(V-148) Seymore and Darrell Chance

(V-67) Harold Chance

(V-46) James Chance

(V-123) John D. Charlton

(V-180) Gary Conant

(V-178) Lyle Conant

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 2, 1943 - And here’s one from Pvt. Lyle E. CONANT, who is sojourning in merry old England. "How are you? I am fine. I get your paper about twice a month. It takes a little time for it to get here but I am sure glad to get it. I think you should be over here, and show these folks how to raise hogs and tell them which side of the road to drive on as they drive on the left side. Well, I must close. When you get a few days off, come over and see me and I’ll show you around."

(V-175) Nathan Courtright

Salem Times-Commoner - "Former Salem Man taking Part in Somalia Operation" 

"Being part of an important mission is something for which every Marine trains.  Because of this, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathan R. Courtright was ready for his duties as part of the force that provided cover for the final withdrawal of United Nations troops in Somalia during Operation United Shield.  For more than two years, United Nations forces protected humanitarian relief efforts amid the chaos of Somalia's internal unrest.  Courtright, the 21-year-old (grand)son of Phil and Monna Frakes of Salem, is aboard the Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Belleau Wood as part of a special purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force formed from the Marine Corp's Third Marine Expenditionary Force.  The Belleau Wood, plus three San Diega-based amphibious ships USS Fort Fisher, USS Essex, and USS Odgen carried about 2,700 Marine from Camp Pendleton, California and Okinawa, Japan, which were the protective force for the last United Nations soldiers leaving Mogadishu.  "I was glad to be part of the operation", said Courtright, a 1992 graduate of Salem Community High School.  Since August 1992, with the U.S. Marine Corps involvement in the Somalia humanitarian effort, hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved.  The U.S. support of Opeartion United Shield is part of a longstanding commitment to the United Nations."

:"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 31, 1944 - Carl Crain

"Here’s a nice letter from Cpl. Carl CRAIN, who is in France or was on Aug. 20th when this letter was written. He says: I have been contemplating on writing you this letter for some time but just never got around to it. So, before I go any farther, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don’t believe you can realize just how much the home town paper means to all the boys that have been away from home as long as I have. It will soon be 3 years since I left the good old U.S.A. and during all that time we have been tactical set-up. I’ve seen men die, Mr. VALLOW, and that is something you can’t forget. I really get a kick out of the boys back there wanting to come over here. I did too, once, but now I’d give anything in the world just to get back where it is peaceful and quiet. I know they think they could be more use over here, but someone has to be there as well as here. They really don’t know how lucky they are. Well, Mr. VALLOW, we can’t take much time to write so I’ll close thanking you again for the paper."

(V-55) Charley Crutchfield

(V-62)                                                                 Lowell Ivan DeVore                                                (V-63)

"The Kinmundy Express" - March 30, 1944 - Dwight Day

"The first letter this week was received from Dwight DAY, RM3 c, who is looking over the grass skirts of Honolulu. He says: Have been neglecting to let you know how much I appreciate receiving the paper, so will attempt to do so now. Although it has been 2 months since I received it due to moving so much. Received the back issues from my parents this morning and enjoyed them very much. The scenery here as a whole is very beautiful. Honolulu is not so much different than any other city except every other store is a curio shop or an amusement house to catch the service man’s eye, which consists mainly of sailors. Will close thanking you again for the paper."

Charles DeWeese

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 9, 1943

"Here’s one from Pvt. Charles DeWEESE, a former Alma lad, who can’t tell us just where he is. But by putting everything together, we would say that he was on one of those undiscovered islands in the northwest Pacific. He says: I have been for quite some time intending to write you, and let you know that I receive my paper pretty regular. I want to thank you for it. I really do appreciate it very much to get the news from home, after being out here where news are scarce, although some of them are late in reaching me, it is good to get them. I am sorry that I can’t tell you where I am at as that is strictly against regulations in some areas and this happens to be one of them. As there is not much here to write bout. It would be hard to write about it and keep within the rules. I have been here in complete isolation for the past 18 months. The weather here some times gets pretty rough. I think they call it the roughest in the world and I am beginning to believe it. There is no civilization at all about as remote as it could get so you can kind of get the idea of what I have here. This may not seem much but it’s about the extent of my description of what it’s like. I’d like very much to get back to Marion county for awhile, but that is hardly possible yet for awhile as we have quite a job to do yet. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Kinmundy Chamber of Commerce for the cigarettes and send all of my friends my best regards and wishing them all the boys a speedy return."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 7, 1944

