Clarksburg Ohio World War II history: Today, the 392nd Bomb Group names B-24 in honor of WACS: G.I. Jane.

Today in Ohio World War II History: Clarksburg Ohio world war II veterans continue to position themselves throughout the world for war.

February 11, 1944: Edward Lowe’s ship docks in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Lt. Jack Morris writes to his parents about a recent trip to London as well as about a ceremony the 392nd Bomb Group held with the WACS naming a B-24 Liberator in their group "G.I. Jane” (pictured left). Tom Eycke sets sail for the Pacific Theater. Vernon Bethel transfers from Camp Forrest, Tennessee to Watersboro, South Carolina.

World War II: Clarksburg Ohio veteran spotlight

Clarksburg Ohio World War II Veteran Spotlight (Now and Then):

PFC Almer E. Sowers

PFC Almer E. Sowers served in the U.S. Army as a light truck driver attached to the 3745th Quartermaster Truck Company. Sowers left the United States in February of 1945 for the Pacific Theater and served in New Guinea and the Phillipines. It’s interesting to note that he had a chance encounter with Clarksburg veteran Russ Furniss aboard the troopship carrying the two to war, while the ship was out to sea. Sowers lived out his life in Deerfield Township just outside Clarksburg Ohio and farmed the fields surrounding his rural home located approximately 3 miles south of Clarksburg on State Route 207. Color photo taken in May of 1984.

Clarksburg's Colonel Bookwalter recalled to active duty, Ater boys receive promotions to SSGT

Today in Ohio World War II history: Clarksburg, Ohio residents are promoted and recalled to active duty.

January 5, 1941: Colonel George Bookwalter, a veteran officer of World War I is recalled to active duty from the U.S Army Reserves.

January 5, 1943: Sgt. Bernard Ater and Sgt. Joe Ater receive promotions to Staff Sergeant while based at Minter Field, CA (Photo left to right: Joe Ater, Ralph Anderson, Bernard Ater and Bob Anderson). Charles Jobe departs Clarksburg bound for Fort Bragg, NC following a brief furlough from training.

January 5, 1944: Don Garrison departs the U.S. for overseas duty in the European Theater. John Martin transfers from Camp Hood, Texas to Fort Dix, New Jersey.

January 5, 1946: Cecil Richardson is discharged from the U.S. Army. Richard Shanton departs the Pacific Theater bound for the United States.

Christmas furloughs for some Clarksburg soldiers, Norman Trapp flies 12th bombing mission, Garrison prepares for the ETO

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II History:

December 24, 1942: Herschel Bethel visits his mother in Greenland, Ohio while on a ten-day furlough from Camp Van Buren, Arkansas.

December 24, 1943: Hoyt Graham hosts his friend, Lt. Henry Fielder who is also based at Wright Field, at the Graham house in Clarksburg for Christmas. Lewis Garrison’s parents receive word that Lewis is transferred to Alamogordo, NM and attached to the 466th Bomb Group, 787th Bomb Squadron, where the group was preparing for overseas departure. Merrill Hughes receives a furlough from Easton, Pennsylvania to spend a three-day pass with his wife and family in Clarksburg. Tom Eycke returns to Clarksburg to enjoy a holiday furlough from Camp Ellis, Illinois.

December 24, 1944: Allen Anderson returns to Ohio from his base in San Antonio, Texas to enjoy a 14-day furlough with his mother in Chillicothe. Corrine Bochard and Jack Ater return to Clarksburg to enjoy furloughs with their respective parents. Marcus Ater, aboard the USS Denver - returns to Manus. Norman Trapp (photo above - Trapp front row center) flies his 12th bombing mission with the 351st Bomb Group, 508th Bomb Squadron, in B-17 44-8374 and the target is the Biblis Airfield (recon photo through link).

December 24, 1945: Sgt. Dwight Willis returns to the United States following service in China, India and Burma. Robert Boggs departs the European Theater bound for the United States. Tom Eycke is officially discharged from the U.S. Army following service in the Pacific Theater.