAF Base Unit, Aircraft Squad III, Flight I

LT Robert E. Dawson
P-39 and P-51 Fighter Pilot
11th Air Force, 54th Fighter Group , 42nd Fighter Squadron

SSGT Herman Dinkler
Quartermaster
3rd Armored Division, 548th Quartermaster Depot, Advanced Communication Section

SGT Carl Dinkler
Infantryman
8th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Regiment, Company A

LT Myron Dodd
Pilot
15th Air Force, 465th Bomb Group, 782nd Bomb Squadron

AUX Mary Ann Driapsa
Woman’s Auxiliary

Seaman 1st Class Leo Dunkle
Crew
LST #863

CPL Tom Eycke
Intelligence NCO
1st Cavalry, 24th Infantry, 77th Infantry, 234th Quartermaster Salvage Collection Company

PFC Oscar Garrison
Parachute - Field Lineman
82nd Airborne Division, 505th Parachute Inf Reg, 115th Field Artillery Batt., Battery C

LT Lewis Garrison
Navigator
8th Air Force, 466th Bomb Group, 787th Bomb Squadron

PVT Don Garrison
Quartermaster and Crane Operator
3204th Quartermaster Service Co

SGT Richard Garrison
Infantryman
8th Infantry Division, 121st Infantry Regiment, I Company

SSGT Harold Garrison
Forward Artillery Observer
32nd Division, 120th Field Artillery Batt., HQ Battery

Muriel Hale
Wife of B-17 Bomber Pilot Lt. George C. Hale
92nd Bomb Group, 325th Bomb Squadron

LT Robert Hamman
Mobile Howitzer Commander
9th Armored Division, 73rd Armored Field Artillery, Battery A

CPL Forrest Hicks
Fire Control Operator

SSGT Harold Hoffman
Infantry Section Leader
40th Infantry Division, 160th Infantry Regiment, D Company

CPL Harry Holloway
Heavy Mortarman Crewman
82nd Airborne, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, H Company, and 2nd Battalion HQ Company
Silver Star Recipient (June 1944)

Martin Junk

Field Director John Kirkwood
Red Cross Field Director

SGT Bill Lemly
Ball Turret Gunner
15th Air Force, 465th Bomb Group, 782nd Bomb Squadron


SGT John Martin
Infantryman
90th Infantry Division, 358th Infantry Regiment, G Company

CPL Warren Martin
Mail clerk
8th Air Force, 301st AAF Base Unit, 704 Air Material Sq.

PFC Paul McCormick
Life Guard
919 Signal Corps, 48th Repair Squad, 4121st AAF Base Unit

PFC Glenn McPherson
Light Truck Driver
204th Quartermaster Battalion

LT William Merz
Artillery Officer
Americal Division, 245th Field Artillery Battalion, HQ Battery, A Battalion

LT Jack Minser
Railhead Supervisor
Army Transportation Corps: 6th Port Headquarters

CAPT Sarah Moomaw
WAAC Training Center

SSGT Gene Morris
Heavy Mortar Crewman
1st Infantry Division, 745th Tank Battalion, Heavy Mortar Platoon & HQ Company

Seaman 1st Class Glenn Morris
Seaman 1st Class

PVT Charles Morris
Infantry Training

LT Jack Morris
Navigator
8th Air Force, 392nd Bomb Group, 576th Bomb Squadron

Seaman 1st Class Fred Nye
LCL Seaman

SGT Richard Pabst
Stationed in Okinawa

PFC John Peck
Aerial Radio Operator
1333rd Army Air Force Base Unit: 13th Area

Machinist Mate 2nd Class John Pool
Machinist Mate
USS Texas (BB-35) Battleship

SSGT Willis Prince
Aerial Nose Gunner
15th Air Force, 465th Bomb Group, 782nd Bomb Squadron

PFC James Reisinger
Artilleryman
981st Field Artillery Battalion

Ship Fitter 3rd Class Tom Rittenhouse
Ship Fitter
USS Hamul (AD-20)

SSGT John Roseboom
Artilleryman
1st Cavalry Division, 760th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery C.

PFC Ephraim Shull
Cook's helper
58th Ordnance Ammunition Company

PVT Henry Shull
U.S. Army

PFC Cary "Scoop" Skinner
Litter Bearer
41st Infantry Division, 116th Medical Battalion, 5th Squad, Troop B

T/4 Tom Sowers
Infantryman
80th Infantry Division, 318th Infantry Regiment Company A

PFC Richard Stephens
Artillery Observer
20th Field Artillery; attached to the 4th Infantry Division

CPL John Templin
Aircraft Mechanic
Air Transport Command: 1504th Army Air Force Base Unit.

Machinist Mate 2nd Class Robert Templin
Motor Machinist 2nd Class
Naval Sub Chaser

PVT Darrell Templin
United States Army Air Force

LT Daryl Williams
B-25 Pilot
5th Air Force, 345th Bomb Group, 499th Bomb Squadron BATS OUTA HELL

PFC Albert Willis
Firefighter
369th Harbor Craft Company

SGT Dwight Willis
Mess Sergeant
Air Transport Command: 1337th Army Air Force Base Unit, Battery 6

Today in Ohio Military History: Focus - World War II

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

September 2, 1942: Lewis Dennis enlists in the U.S. Army.

September 2, 1943: Cecil Richardson, attached to the 3916th Quartermaster Gas Supply Company arrives North Africa by troop carrier ship. Dale Boyer volunteers for the United States Marine Corps.

September 2, 1945: Sgt. Charles Crabb receives an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Air Force after completing 53 missions in a B-25 over North Africa, Sicily, and Italy attached to the 12th Bomb Group. Ward Garrison, aobard the USS Antietam, sails into Chinese waters near the port of Shanghai.

Today in Ohio World War II history: Ater writes home while laid up in an Army General Hospital

Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII history:

August 26, 1943: Joe Downing returns to Clarksburg for a ten day furlough from maneuvers in Nashville, TN.

