Clarksburg Ohio World War II servicemen: March 31

Today in Ohio Military History, Clarksburg Ohio WWII servicemen remain active in the Pacific and European Theaters:

March 31, 1941: Jack Morris reports for duty to serve in the Arry Air Force (eventually to serve in the 392nd Bomb Group)

March 31, 1944: Robert Southward enters the U.S. Navy and eventually serves aboard the aircraft carrier USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62). Natoma Bay pictured.

March 31, 1945: Ben Kearns departs the U.S. bound for France to serve in A Company, 51st Armored Infantry Battalion of the 4th Armored Division. Earl Reisinger departs the U.S.S. Texas for a 36-day furlough in Clarksburg following 14 months of service on the battleship, including the D-Day Invasion. Fred Rittenhouse's 777th Tank Battalion relocates from the woods outside of Wehrburg, Germany to an old German OCS camp in Wetzler, Germany. John Roseboom writes to Mr. Timmons from the Philippines describing the natives and military conditions.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II personnel spreading throughout Germany in pursuit to the end of the war

March 30, 1942: Ephraim Shull enlists in the U.S. Army and eventually serves with the 58th Ordnance Ammunition Company.

March 30, 1943: Clarence Radcliff enlists in the U.S. Army and eventually serves with the 436th Combat Military Police in Europe. Gerald Bethel graduates from Great Lakes Naval Training Center in preparation for serving aboard DD-470, the USS Bache destroyer. Mert Garrison enlists in the U.S. Army and eventually serves in the 168th Field Artillery in the Pacific Theater as a heavy truck driver.

March 30, 1945: Back in the states, Robert E. Dawson (pictured) receives a promotion from Captain to Major while based in Tampa, Florida training fighter pilots. Clifford Minnix, a radio operator for the 129th AAA (Anti-Aircraft Artillery), Battery D is commended for his service in defending secured bridges and pontoon bridges along the Rhine River in Germany, from aircraft attacks while Allied forces cross the Rhine in pursuit of retreating Germans. Fred Rittenhouse, part of the 777th Tank Battalion is ordered to travel from Weinahr to Gaudenbach, Germany. All of the battalion's Sherman tanks carry infantry troops to advance more quickly on retreating German forces. Tanks biovauck in the woods near Wehrburg, Germany. Norman Trapp flies his 22nd bombing mission on targets in Bremen, Germany in B-17 44-8079 nicknamed "Janet," with the 351st Bomb Group.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II veteran spotlight: PFC Elza Bowdle 80th Station Hospital

Ohio World War II Military Veteran Spotlight: Private First Class Elza Bowdle

PFC Elza Bowdle, originally from Clarksburg Ohio served as a medical technician in Africa and Europe, serving at the 80th Station Hospital. He enlisted in the U.S. Army October 26, 1942 and was serving in North Africa as early as June 18, 1943 at the 80th Station Hospital. In mid-October, 1944, the hospital transferred from North Africa to a new base in Southern France. Roughly a year later, on October 28, 1945, Bowdle was discharged from the U.S. Army. The following photos are from Bowdle's personal collection:

Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII history - Peck awarded Distinguised Flying Cross & Jobe and Holloway enlist and eventually serve with the 82nd Airborne

Today in Ohio Military History: Clarksburg Ohio's World War II veterans continue their move toward VE and VJ-Day!

March 28, 1942: Charlie Jobe enlists in the U.S. Army and is later assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 80th Airborne Artillery Battalion. Harry Holloway enlists in the U.S. Army and is eventually assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, H Company at Fort Thomas, KY. Holloway is later awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Normandy (June 1944).

March 28, 1944: Cecil Southward departs the U.S. bound for England to serve as a Heavy Truck Driver in the 693rd Engineer Equipment Company. Charles Williams enlists in the U.S. Army at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

March 28, 1945: Jack Ater (pictured) and the 97th Infantry Division cross into Germany for the first time near the border city of Aachen, Germany. John Peck completes 600 hours of flight time over the Hump in a C-46 Commando as a radio operator and is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Richard Minser Receives a promotion from Staff Sergeant to 2nd Lieutenant while based in Southern France with his railway engineering group.

March 28, 1946: Robert Chenault Ships arrives the United States from the CIB Theater.

Clarksburg Ohio WWII personnel on March 27, 1944 serving in the 466th Bomb Group, 389th AAA, 58th Bomb Wing, 2nd Infantry, 777th Tank Battalion

Today in Ohio World War II history: Two Clarksburg Ohio residents Cross the Rhine River in pursuit of German Forces.

March 27, 1944: Corrine Bochard returns to Fort Monmouth, NJ following a furlough in Clarksburg Ohio with her parents. John Brooks arrives India, leaving from Africa with the 58th Bomb Wing, as the group inches closer to Japan. Lt. Lewis Garrison flies his first bombing mission as a Navigator aboard a B-24 Liberator with the 466th Bomb Group, 787th Bomb Squadron. Garrison's B-24 loses one engine over the channel and is forced to return to base. Richard Shanton departs the U.S. bound for the Pacific Theater as part of Battery D, 389th AAA Automatic Weapons Battalion. Vernon Bethel's ship arrives Scotand.

