World War II Obituary & Articles
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The News, August 11, 1944
PFC. PAUL W. ESWORTHY died in England of wounds on July 25, his mother, Mrs. Elsie L. Esworthy, 16 East South street, was informed Thursday night in a telegram from the War Department. He had previously informed his mother in a letter that he was wounded in France and was in a hospital in England.
In a recent Vmail letter, he wrote: "I am still kicking, but not too high." He did not disclose the nature of his wounds.
It was the second fatality reported Thursday by the War Department in the immediate neighborhood of the Esworthy residence. Mr. and Mrs. Ira V. Moore, 10 East South street, were notified earlier in the day that their con, Cpl. Ira Leslie Moore, was killed in action in France on July 14. Another neighbor, Lieut. Lloyd Herbert has been reported missing for some time.
Pfc. Esworthy was 19 years of age, having enlisted when 18. He graduated from Frederick High School in 1943 and took his basic training at Camp Shelby, Miss. He arrived in England in April and moved into France on June 10 to participate in the siege of Cherbourg.
Bernard Esworthy, youngest son of Mrs. Esworthy, was to report today in Baltimore to be sworn into Navy service.
In addition to his mother and youngest brother, Pfc. Esworthy is survived by two older brothers, Clarence, this city, and Cpl. Charles Esworthy, Camp Chaffee, Ark. Two stepbrothers also survive, Austin F. Esworthy, Woodbine, and Meredith Esworthy, Woodlawn.
The News, July 22, 1948
The body of Cpl. Paul William Esworthy, 16 East South street, will arrive in this city this afternoon and will be taken to the funeral home at 106 East Church street from where the funeral will take place Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment in the Memorial Plot in Mt. Olivet cemetery. Cpl. Esworthy died in a hospital in England, July 25, 1944, aged 19 years. He was a son of Mrs. Elsie Phleeger Esworthy and the late John H. Esworthy and was a member of the Calvary Methodist church. He graduated from Frederick High School in the class of 1942 and before entering the service, was employed by the late John J. Keilholtz. Surviving him are his mother, three brothers, Clarence A. Esworthy, Middletown; Charles E. Esworthy, this city; Bernard H. Esworthy, at home; two halfbrothers, J. Austin Esworthy, near Lisbon, and Meredith L. Esworthy, Baltimore. M. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors.
The News, June 8, 1944
PVT. VERNON L. ETZLER, 21 of Union Bridge, is a truck driver with a Flying Fortress squadron of the Eight AAF in England. He is shown at the wheel of a refueling truck, at the airfield. Pct. Etzler is the son of Vernon Etzler, Union Bridge. He was in the shipping department of Crown Cork and Seal Company, Baltimore when he entered the AAF November 25, 1942
The News, May 2, 1945
Pfc. Vernon L. Etzler, of near Libertytown, has been killed in action in Germany, his sister, Mrs. John Wolfe, of the same address, was advised by the War Department Tuesday. The message said only that Pfc. Etzler was killed April 8 and that any further information would be sent to his sister.
Pfc. Etzler, son of Vernon Etzler, of near Mt. Pleasant, was an infantryman transferring from the Army Air Forces. He entered service November 25, 1942, and after basic training went to England where he was a truck driver with a Flying Fortress squadron of the Eight AAF. Some months ago, he transferred to the infantry and entered combat some time later.
He wrote home only infrequently and little had been heard from him by relatives for some time. Pfc. Etzler was employed in the shipping department of the Crown Cork and Seal Company, Baltimore, prior to entering service. He attended Dickerson school when his family lived in that section and they later moved to near Libertytown, with a Union Bridge address.
The soldier was unmarried and is survived by two brothers, both in service, in addition to his father and sister. One brother, Pvt. Kenneth Etzler, an infantryman, entered the Valley Forge General Hospital at Phoenixville, Pa., early in April from overseas for further treatment of a shrapnel wound received in action in Luxembourg. His injuries are reported to include a fractured jaw.
The other brother is Pvt. Thomas Etzler, last reported in action in Germany. He is also an infantryman.
The News, November 5, 1943
CORP. GLENN W. EYLER, who enlisted in the Army in November 1940, has been overseas for several months, His younger brother, Pvt. Kenneth W. Eyler, was drafted in June and is now stationed somewhere in Greenland.
The News, March 9, 1945
Slated three months ago to return home on furlough Glenn W. Eyler of Company A, a former Frederick barber, was Thursday reported killed in action.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. George C. Eyler, LeGore, who had been expecting their son home, were formally notified by the War Department that he was killed in action in Germany on February 23.
Wounded three times in action, the last time on December 8, Sgt. Eyler apparently returned to combat service after hospitalization in England.
He had written his parents in December that he was slated for furlough at home when wounded. He was wounded the day after Sgt. Alton Shaff left Company A. to return home. He received the Purple Heart.
Sgt. Eyler graduated from Walkersville High School and studied barbering in Baltimore. He was employed in a barber shop in Woodsboro before being employed in Little's barber shop at 430 North Market street, this city. He was well known here and in Woodsboro and Walkersville districts.
He enlisted in Company A. November 19, 1940, going overseas October 10, 1942. A brother, Sgt. Kenneth Eyler has been missing in action since last December 21. Besides his parents, he is also survived by a brother, George Eyler, Jr. at home.
The News, September 21, 1948
The remains of Staff Sgt. Glenn W. Eyler, who was killed February 23, 1945, will arrive in Woodsboro today, and the funeral will be held from his parents home on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Sgt. Eyler, who was 29 years old at the time of his death, attended Walkersville High School, and took an active interest in sports. After leaving school, he worked as a barber in Frederick.
He enlisted in Company A, 115th Infantry on November 16, 1940, and received his basic training at Fort Meade. He continued his interest in sports after being sent overseas, and was captain of the Company A soccer team, which won the regimental championship in England. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant and commanded the motor section of his company at the time of his death.
He was with the invasion forces which landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, and fought with Company A through Normandy, St. Lo, Brest, and Germany. He was first wounded December 8, 1944, but returned to his company. In February he was killed. He received the Purple Heart with a cluster, the Bronze star, three battle stars and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Surviving him are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Eyler, and the following brothers, Kenneth, of Frederick, and George W., Jr., at home.
The pallbearers will be members of the platoon of which he was a member. Reinterment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery at Woodsboro. Company A of Frederick will have charge of the military services.
Special arrangements are being made to accommodate a large number of S/Sgt. Eyler's former comrades in arms, who, in uniform will participate in the military rites. Invitations to attend have been forwarded to all surviving members of his former platoon, including one now in Philadelphia and three from Altoona, Pa. Powell and Hartzler, funeral directors.
The News, September 27, 1948
Reinterment services for S/Sgt. Glenn W. Eyler took place from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George C. Eyler, Woodsboro, Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. William E. Fox and Rev. Dr. E. F. Hoffmeier.
Bearers, members of his former platoon, were Russell E. Offutt, Mehrle A. DeGrange, John L. Walters, Charles E. Wolfe, George Douglas and Austin W. Kaetzel. Honorary bearers were Dorsey Offutt, Dean C. Poole, W. M. Ray Spurrier, Melvin C. Tobery, Alton E. Shaff, Guy Anders, Harold Hengst and S/Sgt. Charles W. Draper, escort.
Company "A" of the Maryland National Guard provided the firing squad and bugler. The services were largely attended and floral emblems were numerous. Interment was in Mt. Hope cemetery, Woodsboro. Powell and Hartzler, funeral directors.
The News, May 21, 1948
SGT. JOHN F. EYLER'S Final Rites on Saturday
Funeral services for Sgt. John F. Eyler, of Emmitsburg, who was killed in action at LaLucasserie, France, on July 27 1944, and whose remains were returned recently to this country, will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic church in Emmitsburg on Saturday morning at nine o'clock. Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Gerald Curran, assistant pastor and interment will take place in Mountain View Cemetery, Emmitsburg.
Sgt. Eyler was attached to Company F, 121st Calvary Group, on of the most dangerous commissions in the Army.
His remains arrived in Thurmont Thursday evening at six o'clock and were taken to the S. L. Allison funeral home, where there will be recitation of the rosary this evening at eight o'clock. Pallbearers will be Austin, Lloyd, and Clifford Eyler, brothers of the deceased, Paul and Russell Eyler, cousins, and James Pryor.
Sgt. Eyler was the son of Earl C. Eyler and the late Mrs. Eyler, of near Emmitsburg. Besides his father he is survived by the following brothers and sisters; Austin, Clifford and Lloyd Eyler, and Mrs. Clarence Kemper, all of Baltimore, Mrs. Wilbur Umbel and Ray Eyler, of Emmitsburg.
SGT. LLEWELYN CHARLES EYLER
The News, March 12, 1945
LIEUT. KENNETH F. FAGAN Killed in Action
Mrs. Ruth A. Fagan, 18 College avenue, was notified Sunday night that her son, Second Lieut. Kenneth F. Fagan, U. S. Air Forces, had been killed in action in Europe on February 24. He had previously been reported missing in action. A son of the late Laurence R. "Jake" Fagan, former Frederick City Police Lieutenant and several times aspirant for Sheriff, Lieut. Fagan graduated from Frederick High School in 1939, and from the Big Spring, Texas, Bombardier School.
The News, December 28, 1948
The remains of Second Lieutenant Kenneth F. Fagan, who was killed in action in Europe on February 24, 1945, are being returned to this country along with the bodies of 67 other Marylanders who were killed in action on European soil during World War II, it was announced today by the Department of the Army.
The casualties are being returned aboard the U. S. Army Transport Barney Kirschbaum after having been originally interred in temporary military cemeteries in France, Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg. There are 4, 384 being returned on the transport.
The local man, son of Mrs. Ruth A. Fagan, 18 College avenue, this city, and the late Laurence R. "Jake" Fagan, a former Frederick City Police lieutenant, was at first reported missing in action on February 24. Word was later received by his mother that her son had been killed in action. He graduated from Frederick High School in 1939 and at the time of his enlistment in Mary, 1943, was employed in the Navy Yard in Washington as a machinist.
Enlisting in the Army Air Force, Lieut. Fagan took his basic training at Miami Beach, Fla., and attended the University of Cincinnatti, O., as a cadet. He later trained at San Antonio, Tex., Ellicott Field and Big Springs, Tex., receiving his wings at the latter base in May, 1944. He was stationed at Barksdale Field, Shreveport, La., and studied gunnery at Lake Charles, La. He went overseas on September 8, 1944.
The News, August 7, 1944
SGT. JOHN C FELIX, husband of Mrs. Rita Wivell Felix, Emmitsburg, and son of Mrs. Virginia Felix, Greenmount, Pa., was reported killein in action in France on July 12.
Mrs. Felix, who is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Wivell, Emmitsburg, has a brother, T. Sgt. Charles T. Wivell in a German prison camp. He was reported a prisoner of war last April.
Sgt. Felix and Mrs. Felix were married in October 1942 and made their home in Emmitsburg. Before entering the service Janyary 7, 1943, he was employed by Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., Hagerstown. He went overseas in May. He was 22 years of age and graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1940. Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by two sisters, Ida Mae and Helen Felix, Greenmount, and a brother, Maurice J., also in service.
The News, May 17, 1948
Funeral services for Sgt. John C. Felix, of Emmitsburg, who was killed in action July 12, 1944, in France, and whose remains were returned recently to this country, will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic church in Emmitsburg on Wednesday morning at nine o'clock. Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Gerald Curran, assistant pastor, and interment will take place in the adjoining cemetery.
The remains will arrive in Thurmont this evening at six o'clock and will be taken to the S. L. Allison funeral home in Emmitsburg, where there will be Recitation of the Rosary Tuesday evening at eight o'clock. Pallbearers at the funeral will be Marshall Sanders, Glesson Sanders, Louis Rosensteel, Richard Rosensteel, George Baker and Aumen Myers.