August 26, 1944: Almer Sowers enlists in the U.S. Army. Jack Ater writes parents from an army hospital about a visit the troops received from Hollywood actor - Eddie Cantor. Cantor and other stars performed tirelessly for the troops in the hospital.

August 26, 1945: Richard Stevens’ ship, the Joseph Leidy, docks in New York Harbor and calls his parents in Clarksburg from New York, New York to tell them he'll be home soon.

Bradenton Florida newspaper Features Bob Dawson upon Death

Below is a link to a nice article and pseudo-Obituary written for Clarksburg Ohio's own, Colonel Robert E. Dawson, following his death in April 2008.

Following his retirement from the service, he was a long time Bradenton, Florida resident. He had an amazing Air Force career and I continue to admire him so much.

The photo included is a shot of Bob standing in front of his F-105 Thunderchief.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080413/NEWS/804130750&SearchID=73322577407275

Today in Ohio WWII history: Clarksburg's Sgt Carl Dinkler moves closer to Brest, Norman Trapp prepares to lead B-17 crew

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

August 8, 1942: Corporal Forrest Hicks is based in Panama defending the canal zone and eastern seaboard attached to the 1st Coastal Artillery, Battery K at Fort Sherman.

August 8, 1944: SGT Carl Dinkler, A Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry is attached to the 6th Armored Division to pressure Germans in the Brittany Peninsula and cut off the port city of Brest. The group meets at the village of Landivisiau in preparation for scouting the German defense in the area. Captain Norman Trapp departs the U.S. bound for England to serve as a command pilot of a B-17 Bomber crew with the 351st Bomb Group, 508th Bomb Squadron.

August 8, 1945: PFC Almer Sowers (pictured during the war and in 1984 on his farm outside Clarksburg Ohio) returns to the U.S. from the Philippines and is interned in a hospital in Kentucky, following his service as a light truck driver in the Pacific. Corporal Warren Martin departs Antwerp, Belgium on the U.S.S. Howard A. Kelly liberty ship bound for New York.

August 8, 1946: SSGT John Roseboom is discharged from the U.S. Army following honorable service in the 1st Cavalry Division’s 760th Field Artillery Battalion.

Today in Ohio World War II history: Martin faces the worst enemy shelling of the war at Landivy, France

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

August 5, 1944: T/4 Francis Ater is transferred to Lawson General Hospital to serve as a Lab technician for three months before his rotation to the Pacific Theater. At midnight, TSGT John Martin, a rifleman with G Company, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division is ambushed by Germans near Landivy, France. Martin clings to the ground in desperation and is dazed by close landing artillery shells in one of the worst shellings experienced by the 90th during the war. Photo included is Vic Cleary standing at the 90th Infantry Division's monument located in Normandy, France - Utah Beach (1999).

August 5, 1945: PFC Troy Reisinger departs the U.S. bound for the Pacific Theater to serve as a Light Truck Driver for the Service Company of the 186th Infantry Regiment and the Occupation of Japan.

New Clarksburg Ohio World War II photos Discovered

Check out these newly discovered photos of Clarksburg veterans and families uncovered by my mother while working on the History of Clarksburg Ohio book coming out soon!

PICTURE ONE: Lt. Lewis Garrison (466th Bomb Group), MM2C Robert C. Templin (United States Navy), and Sgt. Dick Garrison (8th Infantry Division)

PICTURE 2: Fire Control Operator Third Class: Forrest "Frosty" Hoffman: United States Coast Guard

PICTURE 3: Garrison ladies in front of Clarksburg's Service Roll sign erected next to the town hall in 1943.

Veteran Organization checks validity of "heroes!"

Veteran's Organization Calls out FAKES!

Here's an interesting article that ran in this morning's Columbus Dispatch about an organization that checks the validity of claims that people in the community make about their service for our country. Lots of fakes out there! It's a shame that they EVER steal glory from the real heroes, and/or tarnish the medals for valor that mean so much to our military. A number of Clarksburg Ohio World War II veterans earned medals the "hard way" -- in many cases by leaving their lives on the battlefield. The Medal of Honor, The Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart, among others are earned so rarely, but with much sacrifice and honor. It takes a passionate group to make sure everything is right!

Read about the veteran's organization here.

Two Clarksburg Ohio servicemen earn Silver Stars within three days during WWII

Recently, due to the fact that I have very little free time to fly to St. Louis or Washington DC to research World War II records, I enlisted the support of a well respected researcher based in Maryland to help me pull two General Orders -- one including the Silver Star citation for PFC Harry F. Holloway- 82nd Airborne, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, HQ Company - and T/5 Lee M. Hawkins - 6th Infantry Division, 51st Field Artillery. Hawkins was an LVT driver in the Pacific - the guy who captained the LVT while it was on water, and then directed the tracks of the vehicle up the dry beach to let out assault troops during amphibious landings throughout the Pacific. PFC Holloway was a Heavy Mortar Crewman and flew onboard a wooden WACO glider into Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Naturally, both men's records fascinated me, but I happened to know more about the Normandy Invasion than New Guinea, and never held a conversation with Holloway about his experiences during the war, so I was very excited to get my hands on both documents, but especially Holloways.

For years, throughout Clarksburg and various record sources, I had been told that the village's own - Elwood Dean, who jumped into Normandy sometime around midnight that morning as part of the 82nd's famed 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, F Company, was awarded the Silver Star for stopping a truck load of Germans from entering St. Mere Eglise sometime during June 6, but I could never prove it happened, as there is no official military record of the incident. Yet, all of the troopers mentioned in the Chillicothe Gazette and Clarksburg Star article mentioning the incident did in fact exist -- Dean's machine gun counterpart from rural Oklahoma - James Ramsey, as well as their commander Lt. John H. Dodd. Unfortunately, Dean was severely wounded July 3, 1944 and shipped home right before the division pulled off the front line in preparation of Operation Market Garden, and Lt. Dodd was vicously killed in Nijmegan, Holland during Operation Market Garden, therefore, making it possible that the Silver Star citation Dodd was planning to submit to higher ups, never happened, or was ignored by the powers at be from the division, who commonly did not award medals to paratroopers because they were --- well -- paratroopers --- and expected to fight gallantly.