March 27, 1945: Fred Rittenhouse crosses the Rhine River near Sinzig, Germany (pontoon bridge built at Sinzig, Germany pictured in this blog) at and rolls into Honningen. The 777th Tank Battalion quickly takes Nassau and Weinahr by 2000 hours.
Jack Ater, part of D Company, 387th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division receives orders and departs Camp Lucky Strike for the German border. Ralph Hawkins, aboard the USS Stack Destroyer joins Task Group 53 and steams to the Ryukyus Islands from Ulithi. Robert Haynes aboard the USS New York supports the assault on Okinawa firing pre-invasion and diversionary bombardments on the island. Willis Cleary crosses the Rhine River near Sinzig, Germany at 1930 hours, and arrives Grenzhausen, Germany the same day ( K Company, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division).

March 27, 1946: Dwight Casto, part of the 7th Army, is discharged from the U.S. Army at Ft. Dix, New Jersey

Clarksburg Ohio's Crabb departs the states to fight World War II from the air with the 12th Bomb Group!

Today in Ohio Military World War II history: Featuring Clarksburg Ohio soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors:

March 26, 1942: Charles Crabb departs the U.S. for overseas duty as a B-25 Mitchell gunner, 9th Air Force, 12th Bomb Group. James Williams is participating in Desert Maneuvers in California and was recently promoted to PFC.

March 26, 1943: Thomas Pearce (pictured) receives a promotion to 1st Lieutenant prior to leaving overseas serving as a Navigator aboard a B-24 Liberator with the 487th Bomb Group.

March 26, 1945: Fred Nye enlists in the U.S. Navy. Robert Templin returns to the U.S. after serving 14 months in troop transport shipping, based in Puerto Rico.

March 26, 1946: Max McPherson is discharged from the United States Marine Corps.

WWII History: Clarksburg Ohio's Elwood Dean medically discharged from the 82nd Airborne, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, F Company

Today in Ohio history: Clarksburg Ohio boys in service during WWII:

March 25, 1943: Albert Willis (369th Harbor Craft Company) escapes major injury during fire training at Camp Hathaway, WA when his firehose is turned on suddenly slamming him into a nearby building. Cary Skinner (41st Infantry Division) is actively training at Fort Riley, Kansas in the Medic Corps. Harmon Jobe (542nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment) is serving in Australia as a Coxswain of an army landing craft. Herman Dinkler (3rd Armored Division, 548th Quartermaster Depot) returns to Clarksburg for a furlough spent with parents. Dinkler recently graduated from Officer Training School at Camp Lee, Virginia. Walter Whitten (95th Infantry Division, 377th Infantry Regiment, L Company) departs Clarksburg for Fort Sam Houston, Texas following a 10-day furlough spent with parents.

March 25, 1944: Melvin Whiting is discharged from the U.S. Army due to a knee injury.

March 25, 1945: Elwood Dean (82nd Airborne, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, F Company) receives a medical discharge from the U.S. Army at the General Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky and returns to Chillicothe. Dean received wounds in Normandy July 3, 1944 while serving with the famed 82nd Airborne. Marcus Ater writes home describing details of the severe naval fighting he has endured aboard the USS Denver CL-58 (pictured above). Ater also mentioned he witnessed the retaking of the island Corregidor.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II heavy bomber crewmembers busy on March 24!

Today in Ohio World War II veteran history:

March 24, 1942: Bob Anderson attends a war benefit at Santa Monica High School, including performances by actors Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, and Philip Dorary.

March 24, 1943: John Martin arrives Clarksburg, Ohio for a ten day furlough from infantry training. Warren Martin arrives Clarksburg, Ohio for a multi-day furlough with parents and his brother John.

March 24, 1944: Jack Morris flies his 11th bombing mission on the St. Dizier airfield near Metz, France, which at the time was being utilized by the German Luftwaffe. Morris attached to the 392nd Bomb Group.

March 24, 1945: Don Adams flies his tenth bombing mission on the Neuberg Airdrome in Neuberg, Germany. Adams attached to the 485th Bomb Group, 83oth Bomb Squadron, flying B-24 Liberators. Lewis Garrison sees brother Dick Garrison for the first time since the beginning of the war while on a furlough. Norman Trapp flies his 21st bombing mission in a B-17, on the Vechte Airfield in B-17 44-8468 (pictured above) attached to the 351st Bomb Group. Roy Hawkins crosses the Rhine River at 0200 hours as part of the 463rd AAA.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history: Hawkins and the 463rd AAA bunk in Dinslaken Germany - prepare for Rhine crossing

Today in Ohio World War II history: A feature of Clarksburg Ohio servicemen in action:

March 23, 1942: Herman Dinkler transfers to Fort Lewis, Washington with the 57th Quartermaster Regiment for additional training.

March 23, 1943: Following processing at Ft Thomas, Kentucky, Don Garrison is sent to Camp Young, California to serve and train with the Quartermaster Service Battalion. Merrill Hughes departs Ft Thomas, Kentucky bound for Camp Joseph Robinson, Arkansas to train in the medical corps of the 84th Infantry Division. Roy Hawkins departs Ft Thomas, Kentucky for Camp Haan, California to serve and train with Battalion C of the 463rd AAA Battalion.