Sgt. Felix, who remains were returned on the Army transport Lawrence Victory, is a son of Mrs. Virginia L. Felix McKinney, Gettysburg, R. D., and the Late Maurice Felix. He was married October 21, 1942 to Miss Mary Rita Wivell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wivell, Emmitsburg, and was inducted January 7, 1943, being sent overseas in May 1943. Besides his mother and wife, he is survived by one brother, Maurice J. Felix, Jr., at home; two sisters, Mrs. Ida Mae Kane, Gettysburg, and Miss Helen Felix, at home.
The News, May 21, 1948
Military funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Emmitsburg, for Sgt. John C. Felix, husband of Mrs. Rita Wivell Felix, who body was returned to this country on the Army transport Lawrence Victory. In the funeral procession were flag bearers, Eguene, William and Joseph Rodgers, and Everett Chrismer; firing squad, Paul Hummerick, Fern Ohler, Wayne McCleaf, William Zimmerman, Jack Stoner and Joseph Boyle, commander of the firing squar was Allen Bouey, bugler was Larry Knight. Members of the VFW were also in line. The pallbearers were Marshall Sanders, Glesson Sanders, Louis Rosensteel, Aumen Myers, Earl Bishop and George Baker. Burial was in cemetery adjoining the church. Staff Sgt. Robert Alexander of Midland, Pa., stationed at the Quartermaster's Depot at Philadelphia accompanied the body to Emmitsburg and remained until after the funeral.
The News, May 16, 1942
PVT. GEORGE FRANKLIN FERRELL Died in Virgin Islands of Stab Wounds
A few hours after his mother received the first word she had received from him in eleven months, George Franklin Ferrell, 21yearold son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ferrell, of Jefferson, died of stab wounds at St. Croix in the Virgin Islands last Sunday night, according to a telegram received by the parents from the War Department.
Young Ferrell was serving with the Army Air Corps. No details of the fatal stabbing were given in the telegram from the War Department, which informed the parents that a letter would follow.
The parents had heard nothing from their son since last June, when he was transferred to Trinidad, until last Sunday afternoon when Mrs. Ferrell received this Mother's Day message: "Greeting for a mother as dear and as thoughtful as you on Mother's Day."
Mrs. Ferrell said she had written to her son each week or ten days since he enlisted December 8, 1939, and that she heard from him regularly until he left Puerto Rico last June for Trinidad. When last heard from he was a private and was with a bombing squadron.
A former student at Frederick High School, young Ferrell was wellknown here as well as in his home community. He was born at Petersville and would have been 22 years old on September 21. His parents had expected him to return home this year when his three enlistment ended.
The War Department, in notifying the parents of their son's death, said his body cannot be returned to this country for interment until after the end of hostilities. Addressed to Mrs. Ferrell and signed by the Adjutant General, the War Department telegram read:
"The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son, George F. Ferrell, died about 10:30 p.m. in Virgin Islands as a result of stab wounds. No remains can be transported to he U. S. until after the termination of hostilities when the Quartermaster General, Washington, D. C. will, if possible and upon written request of the next of kin, bring the remains to the U. S. for final interment. Letter follows."
Members of the family said young Ferrell was anxious to go into the service but frequently expressed fear that something serious might happen at home before he returned.
His father was a machine gunner stationed at Fort Meade during the last World War. Besides his parents, the deceased is survived by two younger brothers, Joseph and James, at home, and his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Laura E. Ferrell, of Petersville.
DONALD W. FETTEROFF
The News, October 14, 1944
CAPT. EARL WAYNE FITZWATER, 27, who was manager of the Southern States Frederick Pet Cooperative, Inc., when he entered service early in 1941, has been killed in action on Peleliu, the Navy Department has notified his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Fitzwater, of Swanton, Garrett county.
A Marine, Capt. Fitzwater resided at 102 West Third street when he left here to take a period of training at Officers' Candidate school at Quantico, Va., from which he was graduated and appointed a second lieutenant. Local sources said they understood Capt. Fitzwater had landed on Peleliu only a short time before he was killed on September 16.
Capt. Fitzwater was stationed here about three years with Southern States and had a number of friends in this city and county. He was married after he entered the Marines and there is a young son surviving in addition to his wife. Four sisters and a brother also survive. Capt. Fitzwater was a graduated of the University of Maryland.
The News, January 8, 1945
PFC. RICHARD L. FLEMING, JR., son of Mrs. Robert B. Crothers, 200 Grover Boulevard, has been missing in action in France since December 16, the date of the opening of the German counteroffensive, his mother was advised Saturday by the War Department.
His last letter, dated December 9 and received by his mother on December 24, was from somewhere in Germany.
Pfc. Fleming enlisted in the ASTP prior to his eighteenth birthday. He reported at the University of Florida in September, 1943 and continued his studies until December, 1943, when he was assigned to active duty. He took his basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., and later was stationed at Fort Jackson, S. C. He went overseas last October and apparently arrived in England about November 1.
From his letters, he apparently arrived in France the latter part of November. He was serving with an infantry regiment.
In view of the fact that some of the American units were disorganized and divided during the German counter rush between December 16 and 27, it is held possible that Pfc. Fleming may have become separated from his unit.
The News, April 19, 1945
Mrs. Robert Crothers, 200 Grove Boulevard, this city, was advised that her son, Pfc. Richard L. Fleming, Jr., missing in action since last December 16, is a prisoner of war in Germany.
A card dated January 17, written in French, was received by Mrs. Crothers, informing her that Pfc. Fleming was a prisoner of war on that date. It also said that Pfc. Fleming was being transferred to another camp. She was advised not to write until further advised of his address.
The card was apparently delayed some time in reaching its destination. Mrs. Crothers said it is a relief to get some definite information, expressing the hope that he has been liberated by this time.
The date on which he was declared missing in France coincided with the date of the start of the German drive around Bastogne and a number of American units were reported split and isolated during the surprise German offensive.
The News, April 30, 1945
Pfc. Richard L. Fleming, Jr., son of Mrs. Robert B. Crothers, Grove Boulevard, last reported as a prisoner of the Germans, has been freed and is not recuperating from pneumonia at a hospital in England, his mother was advised today in a letter from the hospital chaplain.
The chaplain said Pfc. Fleming was responding well to treatment, gaining strength daily and would soon be able to write home. The letter, dated April 23, indicated that Pfc. Fleming arrived in England around April 20. It is believed he may have been removed by plane from the prison camp to England when released from captivity.
The only word ever received by Mrs. Crothers from her son since he was officially reported missing December 16 was a card dated January 17 from a prison camp saying that he was a prisoner. He is now recuperating at U. S. Hospital Plant 4192, APO 209, care of Postmaster, New York city.
The News, June 21, 1945
Pfc. Richard Lee Fleming, son of Mrs. Robert B. Crothers, Grove Boulevard, died June 6 in a hospital in England, a terse War Department telegram informed his mother this morning. This notification followed a message cleared through official channels last Friday, in which the young soldier was reported to have been evacuated June 9 by hospital ship to this country. An evacuation number also had been given and the family had been told that he might be expected to arrive in the States within ten days after sailing from England.
Conflicting information has been received here for weeks since Pfc. Fleming was reported suffering from tubercular meningitis, developed after he had been forced to work long hours with insufficient nourishment while a prisoner of the Germans from last December 18. Official sources had explained that he was in a German hospital at the time of his liberation April 17 at Halle, Germany, about 50 miles from Berlin. It is believed that he was then transported by plane to England for hospitalization.
At one time a form card told his family that he was convalescing but the following day a letter described him as gravely ill. Two letters were written by the soldier himself, early in May, one somewhat shaky, it was stated, but the other long and cheerful. In the letter, Pfc. Fleming had said that he had made his first step in 60 days and should be coming home soon.
The last official report from the hospital was received on May 31 and this message termed the soldier's condition as very serious. Yet some hope was held for his recovery when last week's notification of his evacuation arrived. The family had been expecting a telephone call at any moment during the past few days, with the news of his return to the States.
The News, July 19, 1948
The remains of Pfc. Richard Fleming will arrive in this city Tuesday afternoon. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home, 106 East Church street, Thursday morning at eleven o'clock. Interment will be made in Mt. Olivet cemetery. It is requested flowers be omitted. M. R. Etchison and son, funeral directors.
The News, February 26, 1945
PVT. THOMAS FLEMING, husband of Mrs. Ruth Redmond Fleming, 710 North Market street was killed in action in Germany February 9, according to a War Department telegram received by his wife over the weekend. No other details were given.
Relatives said the telegram at first gave the date of death as February 26, which would have been today and was obviously incorrect, but it is understood that a correction later changed the date to February 9.
Pvt. Fleming was an infantryman and, it was reported, had been overseas only a very short time. He was reported to have formerly resided in Carroll county and worked at the Glenn L. Martin plant in Baltimore prior to entering the service. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a young daughter. It is understood a letter was received from him over the weekend, which was written February 4.
The News, March 7, 1945
Pvt. Thomas Lee Fleming, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Fleming, of Woodbine, was killed in action in Germany on February 9, according to word from the War Department. Pvt. Fleming had apparently been in action only a very short time, since in one of his last letters he reported that he was on the ocean both Christmas and New Year's Day. He left here December 18 for Fort Meade after completing his basic training at Camp Blanding, Fla. He entered the service last July.
Pvt. Fleming, a graduate of Sykesville High School and the Bliss Electrical School in Washington, had been employed at the Glenn L. Martin plant in Baltimore for five or six years prior to entering service. He was 23 years of age. Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ruth Fleming, 710 North Market street, and one daughter, Karol Lee, also two brothers, R. E. Fleming, Decatur, Ga., and William T. Fleming, Washington.
The News, April 25, 1949
Remains of Pfc. Thomas Lee Fleming, Woodbine, killed in action in Belgium, February 9, 1945, will be given full military honors, Thursday, 2 p.m. at reinterment services in Memorial Plot of Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick.
Pfc. Fleming was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Fleming, Woodbine. He enlisted from Frederick in July, 1944; took his basic training at Camp Blanding, Fla.; went overseas in December of that year and was killed by shell fire at the age of 25 years.
Original interment in Belgium was in Foy Cemetery, Bastogne. The remains will arrive home under military escort at Sykesville, Tuesday, and remain at the funeral home of C. M. Waltz, Winfield, until removed here for reburial Thursday afternoon.
He was a graduate of Sykesville High School, and the Bliss Electrical School, Washington.
Surviving are his parents, a daughter Karol Lee Fleming, living with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Corbet, 12 West Fourteenth street, Frederick; two brothers, Roy E. Fleming, Milwaukee, Wisc.; and William J. Fleming. Washington, D. C.
Company A Maryland National Guard will provide pallbearers, firing squad, bugler and chaplain for the graveside services of the reburial. There will be no other services.
The News, May 17, 1945
CPL. WILLIAM L. FLETCHER of Lime Kiln was killed in action in Germany on April 10, 1945, according to word received recently by relatives.
The News, March 13, 1945
SEAMAN 2/c JOHN T. FLOOK is Missing
With one son reported missing in action since July 24, 1943, Mr. and Mrs. Albert D. Flook of Myersville have been notified that another son, Seaman 2/c John T. Flook, U.S.N.R. is missing in action in the Pacific.
Their other son in service, S.Sgt. Max K. Flook, Army Air Forces, was reported shot down off Sicily and nothing further has been reported to his parents since they were notified in August, 1943, that he was missing in action.
Seaman Flook had written his parents from the Pacific informing them that he was in the Marianas. He was on duty on an LCI boat and it is assumed that he was lost in the landing on Iwo or in the Philippines.
Prior to his entry into service last May, Seaman Flook was employed at the Fairchild Aircraft plant in Hagerstown. His brother, a graduate of Lebanon Valley College, also worked at Fairchild before entering the service.
The missing brothers are two of five sons of Mr. and Mrs. Flook. The other three are not in service. They are brothers of Mrs. Bruce V. Kepler of Middletown.
The News, August 21, 1943
STAFF SERGT. MAX K. FLOOK, Army Air Corps radio operator, has been missing in action in Sicily since July 24, the War Department notified his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert D. Flook of Myersville, on Friday.