"Here’s a nice letter from Tec. 5, Chas. DeWEESE, who is at present in the Aleutian Islands. He says: It’s been quite a long while since I last wrote you, so will attempt to write a line or two. It may not be much as news is pretty scarce out this way, but I will let you know that I receive my paper regular and want to thank those responsible for it. It is appreciated very much by all the boys. I suppose it is needless to try to tell you about this part of the country. Most everyone knows all about it and the weather. I think some of the boys from there have experienced it. I have been out here for 27 months and I think there is more coming, just how much I don’t know. I am hoping to get out of here pretty soon, for I think I’ve been out of circulation long enough. (It’s really out too). I am ready any time for a boat ride. (Ha). I read all the boys letters. It is good to see where they are at and what’s going on with them. There have been a few who have been so fortunate having a pretty tough time. They are doing a first class job of cleaning out over there and if it keeps up they may all be home before too long. Anyway, I wish them all the best. I hear it has been pretty dry back there. You should of had some of the rain we have had. There has been a lot of it. I’ve seen all kinds of weather in one day, leaving out only the warm I guess. I haven’t had any summer since the year I entered the service. That was in ‘41. I guess they still have it back there, don’t they? But so far, I have fared pretty well. I’ll have to say so-long now. Here’s regards to everyone back there and I hope to be seeing you soon. Thanks again for the paper."

Charles Diss

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 28, 1944 - "Here’s a nice letter from Pvt. Charles DISS, who is in France, and from the way he writes, this country must be very interesting. He says: Hello there and how is everything going? Just fine I suppose. I have been on the go and haven’t done very much writing and I haven’t received any paper since I left the good old U.S.A. But they should be catching up with me now as we are settled for awhile and I do mean settled. We moved into a big old hotel yesterday and it is really nice. There are 2 of us to a room, with nice double beds, well, everything that a hotel has but running water and maids. But they say on up at Paris, they even have that. It is certainly different than we have been having. The French people are very different than what the English were. I walked down through town this morning and almost all of them have come back now and are fixing up their houses. We find a few who speak English, but as for most of them, we have to use sign language. That is a rather slow procedure when a fellow sees a nice girl and wants to get acquainted. But we usually manage, somehow. There are lots of very nice looking girls, but I still say there isn’t any like back in the states. As soon as we can go on up and take care of a certain guy and his gang, I’ll be ready to come back to good old Kinmundy. So I guess this is about all for now and I have to clean our room up so until next time. So long for now. P.S. This hotel was very recently occupied by some guys who left in a hurry to go toward home."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 16, 1944 - "Here’s a nice letter from Pvt. Charles DISS, who is now in Belgium. He sends us some of the money from that country, as well as Holland, which we have added to our collection of foreign currency. He says: Just a few lines this morning to say ‘hello’ and also send you a couple of pieces of this money that we are using over here. This Belgium money is very much the same as French money. The ten francs is worth approximately 22 cents of our money. The other piece of money is some I got when I was over in Holland and is worth about 40 cents but is called 100 cents in their money. The Dutch also have a silver dollar almost the same as ours which, is also called 100 pennies, but which is worth only 40 pennies in our money. We thought at first in England when we were using shillings that they were very hard to get accustomed to. I believe that the French money was the easiest of them all to use. As for windmills and wooden shoes, I didn’t see any sign of them at all while I was in Holland. A great many of the French people and these Belgium people wear wooden shoes. They really look clumsy but the people seem to walk along very nicely in them. I think the people are far more advanced in every way here in Belgium than they were in France and England. A person can walk down the street in any one of these large cities and can see almost anything that would be seen on the main streets of Boston, even to the ice cream parlors. We got our first ice cream here that we have had since we left the States. It really hit the spot too. I was also saw Luxembourg one day and that is really a beautiful country. They have a great many pine forests there and the country is all hilly which adds to the scenery. The people farm almost every inch of the land that is not in pine trees. Another thing that sounded nice to us while we were in Holland was the greeting they gave us. They all, even the little kids, said hello to us instead of the English version which was, "Any Gum, Chum", and the French all said ‘Bonjour’ which means hello. We also see a lot of the popular made cars around here which we never saw in France. Also another that was nice to see was a Cocoa Cola sign as we were going thru a very large town. But as yet, we haven’t been able to get one. Well, I guess this is about all for now, so until the next time, bye now."