So, while reviewing discharge records at the Fayette County Recorders Office in Washington Court House, Ohio one afternoon - I read that Clarksburg's PFC Harry Holloway (Corporal Holloway by the end of the war) was also awarded the Silver Star during the Normandy Campaign, which fueled my fire to learn more about this action. Excellent war stories from glider troops who landed in Normandy are priceless and excellent reads. I wanted to learn as much as possible. I purchased the 325th GIR's history book and there was a reference to Holloway receiving the Silver Star, but nothing else. His name was included in a long list of heroic soldiers who were awarded the medal. I purchased two other 82nd Airborne books, and didn't expect much, because the division was FULL of decorated heroes, as well as heroes who were amazingly "fearless" and "selfless" in action but did not receive decorations or recognition for their efforts - and again, I came up short. However, I had the U.S. Army General Order number of the official document listing Harry Holloway's Silver Star citation from his fighting in Normandy, so finally I enlisted the professional help of a guy named Tim Frank who owns a business called Military Research Associates. For a nominal fee, Tim jumped in his car (probably) and drove over to NARA, the National Archives And Records Administration in College Park, Maryland, and within two days pulled both Harry Holloway's and Lee Hawkins' General Orders from the United States Archives.

To say the least, I was excited. I had seen a few of these citations before, and similar morning reports, during a trip to NARA in 2002 and throughout various research efforts. Sometimes the description of action was quite large and detailed, other times it was a simple line of information. Who knew what to expect. I thought that maybe I would be lucky enough to get a cool description of Holloway jumping from the wreckage of his glider, spraying .45 rounds from his Thompson machine gun, knocking out every German in sight, to provide appropriate cover for the remainder of the men trapped inside the glider. But, of course, I should have known better -- very little was mentioned - like with many 82nd Airborne medal citations. Simply put, the division was WAY too busy to keep detailed records. Let's face it, they were surrounded and are meant to be surrounded half the time they're in battle. They have many more things to worry about than keeping well documented history records of the gallantry on the battlefield -- like their lives!. But, that's war.

So, this is what I received, which is fine with me:

Harry F Holloway: 35137022, Private First Class, 325th Glider Infantry, for gallantry in action in Normandy, France on 19 June 1944.

At the least, it's SOLID proof. On the other hand, this was what Mr. Frank pulled from Lee Hawkins' record, which is actually pretty impressive and representative of the large infantry divisions during WWII and their massive support staffs to keep such records:

Technician Fifth Grade, Lee M. Hawkins, 35287991, Field Artillery, United States Army. For Gallantry in action at Maffin Bay, New Guinea on 22 June 1944. As a driver of an LVT (Armored Amphibious Troop Carrier) he made repeated trips over water, under heavy enemy artillery, machine gun, and rifle fire, landing troops and supplies on a hostile beach and evacuating the wounded.

That's pretty cool -- an excellent description for future generations to enjoy. I talked to Mr. Hawkins once, about this specific experience, and oddly enough, he told me it was so rough during portions of the landings that he did in fact, have to pull out the Thompson Machine gun strapped to his LVT and let some Japanese snipers hiding in trees have it. -- You can believe it or not --- he has the Silver Star - not me. It probably really happened. At the least, we know the above listed action DID happen.

There were a few lessons and bits of research I learned from this "paid" research pull.

1. Tim Frank and Military Research Associates were very professional and performed excellent work, sending me full .PDF's of each document as soon as he received my check in the mail. The turn around was like five days! That's impressive.

2. Clarksburg's two "official" Silver Star recipients earned their medals THREE days apart and about as far away as possible from eachother on the globe (Normandy, France and Maffin Bay, New Guinea).

3. An interesting find also surfaced - while flipping through Hollway's general order and reading some of the other recipient's names --- Lt. John H. Dodd's Silver Star citation was also listed on the same General Order as Holloway. To review, Lt. John Dodd was the commanding officer of Clarksburg's Elwood Dean, who I was always told was awarded a Silver Star in Normandy as well. I didn't know Lt. Dodd was awarded a Silver Star! And it happened June 16, 1944. Maybe I have been searching the wrong date for matching stories of Elwood Dean's action in Normandy all this time -- This is exciting, and proof positive that there is always plenty more research to be uncovered!

God Bless the United States Marine Corps

This blog is solely dedicated to Clarksburg Ohio World War II veterans and the men who so selflessly served their country from my village. But in this case, I must stray from the topic a bit.

Two young, brave Marines flying in their AH-1W Super Cobra were killed while training between El Centro and San Diego yesterday. I found out about it yesterday evening around 930pm when a good friend of mine, a young, brave friend, I admire greatly, sent me an instant message through my Facebook account to talk about their deaths. He had to talk. He was looking for someone to talk to, because it bothered him greatly. He had lost two close friends, one 27 and one 26 years of age - in their prime of their lives - working hard and selflessly everyday to defend a country that I am not entirely sure totally appreciates them. He too is a very young AH-1W Super Cobra pilot and it makes me damn proud. He is an amazing kid. He graduated with top honors in college and at the top of his USMC flight class and instead of choosing F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets -- he chose the REAL challenge -- the Super Cobra - a down and dirty, close air support attack helicopter that has taken on substantial design changes from its predecessor, the AH-1 Cobra which flew combat missions during Vietnam - but still is an antique -- and as he mentioned to me last night, can still figure out a way to kill you.