March 23, 1944: Jack Morris (392nd Bomb Group) flies his 10th bombing mission on Osnabruck, Germany. John Martin departs the U.S. by troopship bound for Liverpool, England to serve with the 90th Infantry Division.

March 23, 1945: Charles Mallow departs the U.S. bound for the European Theater to serve as a Military Policeman in C Company, 398th MP Battalion. Eugene Morris is aboard the Queen Mary when it arrives in Grennoch, Scotland. Roy Hawkins of the 463rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion stay in Dinslaken, Germany on the western bank of the Rhine River preparing to cross the Rhine in pursuit of the Germans. The photo included in this blog is Roy Hawkins and his buddies manning their quad-50. Hawkins is back right.

Clarksburg Ohio WWII veteran Lt. Don Adams pilots 9th bombing mission on Germany

Today in Ohio World War II history featuring Clarksburg Ohio servicemen:

March 21, 1944: Vernon Bethel's troopship departs the United States for the European Theater.

March 21, 1945: Don Adams flies his ninth bombing mission in a B-24 Liberator with the 485th Bomb Group, 830th Bomb Squadron, attacking the aircraft factory in Neuberg, Germany. The patch/logo included in this blog is the insignia of the 830th Bomb Squadron. Kenneth Dean arrives the United States.

March 21, 1946: Dwight Casto’s troopship docks in the United States.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II history March 20 1943-1945

Today in Ohio World War II history featuring soldiers from Clarksburg, Ohio:

March 20, 1943: Harry Junk arrives safely in North Africa. Picture included in this blog is Harry Junk on the left and unknown soldier on the right in North Africa.

March 20, 1944: Jack Ater returns to Fort Leonard Wood following an 11-day furlough in Clarksburg with his parents. Joe Ater transfers from San Antonio, Texas where he completed pre-flight training and is now participating in flight training in Tulsa, OK. Tom Eycke is currently based in New Guinea and searching jungles for Japanese ammo and supply dumps, determining what supplies are salvagable.

March 20, 1945: Fred Rittenhouse's entire 777th Tank Battalion takes over the Hotel Ludwig Porch in Wassenach in preparation for the crossing of the Rhine River. John Roseboom is serving with the 760th Field Artillery Battalion in Manila, Philippines.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II servicemen busy on March 19.

Today in Ohio World War II history: Focus on Clarksburg Ohio servicemen!

March 19, 1943: Morris Templin is serving in Banning, CA. Wendell Bryant is serving overseas in North Africa.

March 19, 1944: Corrine Bochard returns to Clarksburg on a 10-day furlough from Ft. Monmouth, NJ..

March 19, 1945: Don Adams flies his eighth bombing mission piloting a B-24 with the 485th Bomb Group on the Muhldorf Marshalling Yard in Germany. Fred Rittenhouse, part of the 777th Tank Battalion, travels from Ettringen to Wassenach, Germany. Norman Trapp flies his 20th bombing mission part of the 351st Bomb Group, 508th Bomb Squadron, on secondary targets near Plauen, in B-17 44-8774. VISIT THIS website 508th Bomb Squadron and type in "Trapp" to see his entire mission record! Video of the 351st Bomb Group

March 19, 1946: Max McPherson officially ends his service in the Pacific Theater as a USMC Guard Patrolman.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history

Today in Ohio World War II history: Clarksburg Ohio residents move forward:

March 18, 1943: Glenn McPherson's 204th Quartermaster Battalion docks in North Africa.
Willis Cleary returns to Clarksburg for a three-day furlough from training in Wisconsin.

March 18, 1944: James Williams departs the U.S.

March 18, 1945: Eugene Morris is aboard the Queen Mary steaming for Scotland to serve as a postal clerk in HQ Company of the 745th Tank Battalion. Fred Rittenhouse's 777th Tank Battalion wake up in civilian homes in Ettringen, Germany commandeered the night before.

March 18, 1946: Willis Taylor is discharged from the U.S. Army at Camp Atterbury, IN

Today in Ohio World War II history: Clarksburg Ohio's Lt. Williams flies an attack mission with the Bats Outa Hell squadron!

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

March 16, 1945: Almer Sowers departs the U.S. bound for the Pacific Theater to serve as a Light Truck Driver with the 3745th Quartermaster Truck Company. Daryl Williams flies a mission with the 499th Bomb Squadron, in a highly modified B-25 Mitchell bomber designed to attack Japanese ground and shipping targets. The included photo included was taken out the back of Williams' B-25 showing para-frag bombs (with white parachutes) dropping on a Japanese target. Eugene Mace graduates from Navy Fire Control school in Bainbridge, Maryland. Eugene Morris is serving in an armored unit at Fort Meade, Maryland recently completing basic training. Russ Furniss departs the U.S. bound for the Pacific Theater serving as part of the 24th Infantry Division, 21st Infantry Regiment, HQ Company.

March 16, 1946: Wendell Carroll is discharged from the U.S. Army at Camp Atterbury, IN.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II airmen busy: Crabb returns after 53 missions, Adams flies his 7th, Graham returns to the states

Today in Ohio World War II history. Clarksburg Ohio veteran Charles Crabb first serviceman home

March 15, 1943: Maynard Morris is in the Fort Sill hospital recovering from a broken ankle received during training. Rolland Bookwalter transfers from Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN to training in Robinson, Arkansas attached to E. Company, 105th Medical Training Battalion.