(V-149) Darren Diss

(V-3) Frank Doolen

(V-30a) Benny and Pauline Doolen on their wedding day - Aug. 29, 1943

Roy Doolen

"The Kinmundy Express" - Feb. 17, 1944 - "Here’s a letter from Lt. Roy DOOLEN, who is now seeing the sights through the fog of merry old England. He says: Years ago I would never have dreamed that The Kinmundy Express would have world wide distribution. But it has just that. Mine is getting over here at varied intervals. I never know which week’s paper to expect next. However, I enjoy them immensely and wish to express my appreciation for it. Even though the news is a month and a half old, it doesn’t seem that way to me. I can keep up with the hometown’s progress week by week. For the past couple of months I have been roaming around the little island called England. The whole country has basically the same typography, which is small rolling hills covered with grass or small grain. There are few trees in most parts. The fields are in 5 to 10 acre plots with a hedge fence. It is very pretty when the sun is shining. From above it looks like a pretty patchwork quilt. The people are as friendly as one could expect, when there are so many soldiers around. When you read about blackouts and fogs, they are not exaggerating a bit. I certainly never saw anything so dark as it can get here. Last week was notable for 2 things: I got my laundry back, which is a rarity over here; and the sun shone 1 day, an even greater rarity. At present I am going to school, a never ending process in the army. In another week I will be through and go back to living in the field again. I have no idea where my outfit is at present but will be able to contact them through our base camp. Then I will take my map in hand, catch up with the outfit and go back to my duties as Motor and Executive Officer of my troop. Well this is enough for the present. Keep the paper coming and thanks a lot."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Oct. 12, 1944 - "1st Lieutenant Roy G. DOOLEN writes: Never before in my life have I put so much work into such a short period of time, as I have in the last couple of months. My outfit has led this race, for Germany such as no outfit but the calvary can do. It has cost many lives, and as I look at the pretty green pine forests concealing the famed ‘Siegfreid Line", I realize it will cost many more lives to go on through to Berlin. But the American Army has pushed forward with such spirit that German troops turn and flee at the sign of them. On their own soil however, the German are a little tougher. My outfit got quite a writeup over here for being the first Americans in Paris. The city is very beautiful and gay in spite of the war. I could write many pages on the interesting things that have happed to me so far, but the same things are happening to thousands of other soldiers. The complete story will come out when we all get home and spin our yards in the old barber shop or on the street corner. I hope that won’t be too long. Your paper hasn’t caught up with me for quite a while. I sure miss it. It keeps me up to date on the home front. Here’s hoping it catches up with me soon. Best of luck to all at home. "

(V-150) Dustin Duncan

"The Kinmundy Express" -  Floyd Eagan

Jan. 13, 1944 - "Here’s one from Pvt. Floyd EAGAN, who is now watching the hula girls. He says: I want to write a few lines to let you know where I am, but I can’t say anything about what I am doing. I am still in the Hawaiian Islands, but on a different island now. They are beautiful, but they are not what you folks back there think they are, and I wouldn’t take all that I have seen here to be back in Kinmundy, but I wouldn’t take anything for what I have seen. I just came back from mail call and I sure did good tonight. I got four letters and that sure helps. The letters from the boys in the service is the first thing I look for. I would like to thank all the neighbors and friends for the beautiful greeting cards which I received for Christmas."