My buddy is what... 24, 25 himself? I've lost track. I got to know him when he and another great young man volunteered to help me manage the needs of the military pilots who so graciously flew into my air show in Arizona for eight years. At this time, he was 15, 16 years old. It was essentilly his opportunity to ask EVERY question in the book and try every fighter jet, cargo plane, and helicopter in the United States inventory on for size, while he hit the books in high school and dreamed of becoming a pilot. He literally hauled a ton of ice, soft drinks, bottled water and snacks to these pilots from dawn to dusk in the hot Arizona heat, and built lasting relationships with them int he process. They all tried to recruit him, but those damn AH-1W pilots from Pendelton and the Red Dragons crew in the CH-46 seemed to have the biggest impact on him, as we watched from afar. Afterall, the intention of our air show was to bring the United States Armed Forces together with strapping, intelligent young men and women potentially interested in an military aviation career. But what they all could figure out, was that this guy was already ready. He was prime for the pickin'... a damn near shoe in. So... long story short (actually it's not that long - hell he just graduated college two years ago), my air show days are over and the ambitious 15 year old is now flying Super Cobras defending our country.

Any chance I get to talk to him about his experiences is a true pleasure. In fact, it's a true pleasure for all of us who worked hard to produce the show for hundreds of thousands of people from the Phoenix metropolitan area to enjoy. We share our stories of talking to him. He and his counterpart, his best friend during high school, who chose the Air Force route and is equally pulling his weight as a C-17 cargo pilot, were incredible workers and I admire them greatly. They appreciated the opportunity to participate in the air show and be able to get up close and personal to the pilots and their jets and helicopters, and we appreciated their incredible enthusiasm and work ethic, especially considering the fact they were TEENS!

I am touched deeply by how hard he works, how strongly he feels about this country, and how much risk he takes to defend our freedom, while many ungrateful people in Southern California sharing living space with him ignore his efforts and in some case shun his existence as a nuisance to their lifestyle. it's amazing to me that more people are worked up about the truthful comments that came from the mouth of Miss California USA, than going out of the way to make a true patriot like my friend, or his two friends who were killed, comfortable in the state they live. Strange ungrateful times we live in. Do these people really know how good they have it? Hats off my friend! My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Semper Fi!

Clarksburg Ohio's Lt. Jack Morris and Lt. Thomas Pearce fly B-24 missions over Europe on the same day

May 7, 1942: Lee Dunkel enlists in the Army Air Force

May 7, 1943: Charles Crabb (12th Bomb Group) arrives the ETO. Gerald Bethel is attending radio school at Miami University - Oxford, Ohio. John Kirkwood Jr. enlists in the U.S. Navy

May 7, 1944: Jack Morris (392nd Bomb Group) flies his 22nd bombing mission over Munster, Germany. Thomas Pearce (487th Bomb Group) flies his first bombing mission to Liege, Belgium. The B-24 pictured was one of the aircraft Pearce flew on during World War II.

May 7, 1945: Roy Hawkins, attached to the 463rd AAA is stationed near Pilsen, Chechoslovakia.

Clarksburg Ohio WWII veteran Fred Rittenhouse is awarded the Purple Heart

May 4, 1944: Philip Sewards departs Clarksburg for Naval Training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. Ralph Ater, aboard the USS Ranger docks in Casablanca and offloads 76 P-38 Lightning fighter planes.

May 4, 1945: Almer Sowers' parents learn that Sowers is now located somewhere in the Philippines. Clarence Minnix's parents receive word that he is located somewhere in the Philippines. Fred Rittenhouse is presented with the Purple Heart for wounds received when his 777th Tank Battalion Sherman tank was attacked on April 16. He is now officially back on active duty.

Clarksburg Ohio's Bob Anderson prepares his 14th Fighter Group - 37th Fighter Squadron P-38 for its first mission of World War II

May 3, 1943: Bob Anderson's 14th Fighter Group departs Mediouna, Morocco and repositions in Telergam, Algeria. Anderson's P-38 #85 flies its first combat mission.

May 3, 1944: Bob Anderson's 37th Fighter Squadron becomes active and repositions from Oran to an "undisclosed" North Africa location. Jack Morris flies his 21st bombing mission on ground targets near Wizerns.

May 3, 1945: Gerald Bethel is aboard the USS Bache when it is attacked by Japanese Kamikaze airplanes near Okinawa. The USS Bache is slightly damaged when enemy suicide aircraft overshoots deck, crashing in to the sea. Roy Hawkins, with the 463rd AAA, Battery C is awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for defending Hatton & Rittershoffen (Alsace) from fanatical German attacks in January of 1945. Willis Cleary leaves Frohburg and arrives Nabburg, Germany. He witnesses a mass grave of approx. 200 political prisoners in Nabburg. Slept in town castle.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII history

May 2, 1943: Raymond Tucker is training in Manhattan, Kansas attached to the Army Air Corps' 100th College training detachment. Tucker eventually serves with the 414th Fighter Group, 437th Fighter Squadron flying P-47 Thunderbolts. William Bochard's ship docks in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.

May 2, 1944: Ralph Ater arrives Clarksburg on a furlough to visit his mother.

May 2, 1945: Clark Stevens is based somewhere in France. Francis Ater's family learns from a letter that he is now based somewhere in the Philippines. Jack Ater writes to Glen and Nell Ater describing a close brush he had with a German bullet in the Ruhr Pocket of Germany and to tell them he is currently in East Germany.

Clarksburg Ohio's Dawson assigned Squadron Commander of the 44th Fighter Squadron in WWII

May 1, 1943: Archie Wright is participating in Desert Maneuvers with the 28th Infantry Regiment, Anti-tank Company in California. George Bookwalter receives a promotion from Major to Lt. Colonel while based in Philadelphia, PA. Paul McCormick receives promotion to PFC while training at Lowry Field, Colorado. Sarah Moomaw is serving as a WAAC officer in the Personnel Section of the Army Air Corps - Washington D.C.

May 1, 1944: Robert Hamman (pictured right in the attached photo) recently graduated from Officers Training School at Fort Knox, Kentucky and receives a commission as 2nd LT in the Artillery. Dale Boyer begins his service in the Pacific Theater as an Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Crewman. Herman Dinkler's troopship departs the U.S. bound for Liverpool, England. Hoyt Graham returns to Wright Field from Pratt-Whitney Engine School. Joe Ater is participating in Primary Flight Training in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tom Eycke is based at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea and begins salvaging crucial supplies from captured Japanese supply dumps, which he is later awarded a Bronze Star for Valor.