March 15, 1944: Charles Crabb is the first active serviceman to return to Clarksburg from outside of North American service, after flying 53 combat missions with the 12th Bomb Group as a chief armorer and top turret gunner in a B-25 Mitchell bomber. John Martin is enroute for overseas duty to serve as a replacement infantryman with the 90th infantry Division.

March 15, 1945: Don Adams flies his seventh bombing mission with the 485th Bomb Group on the St. Polten Marshalling Yard in Austria. Franklin Mace is transferred from Camp Atterbury, Indiana to Camp J.T. Robinson, Arkansas attached to Company B, 134th Battaion, 75th Regiment.

March 15, 1946: Hoyt Graham's aircraft departs the Pacific Theater bound for the U.S.

Clarksburg Ohio's World War II Veteran: Individual Veterans and their units

Calling all World War II researchers! The following is an alphabetical list of most of Clarksburg Ohio’s World War II veterans and at least one unit they served in between the dates of 1941 and 1945. If anyone has additional information on their service or is interested in learning more about one of the veterans to complete personal research or family geneaology, please leave a comment with the information you are requesting and an active email address and Vic Cleary will contact you.

Clarksburg Ohio’s World War II Veterans (list incomplete)
Acord, Gerald D: Served aboard the USS Quincy (CA-71), and USS Arkansas
Adams, Don: 15th Air Force, 485th Bomb Group, 830th Bomb Squadron
Anderson, Allen A: 36th Training Group, Squadron A
Anderson, Harold: 1st Cavalry, Battery G
Anderson, John Robert: 94th Bomb Group, 331st Bomb Squadron, 23rd Depot Group
Anderson, John: U.S. Navy discharged
Anderson, Ralph W: 8th Air Force, 92nd Bomb Group, 325th Bomb Squadron
Anderson, Robert C: 15th Air Force, 14th Fighter Group, 37th Fighter Squadron
Anderson, W. Arthur Jr.: 7th Infantry Division and 7th Motorized Infantry Division
Ater, Bernard J.: 3535th Army Air Force Base Unit
Ater, Francis E.: 93rd Field Hospital
Ater, Frank A.: 743rd Tank Battalion, D Company & 778th Tank Battalion
Ater, Jack W.: 97th Infantry Division, 387th Infantry Regiment, Company D
Ater, Joseph S.: 324th Army Air Force Base Unit
Ater, Kenneth B.: 2622nd Ordnance Transportation Company
Ater, Ralph E.: USS Ranger (CV-4): Navy Bomb Squadron 42
Ater, Robert Marcus: USS Denver (CL- 58): Cruiser
Baughman, John H.: 42nd Group, 361st Air Svc. Squadron, 896th Air Engineer Squadron
Bethel, Donald E.: MERRILL'S MARUADERS: 475th Inf. Reg., I Company., 5307th Brigade
Bethel, Gerald V.: USS Bache (DD-470): Destroyer
Bethel, Herschel R.: 759th Railway Operating Battalion, A Company
Bethel, Robert C.: 58th Medical Corps. 344th Medical Dispensary
Bethel, Vernon O.: 48th Fighter Grp, 492nd Fighter Sq., 1709th Signal Svc. Batt.
Betts, Howard L.: 7th Army
Bochard, Corrine E.: WAAC Detachment 4201
Bochard, William S.: 6th Army, 10th Corp., 99th Signal Battalion
Boggs, Robert C.: 509th Military Police Battalion, B Company
Bookwalter, George R.: 3rd Service Command, Philadelphia, PA
Bookwalter, Roland: 195th Medical Training, 2nd Battalion, Company E
Bookwalter, Sylvester: 3702nd AAF Base Unit, 344th Bomb Group
Bowdle, Elza: 40th Battalion, Co. B, 59th Med Training Batt., & 80th Hospital (France)
Brooks, John W.: 20th Air Force, 58th Bomb Wing, 87th Air Service Group. HQ and Base Services Squad
Bryant, Howard A. “Tick”: 330th Engineer Regiment: 1580th Service Command Unit
Bryant, Wendell: 479th Amphibious Truck Company
Burke, Charles: 384th Bomb Group
Carroll, Glen E.: 873rd Engineer Aviation Batt., Group Squadron 43, H Company
Carroll, Marvin E.: 1st Armored Division: 6th Armored Inf Batt, I Company, and 14th Armored Infantry
Carroll, Wendell: 3rd Army, 80th Inf. Div., 319th Inf. Reg., HQ Detachment
Casto, Dwight T.: 7th Army, 427th Ordnance Tire Company
Chenault, Charles “Denny”: USS APA Presidio (APA-88) and LCI #34
Chenault, Robert E.: 34th Field Hospital
Cleary, Willis K.: 2nd Infantry Division, 23rd Infantry Regiment, K Company
Cokonougher, Wayne: 3rd Army, 740th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A
Cottrill, Warren: 8th Air Force, 1059th MP Co.
Crabb, Charles N.: 12th Bomb Group, 81st Bomb Squadron. The Earthquakers!
Dawson, Harold R.: 102nd Air Corps, 607th Signal Corps
Dawson, John M.: 3507th AAF Base Unit, Aircraft Squad III, Flight I
Dawson, Robert E.: 11th Air Force, 54th Fighter Group , 42nd Fighter Squadron
Dawson, Robert K. “Bert”: 3rd Army, 69th Infantry Division