Aug. 5, 1948 - "Rites Held Sunday for PFC Floyd EAGAN: The casketed remains of PFC Floyd EAGAN arrived here Friday night and was met by members of Kinmundy Post No. 519, American Legion.  They were taken to the home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison EAGAN north of town where they lay in state until the funeral hour.  Funeral services were held Sunday morning at 11 o’clock from the gymnasium, Rev. DOTY, officiating.  Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery under the auspices of Kinmundy Post No. 519, American Legion.  PFC EAGAN was killed in action on Feb. 19, 1945.  He was interred in the USFA Military Cemetery, Santa Barbara, temporary cemetery in the Philippine Islands.  Floyd, the son of Harrison R. and Lena EAGAN, was born Sept. 19, 1918 in Alma twp. where he attained his grade school education.  The family moved to their present home just north of the C. & E.I. Lake in 1936 and Floyd attended our high school, graduation with the class of ‘40.  He was a member of Company L Illinois, National Guard, at Salem.  This outfit was mustered in the U.S. Army March 5, 1941.  After training in various camps, it shipped overseas in July 1943.  This outfit, the 33^rd Division, landed on the Hawaiian Islands, going from there to New Guinea, thence to the East Indies and finally landed in the Philippines about Feb. 1^st. He was killed in action on Feb. 19, 1945.  He was a member of the 130^th Infantry.  Floyd is another boy who we remember as a very quiet, unassuming lad, who had a smile for everyone he met.  Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Stephen of this city, and Harold of Champaign, and two sisters, Mary GORDON and Thelma MOLENHOUR, both of Iuka." 

"The Kinmundy Express" - May 11, 1944 - Noah Eagan

"Here’s a nice letter from T 5 Noah EAGAN, who from the tone of his letter, is following in the footsteps of his father, the late Harry EAGAN. He is now in England, so we are wondering if the English haircuts are any different from ours. Anyway, he says: Still in England and receiving the paper regularly as possible. No news lately, but I guess the war is still on as our cigarettes are still rationed. I thought James was going to get over here but he seems to have gone to Africa. I wish I had some of the boys APO numbers who are in England. I saw a boy from Centralia last week that I knew. His twin brother is in my company. The days are long here. It breaks daylight about 6:20 a.m. and gets dark about 11 p.m. I have never mentioned this before but I am learning a trade in this army. I was Battalion barber up until this week, now I cut my own Co.’s and the battalion officers hair and am kept very busy. This makes me have only one formation each day, revelry. I have got in about 1 year of barbering now. My army day is from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 6 days a week. I am rated to drive a semi-truck when we move from here. I have had several different jobs in this outfit. I spent about 5 months as a crane operator and truck driver, 3 months of this was in the "wilds" of Louisiana on maneuvers, also spending a month in power shovel school in Virginia. I operated a power grader in the desert at Imperial Dam and spent some months as assistant motor Sgt. But the job I like best is thinking of the day when I can be home. Well, Norris, thanks again for the paper and keep the press rolling. It sure helps the morale."