In a telegram, the War Department merely notified the parents that their son is missing and promised to forward any further reports on his status. A graduate of Middletown High School and Lebanon Valley College, Staff Sergt. Flook enlisted in the Army Air Corps in June of last year and has been in foreign service for sometime. He was in South America prior to his arrival in North Africa, whence he apparently participated in the Sicilian invasion.
On July 24, the date of his disappearance, the Allies were hammering the central area of Sicily as well as softening the northern sections of the island for the advancing ground forces. The invasion of Sicily began on July 10.
Sergt. Flook, who had not been on furlough since his enlistment had written frequently to his parnets. He was first station at Barksdale Field, Shreveport, La., and later at an unidentified field in South Dakota where he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He transferred to Florida before being sent to South America and then to North Africa. His assignments have been with bombing squadrons.
The missing radioman was active in athletics and other extracurricular activities at both Middletown High School and Lebanon Valley College. He graduated from the high school in 1937 and from college in June 1942. He worked at Fairchild Aircraft Corp. plant in Hagerstown for several weeks prior to his enlistment.
Sergt. Flook is the only one of five sons of Mr. and Mrs. Flook in the armed service. He is brother of Mrs. Bruce V. Kepler, of Middletown, who is employed at the Roger Brooke Taney Homes, this city, and is a nephew of Register of Wills Roy L. Leatherman, this city.
The News, July 11, 1944
PFC. DALE M. FORD Killed in Invasion of Normandy
First Thurmont man with the 29th Division to be killed in the invasion was Pfc. Dame M. Ford, 22. His wife, Mrs. Florence Wireman Ford, has received word from the War Department that Pfc Ford was killed in action in France on June 13, just one week after DDay.
The soldier was the son of Mrs. Mary Ford and the late Zechariah Ford, of Hunterstown, Pa., formerly of Thurmont. He is survived by his wife, his mother and one son.
Pfc. Ford joined Company A, 115th Infantry, 29th Division, more than five years ago in the old days of the National Guard. He was inducted into regular military service when the division was activated in February, 1941, at Fort George G. Meade. After maneuvers in Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, he was also stationed in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey before leaving for foreign duty in October, 1942. During his 22 months overseas he was stationed in England.
The News, April 19, 1945
CPL. GEORGE W. "DOC" FORD, manager of a local bowling alley before he entered service and a wellknown resident of Frederick, died of wounds on Luzon in the Philippine Islands March 29, according to a War Department telegram received this morning by his wife, Mrs. Virginia Wallace Ford, 59 South Market street.
The telegram gave the first indication that Cpl. Ford had even been wounded. It said only that a confirmatory letter would follow.
Cpl. Ford, a lifelong resident of this city, is a son of Mrs. Cora Ford, of Linden Hills, and the late John Ford. He graduated from Frederick High School in 1936 and then became associated with the Frederick Recreation Center, better known as the Baker bowling alleys, on North Market street. He was the manager when he was inducted into service just about two years ago.
He took his basic training at Fort McClellan, Ala., and graduated from Enlisted Cadre School there last May. He left the United States in November after being at Ford Ord, Calif. for a short time. He was with an infantry division on Luzon and letters had been received from him regularly until the last came to his wife under date of March 21. He said in this letter that he was well and he indicated he would write the next day. When no further letters were received, Mrs. Ford had begun to feel that something had happened.
A member of the Church of the Brethren and of the United Fire Company, Cpl. Ford had many friends in this city. Besides his wife, who is the daughter of Mrs. Walter Wallace, and his mother, he is survived by two brothers; Rev. Norman F. Ford, former Boy Scout executive here, now pastor of the Williamsburg, Pa. Church of the Brethren, and Charles Ford, this city, and six sisters, Mrs. Fred Darner, Lancaster, Pa.; Mrs. Elias Zimmerman and Mrs. Ralph Zimmerman, Beltsville; Mrs. Austin Hoke, Mrs. Mary Nickle and Mrs. William Kreh, all of this city.
The News, June 24, 1948
The remains of Cpl. George William "Doc" Ford, 59 Sough Market street, who was wounded March 27, 1945 and died in a hospital in the Philippine Islands on the 29th arrived in this city Tuesday afternoon. Cpl. Ford was 27 years old and a son of Mrs. Cora H. Whipp Ford and the late John H. Ford. He was a member of the Church of the Brehtren and before entering the service was employed by the Recreation Center. He was married to the former Miss Virginia Wallace. Surviving are his mother and the following sisters and brothers; Mrs. William T. Kreh, Mrs. Austin Hoke, Mrs. Elias Zimmerman, all of this city; Mrs. Fred Darner, Lancaster, Pa.; Mrs. Ralph Zimmerman, Beltsville; Charles H. Ford, Linden Hills; Norman F. Ford, Wilmington, Del. Cpl Ford rests at the funeral home, 106 East Church street from where funeral seruvices will take place Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Interment in the Memorial Plot in Mount Olivet cemetery. Mr. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors.
The News, June 27, 1948
The funeral of Cpl. George William Ford, of this city, who was killed in action in the Philippines March 29, 1945, took place from the funeral home, 106 East Church street Saturday afternoon at two o'clock. Rev. William C. Royal, of the First Baptist Church, assisted by Rev. Norman F. Ford, a brother of the deceased, officiated. Members of Company a, 115th Infantry, Maryland National Guard, conducted military honors at the grave. Pallbearers were LeRoy Blumenauer, Garwood Harrison, Joseph Rhoderick, Earl Gill, Delwood Michael and James Loy. Interment in Memorial Plot in Mount Olivet cemetery. M. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors.
The News, May 29, 1948
War Casualties Being Returned
The remains of four local men are among the 4,459 American war casualties being returned to the United States from Manila aboard the U.S. Army Transport Lieut. George W.G. Boyce, the Department of the Army announced today. The arrival will be announced by the San Francisco Port of Embarkation : Cpl. Ford, former manager of the Frederick Recreation Center bowling alleys died of wounds on Luzon, Philippine Islands on March 29, 1945.
The News, March 5, 1945
PFC. HARRY F. FRALEY of Thurmont was killed in action in France on February 14, the War Department notified his wife, Mrs. Norma T. Fraley, over the weekend. Notice of his death will be confirmed by letter, the War Department informed her.
In service about a year, Pfc. Fraley was employed by Hammaker Bros., Thurmont, prior to his induction. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Baker Fraley, near Thurmont.
Besides his wife and parents, Pfc. Fraley is survived by two young children, a brother and a sister, at home.
The News, April 22, 1949
The remains of Pvt. Harry F. Fraley, killed in action in France February 14, 1945, arrived in Thurmont Thursday evening for reinterment. Reburial with full military honors at the graveside, will be conducted Saturday at 3 p.m. with services at the M. L. Creager and son funeral home and final interment in the United Brethren Cemetery.
Pvt. Fraley had been in the army only about a year when he died at the age of 25 years. He served with the Fourth Special Battalion in France for one month prior to being killed.
He was a son of Baker Fraley and the late Lucy Fraley. Surviving besides his father are his widow, Mrs. Norma Brice Fraley and two children, Nancy and Joe Fraley, Thurmont. Also, these brothers and siters: Mrs. Raymond Davis, Waynesboro, Pa.; Carroll Fraley, Hagerstown; Mrs. Evelyn Brice, Thurmont; Harold Fraley, Graceham; Ray Fraley, Mrs. Revebelle Fisher, Thurmont.
Rev. Ivan G. Naugle will officiate at the reburial services, with military honors rendered by Edwin C. Creeger, Jr. Post American Legion.
The News, April 25, 1949
Reburial of Pfc. Harry F. Fraley, killed in action in France, was conducted with full military honors in Thurmont United Brethren cemetery, Sunday. Rev. Ivan G. Naugle officiated at the religious rites held in the funeral home, 3 p.m. Edwin C. Creeger, Jr. Post American Legion furnished the military details at the graveside ceremonies.
Colorbearers were Eugene Brice and Albert Ecker. Colorguards were Eugene Valentine and James Mackley. Beemore Poole was in charge of the firing squad, consisting of Lawrence Harne, Harry Fogle, Clifford Clabaugh, Dennis Pittinger, Lee Martin, Elwood Riffle, Joseph Clabaugh and Raymond Knott.
Pallbearers were Charles Hoff, Albert Riffle, Jr., Charles Downs, Jr., Curtis Weddle, Jr., Leonard Fogle and Jack Kiser. Buglers were Edward Hobbs and Chester Zentz, Jr. Sergt. Albert Herzog, Brooklyn, was escort for the returning body. M. L. Creager and Son, funeral directors.
The News, June 28, 1948
PVT. EDWARD L. FULMER, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Fulmer, of Middletown, was killed in France on June 24, 1944. He had been in the paratroops at Fort Benning, Ga., prior to going overseas in January, 1944. He was a graduate of Middletown High School. He was inducted into service on February 19, 1943. Previously he had worked at Hagerstown and had also been employed with the telephone company at Bethesda. He was unmarried.
The News, July 17, 1948
Funeral services for Pvt. Edward L. Fulmer, Middletown, who was killed in action in France, took place from the funeral home in Middletown Friday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. E. Fox. Members of Middletown Post of the American Legion attended in a body. Rites were largely attended and floral tributes were elaborate and beautiful. Pallbearers were Dale Kepler, Edward Falkenstein, Renice Reed, Ellis Stroup, Robert Shank and Eugene Alexander, Jr. Military rites, color guard, firing squad and bugler were under the Middletown Amvets. Interment in Reformed cemetery. Gladhill Company, funeral directors.
LT. HENRY LLOYD GALL
The New, July 14, 1946
The funeral of Henry Lloyd Gall, retired Lieut. U.S.N., who died on Thursday evening in Naval Hospital at Bethesda, was held Sunday with services at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Glenn Gall, in Thurmont, at 3.30 conducted by Rev. Charles H. Corbett. Honorary pallbearers were U.S. Navy officers from Washington, E.G. Dennis, W. S. Bure, N.L. Saunders, G.R. Hansen, B.E. Irwin. Members of Acacia Lodge A.F. And A.M. Thurmont, acted as pallbearers: Charles Wolfe, Marion Pryor, Charles Ambrose, Daniel Rock, Thomas L. Steffey, Lawrence McGloughlin. The Lodge also held services at the graveside with William Winebrenner, Jr, Worshipful Master; Geoge Glack, Senior Warden; Henry K. Testerman, Jr., Warden; Elden Buhrman, chaplain. Burial was in United Brethren cemetery. M.L. Creager and Son funeral directors.
The News, April 4, 1945
STAFF SERGEANT JOHN R. GALL, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Gall, of Thurmont, was killed in action in Germany on March 17, a War Department telegram informed his wife, Mrs. Gladys E. Gall. There were no details.
S/Sgt. Gall was in the army two years last February 19. He received basic training at Camp McCain, Miss., maneuvers in Tennessee and at Columbia, S. C. He was sent overseas last October, arriving in England and later transferred to France, where he was attached to Co. M, 345th Infantry, in the 87th or "Acorn" Division, part of General Patton's Third Army. He participated in the amphibious operations across the Moselle river into Coblentz.
S/Sgt. Gall was a graduate of Thurmont High School, class of 1939, and was wellknown in Frederick, where his family resided for nine years prior to removing to Thurmont. Prior to entering army service, he assisted his father in his Thurmont store.
S/Sgt. Gall was married to the former Miss Gladys E. Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Martin, of Thurmont. Besides his parents and his wife, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Virginia Lee Stottlemyer, Phoenix, Arizona.
The News, April 5, 1945
Word of S/Sgt. John R. Gall's death in action in Germany on March 17, was received this week by his wife, Mrs. Gladys E. Gall, of Thurmont. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Gall, also of Thurmont and formerly of Frederick. With Gen. Patton's Third Army, S/Sgt. Gall is believed by his parents to have been killed in the crossing of the Moselle river near its confluence with the Rhine in the Coblenz vicinity. It was there that Holbrook Bradley, Sunpapers war correspondent reported seeing him on March 17, apparently just before he was killed. S/Sgt. Gall's father was stationed for some months in this same locality during World War I, and so has a fairly good idea of about where his son must have met his death.