Dawson, William A “Billy”: 3rd Army, 150th Anti Aircraft Artillery Batt., Battery D
Dean, Elwood L.: 82nd Airborne Division: 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, F and HQ Company
Dean, Kenneth M.: 103rd Station Hospital
Dennis, Lewis A.: 10th Armored Division, 150th Armored Signal Company
DeWitt, Paul: U.S.S. Barrier (AM-150) Minesweeper
Dinkler, Carl W.: 8th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Regiment, Company A
Dinkler, Herman: 3rd Armored Division, 548th Quartermaster Depot, Advanced Communication Section
Dinkler, Merle: 1st Cavalry Division
Dinkler, Scott: Persian Gulf Service Command: 18th Depot Repair Group
Downing, Joseph Wesley: 236th Engineer Combat Battalion, C Company
Dunkle, Lee: LST #863
Elliott, Howard: 3593rd Service Command Unit, 18th Battalion, Company A
Eycke, Thomas E.: 1st Cavalry, 24th Infantry, 77th Infantry, 234th Quartermaster Salvage Collection Company
Farmer, Maurice E.: 134th Field Artillery, Battery A
Fay, Howard: USS LST #221 and USS General George Randolph
Furniss, Sherman “Russell”:24th Infantry Division, 21st Infantry Regiment, HQ Company
Garrison, Don E.: 3204th Quartermaster Service Co
Garrison, Harold K.: 32nd Division, 120th Field Artillery Batt., HQ Battery
Garrison, Howard: 712th Engineer Depot Company
Garrison, Lewis: 8th Air Force, 466th Bomb Group, 787th Bomb Squadron
Garrison, Merton C.: 168th Field Artillery, Battery B and 41st Field Artillery
Garrison, Oscar A.: 82nd Airborne Division, 505th Parachute Inf Reg, 115th Field Artillery Batt., Battery C
Garrison, Richard M.: 8th Infantry Division, 121st Infantry Regiment, I Company
Garrison, Ward “Hoot”: USS Antietam (CV-36) Aircraft Carrier
Graham, Hoyt B. Jr.: Air Material Command
Graham, Solon L.: 5th Air Force, 380th Bomb Group, 528th Bomb Squadron
Hamman, Robert M.: 9th Armored Division, 73rd Armored Field Artillery, Battery A
Harmount, Donald J.: 35th Base Headquarters Unit
Harrington, Frank: 4th Fighter Group, 438th Air Service Group, 16th Repair Squadron
Hawkins, Lee: 6th Infantry Division, 51st Field Artillery Battalion, HQ Battery
Hawkins, Ralph A.: USS Stack (DD-406): Destroyer
Hawkins, Roy A.: 79th Inf Div., 310th F.A. Battalion, 463rd AAA Automatic Weapons Battalion
Haynes, Robert: USS New York (BB-34)
Hicks, Forrest W.: 1st Coastal Artillery, Battery K
Hinton, Roy M.: VPB 25, Crew #14: Martin Mariner
Hoffman, Harold P.: 40th Inf. Div., 160th Infantry Reg., D Company
Holloway, Harry F.: 82nd Airborne, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, H Company, and 2nd Battalion HQ Company
Holloway, Roy N.: 80th Inf. Div., 317th Inf. Reg., C Company
Hughes, Merrill P.: 84th Infantry Division, 335th Infantry Regiment, Company D
Jobe, Charles M.: 82nd Airborne, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 80th Airborne Artillery Battalion, Battery F
Jobe, Harmon: 542nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, Company A
Johnson, John “Franklin”: 1065th Signal Corps
Jordan, Harry: 7th Depot Unit, 15th Base HQ and Air Base Squadron
Jordan, John: USS Ranger (CV-4): Aircraft Carrier
Junk, Harry: 5th Army, 34th Depot Group, 738th QM, 2493rd QM Truck Co.
Junk, Ralph: 95th Inf Div, 379th Inf Reg, Co I
Kearns, Ben: 4th Armored Division, 51st Armored Infantry Batt, A Company
Kelly, Thomas R.: 8th Air Force, 34th Bomb Group, 7th Squadron
Kelly, Joseph G.: Bushmasters: 158th Infantry Regiment, Company H
Kirkwood, John F.: 7th Army / Attached Red Cross Unit
Kirkwood, John W.: USS Alcorn (AD-34) Destroyer Tender
Lowe, Edward: 93rd Infantry Division, 369th Infantry Regiment, Company D
Lowe, William: 27th Quartermaster Regiment, Co. A
Mace, Eugene W.: USS John R. Craig (DD-885): Destroyer
Mace, Franklin J.: 2766th Engineer Base Photo Company
Maddux, Don W.: 35th Infantry Division, 137th Infantry Reg., Company D
Mallow, Charles: 398th MP Battalion
Mallow, Gerbler Reed: 1st Cavalry, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Troop B
Marine, Roy M.: ROTC University of Indiana
Martin, Earl: LST #675
Martin, John E.: 90th Infantry Division, 358th Infantry Regiment, G Company
Martin, Warren G. “Bud”: 8th Air Force, 301st AAF Base Unit, 704 Air Material Sq.
McCormick, Paul: 919 Signal Corps, 48th Repair Squad, 4121st AAF Base Unit
McDonald, Grant: USS Missouri
McPherson, Glenn Wendell: 204th Quartermaster Battalion
Merz, William T.: Americal Division, 245th Field Artillery Battalion, HQ Battery
Minnix, Clarence: Signal Corps, 68th Signal Battalion, Company C