(V-52) Thomas L. Edwards

"The Kinmundy Express" - Feb. 8, 1945 - James Ellis

"Here’s a nice letter from Sgt. James ELLIS, who is with a Bomber Squadron in England. Here’s what he says: Just finished the article written by Johnny BROOM. Was amused at "four years", but believe me, we’ll both be home before our beards turn gray. I, myself, have nearly that much time with a slight interlude. I was thinking about Mr. BROOM’s peach orchard one summer nearly an eternity ago when Johnny, Charles, Howard DOWNEY and I were worming Mr. BROOM’s peach tree and all the fun we had. Now it seems that it didn’t happen in our time. A reflection of my army service seems a lifetime. When I was first drafted, I wound up at Camp Roberts, Cal. in the infantry. However, the army decided I was too old so I wound at my old desk in the theater at Chicago. Pearl Harbor made a young man of me and I was quickly recalled. My outfit had already landed in Australia, so I was sent to the Chicago Recruiting and Induction Service and was placed in DEML. I spent many happy days there. The army again ended that by sending all general service men to line outfits when limited service and WACs became popular for desk jobs. I took another train ride and woke up one morning in the Tank Destroyers. I liked this very much so took an OCS test and was passed by the board and moved up 28 on the waiting list. Shortly after this my hips started to give me trouble caused by all those long hikes. I had sat in that easy chair for 10 long years, so was toughened up in the wrong places. The big boys flew over us a lot so I decided to give up my chance to be an officer. Being a lazy man, I thought I would rather ride than walk. The "Heanies" got me and I like it very much. As you all know, I am in England. I came over ahead of my crew on a boat nearly a year ago I had to wait for them. Before the rest arrived I obtained a pass and went to Coventry. When I got off the train, the first boy I saw was standing in front of me, ragged, dirty-faced, about five and was smiling. He said, "Do you fly the Heanies," I said, "Yes." That was a mistake because he would not leave me so we became friends. He got all my candy and gum. He called me "chum" as that is their favorite expression. Nothing would do but that I see his grandmother. When I started up the street hardly anything was left. Everything had been severally bombed and burned out. Even now bodies are being found and the rubbish is still being cleaned. This boy’s whole family was killed, all he had left was his grandmother, who was nearly blind and lived in a small part of a house. When the little boy told her that I was an airman, her face lit up and with a very stern bitterness, she said, "Son, give them one for us, and do it good." What little she had to eat she wanted to give me, but I just couldn’t. Already I was thinking, "what if this was my little boy and I was coming home." A lump and a bad taste came into my mouth. Later she told me that an American officer wanted to take him to the States and adopt him for he certainly was a nice shaver. I came to this base ahead of my crew, who finally caught up with me. I flew one mission before they came. One engine went out so we trailed behind over the target and back. I was wet for there was a report of bandits in the air and I really did sweat that one out. When they came we had a reunion, a few drinks, and a lot of talk. A week later we were introduced to our plane "Miss B Haven." It carried the picture of a Navajo girl back to us, one leg up, head to us smiling, for she was in the process of removing her unmentionables. She took us for many a ride. Twice our oxygen went out and we had to carry bottles in our laps. A few times we exercised our guns and flak rolled us around often. One day she was grounded and we flew a ship, "Rosie’s Sweat Box." Master Sergeants were on the flak guns that day and we came back with 28 holes, some pretty big. We all felt bad when another crew flew our ship and had to crash land it in Belgium. That was old Miss B Haven’s 65th trip. Our new ship carries the picture of my red-headed cousin in Chicago, Miss Joan KOHL and the name of it is "Strictly Kopasectic." We wanted everything O.K. always, so started on the right foot. One trip six ME-109's were on our tail. Four cued up to attack us and the other two were amusing us. Just as the four started in, a P-51 came in behind and got all four before I fired a shot. He flew by, dipped his wings and I waved back and said "Thank you" Little Friend". (They call us big friends.) When I came back and in the briefing room the flight surgeon gave me 2 shots of spirits for I was shaky but this braced me and I thought of that little boy and carried on. We were well on our way to a Happy Christmas and even obtained liquid refreshments. Jerry had hit the First Army. My brother Edward is in that outfit and had already received a Purple Heart for excellent work in the Hurtgen Forest where he twas wounded. Turkey or nothing else mattered except to help the boys. There is nothing we would rather do than help our ground boys for we can see immediate results. We were very nervous and agitated because fog was thick as pea soup and we couldn’t get up. Finally it cleared and we were going every day. We got tired as "Hell" but the next morning when the C.O. said you have another chance to help the boys, we were eager. I’m ready, always, because my brother is in there, I can still see that little English lad and his grandmother. I keep thinking of my little boy at home and I know it must be done. These Jerries are not fooling and are not playing and if we give them another chance later you can bet your bottom dollar you will see your home as I saw this English boy’s home. Regards to all you service men, wherever you are."