The News, March 17, 1944
PVT. FRANK A GARDNER, JR., is Missing in Action
Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Gardner, Sr., near Mt. Airy, were notified that their son, Pvt. Frank A. Gardner, Jr., has been missing in action since January 23.
Pvt. Gardner was 20 years old last January 22 and had been in Army services since February 19, 1943. He arrived in North Africa last September and his parents are not certain when he landed in Italy. His last letter to his parents as dated January 13, ten days before he was listed as missing from his infantry unit.
The News, September 6, 1945
According to information received by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gardner, Mt. Airy, from the War Department, their 21 year old son, Pvt. Gardner, is presumed to have died in action in the Battle of Cassino in Italy.
Reported missing January 23, 1944, Pvt. Gardner left this country in September of 1943 and arrived in Africa in October with an infantry division and from there was sent as a replacement into Italy.
He was inducted February 19, 1943, and received his basic and combat training with the 86th Infantry Division at Camp McCain, Granada, Miss.
The News, August 23, 1944
FLIGHT OFFICER IRVIN B. GAVER, husband of Mrs. Claudine Smith Gaver, 410 West South street, who was killed in action in a plane crash at Midnapore, India on July 26, is believed to be the first local casualty from that area in the present war. The youthful airman, who was known to his Army associates as "Curly Joe", was a son of Mrs. Lulu Gaver, this city, with whom he resided, and Morris Gaver, also of Frederick. He would have been twenty three years of age next month.
As far as is known, young Gaver was one of the first American men to fly the B29 Superfortress in foreign service. He entered the Air Corps in January, 1940, and was graduated from its technical training school at Chanute, Ill., and the following September, after which he spent about 32 months in Puerto Rico, Panama and the South Pacific. Last summer he returned to the States for further schooling and was graduated as a flight officer at Lowrey Field, Denver, Colo., this past November. Before leaving for India, where he had been located for approximately six months at the time of his death, he is understood to have visited here.
Flight Officer Gaver was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church and Sunday School, Utica, and attended the elementary school in Lewistown before entering Frederick High School where he was graduated in 1939.
The News, December 4, 1948
The remains of Flight Officer Irvin B. Gaver, of the Army Air Force, who was killed in a plane crash at Midnapore, India on July 26, 1944, have arrived in the United States aboard the USAT Dalton Victory, the Department of the Army has announced.
A son of Mrs. Lulu I Gaver, 410 West South street, Frederick, FO Gaver was the first Frederick County war casualty in the India theater of operations.
Nearly 23 years of age at the time of his death, he was one of the first American men to fly the B29 Superfortress in foreign service. He entered the Air Corps in January, 1940, and was graduated from it's technical training school at Chanute, Ill. the following Septmeber, after which he spent about 32 months in Puerto Rico, Panama and the South Pacific. He returned to the States for further schooling and was graduated as a flight officer at Lowrey Field, Denver, Colo.
Flight Officer Gaver was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church and Sunday school, Utica, and attend the elementary school in Lewistown before entering Frederick High school where he was graduated in 1939.
The News, December 28, 1948
The remains of Flight Officer Irvin B. Gaver, of the Army Air Force, who was killed in a plane crash at Midnapore, India on July 26, 1944, will arrive here this afternoon and will rest at the funeral home at 8 East Patrick street.
Military funeral rites will be conducted from the funeral home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock and interment will be made in Memorial Plot of Mt. Olivet cemetery in charge of C. E. Cline and Son.
The deceased is survived by his mother, Mrs. Lulu I. Gaver, 410 West South street, formerly of Lewistown; his father, Morris Gaver, Frederick; his widow, Mrs. Claudine Smith Gaver Harne, this city; two brothers, Walter T. Gaver, at home; Cpl. James E. Gaver, Army Air Force, Turner Field, Ga.; and a sister, Mrs. Irene Esworthy, at home. One niece also survives.
F. O. Gaver was the first Frederick county casualty in the India theater of operations.
The News, June 24, 1943
PFC. KELLSIE A. GAVER, aged 32 years and nine months, son of Mrs. Lula M. Gaver of Myersville, and the late C. C. Gaver, was killed in action in the Pacific area on June 16.
Word of his death was received in a telegram from the War Department to his mother Monday. A letter is to follow.
A baker in the Army, Pfc Gaver entered military service May 22, 1943, and had been in the Pacific area a very short time. His last letter written in this country was received at his home in April, another letter, written in the Pacific area in June was received last week.
Before the war Pfc. Gaver was by trade a carpenter and resided with his mother in Myersville. He was unmarried. Besides his mother, Pfc Gaver is survived by one sister, Mrs. Howard Hartman, of Frederick; four brothers, Roy, of Frederick; Clarence and Raymond, of Myersville; and Pvt. Glen Gaver, in England; two nephews and one niece.
The News, June 26, 1943
Pfc Kellsie A. Gaver, 32 was killed in action in the Pacific battle area June 18, a telegram from the War Department informed his mother, Mrs. Lula M. Gaver, of Myersville, this week. He had been in the Pacific only about a month. Pfc. Gaver had been a carpenter by trade before entering service in May 1942.
PVT RICHARD CALVIN GEISBERT
The News, February 24, 1943
STAFF SERGT. HABARD T. GLADHILL, Emmitsburg infantryman, has been reported as missing in action in Africa since January 31, according to a telegram received by his mother, Mrs. Sarah Gladhill, of Emmitsburg.
Sergt. Gladhill, 31, had been with the American forces in northwest Africa, according to the information given in the official communication from the War Department. He is a son of the late Howard Gladhill, of Emmitsburg.
The infantryman is the second Emmitsburg man to be reported as missing in action. Staff Sergt. Wilbur Roland Long, 23, photographer on an Army Air Corps bomber, was reported last fall as missing over the South Pacific since September 14.
Sergt. Gladhill, and Emmitsburg High School graduate, first enlisted in the Army in 1933 and was in the Philippines for some time. He reenlisted in the infantry and went overseas in July, 1942. The last letter received from him by his mother was dated January 8, 1943.
Sergt. Gladhill was married in April, 1939, to Miss Rose Consotti, of New York city. She resides in the latter city. He was a graduate of St. Euphemia Parochial School at Emmitsburg, in addition to Emmitsburg High School.
The News, July 27, 1943
Staff Sergeant Habard T. Gladhill, son of Mrs. Sara(sic) Gladhill, 527 West Main street, has been awarded the Silver Star for outstanding bravery in action on the battlefields of Northern Africa, and since Sergeant Gladhill has been reported missing by the War Department, the medal was presented to his mother at Emmitsburg without formality. Mrs. Gladhill stated "I wish to not have any display made, especially at this time." Mrs. Gladhill has two other sons in the service.
Those who knew "Hab" as a boy around town can easily understand that he would remain at his post, facing the enemy, with no thought of giving one inch of ground. The community is rightfully proud of "Hab" Gladhill and steps are being taken to honor the name of this town boy who so freely gave all for his country.
The citation reads:
"Habard T. Gladhill , 6848366" Staff Sergeant, Infantry. For gallantry in action. Sergeant Gladhill, on his own initiative and despite the intense fire of enemy machine guns and mortars, remained at his own machine gun until they were destroyed by enemy mortar shell and then, although seriously wounded, continued to fire with his rifle. As a result of this action, Sergeant Gladhill has been reported missing. Residence at enlistment: Emmitsburg, Md. Next of kin: Mrs. Sarah Gladhill, mother, Emmitsburg, Md.
"By command of Major General Allen
"S. B. Mason, Colonel G. S. C., Chief of Staff"
The News, April 1, 1943
STAFF SGT. CARL P. GOCHNAUER, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Gochnauer, of Adamstown was promoted to that rank and received the silver wings of the Army Air Corps upon graduating from the Aerial Gunnery School, Kingman, Ariz., March 6. He has also completed an extensive course in the maintenance of the B24 and B17 bombers. Staff Sgt. Gochnauer enlisted in the Air Corps in August, and is now stationed at the air base at Salt Lake City, Utah.
The News, June 6, 1944
Technical Sergt. Carl P. Gochnauer, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Gochnauer, of Adamstown is missing over France, the War Department formally notified his parents in a telegram Monday.
They were informed merely that he has been listed as missing. Members of the family said only one bomber failed to return from missions over France on May 23, the day he was reported missing. He was nearing the completion of his allotted missions, they said.
Sergt. Gochnauer had been overseas since August of last year and had recently been transferred to a base in England after seeing action in Italy. He graduated from the Aerial Gunnery School at Kingman, Ariz., and was stationed at Salt Lake City, Utah, after receiving his silver wings. He enlisted in the Air Corps in August, 1942.
The missing engineer gunner is a brother of Mrs. Vernal C. Moore, 201 West Seventh street, and Fay Gochnauer, Adamstown.
The News, no date
SERGT. GEORGE M. GOSNELL, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph M. Gosnell, who resided in Frederick, entered the Army February 20, and is stationed at Camp McCain, Miss. After the death of his parents, Sergt. Gosnell moved to Washington, D. C., to reside with his uncle and aunt. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. George Haller, of Frederick.
The News, January 4, 1945
Mrs. Ernest E. Miller, of Washington, has received word that her nephew, Staff Sgt. George M. Gosnell, was killed in action on December 16 somewhere in Germany. A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Gosnell, of Frederick, both of whom were killed in accidents within a short period of time, S/Sgt. Gosnell was the third member of his family to meed a violent death
Twentyone years old on November 4, the soldier had begun his Army career on February 20, 1943, taking his training in Washington and South Carolina. He had been overseas about two months with an infantry division.
S/Stg. Gosnell was well known both in Frederick and Washington. He received his elementary schooling in this city, but was graduated from high school in Washington. After his parents death he made his home here with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Haller, later moving to Washington to reside with his aunt, Mrs. Miller.
He is survived by two brothers, Pfc. Charles H. Gosnell, some where in England, and Bernard Thomas Gosnell, who left Wednesday for the Army, also a sister, Helen Gosnell, of Silver Spring.
The News, August 5, 1948
The News, April 22, 1949
The remains of S/Sgt. George McK. Gosnell, arrived in this city Tuesday afternoon and were removed to the funeral home, 106 East Church street where friends may call after 7 o'clock this evening. Funeral will take place from the funeral home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment in Mt. Olivet cemetery.
S/Sgt. Gosnell, 21, was killed in France December 16, 1944. The soldier had begun his Army career on February 20, 1943, taking his training in Washington and South Carolina. He had been overseas about two months with an infantry division.
He was well known both in this city and Washington, He received his elementary schooling in this city, but was graduated from high school in Washington.
A son of the late Ralph M. and Lucy V. Haller Gosnell, he is survived by two brothers, Charles H. Gosnell, near this city, and Richard T. Gosnell, this city; a sister, Mrs. Howard Gray, Silver Spring.
M. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors.
The News, April 25, 1949
The funeral of S.Sgt. George McK. Gosnell, who was killed in France, December 16, 1944, took place from the funeral home, 106 East Church street, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Dr. W. V. Garrett, pastor of Evangelical Lutheran church, officiated. There were many floral emblems. Military honors were given at the grave by Maryland National Guard Co. A, 115th Infantry. Pallbearers were: Charles A. Lawson, Emory M. Bierley, Dewey Ford, Edwin Brookey, Sr., Kenneth May and Alonzo Fox. Interment was in Mount Olivet cemetery. M. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors.
2ND LT CHARLES VERLIN GOUKER
The News, September 2, 1944
PVT. DONALD VINCENT GRIFFITH Killed in Action
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Griffith, Brunswick, have been notified that their son, Pvt. Griffith, was killed in action in France on July 27.
The News, September 30, 1944
PVT/ WILLIAM J. GRIMES is Killed
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer F. Grimes, who reside a mile north of Thurmont, were formally notified in a telegram from the War Department that their son, Pvt. William J. Grimes, was killed in action in Italy on September 13.