Minnix, Clifford: 129th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Battery D
Minnix, Robert: 4th Medical Training Batt., Company B
Minser, Richard H. “JACK”: Army Transportation Corps: 6th Port Headquarters
Moomaw, Sarah: WAAC Training Center
Morris, Eugene D.: 1st Infantry Division, 745th Tank Battalion, Heavy Mortar Platoon & HQ Co
Morris, Jack C.: 8th Air Force, 392nd Bomb Group, 576th Bomb Squadron
Morris, Walter Jr.: USS Prairie (AD-15) and the USS New Jersey (BB-62) Battleship
Morrison, Albert Russell: Amphibious Training Center, Oahu, Hawaii
Overly, Dwight E.: Americal Div, 108th Regimental Combat Team, Co. I
Overly, Eugene: 474th Infantry Regiment, Company E
Overly, Marlin Jr.: 65th Signal Battalion, Company A
Pearce, Roy H.: 1st Infantry Division, 18th Infantry Regiment, F Company
Pearce, Thomas W.: 8th Air Force, 487th Bomb Group, 838th Bomb Squadron
Peck, John E.: 1333rd Army Air Force Base Unit: 13th Area
Penwell, Loren Galen: USS Jouett (DD- 396)
Pool, James: Received an early medical discharge
Pool, John W.: USS Texas (BB-35) Battleship
Prince, Willis L.: 15th Air Force, 465th Bomb Group, 782nd Bomb Squadron
Radcliff, Clarence: 436th Combat Military Police, I Company: 3860th Service Command Unit
Reisinger, Earl: USS Texas
Reisinger, James: 981st Field Artillery Battalion
Reisinger, Troy L: 186th Infantry Regiment, Service Company
Reisinger, Willard: 5th Fighter Group, 32nd Fighter Squadron
Richardson, Cecil E.: 3916th QM Gas Supply Company
Richardson, Ralph “Jack”: 11th QM Group, G Company: 96th QM Railhead Company
Rittenhouse, Fred: 777th Tank Battalion, Company A
Rittenhouse, Tom: USS Hamul (AD-20)
Rose, Leo: 142nd Medical Battalion, Company D, 1st Platoon: 310th General Hospital
Roseboom, John R.: 1st Cavalry Division, 760th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery C.
Satchell, Donald G.: 618th Engineer Base Equipment Company
Saxour, Samuel H.: 41st Station Hospital, 80th General Hospital
Saxour, Thomas: 174th Inf Div., 125th Infantry Reg, Co F
Shaffer, Forrest A.: 38th Infantry Division, 152nd Infantry Regiment, Company I
Sewards, Phillip J.: EC2 Thomas Eakins: Liberty Ship (Hull 2955)
Shanton, Richard O: 389th Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Battery A and D
Shull, Ephriam: 58th Ordnance Ammunition Company
Skinner, Cary “Scoop”: 41st Infantry Division, 116th Medical Battalion, 5th Squad, Troop B
Skinner, Forman: 95th Air Force
Smith, Carrie “Willard”: 90th Infantry Division, 358th Infantry Regiment, Company B
Smith, Russell E.: 12th Transport Squadron
Southward, Cecil: 693rd Engineer Equipment Company
Southward, Robert H.: USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62)
Sowers, Almer E.: 3745th Quartermaster Truck Company
Sowers, Thomas E.: 80th Infantry Division, 318th Infantry Regiment, Company A
Steinhauser, Charles H.: 80th Replacement Draft, Company A
Stevens, Richard: 20th Field Artillery; attached to the 4th Infantry Division
Stevens, Robert Clark: 306th General Hospital
Stinson, Dusty: USS Antietam (CV-36)
Taylor, Willis W.: 2nd Engineer School Regiment, H Co.
Templin, John H.: Air Transport Command: 1504th Army Air Force Base Unit.
Templin, Morris H. “Jerry”: 4th Army Headquarters
Templin, Robert C.: Naval Sub Chaser
Templin, Wanda: Secretary of a unit in charge of training
Trapp, Norman A.: 8th Air Force, 351st Bomb Group, 508th Bomb Squadron
Tucker, Raymond Jr.: 20th Air Force, 414th Fighter Group, 437th Fighter Squadron
Watkins, Orville W.: USS Zenobia (AKA-52)
Watkins, Wayne Theodore: USS Zenobia
Whiting, Harold: United States Ship Decom. Depot
Whiting, Melvin: US Naval Hospital Bethesda, MD
Whitten, Walter E.: 95th Inf Div., 377th Inf. Reg., L Company
Wickensimer, Clark: 1244th Military Police Company
Williams, Charles: 4208th Quartermaster Service Co.
Williams, Daryl D.: 5th Air Force, 345th Bomb Group, 499th Bomb Squadron
Willis Paul W.: Persian Gulf Service Command: 18th Depot Repair Group
Willis, Albert: 369th Harbor Craft Company
Willis, Curtis: Quartermaster Corps
Willis, Dwight: Air Transport Command: 1337th Army Air Force Base Unit, Battery 6
Willis, Max E.: Stark General Hospital: 31st Medical Training Battalion, Company A
Willis, Nye: 3433rd Ordnance H.A.M. Company
Wolford, Shelby E.: Admin. Command Service, Pacific
Wright, Archie L.: 8th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Regiment, Anti-Tank Company
Wright, John W.: 10th Air Force, 7th Bomb Group, 493rd Bomb Squadron