May 1, 1945: Bob Dawson is reassigned to the 5th Air Force, 18th Fighter Group, 44th Fighter Squadron, as Squadron Commander, flying P-51's in the Pacific Theater. Frank Ater's parents learn that Frank has moved from Holland to a new station somewhere in Germany. Howard Fay is located somewhere in the South Pacific. John Roseboom writes home from the Philippines mentioning he ran into "Tick" Bryant from Clarksburg Ohio at a watering hole and that they were stationed 200 yards apart! Robert K Dawson is attached to the 69th Infantry Division in Germany and writes to his parents about the division's link up with the Russians and the ghastly holocaust. Russ Furniss' parents receive word that he is located somewhere in the Philippines.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II: Minnix arrives Clarksburg from Fort Bliss

Slow day in Clarksburg Ohio WWII history:

April 30, 1943: Clifford Minnix arrives Clarksburg from Fort Bliss, Texas on furlough to visit his parents.

April 30, 1944: Earl Martin (pictured middle) spends his birthday aboard his LST. Richard Shanton's ship arrives the Pacific Theater.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history: Lt. Jack Morris flies mission on Berlin in 1944 and Liberated from Stalag Luft 7A in 1945!

April 29, 1943: Charlie Jobe and portions of the 82nd Airborne, sail from New York harbor for Casablanca. Herschel Bethel departs the U.S. for the European Theater.

April 29, 1944: Jack Morris (pictured) flies his 20th bombing mission to Berlin's Marshalling yards. Viciously attacked by German figthters and the co-pilot is severely wounded. Morris' B-24 limps back to base, but makes it.

April 29, 1945: Dwight Overly departs Fort McCllelan, Alabama for reassignment at Fort Meade, Maryland. Earl Reisinger departs Clarksburg following a 36-day furlough and returns to San Diego for reassignment. Jack Morris is liberated from Stalag Luft 7A in Moosburg, Germany. The POW's were liberated by the U.S. 3rd Army, including a personal appearance by General George Patton. Jack and the remainder of the POW's remained in Moosburg until May 8, 1945.

Today in Ohio Military History: Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio WWII Veterans

April 25, 1942: Wendell Bryant enlists in the U.S. Army at Fort Hayes, Ohio. Later serves with the 479th Amphibious Truck Company and landed infantry troops at Anzio and Normandy.

April 25, 1943: James Elliott arrives Clarksburg from Camp Atterbury, IN to visit parents over the weekend.

April 25, 1944: Wendell Carroll is enjoying a furlough in Clarksburg, Ohio with his parents and wife before returning to Salt Lake City for additional preparations to be shipped west. Carroll later serves in Europe with the 80th Infantry Division, 319th Infantry Regiment as a Medical NCO.

April 24 in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History:

Ohio Military History -- Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio World War II Veterans and their activity on April 24, 1944 and 1945:

April 24, 1944: Harold Hoffman and the 40th Infantry Division depart Guadalcanal for the battle of New Britain. Jack Morris flies his 18th bombing mission on the Leysham, Germany airfield (Leipheim). Richard Stevens departs the U.S. for the European Theater as part of the 20th Corps of Field Artillery in the Observation Section.

April 24, 1945: Harry Jordan departs the United States for the European Theater. Lee Dunkle writes Mr. Timmons from aboard LST 863 to describe his recent experience walking along an island invasion beach littered with Japanese bodies. Solon Graham departs Chatham Field, Georgia and waits on a rail siding for a bomber assignment in Europe, which is ultimately canceled and he is assigned, instead to fly in the Pacific.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

April 23, 1943: Don Bethel departs the U.S. bound for the China India Burma Theater. Foreman Skinner arrives Clarksburg from training in Orlando, FL to enjoy a 15-day furlough with his mother. Harry Holloway departs the United States as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, sailing for North Africa.

April 23, 1944: Willis Cleary, along with his infantry regiment (23rd Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division) departs Belfast and arrives Swansea, Wales.

Ohio Military History: Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio WWII servicemen

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

April 22, 1942: Charles Mallow, Foreman Skinner, Harmon Jobe, and Harry Junk enlist in the U.S. Army.

April 22, 1944: Robert Hamman (pictured) graduates armored OCS at Ft. Knox, Kentucky as part of the 61st Graduation Class and is commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and eventually assigned to serve with the 9th Armored Division. Jack Morris flies his 17th bombing mission with the 392nd Bomb Group on a marshalling yard located in Hamm, Germany. John Peck departs Clarksburg for Hunter Field, Savannah, Georgia following a ten-day furlough in Clarksburg, Ohio with his family.

April 22, 1945: Willis Cleary and the 23rd Infantry Regiment depart Merseberg, Germany and arrive Frohburg, Germany. The 23rd Infantry is billeted in a former Nazi Youth Camp.

GI Film Festival: May 13-17, 2009 - Washington DC

The GI Film Festival is approaching May 13-17, 2009 in Washington DC. I wish I could attend. Some fascinating movies are included in this year's collection. A couple especially caught my eye about World War II and made me think of Clarksburg Ohio WWII veterans who experienced similar situations.


The first is Everyman's War about one man's heroic effort during the Battle of the Bulge. A number of Clarksburg men were caught in bad situations during the Battle of the Bulge, from the Northern Shoulder near Elsenborn, down as far south as Bastogne.



Another interesting documentary is this one: The Inheritance of War, about the Baatan Death March survivors' efforts to sue leading Japanese manufacturers who tortured them and forced them into slave labor during the war. Some of my grandfather's friends from his early days at Ft. Sam Houston were captured by the Japanese and forced into these conditions and it reminds me of the letter he sent home expressing concern for his friends and how the division vowed to get even. They got even alright... but in Europe instead.

Ohio Military History: Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio WWII Veterans: April 20, 1942-1945

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

April 20, 1942: Roger Bryant enlists in the U.S. Army at Fort Hayes, Ohio.