His wife resides at Fairfield, Pa.
A former student at Thurmont High School, Pvt. Grimes was employed at Camp Ritchie before being called into military service. He had been in the Army about 20 months and had been in Italy for some time. He was 21 years of age.
Besides his parents and wife, he is survived by three sisters, including Mrs. Henry Miller, near Thurmont.
The News, December 1, 1944
PVT. HARRY M. HAHN, JR., son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hahn, West B street, Brunswick, reported missing in action on June 25, was killed in action on that date, his parents have been notified by the War Department.
A graduate of Brunswick High School, he attended Bridgewater College for a year before entering service on October 22, 1943. He was with the First Division and trained at Camp Wheeler, Ga. His parents received a letter from him dated the day of his death, after the War Department had reported him missing.
Besides his parents, he is survived by two halfbrothers, Millard Hahn, in Texas, and Eugene Hahn, in Brunswick.
The News, January 24, 1946
S/SGT WILLIAM HOWARD HANVEY
Shot by a person whose identity is unknown, Staff Sgt. William H. Hanvey, of Brunswick, was instantly killed December 12 on the outskirts of Munich, Germany, where he was stationed with occupation forces, according to a letter received from his commanding officer, Major Edward D. Foote, of the 494th Bombardment Squadron, Army Air Corps.
The letter was received recently by his mother, Mrs. Grace Harmon, Brunswick, and confirmed a telegram received sometime ago that Sgt. Hanvey was dead. It said, "he was shot while returning to camp, from pass, from a small town on the outskirts of Munich."
Sgt. Hanvey, a native of Brunswick, graduated from Brunswick High School in 1938 and worked in Washington for a time. He was employed as a brakeman on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad when he entered service in February 1943. After basic training, he went overseas in November 1943, and was in the French and German campaigns of World War II with the air forces. He went to Munich with occupation forces after the war ended. An investigation of his death is being made, Major Foote reported in the letter. The officer said Sgt. Hanvey was buried in an American cemetery with full military honors. Besides his mother, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Margaret Hanvey Chick, also of Brunswick.
The News, September 28, 1948
The remains of Staff Sgt. William H. Hanvey of Brunswick, who was killed in Germany on December 11, 1945, will arrive in Brunswick this afternoon. Military rites will be conducted Thursday afternoon at the funeral home in Brunswick.
Staff Sgt. Hanvey was found dead of gunshot wounds near the airport in Schleisshein, Germany, the morning after he had visited Feldmoching, Germany, on an authorized pass. Responsibility for his death was not determined.
The deceased, who was 28 years old, had resided at 508 Brunswick street, Brunswick, and was a member of Brunswick Lodge, No 1136, F.O.E., and the Brotherhood of Railway Trainman. He was a son of the late John Hanvey and Mrs. Grace Kerkpatrick Harmon, who survived along with a sister, Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Chick, at home.
Services will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon with Steadman-Keenan Post No. 96, American Legion, providing pallbearers and military rites. Interment will be in Park Heights cemetery. C.H. Feete and Bro. Funeral Directors.
The News, June 1, 1945
PFC. EARL M. HARWOOD of Marines is Killed
The parents of Marine Private First Class Earl M. Harwood, 20, Burkittsville, were notified by an official telegram Tuesday evening that their son was killed in action on Okinawa, May 11.
He was the youngest of six sons, five of whom have served in the Armed Forces, George T., Jeptha E., and James N. being discharged, and another, Staff Sgt. Clark W. Harwood, U. S. Army, in a hospital somewhere in German. He is also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee C. Harwood, a sister, Mrs. Roger Bane, Charles Town, W. Va., and another brother, Ford L., in Gapland.
Pfc. Harwood was graduated from Brunswick High School in 1942. There he was an outstanding athlete. He was employed in Baltimore prior to enlisting in the Marines in May 1943. He trained at Parris Island, S. C., and Yorktown, Va., being sent to the Pacific area in December, and landing on Okinawa on Easter Sunday.
The last letter received from him was dated May 9. He had a host of friends and was one of the most popular young men in the Brunswick area.
Pfc. Harwood was particularly outstanding in baseball and while playing with the Marine team at Yorktown was picked by the New York Yankees for one of their farm teams after the war.
He is reported to be the seventh member of his high school graduating class to be killed in action.
The News, June 26, 1945
5 of 6 Sons Have Been In Service; One Killed
In its list of personnel killed in action, the Navy on Monday announced the name of Pfc. Earl M. Harwood, Marine Corps, who died in action on Okinawa, May 11. The story of the death of Pfc. Harwood, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee C. Harwood of Burkittsville, appeared in The News June 1.
Three of the brothers had already been discharged from service, Jeptha because of a spinal injury, George because of wounds sustained in Algiers, and James to reenter agricultural work. S/Sgt. Clark Harwood was one of the first volunteer draftees to go out of Frederick county. He is now seriously ill in Germany, where he was wounded last November and suffered a relapse in April after returning to duty in February. The three brothers who have been discharged were called to service within a 30day period in May and June, 1942. Pfc. Earl Harwood, the youngest of the six sons, enlisted in the Marines in May 1943.
The News, January13, 1945
The remains of Pfc. Earl M. Harwood, of Burkittsville, a member of the U. S. Marine Corps, who was killed in action on Okinawa, have been returned to the United States for reinterment from the Pacific area aboard the army transport Sergeant Jack J. Pendleton, the Department of the Army announced today.
Pfc. Harwood, and outstanding athlete while at Brunswick High School, was killed in action on Okinawa May 11, 1945.
Pfc. Harwood, the youngest of six sons, graduated from Brunswick High School in 1942 and was one of the most popular young men in that section. Particularly outstanding in baseball, he had been picked by the New York Yankees for one of their farm teams after the war, it was reported.
He enlisted in the Marines in May, 1943, after being employed in Baltimore, and trained at Parris Island, S. C., and Yorktown, Va., being sent to the Pacific area in December of 1944 and landing in Okinawa on Easter Sunday, 1945. His last letter home was dated two days before he was killed.
The News, April 29, 1945
SECOND LIEUT. ROLAND T. "BO" HAUVER, son of William E. Hauver of Myersville, is missing in action in Germany, the War Department has notified his father.
Lieut. Hauver, who was prominent in athletics and wellknown throughout the country before entering the service, has been reported missing since March 25. His father last heard from him in a letter dated March 23.
Lieut. Hauver enlisted in the Marine Corps in July, 1943, and later transferred to the Army Air Corps. He graduated from the Army Air Forces Training Command school at Selman Field, Monroe, La., last summer and later reported for assignment at LeMar Field, near Fresno, Calif. He has been overseas about six months.
The News, October 20, 1945
Second Lieut. Roland T. "Bo" Hauver, 27, son of William E. Hauver, of Myersville, was killed in action over Germany on March 25, the War Department has notified his father, ending a lengthy period of uncertainty over the well known flyer's fate.
Lieu. Hauver, an Air Corps radar navigator, had been reported in April as missing in action over Germany since March 25, the day after his 27th birthday. The latest information said a letter would follow.
His father had previously learned there was little chance that Lieut. Hauver survived, since it had been reported that only three men escaped from his aircraft when it was attacked by German planes and shot down after a bomb run on Bluchen.
Lieut. Hauver, if was learned, had previously escaped when his craft was shot down before Christmas after a raid. On that occasion, it is understood the crew bailed out near the BelgianGerman border and made their way back.
Prominent in athletics prior to his entry into the service, Lieut. Hauver was wellknown throughout the county. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in July, 1943, and later transferred to the Army Air Corps, graduating from the Army Air Forces Training Command school at Selman Field, Monroe, La., in the summer of 1944. He had been overseas about six months when he was reported missing and had participated in a number of missions.
A brother, Lieut. William E. Hauver, Jr., is in the Navy and stationed on an aircraft carrier which is now in Japanese waters. A sister, Mrs. Bruce Ahalt, resides in Myersville.
The News, March 30, 1945
PFC. JOSEPH E. HEMLER near St. Anthony's, died of wounds on Luzon on February 13, his parents were advised Thursday by the War Department. They had been notified on Monday that he was seriously wounded on Luzon on February 2. He was 23 years old.
His last letter home was dated February 1, the day before he was wounded. He reported that they he had moved into the Philippines shortly after Christmas. Prior to that he had been stationed in New
Caledonia.
He was employed at the Glenn L. Martin Plant in Baltimore prior to entering service February 6, 1943, and went into the Pacific area last year.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Hemler, near St. Anthony's; a brother, Cpl. Francis Hemler, stationed in the Pacific, and a sister, Miss Doris Hemler, Baltimore.
The News, June 24, 1948
Members of the Emmitsburg Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will serve as pallbearers and conduct military rites Saturday morning for Pfc. Joseph E. Hemler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Hemler of St. Anthony's, who died of wounds on Luzon in 1945. Requiem mass will be said in St. Anthony's Catholic church at 9 a.s. Interment well be in the church cemetery.
The remains of Pfc. Hemler arrived in Thurmont Wednesday and will be removed from the M. L. Creager and Son funeral home to the home of his parents Friday morning.
Born October 25, 1922, Pcf. Hemler served with Company L, 27th Infantry, 25th Division. He entered the service February 6, 12943 and reported at Fort George G. Meade. He received his basic training at Camp Houze, Texas, and participated in maneuvers at Camp Livingston, La. He went overseas April 27, 1944 from Fort Ord, Calif., and landed on New Caledonia May 15, 1944. He moved on to Luzon January 27, 1045.
He was wounded in action February 2, 1945, and died February 13. He was buried at Santa Barbara, Luzon, from where his remains were recently disinterred for burial at home.
He was a member of St. Anthony's church and is survived by a brother, Francis, and a sister, Doris, besides his parents.
The News, May 29, 1948
War Casualties Being Returned
The remains of four local men are among the 4,459 American war casualties being returned to the United States from Manila aboard the U.S. Army Transport Lieut. George W.G. Boyce, the Department of the Army announced today. The arrival will be announced by the San Francisco Port of Embarkation : Pfc. Joseph Hemler died of wounds on February 13, 1945 in the Philippines. He was 23 years old at the time he was wounded in action and before entering the Army was employed at the Glenn L. Martin company.
The News, May 5, 1944
LIEUT. LLOYD H. HERBERT, a bomber pilot, has informed his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Herbert, 6 East South street, of his safe arrival somewhere in Northern Ireland, His wife, the former Miss Anna Margaret Anders, left Frederick last week to spend a couple months with her parents at Virginia Beach. Lieut. Herbert and his crew left the States the first of April.
The News, June 5, 1944
Lieut. Lloyd H. Herbert, 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Herbert, 6 East South street, has been missing in action since May 19, presumably over Germany, relatives were notified over the weekend by telegram from the War Department.
Lieut. Herbert is a bomber pilot and had been stationed in Great Britain. An official announcement on May 19 said that a heavy force of American bombers hit targets in the Berlin and Brunswick areas of Germany on that day. Nazi accounts said at the time that there was a running air battle across Germany to the sky over the capital.
Lieut. Herbert's bride of less than a year is the former Miss Anna Margaret Anders, daughter of Major and Mrs. Guy Anders. She has been residing for about a month with her parents at Virginia Beach, Va. Major Anders is stationed at Fort Story, near Virginia Beach. Mrs. Herbert was notified together with his parents that he was missing.
The last message his parents received from him was dated May 15, following a Mother's Day card sent the previous day. His wife, it is understood, had received word that the bomber which her husband had piloted had made at least four missions over Germany prior to the one of May 19.
Lieut. Herbert is a graduate of Frederick High School, Class of 1935. Following his graduation, he was employed at the Farmers and Mechanics Bank and later by the Potomac Edison Company. He was then employed in radio work at College Park., Md, before he entered the service November 11, 1942.
He took his basic training at Nashville, Tenn., and Maxwell Field, Ala., after entering the Air Corps. He received his wings and was commissioned as a second lieutenant at George Field, Lawrenceville, Ill., August 30. Prior to that time he had been married to Miss Anders in the George Field post chapel on July 31.