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History: Some of Ohio's World War II veterans have active days

Today in Ohio World War II History: A handful of Clarksburg Ohio WWII veterans have active days.

March 14, 1943: Corrine Bochard transfers from Fort Oglethorpe, GA to Commerce, Texas to serve and train with Company A, WAAC Branch 5, Army Administration School. Ralph Anderson departs Clarksburg to return to Amarillo, Texas following his grandmother's funeral. Scott Dinkler receives a promotion to PFC while based at Patterson Field in Dayton, Ohio.

March 14, 1944: Sgt. Bob Anderson (pictured with his ground crew and sitting on the maintenance stand top center), based in Italy with the 37th Fighter Squadron, writes to his mother that he can't believe the news that his brother SSGT Ralph Anderson was Killed-In-Action in fighting over Western Germany on December 1, 1943. Kenneth Ater's troopship docks in the United States.

March 14, 1945: John Templin is stationed at Camp Hood, Texas. Norman Trapp flies his 19th bombing mission on enemy targets located in Lohne piloting B-17 number 44-8098. Roger Bryant departs India to return to the United States.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II Veterans: Now and Then!

Ohio World War II History: Clarksburg Ohio World War II Veteran: PFC Mert Garrison now and then 1945 and 1984.

Lifelong Clarksburg Ohio native, PFC Merton Garrison served in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a Heavy Artillery Truck Driver attached to the 168th Field Artillery, Battery B and 41st Field Artillery. Mert hauled a 155MM Howitzer and served in the Philippines (Luzon), New Guinea, and Australia.

Today in Ohio World War II History: Clarksburg Ohio World War II veterans advance!

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history: Ohio World War II veterans from Clarksburg Ohio continue to work their way in hopes for an end to the war.

March 11, 1944: Howard Eisenbrey departs Clarksburg Ohio following an extended furlough with his parents, bound for Foster General Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Lt. Lewis Garrison officially arrives the ETO attached to the 466th Bomb Group, serving as a Navigator aboard a B-24 Liberator.

March 11, 1945: Fred Rittenhouse, part of the 777th Tank Battalion, motors toward Zingsheim, Germany and stays with civilians for six days while resting and performing regular maintenance on the battalion's tanks. Kenneth Dean departs the European Theater to return to the U.S. Willis Cleary and the 23rd Regimental Personnel Group depart the village of Kommern, Germany and arrive Ahrweiler, Germany with plans to cross the Rhine River at Remagen once the bridge is secured by the 9th Armored Division. Cleary's regiment moves into German homes and raids a local distillery. Pictured above is Cleary's grandson Vic Cleary standing in streets of Kommern in May of 2000.

March 11, 1946: Dwight Casto's ship departs the ETO bound for the United States. Wendell Carroll's troopship docks in the United States.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II Now and Then: St. Georges d' Elle

The tiny village of St-Georges-d’Elle France, nestled in Normandy's hedgerow country a few kilometres inland from Omaha Beach, is situated at the base of Hill 192, where fierce fighting between American and German soldiers resulted in terrible bloodshed in July of 1944. On the other side of the hill lay the significant crossroad city of St. Lo, which for Allied Forces, was a major objective following the invasion of Normandy.

The “Now” photo taken in June of 1999, features Nick Cleary in the foreground, son of Clarksburg Ohio World War II veteran Sgt. Willis Cleary – 23rd Infantry Regiment – K Company, standing near the 2nd Infantry Division’s monument erected to honor the many men from the division who lost their lives while liberating the village in pursuit of German forces atop Hill 192. Fortunately for our family, Sgt. Cleary was unscathed during the battle, which claimed the lives of many of his good friends and acquaintances within the regiment. St Georges d’ Elle’s chapel, pictured in both photos, was damaged severely by artillery fire during the battle, but repaired nicely following the war. A second plaque inside the chapel recognizes the American troops who fought for the village’s freedom.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history: The Clarksburg Star provides a detailed update on soldiers preparing for war!

Today in Ohio World War II history: Clarksburg Star Provides Detailed Update on Clarksburg Ohio boys preparing for World War II

On March 6, 1942 the Clarksburg Star provided an update on a number of Clarksburg Ohio's service personnel preparing for war throughout the U.S. The following notes were printed in the paper:

Bob Anderson is transitioning into different aircraft mechanic training and currently staying at the Edgewater Hotel in Santa Monica, California studying the P-38 Lightning at the Lockheed Aircraft Plant.