April 20, 1943: Ralph Anderson, recently relocated to Laredo, Texas is training with his newly assigned B-17 crew. Ralph Hawkins is based at Efate Island aboard the USS Stack destroyer. He participates in several patrols off the coast of Guadalcanal.

April 20, 1944: Jack Morris flies his 16th bombing mission on German infantry targets just inside the coast of France. Ralph Ater, aboard the USS Ranger, departs Staten Island, NY carrying a load of 76 P-38 Fighters, steaming toward Casablanca (USS Ranger pictured in this blog with the P-38's on deck).

April 20, 1945: Bernard Ater graduates from the Factory Training School in Peterson, New Jersey after completing 203 hours of instruction on Wright Aircraft Engines.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII history: Trapp awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with the 351st Bomb Group

Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio servicemen during WWII: April 19, 1944 - 1945

April 19, 1944: Herman Dinkler arrives Clarksburg, Ohio on a furlough to visit his wife and family. Jack Morris flies his 15th bombing mission on the Gutersloth airfield with the 392nd Bomb Group. Willis Cleary's 2nd Infantry Division completes additional training and departs Tynan, Ireland (County Armagh) bound for South Wales, Great Britain in preparation for the invasion of France.

April 19, 1945: Following his 25th mission, Norman Trapp is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for exemplary flying and leadership with the 351st Bomb Group, 508th Bomb Squadron.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII history: Morris flies his 14th bombing mission with the 392nd bomb group.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History:

April 18, 1944: Jack Morris flies his 14th bombing mission with the 392nd Bomb Group on an airfield near Brandenberg, Germany, close to Berlin. Pictured is Morris' crew (photo taken by Morris) before taking off for one of their raids, with their B-24 in the background.

April 18, 1945: Almer Sowers arrives the Pacific Theater. Roy Pearce sends a letter to his mother stating that he has healed from his shoulder wound and is heading back to the front with the 1st Inf. Division. Russ Furniss arrives the Pacific Theater. Willis Cleary and the 23rd Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division, depart Goettingen, Germany and arrive Merseberg, Germany the same day. Billeted in a German Army barracks.

Today in Ohio Military History: Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio WWII veterans: Trapp flies his 25th B-17 mission

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History, April 17:

April 17, 1942: William Merz departs Melbourne, Australia for repositioning in a "censored" location of the South Pacific.

April 17, 1945: Dale Boyer begins fighting against the Japanese at Okinawa serving with an anti-aircraft artillery group. Jack Ater is in the vicinity of Solingen, Germany when one of the 97th Division's other regiments captures the city. Norman Trapp flies his 25th and final bombing mission on targets over Dresden, Germany in 351st Bomb Group B-17 44-8468.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History: Rittenhouse's 777th Tank Battalion Sherman Tank knocked out by German Panzerfaust

Today in Ohio Military History: Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio World War II veterans.

April 16, 1943: Bernard Ater returns to Minter Field, CA following a furlough in Clarksburg, Ohio. Carl Dinkler is participating in desert training at Camp Laguna, Arizona. Joe Ater returns to Minter Field, CA following furlough in Clarksburg.

April 16, 1945: Fred Rittenhouse (pictured) is wounded-in-action --- burned when his Sherman tank is knocked out by a shoulder-fired German Panzerfaust rocket/bazooka 1 mile south of Gruna, Germany. Rittenhouse attached to the 777th Tank Battalion, Co A. Jack Ater crosses the Wupper River in Germany and assists in the surrender of Dusseldorf, Germany.

April 16, 1946: Leo Rose's ship docks in the United States.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History: Garrison confined in neutral Adelboden Switzerland following crash landing

Today in Ohio Military World War II history. A spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio veterans on April 15, 1942-1945:

April 15, 1942: Elwood Dean enlists in the U.S. Army and eventually serves with the famed 82nd Airborne Division, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, F Company,

April 15, 1943: Albert Willis is serving in the base fire department in Vancouver, Washington. Bob Anderson is serving in French North Africa with an on-the-move 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, servicing P-38 Lightnings. Daryl Williams enrolled in an advanced flying class at Kurtztown Teacher's College in Pennsylvania directly following graduation from Basic Flight Training. Glenn McPherson is based in North Africa. Marvin Carroll is part of the 14th Armored Infantry when it is awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation. Sylvester Bookwalter arrives Clarksburg from training at Drew Field, Tampa for a ten-day furlough with his parents. Tom Eycke enlists in the U.S. Army.

April 15, 1944: Lewis Garrison sends his first correspondence to his family alerting them of his internship in Adelboden, Switzerland (pictured), and that he and his crew are all OK, following a controlled crashlanding in their B-24 (466th Bomb Group) in the neutral country. Solon Graham completes flight training in a PT-19 at Cuero, TX and arrives Waco for additional flight training in the BT-13 Vultee "Vibrator.”

April 15, 1945: Roger Bryant arrives the United States. Tom Sowers, part of the 80th Infantry Division, 318th Infantry Regiment, A Company, writes to his parents informing them he was shot in the shoulder by a German sniper near Erfurt, Germany and flown to a Paris hospital where he is currently located.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII history: Haynes experiences Kamikaze attack aboard the USS New York, Trapp flies 24th mission in B-17 The Pink Lady

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History:

April 14, 1943: William Bochard's ship departs the U.S. bound for the Pacific theater.

April 14, 1944: From "Somewhere in New Guinea," Harold Garrison with the Red Arrow 32nd Infantry Division writes home to describe the natives, the heat, and native fruit. Kenneth Ater returns to Fort Benjamin Harrison, following a furlough in Clarksburg, Ohio with his family.

April 14, 1945: Fred Rittenhouse's 777th Tank Battalion, A Company knocks out four German anti-tank guns in Lippendorf, Germany. Norman Trapp flies his 24th bombing mission of World War II on Royan, France in B-17 44-8846 nicknamed "The Pink Lady" which today has been restored and is hangered in Paris, France. A modern day photo of the Pink Lady is above. Robert Haynes experiences a Kamikaze attack while aboard the USS New York as a Japanese Kamikaze aircraft grazes the ship and destroys the ship's spotting plane, knocking it from its catapult.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II history: Now and Then. The Capture of the Remagen Bridge and the U.S. Army Crossing of the Rhine River

CLARKSBURG OHIO WORLD WAR II HISTORY: NOW AND THEN - The Battle for the Remagen Bridge!

