Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history: Garrison returns home, USS Ranger docks in Casablanca with Ralph Ater aboard.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

February 23, 1943: Glen Ater and wife Nell host a farewell party in Clarksburg to send brother Jack Ater off to war, the second Ater brother to enter service during World War II. Ralph Ater, aboard the USS Ranger arrives Casablanca transporting 75 P-40 Warhawk fighters to the region. Pictured left: Mechanics working on a P-40 atop the deck of the USS Ranger in May of 1942.

February 23, 1945: Cary Skinner officially joins up with the 41st Infantry Division at Mindoro. Dick Garrison departs England bound for the United States following receiving wounds in the Hurtgen Forest as part of the 121th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. Frank Ater sends a letter to his parents telling them he just arrived in France from England and is currently serving with the 743rd Tank Battalion. Howard Fay departs the U.S. for the Pacific Theater. John Jordan completes his service aboard the USS Ranger.

February 23, 1946: Harold Dawson is discharged from the U.S. Army at Fort Devens, Mass.

Clarksburg Ohio Army replacements fill the ETO, USS Ranger training off the coast of Rhode Island

On this date in Ohio World War II history: Clarksburg replacements, Rittenhouse and Pearce prepare for battle in the European Theater:

January 3, 1944: Ralph Ater is stationed aboard the USS Ranger aircraft carrier (photo left taken post war), currently serving a stint as a training carrier off the coast of Rhode Island.

January 3, 1945: Fred Rittenhouse and the 777th Tank Battalion travel south to Wimborne for staging, prior to receiving final assignment to individual tanks. Roy Pearce departs the U.S. bound for the European Theater to serve as a replacement infantryman with the famed 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One), 18th Infantry Regiment, F Company.

January 3, 1946: Following overseas duty, Lewis Dennis docks in the United States.

8th Infantry based in Ireland, leave from the USS Ranger, Margraten Cemetery

Today in Clarksburg Ohio's World War II history:

December 15, 1942 - PFC Richard “Jack” Minser is promoted to Corporal while based in North Africa.

December 15, 1943 - Sgt. Dick Garrison, 8th Infantry Division, 121st Infantry Regiment is stationed in Colebrooke, Ireland training for the invasion of Normandy. Lt. Harold Anderson departs the states for a second tour of coastal artillery service in Panama. Herman Dinkler returns to Clarksburg on furlough from Camp Ellis, Illinois. Ralph Ater is on leave from the USS Ranger and flies into Dayton's Wright Field to spend time with his parents in Clarksburg. Solon Graham is participating in flight training in San Antonio, Texas with the 43rd Squadron, Group E, Wing 1. Cpl Warren Martin officially arrives the European Theater when his troopship docks in Scotland.

December 15, 1944 - Fred Rittenhouse’s convoy of troopships departs the U.S. bound for Europe. Rittenhouse serving with the 777th Tank Battalion, A Company. PFC Leo Rose returns to Fort Lewis, Washington following a furlough in Clarksburg.

December 15, 1945 - Cpl Eugene Morris is promoted to the rank of sergeant while based in Bamberg, Germany. T/5 Charles Hughes, Merrill Hughes' brother, writes to his parents from Holland describing Merrill's grave at Margraten, Holland American Cemetery and the Dutch family who has adopted the grave promising to care for it in the family’s absence.