Tiny Ellis

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 20, 1944 - "Here’s one from the Aleutians written on Jan. 3 from Sgt. Tiny ELLIS. He says: Just another one was mentioned within your column previously and wish to fill the request of my dear commentator. Your papers have come frequently thru terrain seldom heard of, but playing an interesting part in this war, but must say they are accomplishing great achievements toward keeping morale posted on local news of home affairs. So may I thank you for kind appreciation in sending vital information we have no other way of accumulating on local news. Publishing letters written by men on various fronts of the world explain many answers our mothers and fathers worry over that are not necessary. Nearly 2 years ago this continent was invaded by desperate fighting people called Nipponese, who could never get along with themselves much less peaceful people as we are. And thru our 2 great military leaders, Lt. Gen. Simon B. BUCKNER and Vice Admiral Thomas C. KINKAID, we eliminated the yellow rascals from the Aleutians and in which we duly credit forces that may of participated within it. Maybe it could have been done sooner with a higher cost of human lives, but I don’t think it would have been worthy in cause, so let us congratulate our leaders and it’s staff for completing the job it set out to do. Not quite 2 years ago I left the States for destination unknown, as to what we were to do, had little interest, only wanting to complete our mission and return home where our loved ones live, and yet we have not fulfilled our goal by defeating the enemies. I’ve seen men feed the fish several times by leaning over the rail or bow of a ship, but never have I seen men thrown off in the water to walk ashore with ice freezing on their clothing as soon as the air hit them (only in movies). Those are just a few incidents seen throughout my army life. The interior of Alaska is quite interesting with Eleuts and Eskimo people populating 3 quarters of it and really sports in hunting, trapping and mining is a popular event to us soldiers, for we’ve been softies so long it made us realize what we were fighting for. Delightful scenery can be obtained from a distance thru cars passing by a small highway leading into gorgeous mountains with streams of cold water seeping down crevices of snow capped mountains into a booklet of running fish called trout. Now drifting westward, I leave your imagination stress upon itself of hardships were may have suffered on a barren isolated spot within the Pacific ocean. Recreation facilities are wonderful compared to what I’ve read on various other front lines. We have had a few celebrities, such as Errol Flynn, Martha Q. Briscoll, Ruth Carroll and Jimmy Dodd. Also a representative from Washington, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, who played a vital part in World War I of the Air Corps. Movies are nothing but the latest pictures made such as: Coney Island, Sweet Rosie O’Grady, and many more I can’t recall just now. So if ever the war is over, just pack up your old gray bonnet and catch the next transport going to Tokyo for a vacation under Northern Lights of Alaska."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 28, 1944 - "After 31½ months in the Aleutain Islands, Sgt. Tiny L. ELLIS arrived here Saturday to spend his 21 day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louie JEZEK, and family. Sgt. ELLIS has been in the army for 38 months and his homecoming has certainly been a pleasure to his parents, relatives, and friends. He has been attached to the Aviator Engineers in the Aleutians. After his furlough has lapsed, he will report to Gigar Field, Spokane, Wash., for reassignment. Sgt. ELLIS naturally, can relate many stories about the Aleutians. The islands are barren and unhabited. But they do make an excellent base for us, which is their only use at this time. The weather is very bad which is the main hardship our boys have to endure. Needless to say that Sgt. ELLIS is exceedingly happy to set foot back in the United States, and more so, to see his relatives and many friends around here again."

(V-53) Robert Elston

(V-68) Melvin Foltz

(V-172) Brian W. Ford

(V-4) John S. Ford

(V-170) John W. Ford

(V-173) Philip H. Frakes - 1952 in Korea (Heart Break Ridge is behind him)

"Philip H. Frakes - Military Life (overview): 

     My military life started during World War II while I was in High School. Since I was too young to join the active military service, I joined the Home Guard in Salem, Illinois. I was a junior in high school. They disbanded in 1946, after the war was over.  In April of 1947 they reorganized the Illinois National Guard. I joined at that time as a private. I rose in rank of Tech Sergeant or Sergeant First Class. I was appointed 2nd Lieutenant after completing military 10 series for a Commissioned Officer February 1, 1952. Our National Guard Division was called into Active Service on February 15, 1952. We reported to Camp Cook, California on that date. It was close to Lompac, California. I was assigned to Company C of the 130th Infantry Reg. I trained there until I went to Fort Benning, Georgia for officer training school in June 1952 thru October 4, 1952.

     I received my orders for overseas assignment in the last of July 1952 to the far East Command. I, however, didn't leave the States until November 30 from Camp Stoneman, California. I went back to Camp Cook after I got married to Monna CONANT in October of 1952. She went with me. We only stayed a short time when they gave me thirty day leave before I went overseas. At Camp Stoneman I met my fellow officers from Company C, who received their orders too. We left Camp Stoneman two days later on a airplane flight to Japan. We stopped over at Hawaii for a day and half because of bad weather. Then we proceeded to Tokyo, Japan. We then were assigned to a CBR school at Camp Gifu, Japan for three weeks. We spent Christmas there. We then went to Kyoto, Japan to catch a ship to Pusan, Korea. We took a train to Seoul, Korea from assignment of our Unit. We were assigned to the 45th Infantry Division. We spent New Years in Seoul. When we got to the 45th Division, they assigned us to our units. I went to the 180th Regiment, Company C. The other fellow officers, Charles FERRELL went to the 179th Regiment Headquarters supply and Dwayne LOWERY went to the 279th Regiment, Heavy Weapons Company. I suppose they wanted to separate us since we came from the same company back in the states. My unit was in reserve when I joined them. While in reserved we had an operation of our battalion to raid a US supply depot. It was told us that the supplies at the depot was being sold to other parties outside of the U.S. Troops. Some of our military men were involved in stealing equipment and supplies. It was a cold and snowy night when we headed out on our mission. It took about eight hours to get there and we had to walk across rough terrain to get to the rear of the depot, where they were staling the equipment. We had the depot surrounded and they couldn't get through. I only heard one shot fired and no one got hurt, that I was aware of. I know one thing, I was sure tired walking in the rugged hills (or small mountains).