He was later stationed at Alamagordo, N. M., and Harrington, Kas., before being sent to the East Coast and leaving for England in April.
The News, June 23, 1944
Hope that Lieut. Lloyd H. Herbert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Herbert, 6 East South street, and husband of Mrs. Anna Margaret Herbert, Virginia Beach, Va., parachuted to safety last May 19 over Germany was given impetus Thursday when members of family learned indirectly from another Liberator pilot that Lieut. Herbert "cleared" his plane after a futile effort to remain in formation.
From the wife of the unidentified pilot came word that her husband had written from England that he had talked to Lieut. Herbert by radio shortly before the local pilot bailed out.
Lieut. Herbert told him, he wrote that his plane had been hit and "couldn't make it." As the plane started down, the other pilot wrote, members of the crew bailed out and Lieut. Herbert continued down with the plane some distance before giving up hope of resuming flight with the remainder of the formation.
The unidentified pilot, who reportedly trained with Lieut. Herbert and was one of his closest "buddies," reported that he saw the local pilot clear his ship and open his chute. According to information received, the other pilot informed his wife that he knows where Lieut. Herbert landed but he said he could not reveal the location.
The heartening information, it was explained, came to Mrs. Herbert at Virginia Beach from the wife of the other pilot, who resides in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Herbert in turn advised her husband's parents here.
Lieut. Herbert was officially reported missing after mission on May 19 and his wife and parents have had no further official information since. He was known to have made at least five missions over Europe.
The News, no date
German seeks info on Frederick pilot by Nancy Luse, NewsPost Staff
A chance encounter on the Internet between a German couple and a couple from California has sparked their investigation into the crash of a U. S. bomber during World War II which was piloted by a Frederick man.
"The plane, a B24, was on a bombing raid from England when it crashed on May 19, 1944, in the vicinity of Hannover," said EnricoRene Schwartz, and IBM consultant and German citizen.
About a year ago, Mr. Schwartz said he was communicating over the Internet with a California couple looking for information about the crash because the woman's grandfather, the radio operator, was on board. His remains were never recovered.
"We were touched by their story," Mr. Schwartz said, especially since his grandfather also was never located. He decided to see what he could find out.
"We devoted any spare minute," he said.
In his research, which included locating the crash site, talking with a few eyewitnesses and pouring over German and U. S. files, Mr. Schwartz discovered the plane was piloted by 2nd Lieut. Lloyd H. Herbert of Frederick.
Lieut. Herbert's name is listed as "killed in action" on the World War II monument in Memorial Park, Frederick.
Mr. Schwartz said the 10 men who died on the downed plane have "become like family to us" and he is trying to find out as much as he can about them.
Last spring he contacted the 492nd Bomb Group Association which he figured might have information.
"No one really remembers personally Lieutenant Herbert or his crew. This is because they had jusst arrived in England," Mr. Schwartz said. The doomed mission was the crews "second flight into Germany.
"We hope so much to hear from someone who does remember Lieutenant Herbert," Mr. Schwartz said.
He can be reached by email at sweta@aol.com or telephone at 011220465943.
Frederick News & Post, May 25, 2002
Lloyd Herbert and the bomber crew he piloted will be coming home.
The remains of the 10-member crew, which included 2nd Lt. Herbert of Frederick, are scheduled to be interred in Arlington National Cemetery sometime this year. The men were killed when their B-24 was brought down on a bombing run over Germany on May 19, 1944. "This was only his second mission," said Lt. Herbert's sister, Barbara Herbert Kline, of Frederick. "His squad was immediately attacked. The fighter planes that were supposed to be protecting them were late in leaving" England. Lt. Herbert grew up in Frederick, graduating from Frederick High School and working for Potomac Edison before earning a commission in the U.S. Army.
Leafing through a scrapbook dedicated to her brother, Mrs. Kline stopped on a page with pictures of him appearing in a play at Hood College. "He was very handsome, very bright," she said a few days before Memorial Day. "He was very well liked and had a marvelous sense of humor." In a photo showing the crew, the faces are young. "Even though he was 22 or 23, they called him the old man because almost everyone else was 18," Mrs. Kline said. She was only 12 years old when her brother was killed. The family received notification from the War Department that he was missing in action and two years later he was officially declared dead. His name appears on the World War II monument in Frederick's Memorial Park. "Mother couldn't take it in," Mrs. Kline said, although she had a stone for her son placed in the Lutheran Church cemetery in Middletown. That seemed to be the final chapter to the story until a chance encounter on the Internet three years ago between Enrico-Rene Schwartz in Germany and a couple from California. The woman was seeking information on the crash because her grandfather, the radio operator, was on board. "We were touched by their story," Mr. Schwartz said, especially since his grandfather also was never located from the war. "We devoted any spare minute," Mr. Schwartz said. He located the crash site and talked to a few eyewitnesses. He also went through German and U.S. files, including the National Archives, working with Don Singer who "was very helpful and very kind" about getting him information in a timely manner. Mr. Schwartz said the 10 men on the doomed flight became "like family" and he worked to find out all he could about them. Mrs. Kline said relatives of each member of the crew were found. "I think that's pretty amazing. It happened in 1944, that's a long time." Fighting government red tape, Mr. Schwartz also was finally able to have the crash site excavated. In addition to some human remains, the dig also uncovered a few personal items such as an ID bracelet and tag, a ring and a religious medal. Mrs. Kline said the plane "went in head-first. It was badly incinerated." The Army has informed family members of the planned interment in Arlington, and has agreed to provide travel arrangements, although the exact date hasn't been set. Some members of Mrs. Kline's family believe Mr. Schwartz should be included on the list, especially because of his determination and hard work to recover the remains. "The Army says it has to be a family member," Mrs. Kline said. She hasn't decided if she will attend the ceremony when it happens. "The person who would have gotten the most out of it was my mother and she's gone."
The News, September 19, 1944
PFC ARTHUR JACOB HESSONG
For the second time in a period of about two months, Mr. And Mrs. James E. Hessong, of near Wolfsville, have been notified by the War Department that one of their sons, Pfc. Arthur J. Hessong, has been killed in action in Southern France on August 15. Early in July, Mr. And Mrs. Hessong were notified that their son, Pfc. Robert Lee Hessong, had been killed in action during the fight for Normandy.
Pfc. Arthur J. Hseeong was a member of the 36th Division and had been overeseas for some time, having fought through the Italian campaign with the American Fifth Army.
Besides his parents, Pfc. Hessong, who was aged 24 years, is survived by seven brothers, three of whom are in the service. One of the brothers, Joseph, is overseas with the army, and when last heard from was in England. The other two brothers in the armed forces are James, with the Navy, and Parker, a paratrooper. One brother, George, lives in Oregon. His other surviving brothers and sisters are Thomas, Charles, and Paul, all at home; Ruby, Hagerstown, Naomi, Baltimore, and Ruth, Smithsburg.
The News, July 15, 1944
PVT. ROBERT LEE HESSONG, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Hessong, of near Wolfsville, is officially reported killed in action on June 12, his parents have been advised.
A graduate of Middletown High School in 1940, Pvt. Hessong was 22 years old and entered service in Decmeber, 1942. He had seen action in the African and Sicilian campaigns.
He is survived by his parents and eight brothers, four of whom are in service. Two brothers, Arthur and Joseph are overseas, the former in Italy and the latter in England. Another brother, James, is in the Navy and Parker is a paratrooper. Another brother, George, is residing in Oregon. The other brothers are Thomas, Charles and Paul, at home. Three sisters, Ruby, Hagerstown; Naomi, Baltimore; and Ruth, Smithsburg, also survive.
The News, September 20, 1948
Double Funeral Rites For Brothers Killed in France
Double funeral services with full military honors for PFC. ARTHUR J. HESSONG, killed in southern France on August 15, 1944, and PFC. ROBERT L. HESSONG, killed at Normandy on June 12, 1944, brothers from near Smithsburg who were killed in France in World War II, were held from the funeral home,8 East Patrick street, Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The brothers were sons of Mr. and Mrs. James E. and Sadie E. Brandenburg Hessong. Rev. Raymond L. Markley, Lieut. Col., pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran church, Wolfsville, officiated.
Casket bearers were G. Horton Peace, L. Lewis Liller, James Spangler, George Smith, all from the AMVETS, Alvie Norwood, Marvin Kennedy, Ray Spurrier, Joseph Holdcraft, from the American Legion, Maurice Smith, Paul Wilhide, Elmer Hall, James McLaren, Jr., from the V. F. W. The firing squad in charge of Lieut. Willard Horine represented Company A, Maryland National Guard. Buglers were Sgt. George Phebus and Sgt. Alonzo Fox. Interment was in the War Memorial Plot in Mount Olivet Cemetery. C. E. Cline and Son, funeral directors.
The News, July 16, 1943
PVT. HARRY R. HESSONG, JR., who entered the U. S. Army last March 17, is now stationed at Camp Edwards, Mass. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Roy W. Lewis, Lewistown.
The News, May 31, 1945
T/Sgt. Harry R. Hessong, Jr. was killed April 26 on Okinawa where he was serving after participation in the battles of Leyte and manila. He was the son of Mrs. Mable L. Pryor, Rouzerville, Pa., and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Lewis, Thurmont.
The News, January 13, 1949
Relatives reported that the remains of T/5 Harry R. Hessong, Jr., grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Lewis, of Thurmont has been returned from the Pacific area for reinterment.
Mrs. Mabel Pryor, Rouzerville, Pa., received that the remains of her son, T/5 Hessong, had arrived in New York and would be home in about two weeks. Burial will take place in Blue Ridge cemetery in Thurmont.
T/5 Hessong entered the service March 24, 1943, at Fort Meade and went from there to Camp Edwards, Mass., from where he was transferred overseas. He was in five major battles. He is survived by his mother and grandparents.
The News, September21, 1944
CPL. GARLAND Z. HIGHTMAN, former chief clerk of Frederick county Draft Board One, has arrived safely in England. Cpl. Hightman was inducted into the Army August 9, 1943, and received his training at Camp Edward, Mass., Farmingdale, N. Y., and Camp Davis, N. C.
The News, February 20, 1945
A German land mine caused the death of Cpl. Garland Z. "Pete" Hightman, former chief clerk of local Draft Board One, who was reported in late January to have died of injuries incurred in a motor vehicle accident in Holland.
His wife, Mrs. Dorothy Imogene Hightman, who resides at Poolesville, has received further information concerning her husband's death on January 10 from his commanding officer and his chaplain.
The story, it was said, appears to be that Cpl. Hightman and other members of his AntiAircraft battalion were moving up to the front from Holland to Germany and were riding on a piece of heavy equipment. They were said to have been seated on and about a gun, eating cake which had been received by of one of them from home.
The vehicle on which they were riding suddenly struck the land mine, and without warning, it was blown up, throwing the men about. Cpl. Hightman received critical injuries from which he died about ten days later in a hospital, according to the report. Other members of the unit were also considerably injured.
The News, January 4, 1949
Funeral services for the reinterment of Cpl. Garland Z. Hightman, who was injured December 30, 1944 and died January 10, 1945 in a hospital in Holland, will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 0'clock at the funeral home, 106 East Church street. Interment will be in the War Memorial Plot in Mt. Olivet cemetery. The body will arrive this afternoon. Members of the family request that there be no flowers.
He was survived by his father, Clarence M. Hightman, since deceased, and his mother, Mrs. Stella w. Zecker Hightman, of Burkittsville; his wife, Mrs. Dorothy Morningstar Hightman, Poolesville; a son, Bramwell Hightman, and a sister, Mrs. David E. Wells, the latter of College Park.
The News, September 18, 1944
SERGT. MAJOR LESLIE A. HIMES, formerly of Knoxville, a veteran with 23 years service in the U. S. Marine Corps, died on September 5, presumably in New Guinea. He was 42 years of age.
A sister by adoption, Miss Elizabeth Everhart, of Brunswick, has been formally notified by the War
Department of his death. The telegram did not disclose the cause or circumstances of his death. The War Department advised Miss Everhart that the body has been temporarily interred in the locality where death occurred.