Bob Dawson is training with the 4th Pursuit Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group in Florence, South Carolina.

Forrest Hicks is based at Fort Sherman - Canal Zone - Panama attached to Battery K of the 1st C.A.

Harold Hoffman is based near Los Angeles, California with the 160th Infantry Regiment.

Herman Dinkler is based at Camp Shelby, Mississippi training with the 57th Quartermaster Regiment, Company C.

Jack Morris is based at Fort Sam Houston, TX part of the 504th M.P. Battalion, Company D.

Joe Ater has been reassigned to Baker Field, California.

John Martin is training at Camp Wolters, TX attached to the 63rd Infantry Training Battalion - D Company.

Kenneth Dean is based at McChord Field, Washington attached to the 505th Signal A.W. Regiment.

Lewis Garrison is trainnig at Camp Roberts, California with the 75th Field Artillery.

Mert Garrison is based at Camp McQuaide, Watsonville, California attached to the 168th Field Artillery, Battery B.

Murrell Prince is based at the Schofield Barracks with the 34th Engineers, Company D near Pearl Harbor – Hawaii.

Oscar Garrison is based at Fort Jackson, South Carolina - Field Artillery.

Ralph Anderson has been assigned to the 312th School Squadron at Sheppard Field, Texas.

W.A. Anderson is with the 7th Signal Company in San Jose, California.

Warren Whitehurst was recently promoted from 2nd Lieutenant to 1st Lieutenant while based in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Willis Cleary (pictured third from left on balcony at Fort Sam Houston, Texas) has been assigned to K Company, 23rd infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division located at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.

World War II ace Aust out of Jail after 8 years! He was in Jail???

I just came across a post through Google Alerts that Abner Aust, P-51 Mustang ace from World War II was "finally" released from jail following 8 years of imprisonment. I can't believe he was even in jail. How did I miss that? My wife and I ate dinner with him once (see photo).

See the story about his release from jail.

I am sorry to hear about it.

Clarksburg Ohio World War II veterans active on March 4:

Today in Ohio World War II history. Clarksburg Ohio WWII veterans are very active.

March 4, 1942: William Merz travels in a long convoy of ships down the east coast of the Atlantic seaboard sailing from the U.S. to the Pacific Theater.

March 4, 1943: Following a dead-stick crashlanding in a farm field north of Eglin Field, Florida, Charles Crabb and his crew are assigned a new B-25 and depart Eglin for Greenville, SC arriving safely this time by 9pm. Roger Bryant, attached to the 330th Engineers, arrives India.

March 4, 1944: After flying his 53rd mission, Charles Crabb departs the ETO bound for the United States to eventually serve as an aerial gunnery instructor in South Carolina. Gerald Bethel, aboard the USS Bache, participates in the shelling of Ndrillo and Karunia Islands in the Admiralty Islands.

March 4, 1945: Norman Trapp flies his 18th bombing mission attached to the 351st Bomb Group on Schwabmunchen in B-17 44-8455. (pictured: Norman Trapp front row, center). The following link is an excellent video of 351st Bomb Group B-17's taking off for a mission. Attached is another excellent video with raw footage from a sqaudron of bomber crews being interviewed after a raid. B-17 Crew Interviews

March 4, 1946: Eugene Mace is discharged from the U.S. Navy at Great Lakes Training Center, IL.

Clarksburg Ohio's Pearce wounded near Koln during World War II, McPherson writes to Timmons from Anzio

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history.

March 2, 1943: Daryl Williams (pictured) is participating in basic training at Miami Beach, Florida. Ralph Junk returns to Fort Sam Houston, Texas after a 10 day furlough in Clarksburg with his wife, kids, and parents.

March 2, 1944: Glenn McPherson writes to Clarksburg High School Superintendent Pryor Timmons from the Anzio Beachhead in Italy describing some of his hardships and how he would like to be home. John Dawson returns to Clarksburg from his air field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a 15-day furlough. Roy Pearce is wounded in the shoulder by shrapnel near Gladbach, Germany, outside Cologne (Koln) after an enemy aircraft drops a bomb near the foxhole/outpost he was manning. Pearce was a replacement rifleman attached to F Company, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One).

March 2, 1945: Dale Boyer departs China in preparation for eventual separation from the Marine Corps.

Sneak Peak of HBO's THE PACIFIC

HBO's THE PACIFIC

Alright... the cat is officially out of the bag through underground channels. Attention World War II movie aficionados -- HBO has been working on a Band of Brothers-esque, 10-part mini series following three Marines throughout their wartime ordeal titled The Pacific. Check out The Pacific website, well... the unofficial site.

The site provides an insider's look of the production, which was primarily shot in Australia. A significant portion of the special will focus on EB Sledge's With The Old Breed, a well-written book following "Sledgehammer's" experience as a mortarman with the 5th Marines. If you watch the History Channel much, you may already be familiar with E.B., as he was interviewed often about his experience and considered a subject matter expert. I highly suggest you read the book before viewing the mini-series, and then park it by your couch for quick reference during the airing --- like the rest of us hardcore nerds!

Photo: Marines on Peleliu