     We were called in to take over the territory that was held by the 40th Infantry Division on the 30th of January, 1953. The next day the G2 asked that our company send out a combat patrol to find out exactly where the enemy was located. Since I was the only commissioned officer outside of the Company Commander, I volunteered to take out the patrol. It was a cold night and there was snow on the ground. We were in mountain terrain. I had a reinforced squad with three BARs for firepower. When we left our DMZ, we went to the next ridge where our outpost was set and continued to the next ridge. By that time, we got down in the valley. We were engaged in a firefight. The whole side of the mountain (or hill) lit up like a christmas tree with gun flashes. We returned our fire but were pinned down. I adjusted artillery fire on the enemy and the enemy pinned their ears down. We then pulled back and went back up the ridge we had just come over. I sent my troops back to friendly lines, while I stayed at my position and continued to adjust artillery fire on the enemy. They were following us up the hill until the artillery adjusted to fire for effect. At that time the artillery barrage was so intense that the enemy was repulsed. I stayed at my position and continued to adjust fire for the artillery until a shell landed close to me and a piece of shrapnel cut the telephone I was holding, resulting in the loss of communication. Then my radio man and me left my position and headed back to our lines. Later I was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor for this action. I was also promoted to 1st Lieut.

     Later replacements started coming in and I was sent back to the rear to be an instructor and CO of the leadership company, which was for new non-commissioned officers. They called it the School of Standards. The new non-coms were there for three weeks and then sent back to their units. I stayed there until the war was over on July 26, 1953. I actually didn't rotate back to the States until September. I left SOS by truck to Seoul from Chinchon. There we loaded onto a train to Pusan, where we took a physical, then boarding a ship called the Marine Serpent, a troop ship. The ship went through the straights of Japan and up to the Alution Islands, then to Seattle, Washington. It took only eleven days and it was a very good trip. The best food I had had since I left the states. We got into port at 8:30 A.M. and was processed at the port. We then got onto a good train and traveled to Camp Carson, near Colorado Springs, Colorado. We got there on a Friday and we couldn't get all processed until Monday. We had to take another physical and they gave us what money we had coming and a train ticket to St. Louis, Missouri. We were separated from active service on the 23rd of September, 1953.

     I met Jim Kendrick when we got on the train. Jim was in the 40th Infantry Division in Korea. We were classmates in high school We talked all the way back to St. Louis about where we went and where we were located. Our wives met us there at the station. It was a very glorious occasion too. Then we headed back home to Salem, Illinois. AMEN!"