A number of Clarksburg men from various U.S. Army units converged on the Rhine River Valley in late March of 1945 in preparation for crossing the last standing bridge spanning the Rhine River. Constant German aerial attacks and artillery barrages slowed the American advance, but eventually, the 9th Armored Division was successful at taking the bridge. As more and more troops bottlenecked in the area and commandeered German houses in the picturesque villages near Remagen that make up one the finest white wine regions in the world, a number of Clarksburg Ohio men waited to cross the river.

Lt. Robert Hamman was among this group, part of the 9th Armored Division's 73rd Armored Field Artillery - commanding a battery of 105MM M4 Priests. Willis Cleary, part of the 2nd Infantry Division's 23rd Infantry Regiment, K Company, was also waiting out his chance to cross the river in the resort town of Ahrweiler, 2 miles from the banks of the Rhine. Fred Rittenhouse, aboard a Sherman Tank attached to the 777th Tank Battalion was also waiting his turn. All three of these Ross County men, including others crossed the Rhine at Sinzig, Germany between March 23, 1945 and March 27, 1945.

Pictured are Nick and Vic Cleary, the son and grandson of Sgt. Willis Cleary, standing on the western bank of the Rhine next to the remaining structure of the Remagen Bridge, which today houses a nice museum memoralizing the battle for the bridge, as well as the men (from both sides of the battle) who fought and died in Remagen.

Part II of Jean Pierre's Research and Findings regarding the crash of Lt. Thomas Pearce's (Clarksburg Ohio) B-24 Liberator crash during World War II

LT. THOMAS PEARCE: Clarksburg, Ohio WWII

KILLED IN ACTION: MAY 11, 1944

As I discussed yesterday, Jean Pierre of Chartres, France shared many items of interest with me regarding the May 11, 1944 crash of Captain Edward Brodsky's B-24, including Bombardier, Lt. Thomas Pearce from Clarksburg, Ohio onboard. I thought I would provide a few more pictures of interest, including a before and after photo of the B-24, colorfully named "Blow Job," and photos of Pearce (KIA), the pilot Brodsky (MIA-POW), and Weiss, the Navigator (KIA).

Pilot: Captain Edward Brodsky

Navigator: Lt. Lester Weiss

My Good Friend Jean Pierre, from Chartres, France: Honoring Lt. Thomas Pearce of Clarksburg Ohio

Chartres' Jean Pierre laying flowers at the base of Lt. Thomas Pearce's cross at St. Laurent cemetery in Normandy, France: April 10, 2009.

On May 11, 1944, my cousin, Clarksburg Ohio resident, Lt. Thomas Pearce (487th Bomb Group, 838th Bomb Squadron), was killed-in-action when his B-24 bomber was hit by German Anti-Aircraft Artillery over Chateaudun, France. Following an emergency crash landing in a French farm field not far from Chateaudun, the aircraft caught fire and exploded with a significant amount of fuel remaining in the aircraft's tanks, and a full bomb load in the bomb bay. Before the explosion, Pilot - Captain Ed Brodsky, and Co-pilot - Captain Jack Roberts managed to squeeze through a hole in the windshield and escape, but were quickly captured by German troops and sent to the Stalag Luft III POW Camp. Lt. Lee Johnson, an additional Navigator on the mission, parachuted to safety before the aircraft crash landed and was also captured. The remainder of the crew including Clarksburg's Lt. Pearce, Lester Weiss (Navigator), Walter Simoni (Engineer), Cliff Nance (Radio Operator), William J. Murphy (Gunner), Elton Tollett (Gunner), and Bronis Lipskas (gunner), were trapped inside and killed when the aircraft exploded a few minutes following the crash landing.

Today, I received a surprise email from a dear friend, Mr. Jean Pierre, from Chartres, France, who visited Lt. Thomas Pearce's grave (At the U.S. Military Cemetery in St. Laurent, France - overlooking Omaha Beach in Normandy) this weekend and laid a nice bouquet of flowers at its base. Mr. Pierre has taken a keen interest in this specific crash and through the years shared information back and forth with me, including sending me two separate pieces of the wreckage -- a piece of the aircraft's glass, as well as a piece of the sheet metal. He is a smart and compassionate man who shares my love for World War II history and a deep respect for the men who fought in the war. One of his most significant research accomplishments was locating and uncovering the remains of the pre D-Day C-47 crash that killed Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment Company Commander Lt. Thomas Meehan. Lt. Meehan's death on June 6, 1944, led to the promotion of Lt. Richard Winters -- the focal point of Stephen Ambrose's book and HBO special - Band of Brothers. I am proud to be Jean Pierre's friend and appreciate his friendship very much. Without excellent, intelligent resources like Mr. Pierre, it would be very difficult for Americans to thoroughly research and locate the crashes and battlefields of loved ones. Thanks Jean! (PICTURED: Jean Pierre in Normandy in front of Clarksburg Ohio's Lt. Thomas Pearce's grave).

Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio WWII Veterans: Garrison flies 3rd mission with 466th Bomb Group; 777th Tank Battalion attack toward Leipzig

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History; April 10, 1942-1945:

April 10, 1942: William Merz’s troopship docks in Melbourne, Australia. Serving as an artillery officer in the Americal Division, 245th Field Artillery Battalion, HQ Battery.

April 10, 1943: Ralph Anderson informs his parents that he will be moving from Amarillo, Texas very soon and that he will write to let them know where he is newly located during heavy bomber training.