Wording of the telegram did not indicate that the Marine veteran died of wounds or that he was killed in action.
He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Himes of Knoxville and has served consecutive enlistments since 1921. He held the highest noncommissioned rank in the Marine Corps.
Relatives said Sunday that they had no knowledge that Sergt. Major Himes had been ill. When last heard from he was in New Guinea. Miss Everhart was preparing a Christmas package for him when advised of his death.
The News, February 7, 1942
MISS KATHRYN HOFFMAN, who was graduated from Frederick City Hospital, is now stationed in the Army hospital at Ford Ord, California. On duty there since the first part of November, she holds a second lieutenant's commission. She is the daughter of Calvin Hoffman of Adamstown.
The News, January 19, 1943
Word was received here late last night of the death Monday in the U. S. Army Hospital at Ford Ord, Calif., of Second Lieut. Kathryn Louise Hoffman, 23, of the U. S. Army Nursing Corps. Relatives here said they had been informed that Lieut. Hoffman died of a brain tumor after a very short illness.
She was a daughter of J. Calvin Hoffman, Adamstown, and the late Mrs. Mabel Boyd Hoffman, and was a graduate of the Frederick City Hospital Nurses Training School, Class of 1940. Lieut. Hoffman entered military service in November, 1941, and had been stationed at Fort Ord since her enlistment. She was graduated from Frederick High School in 1937.
Surviving are her father and stepmother, Mrs. Lucy Schwartz Hoffman, Adamstown; two sisters, Mrs. Carl E. Brown, Frederick; and Mrs. D. Bernard Holter, Gaithersburg.
The body is being shipped East and will be taken to the funeral home, 106 East Church street. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. M. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors.
The News, January 23, 1943
Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock for Lieut. Hoffman, who died suddenly last Monday at Fort Ord, Calif., where she had been stationed for more than a year as an Army nurse. Services will be held at the Etchison funeral home, 106 East Church street, where the body will be brought Monday. Interment in Mt. Olivet cemetery. Lieut. Hoffman was the daughter of Calvin Hoffman and the late Mrs. Mabel Boyd Hoffman of Adamstown.
The News, no date
The funeral of Lieut. Kathryn Louise Hoffman, Adamstown, who died at Fort Ord, California Monday, January 18th, and whose body arrived in this city Monday noon with Lieut. Gladys Beek as the escort from Fort Ord, took place from the funeral home, 106 East Church street Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock. Rev. Morgan R. W. Andreas, pastor of Trinity Reformed church, Adamstown, officiated. The funeral was largely attended, including members of the Board, and many nurses from Frederick City Hospital, from where Lieut. Hoffman graduated in the class of 1940. There were many beautiful floral emblems. Pallbearers were Lawrence E. Baker, Charles W. Harris, Edgar Hawker, Maynard Hawker, Edward Hoffman, Lavier Delauter. Interment in Mount Olivet cemetery. Lieut Hoffman was a daughter of Calvin Hoffman and the late Mrs. Mabel Whipp(sic) Hoffman, and is survived by her father and two sisters, Mrs. Carl E. Brown, and Mrs. Vernon(sic) Holter, Gaithersburg.
M. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors.
The News, February 2, 1943
Three Brothers in Army
PVT. MORRIS HOFFMAN, stationed at Camp Meade, Pvt. Charles R. Hoffman, stationed at Camp Edwards, Mass., Pvt. John Hoffman, stationed at Camp Shelby, Miss, are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffman, Creagerstown.
The News, December 1, 1944
T/5 Morris E. Hoffman, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffman, near Creagerstown, was reported killed in action in France on November 15 in a telegram from the War Department received by his parents Thursday.
He was 21 years of age and the last of the three brothers to arrive overseas. The older brothers, Charles R. and John W. Hoffman are in action in Italy and Germany. T/5 Hoffman had been overseas about three months. Prior to entering the service, he was employed on the farm of this father and on neighboring farms.
Besides his parents and two brothers, he is survived by one sister, Evelyn, at home.
The News, September 7, 1948
The remains of Cpl. Morris E. Hoffman, Creagerstown, who was killed in the U.S. Advance on Wuisse, France on November 15, 1944, will arrive in Thurmont this evening and will remain at the M.L. Creager and Son funeral home until Monday morning at 10 o'clock when they will be removed to the Creagerstown cemetery where religious and military rites will be conducted by Rev. E.K. Helwig and Edwin C. Creeger, Jr., Post, The American Legion of Thurmont.
Cpl. Hoffman, a son of John and Ethel Hankey Hoffman, Creagerstown, was born January 19, 1920 and entered the Army on February 6, 1942. His training followed at Camp Wheeler, Ga., Camp Edwards, Mass, Camp A.P. Hill, Va, Ft. Jackson, SC, Camp Gordon, Ga, and Camp Campbell, Ky. He went overseas in September 1942, as a technician with the Headquarters Division, Second Battalion, 328 Infantry. He was interred in the Province of Lorraine, France and a memorial service was held at St. John's Lutheran Church, in Creagerstown, on April 29, 1945 by his pastor, Rev. Francis Reinberger.
Surviving are his parents, one sister, Evelyn M., at home, and two brothers, John W., Thurmont, and Charles R. Hoffman, Baltimore.
The News, April 6, 1945
PVT. ROBERT M. HOLDCRAFT Killed in Germany
Rev. Paul E. Holdcraft, Hagerstown, received a telegram this week announcing that his nephew, Pvt. Robert M. Holdcraft, 10, was killed in action in Germany on March 22. He was in the 376th Infantry of the Third Army.
A son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Holdcraft, Baltimore, Pvt. Holdcraft was a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and had attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute. His father served through World War I and was in the Army of Occupation of the Rhineland after the Armistice. The latter is on staff of the Baltimore Sun, and gives part time volunteer service in the U. S. Coast Guard.
The News, August 17, 1948
The body of Pfc. Robert M. Holdcraft, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Mehrling Holdcraft of Baltimore and formerly of Frederick, who was killed in action at Oggersheim, Germany, on March 22, 1945, arrived here Monday afternoon for military services and reinterment Thursday afternoon.
Pfc. Holdcraft graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic in 1943 and immediately entered the sophomore class at Johns Hopkins Engineering School, having won an appointment to a State scholarship through placing first in a competitive examination. Upon formation of the Army Specialized Training Program, he enlisted in July 1943, and studied at Virginia Military Institute under Army auspices. In August, 1944, he landed at Utah beach as a member of Co. I, 376th Infantry, 94th Division. He participated in all battles credited to this division until in the attack on Ludwigshaven. He was instantly killed by shell fire at Oggersheim, at the age of 19 years. Besides his parents, he is survived by a sister, Elaine, and a brother, Sergt. John Holdcraft, Army Signal Corps, New York.
His father is a native of Frederick and is on the staff of the Baltimore Sun. His father served through World War I and was in the Army of Occupation in Germany after that war.
The body is at the funeral home, 106 East Church street, where military services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet cemetery. M. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors, have charge of arrangements.
The News, December 13, 1944
PFC REUBEN HOLLER, son of Mrs. Sadie Parsons, near Knoxville, and the late Turner Holler, was reported killed on November 28, according to a War Department telegram received by relatives on Tuesday.
A farm worker prior to entering Army service three years ago, Pfc. Holler had been overseas about four months. In a letter to relatives, received last Saturday, he reported himself in good health and relishing combat. He was 24 years old.
In addition to his mother, Pfc. Holler is survived by two brothers, both in service and now overseas; three sisters and two stepbrothers. Pvt. Lynn Holler is in France in Army service. Pfc. Turner Holler, Jr. is with the Marines in foreign service. He recently left this country for overseas service.
Surviving sisters are Mrs. Lina Baker, Martinsburg, W. Va.; Mrs. Blanche Jensen, Kansas City, Kans., and Mrs. Dorothy Thompson, Brunswick.
The News, May 15, 1945
SGT. CLARENCE C. HOOD of Marines, Dies on Iwo Jima
In his eleventh year in the armed forces, Sgt. Clarence C. Hood, U. S. Marine Corps, has been killed on Iwo Jima, where he is presumed to have landed with the initial invasion of the Fourth Marine Division. Word of his death came Monday evening in a Ward Department telegram to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer C. Hood, 106 East South Street. No date was given.
Had the War Department not communicated with them earlier, giving them the Fourth Division address of their son, mr. and Mrs. Hood would not have known he was on Iwo. Their last letter from him was received in September. He had also taken part in the invasion of Saipan.
Sgt. Hood was in the Army for three years, serving his tour of duty at Fort Myer, Va. In the second enlistment he entered the Marines and was stationed in Cuba and at Quantico, Va., before going to the Pacific. He was 28 years old, having misstated his age in order to enlist. The telegram, which stated that a letter would follow, said he was buried on Iwo. The message was signed by Gen. A. A. Vandegrift.
Mr. and Mrs. Hood have two other sons in service, Master Sgt. Charles e. Hood, with the Army Air Force in England, who is also in his eleventh year of service, and Pfc. William E. Hood, who has been in about three years and is with the Fifth Army in Italy.
Other survivors include the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Marion Dutrow, Thomas and Kenneth Hood, at home, Mrs. Fern Keeney and Mrs. Isabell Boone, this city, and Mrs. Sarah Hartsock, Walkersville.
The News, February 10, 1941
AUBREY L. HORNER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Horner, LeGore, enlisted for Medical Department 1320th Service Unit, Fort Belvoir, Va.,
The News, 25 Mar 1943
Pvt. Aubrey Horner, stationed at Long Island, N. Y., and Pfc. James B. Horner, stationed in Hawaii, are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. William Horner, of LeGore.
The News, May 31, 1945
Pfc. Aubrey L. "Punch" Horner, 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Horner, LeGore, has been killed in action in the Pacific, the War Department has notified his parents by telegram. The brief message said only that Pfc. Horner lost his life April 2.
Since the last letter received by relatives was dated March 28 from the Philippines, it was assumed that Pfc. Horner was killed firing the fighting in that area. He was a member of an Army Engineers outfit.
Pfc. Horner enlisted in the Army January 23, 1940, and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va., for about three years. After leaving there he was at various other camps, leaving Camp Pickett, Va., for overseas duty in March, 1944.
In Hawaii he met his brother, Sgt. James Horner, also serving overseas, for the only occasion they were together after they went into the service.
Pfc. Horner, who was employed at the Barrick lime plant before entering service, would have been 26 in July. He is survived by his parents and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Anabel Weddle, Mrs. Mary Weddle, Mrs. Margie Eyler, LeRoy and Clyde Horner, all of LeGore; Sgt. Horner, overseas, and a stepbrother, Charles Keeney, LeGore.
The News, December 21, 1944
PVT. MONROE E. HOSSLER, known as "Tom," son of Mrs. Alice Hossler, 236 East Church street and husband of Mrs. Dorothy Bowers Hossler, Davis avenue, has been reported missing since December 5 in France. He has been overseas since June. He entered service November 30, 1943, being employed prior to that time at the Frederick Iron and Steel Company. He has a daughter, Sharon, born December 7, 1943, whom he as seen but once, when she was 4 months old. Mrs. Hossler learned that her husband was missing when she received a telegram from the War Department on Wednesday. He was with an infantry unit.
The News, January 5, 1945
Pvt. Monroe E. Hossler, son of Mrs. Alice Hossler, 236 East Church street, and husband of Mrs. Dorothy Bowers Hossler, Davis avenue, who had earlier been reported as missing in action, has been reported dead..
Familiarly known as "Tom", Pvt. Hossler went overseas last June, being stationed in England before moving into France in November. He trained at Camp Hood, Texas, with a tank destroyer outfit but was transferred to the infantry in France. He entered the service on November 30, 1943. Before entering the service, he was employed at the Frederick Iron & Steel Co. plant.
Besides his mother and wife, he is survived by a yearold daughter, Sharon, four brothers, Ranson, Leonard and Frank Hossler, this city and Sergt. Jesse Hossler, in Army service in the East Indies; two sisters, Mrs. Catherine Unglebower and Mrs. Olivia Roberson, both of Frederick.
