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.

World War II Now and Then: Exploring German's Network of Bunkers

I enjoy Now and Then photos from World War II. This is a classic example. On the left is a photo of a typical German bunker placed in a forested area to defend a specific sector of the German line. On the right is Vic Cleary and Nick Cleary examining a similar bunker just outside the twin Belgian villages of Krinkelt and Rocherath, that was part of the Siegfried Line defense at Heartbreak Crossroads. The 2nd and 99th Infantry Divisions attacked through this area and fought many days against a fierce and well defended German Army.

Even though they are oftentimes difficult to find without a map from the period, or a guide (like we had), there is plenty to see in the Ardennes Forest and it is amazingly preserved. If you enjoy studying World War II, it is well worth the trip!

On this date in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history

Today in Ohio World War II history. A relative slow day of record for Clarksburg Ohio soldiers and sailors:

January 2, 1944: Clark Wickensimer departs the United States bound for the Pacific Theater to serve in the 1244th MP Company as an Investigator.

January 2, 1945: John Roseboom transfers to Fort Ord, California.

T/5 Cokonougher Awarded Bronze Star during Battle of the Bulge, Army Air Force Training continues

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

December 17, 1942: Thomas Pearce receives his wings following the completion of training in Midland, Texas.

December 17, 1943: Solon Graham departs the San Antonio Classification Center and enters Pre-Flight School.

December 17, 1944: Solon Graham Departs Ellington Field, Texas bound for Westover Field, Massachusetts following flight training in the Beech AT-10 (AT-10 cockpit). Wayne Cokonougher, Artillery truck driver for the 740th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A, (photo top left) was awarded the The Bronze Star for evacuating heavy equipment and artillery pieces from the front line during German attack on St. Vith, Belgium (Battle of the Bulge). According to military records, “T/5 Cokonougher distinguished himself by meritorious achievement on 17-18 December, 1944 in Belgium. According to the actual citation “Cokonougher, serving as a tractor driver, distinguished himself during the evacuation of vehicles, howitzers, and ammunition, from positions threatened by enemy action. Despite enemy artillery time fire over {his} battery’s position near St. Vith and small arms fire into the area near Poteus, T/5 Cokonougher did not at any time seek cover or cease his efforts to evacuate threatened material. Under adverse conditions of weather and in muddy terrain presenting extremely difficult traction, T/5 Cokonougher’s resourcefulness and untiring efforts were directly responsible for the evacuation of considerable amounts of ammunition and material. The determination and devotion to duty without regard for his own safety displayed by T/5 Cokonougher served as an inspiration to all members of his unit and reflects credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.” Read the After Action Report following this action, it's fascinating.

December 14: Today in Clarksburg Ohio WWII History

December 14, 1943: John Jordan returns to Clarksburg from the west to enjoy a furlough for the holidays. Mert Garrison's family receives word that he has transferred overseas from Camp Roberts, California and is now located "Somewhere in Australia."

Clarksburg Ohio's Proud 222 World War II Veterans

Welcome to Clarksburg's Courageous World War II blog, preserving, honoring and celebrating Clarksburg Ohio's WWII history. Between 1938 and 1945, 222 men and women from Clarksburg, Ohio and surrounding Deerfield Township volunteered or joined the U.S. Armed Forces through the selective service draft and proudly served their country in various capacities.

To put things into perspective, approximately 16 million men and women served in the United States Armed Forces by VJ-Day (August 15, 1945) -- 1 in 8 American citizens. In 1945, approximately 1,000 people populated Clarksburg and Deerfield Township - located in the northwestern most portion of historic Ross County. Between 1938 and 1945, Clarksburg and Deerfield Township sent 222 soldiers (219 men and 3 women) to war. In comparison to an already notable national average of service, the village’s ratio equated to an impressive 1 in 5 residents.

By the numbers --- of the 222 who served:

• 9 (4%) were killed-in-action.
• 11 were wounded-in-action.
• 122 (55%) served in the U.S. Army
• 47 (21%) U.S. Army Air Force
• 42 (19%) U.S. Navy
• 5 United States Marine Corps
• 2 U.S. Coast Guard.
• 200 Clarksburg soldiers were enlisted
• 22 were officers.

I hope you enjoy this blog and contribute regularly. The video has also been posted to You Tube under Clarksburg's Courageous.