April 10, 1944: Gerald Bethel, aboard the USS Bache, begins bombarding various targets and assault beaches on New Guinea and its adjacent islands. Kenneth Dean departs Africa for Italy after 17 months of service on the continent. Lewis Garrison flies his 3rd bombing mission on Bourge, France, attached to the 466th Bomb Group in a B-24 Liberator. (466th BG patch pictured)

April 10, 1945: Corrine Bochard spends her birthday at Fort Monmouth's WAC detachment, in New Jersey. Fred Rittenhouse, attached to the 777th Tank Battalion sets its objective as Leipzig, Germany, 150 miles away from their current position. The Battalion makes it to Krungen, Germany and they stay the night. Shelby Wolford enlists in the U.S. Navy.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History: Hinton joins Navy and eventually serves with VPB 25

Today in Ohio Military History: Clarksburg Ohio World War II Veterans spotlighted

April 9, 1942: John Dawson enlists in the Army Air Force at Patterson Field, Dayton, Ohio

April 9, 1943: Dwight Willis arrives Clarksburg from training in Delaware for a ten-day furlough with his parents. Hoyt Graham graduates from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Roy Hinton enlists in the U.S. Navy, eventually flying as a radio operator with VPB 25, Crew #14 in a Martin Mariner float plane (pictured).

April 9, 1944: Jack Morris flies 13th bombing mission on Tutow with the 392nd Bomb Group. John Martin's ship docks in Liverpool. Willis Prince is assigned to train in B-24's at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. He mentions to his sister in a letter that the bombers are worn out and in rough shape.

April 9, 1945: Don Adams flies his 13th bombing mission on tactical areas in Northern, Italy with the 485th Bomb Group. Willis Cleary and the 23rd Infantry Regiment leave Hofgeismar, Germany and arrive Goettingen, Germany the same day. A civilian surrenders a Drillings to Cleary while he was serving on MP duty.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History: Bombing missions galore!

Today in Ohio Military History: Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio World War II veterans.

April 8, 1944: Cecil Southward arrives England. Jack Morris (392nd Bomb Group) flies his 12th bombing mission over Brunswick, Germany in a B-24 Liberator. James Williams writes Superintendent Timmons from Australia preparing to transition into battle and describes Australia as an interesting country. Lewis Garrison flies 2nd bombing mission over Brunswick, Germany with the 466th Bomb Group, 787th Bomb Squadron. Pictured is Lt. Lewis Garrison, top row, second from left, Navigator for Lt. Flynn's 787th B-24 crew.

April 8, 1945: Francis Ater arrives the Pacific Theater to serve as a Medical Tech in the 93rd Field Hospital. Fred Rittenhouse and the 777th Tank Battalion departs Lutterburg, Germany utilizing the German Autobahn "Super Highway" bound for Witzenhausen, Germany. They spend the night in Mollenfeld.. Hoyt Graham returns to Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio from Ladd Field, Alaska. Norman Trapp (351st Bomb Group) flies his 23rd bombing mission on secondary mission targets in Halberstadt, Germany in B-17 44-8664.

Spotlight on Clarksburg Ohio's World War II Sailors and their Ships!

The following is a list of Clarksburg Ohio Navy Veterans and the ships they served on during World War II:

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
USS Ranger (CV-4): Navy Bomb Squadron 42: AOM/1C Ralph E. Ater
USS Antietam (CV-36): F1/C Ward “Hoot” Garrison
USS Antietam (CV-26) RM2/C Dusty Stinson
USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62): MM3/C Robert Southward

BATTLESHIPS
USS Texas (BB-35): MM2/C John W. Pool
USS Texas (BB-35): GM2/C Earl Reisinger
USS Missouri: PO1/C Grant McDonald
USS New York (BB-34): F1/C Robert Haynes
USS New Jersey (BB-62): S1/C Walter Morris, Jr. (Deep Sea Diver)

CRUISERS
USS Denver (CL- 58): GM3/C Robert Marcus Ater

DESTROYERS
USS Bache (DD-470): RDM2/C Gerald V. Bethel
USS Jouett (DD-396): WT3/C Loren Galen Penwell
USS John R. Craig (DD-885): S1/C Eugene W. Mace
USS Stack (DD-405): BKR2/C Ralph A. Hawkins

DESTROYER TENDERS
USS Alcor (AD-34): S1/C John W. Kirkwood
USS Prairie (AD-15): S1/C Walter Morris, Jr.
USS Hamul (AD-20): SF3/C Tom Rittenhouse

LANDING CRAFT INFANTRY (LCI) LANDING SHIP TANK (LST)
LCI #34: EM1/C Charles “Denny” Chenault
LST #221: S1/C Howard Fay
LST# 675: BM1/C Earl Martin
LST #863: S/1C Lee Dunkle

MISCELLANEOUS SHIPS
Liberty Ship (Hull 2955): Coxswain Phillip J. Sewards
USS Zenobia (AKA-52): Attack Cargo Ship: S2/C Orville W. Watkins
USS LaSalle: S1/C Shelby E. Wolford
USS APA Presidio (APA-88): Attack Transport: EM1/C Charles “Denny” Chenault

U.S.S. Barrier (AM-150) Minesweeper: Paul DeWitt

Clarksburg Ohio WWII History: USS Stack steams away from Okinawa and Adams flies 12th mission with 485th Bomb Group

Today in Ohio Military History: Clarksburg Ohio service personnel spotlighted for April 5 1944 and 1945:

April 5, 1944: Howard Betts is based in Ireland. Joe Satchell departs Clarksburg to train for the U.S. Navy. Marlin Overly enlists in the U.S. Army.

April 5, 1945: Don Adams flies his 12th bombing mission with the 485th Bomb Group on the Turin Locomotive Depot in Turin, Italy. Jack Ater writes to his parents that he has been up along the Rhine River in Germany, as part of the 97th Infantry Division, 387th Infantry Regiment, and things are going well, but he has seen some action in the process. Ralph Hawkins, aboard the USS Stack -- The Stack is ordered away from Okinawa to steam to Saipan to join up with TU 94.18.12 to provide support for the ships in the Unit. Russ Furniss is located "somewhere in the Philippines" preparing for intense battle with the Japanese as part of the 24th Infantry Division of the 21st Infantry Regiment, HQ Company.