The News, April 29, 1949
The remains of Pvt. Monroe Elwood Hossler, this city, will arrive here this afternoon and will be removed to the funeral home, 106 East Church street, where friends may call after noon on Saturday. Funeral will take place from the funeral home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be in the Memorial Plot in Mount Olivet cemetery.
Pvt. Hossler, 31, was killed in action in France, December 5, 1944. Prior to entering the service November 30, 1943, he had been employed by the Frederick Iron and Steel Company.
He was a son of Mrs. Alice Waltz Hossler, Mountaindale, and the late Jesse S. Hossler. Surviving him are his mother, a daughter, Sharon O. Hossler, this city, and the following brothers and sisters Ramsom Hossler, Mountaindale; Leonard Hossler, Franklin Hossler, Jesse Hossler, Mrs. Catherine Michael, all of this city; and Mrs. Albert Robertson, Linden Hills. His wife was the former Miss Dorothy Bowers of this city. M. R. Etchison and Son, funeral directors.
The News, April 6, 1945
PFC. RICHARD B. HOUSE is Killed
Mr. and Mrs. Dillard G. House, Middletown, received work Wednesday that their son, Pfc. Richard B. House, aged 20, had been killed in action somewhere in Germany.
The young soldier, a paratrooper with the 17th Airborne Division of the Glider Infantry, entered the service on April 19, 1943, and received his basic training at Camp McCall, N. C., afterward continuing his instruction at Camp Forest, Tenn. He sailed from New York and landed in England in August 30, 1944. Remaining in England until about Christmas, he went with his division to France and from there they gradually moved up into Germany, where he met his death on March 24, only 10 days before his parents were notified.
He was graduated from the Middletown High School in 1942 and prior to entering the service had been employed in Washington with the Government as a junior file clerk. For a short time just before leaving for his Army training he had worked at Marker's Cash Market, in Frederick.
The young man was a member of Zion Lutheran church, Middletown, and active in the affairs of the Sunday School being an assistant secretary. He was a member of the Sunday School class of young men taught by Howard A. Gross. His death brings to five the number of gold stars on the congregation's service flag which hangs in the church sanctuary.
Besides his parents, he is survived by four sisters, Misses Mary Catherine, Phyllis, Margaret Ellen and Priscilla, and three brothers, Grove, employed with the Chestnut Farms Dairy in Frederick; Carroll and Dwayne, all at home.
The News, December 17, 1948
Remains of Pfc. Richard B. House, killed in action in Europe March 24, 1945, have been returned to the United States and will arrive in Middletown under military escort this afternoon. Reinterment will be made in Middletown Lutheran Cemetery, Sunday afternoon following services at the Gladhill funeral home at 2 o'clock.
Pfc. House was 20 years old at the time he was killed. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Dillard House, Middletown.
He was graduated from Middletown High School with the Class of 1942; and was employed after graduation in Washington; then worked in Marker's Cash Market, Frederick before joining the U. S. Armed Forces, enlisting April 19, 1943.
His basic training was undergone at Camp McCall, South Carolina, where he qualified as a paratrooper with the 17th Airborne Division Glider Infantry. Sent overseas, he landed in England August 30, 1944, from where he was sent into France and Germany where he was killed after eight month's overseas service.
In civilian life Pfc. House was an active member of the Zion Lutheran church and a youth leader in the Sunday school work of the church.
Besides his parents, he is survived by four sisters; Mrs. Mary Catherine Willard, and Mrs. Phyllis Grove, Frederick, Margaret and Priscilla House, at home; three brothers, Grove House, Middletown; Carroll House, now in the U. S. Army stationed in Germany; and Dwayne House, at home.
Funeral services Sunday will be conducted by Rev. William E. Fox.
The News, October 24, 1945
PFC. PAUL E. HUFFER, JR. is Listed Among Dead
Missing in action since last March 23, Pfc. Huffer, 22yearold father of a sixmonthold son he had never seen, was declared dead Monday in a telegram received by his wife, Mrs. Betty J. Huffer, of Union, S. C., from the War Department. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Huffer, Knoxville.
Shortly after being notified last spring that her husband was missing in the European Theater of Operations wrote to his commanding officer, who gave her the only information he had concerning the infantryman's death. He wrote that Pfc. Huffer was crossing the Rhine with Patton's Army when his boat was blown up. The last his commanding officer saw of him he was clinging to a bit of wreckage.
A member of the Headquarters Company, 34th Infantry, he had served in England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. He was inducted into the Army in September, 1941, and received most of his training at Nashville, Tenn., and Fort Jackson, S. C., before going overseas October 12, 1944. A graduate of Brunswick High School in 1941, he was employed as a trackman on the B and O Railroad for a short time before his induction. He would have been 23 last August 10.
Pfc. Huffer was active in the Knoxville Methodist church and Sunday school and was also very fond of sports, particularly baseball and fishing.
Surviving are his parents, his wife and little son, Paul Huffer, III.
The News, March 9, 1944
FIRST SERGT. PAUL EUGENE HUFFER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Huffer, of Brunswick, was killed in an accident in the South Pacific area on February 9, according to a telegram received this by his mother from the U. S. Marine Corps.
The telegram confirmed a similar message received by Sergt. Huffer's wife, who resides in Washington. Mrs. Paul Huffer later wrote to Sergt. Huffer's mother that she understood the Marine had died in an Army hospital at 9:45 p.m. February 9 of a gunshot wound on an island near New Guinea. No other details were supplied.
Sergt. Huffer would have been 27 years of age on Wednesday. He had served seven years in the Marine Corps, and participated in the Guadalcanal offensive against the Japanese. He had not visited his home in Brunswick since Christmas, 1941.
Well known in Brunswick, he learned the barber trade under Walter C. Ambrose, East Potomac street before entering the service. Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. George Gletner, Marvin and Ivan Huffer, all of Brunswick; Mrs. D. Woodrow Younkins, Yarrowsburg, Washington county; Lorraine, stationed at Bouford S. C., who was expected home on furlough today, and Hayes Huffer, of Trinidad, South America.
The News, February 26, 1944
PVT. RICHARD HUNTZBURY Is Wounded
The War Department on Friday reported Pfc. Richard Huntzbury, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence A. Huntzbury, 8 Water street, slightly wounded in action in Italy. The telegram said his condition is satisfactory.
In a letter to his parents, received by them on Wednesday, Pfc. Huntzbury wrote that he had something to tell them but could not do so. They assume that he referred to his wound.
Inducted in January, 1943, Pfc. Huntzbury was in Africa four months later. His parents said they have never seen him in uniform. He saw action for the first time eight months ago and has been in the thick of the Sicilian and Italian campaigns.
Prior to his induction, Pfc. Huntzbury had worked on the farm of Ambrose Fox, at Downsville, Washington County. He had spent most of his life in that community. His parents said he like the army very much and quickly acquired medals for marksmanship. He had recently been promoted to his present rank.
His father was credited with saving the life of Roy Baker in June, 1942, when the latter's clothing caught fire in a gasoline fire at the Richard F. Kline repair shop on Water street.
The News, September 11, 1944
Once wounded and long since back in combat, Sgt. Richard W. Huntzberry,(sic) son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Huntzberry, 8 Water street, has been awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the Italian theater.
Sgt. Theodore B. Moore, Clearfield, Pa., and Sgt. Huntzberry were jointly cited for a daring rescue of a wounded man under heavy enemy fire. Their citation recites:
"At 2200 hours on 6 July, 1944, in the vicinity of Castellina, Italy, Company F., 168th Regiment, was engaged in fierce combat with the enemy. The second platoon of Company F was compelled to withdraw because of severe shelling and lack of any cover or concealment. For those reasons it was impossible to evacuate all of the wounded. Realizing that immediate evacuation of the seriously injured would possibly save lives, Sgt. Moore and Pfc. Huntzberry voluntarily crawled out to within whispering distance of the enemy in search of their wounded comrades. However, it was impossible to rescue any of the men at that time as they learned that the casualties lay in a section between the enemy outpost and main line. On 8 July, 1944, at 0800 hours, during an intense artillery barrage over the area, Sgt. Moore and Pfc. Huntzberry, on their third attempt, discovered Pfc. Weissman alive. Pfc. Huntzberry remained with Pfc. Weissman until Sgt. Moore returned with the litter bearers and carried the man to safety."
Second Lieut. Richard A. Bugno, in his citation, said: "Sgt. Moore and Pfc. Huntzberry's determination, courage and devotion toward a fellow soldier exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States."
Formerly employed on a farm near Williamsport, Md., Pfc Huntzberry was wounded in Italy last January. He was inducted in January, 1943, and was in Africa four months later.
Mr. and Mrs. Huntzberry were notified Saturday that their son was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
The News, October 10, 1944
Another Frederick soldier was reported killed in action in Italy in a War Department telegram received by his parents Monday.
Sgt. Richard W. Huntzberry, recently cited for bravery and awarded the Bronze Star, was killed in action in Italy on September 22, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Huntzberry, 8 Water street, were advised.
Promoted to sergeant early in September after being cited for the rescue of a wounded comrade, Sgt. Huntzberry was one of the first local men reported wounded in the Italian campaign last January. He received the Purple Heart and more recently has been awarded the Infantry Badge and the Machine Gun Expert medal. He returned to duty last May 12 after recovering from his wound.
Born in Washington County near Williamsport, he attended the Williamsport and Boonsboro public schools and was employed on his aunt's farm near Williamsport when he entered the service in January, 1943. Four months after his induction, he was in Africa, before going into the Sicilian and Italian campaigns.
His last letter to his parents was dated September 20. He reported himself in good health and "everything going along nicely."
Besides his parents, he is survived by one brother, Ronney, at home and three sisters, Miss Edna Huntzberry, employed at Fort Meade, June and Tilly Huntzberry, at home.
The News, June 4, 1945
The Bronze Star medal for gallantry in action in the Italian campaign was presented today to Clarence A. Huntzberry, 8 Water street, Frederick, for his late son, Sgt. Richard W. Huntzberry, 22, killed in service with the 34th Infantry Division.
The award was made by Col. Edward G. Sherburn, deputy chief of staff of the Third Service Command, at a special ceremony at command headquarters.
The citation accompanying the award said that between July 6 and July 8, 1944, because of severe enemy artillery and mortar fire, Sg. Huntzberry's command was forced to withdraw and leave several wounded behind.
He and a companion, the citation continued, "voluntarily crawled to within a few feet of the Germans in an attempt to evacuate their wounded comrades. Due to the fact that the men lay between American outpost and the main line it was practically impossible to rescue them.
On the third attempt on July 8 they succeeded in evacuating one man. Their courage and devotion to their fellow soldiers exemplified the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States."
Sgt. Huntzberry attended school in Washington county, where his family lived near Hagerstown prior to their residence in Frederick. He entered the service in January, 1943, and was a farmer in civilian life.
The News, November 19, 1948
The remains of Sgt. Richard Wallace Huntzberry, 8 Water Street, arrived in this city Monday afternoon and were removed to the funeral home, 106 East Church street.
Sgt. Huntzberry, aged 20 years, was killed in action in Italy on September 22, 1944. He had just been promoted to sergeant after being cited for bravery in the rescue of a wounded comrade and was awarded the Bronze Star. He as also one of the first local men to be reported wounded in the Italian campaign in January of the same year and had rejoined his outfit sometime before his death.
A native of Williamsport, Washington county, he was employed on his aunt's farm near Williamsport when he entered the service in January 1943. Four months later he was in Africa before going into the Sicilian and Italia campaigns.
Sgt Huntsberry was a son of Clarence A. And Reba Bowers Huntzberry, this city, and was a member of the United Brethren church, Downsville, Washington county.
Surviving him are his parents, three sisters, Mrs Steve Heffner and June Huntzberry, both of Washington; Tillie Huntzberry, at home; one brother, Ronnie Huntzberry, at home.
S1C PAUL R HYATT
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