(V-174) Philip H. Frakes with grandson, Nathan Courtright

(V-70) C. Frederick "Fred" Gammon

(V-71) O. Rex Gammon

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 21, 1944 - "Here’s a nice letter from T. Sgt. Rex GAMMON, who is stationed in India. He is making an extensive study of the lives of these people as can be seen in the interesting letter which follows: Salam Sahib: In case you haven’t received a letter bearing a similar salutation, it’s translation is, "Peace be unto you, sir!" Or simply, "Good day, sir!" Anyway it’s meaning is the equivalent of "Dear J.N." even though Columbus was wrong and it isn’t from 1 Indian to another Indian. When one starts to write of life in India, he hardly knows where to start and once started it is difficult to find a place to stop. Naturally your interests are going to lie in the direction of politics and the press, so to the best of my ability and within the limits of military restriction and censorship, I’ll try to concentrate on those 2 subjects. Variety is the one word which describes most accurately everything in India, regardless of what the topic of discussion may be - the one exception to this is possibly the weather. This exception can be simply described as "too hot", "too cold", "too wet", and "too dry". I have been subjected to the "too hot" and "too wet" seasons and can’t think of a better way to describe them. The variety of customs, languages, and political institutions is based on the many religions observed. Most of the religions are strange and fascinating to an American, due to their contrast to Christianity. The majority of Indian population follows the God Bramna, creator of everything in the world. They are known as Hindus. Every Hindu is born into the caste system from which it is difficult to rise. One must live, work and marry within the limits of his caste. Second to the Hindus are the Mohammedans, a little closer to our own religious observances. They pray 5 times a day, facing the direction of the Mecca, their Holy City. "Allah is Allah, there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet." Fewer in number but worthy of mention are the Sikhs, Gurkhas and Parrsies. The Sikhs follow ten teachers known as Gurus. They make very good soldiers. One needs on a moment’s glance to realize a Sikh, with his long hat and beard, would be a tough customer if aroused. The Gurkhas are Hindus, but differ from the main classification in that they, too, are fighters. The Hindu, who believe in reincarnation, naturally does not kill anything which possess life. The Gurkhas make up a large percentage of the Indian Army. The Parsies follow, Zoraster as their prophet. They dispose of their dead by place them in towers, where they are devoured by vultures. Perhaps you are wondering what all this has to do with politics? The political parties are based on these different religious beliefs. Every Indian, every political organization has Indian Independence foremost in mind. The National Congress based on the Hindu trend of though, is the leading party, sine the Hindus out number the others. Ghandi is their leader - he needs no introduction. The Muslim League, the Mohammedan party, is championed by Mr. Zinnah. The Sikhs have their own party but are too few in number. There are also a couple of minor parties. The trouble arises that in case of independence, none of these parties want to leave with the others. The present plan, under much discussion and arousing world wide attention is Pakistan. This plan would give the National Congress political control where the Hindus are in majority - the Muslim League control where the Mohammedan predominate. Some one evidently forgot to think about the Sikhs. The Indian Press is divided among the different parties. News reports are usually poorly written and a proof reader has surely never been heard of, as the errors in the papers are numerous and often misleading. Censorship regulations are less rigid than in the United States - editorials are often very frank. I’ve read articles the American editor wouldn’t dare to print. Wesbrook Pegler could really go to town in the Indian Press. I’ve just started receiving the Express again and I’ll certainly be glad when I can once again get back on good American soil. Incidentally, I have not run across who doesn’t share that same opinion. I wish to thank you for the paper - though the news is a little late - it is still news - 12,000 miles away from the old hometown. Everyone seems to share the opinion that the termination of the war will once again restore him to civilian life, where he can practice a little individualism. The Army days will be pleasant when one recalls acquaintances made. I’ve made many friends, which otherwise would never have been made. I’ve a little story to tell of one of them. Similar stories appear in "Time" and "Newsweek". This one is worthy of being printed though it may never see the ink. In February I walked in the same barracks and on the bunk next to mine was a Master Sergeant - I noticed his shipping code was the same as mine. Within a few days I knew a lot about E. FOX (M. Sgt.) And I learned to respect him for his individualism. He had been in the Army, since the mobilization of the National Guard, but he was still a civilian at heart. FOX wasn’t a G.I. Joe as we term anyone, who sticks to the letter and goes by the book alone. He had walked out of O.C.I. with only a day between him and the gold bars. FOX and I lived and worked together until a few weeks ago. When FOX left he was still the same boy who walked away from the gold bars - he liked to be an individual. He had been condemned several times because he liked to use his resourcefulness. We’ve just gotten a report came that FOX had recently foiled the Japs and saved the lives of several officers and men. The report also says he has been given the Silver Star. He’s the kind of a guy who would put it away in his barracks bag and forget where he put it. Given everyone my best regards, and thanks again for the paper. "

"The Kinmundy Express" - Feb. 14, 1946 - "Sgt. Rex GAMMON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. GAMMON, arrived home Feb. 9th after receiving his discharge at Jefferson Barracks the same day. Rex entered the service March 26, 1942, and shipped overseas March 6, 1944, landing in Casablanca. From there he went to Oran and then to Bombay, Calcutta, Chabua and Ledo, India. He started homeward Nov. 3 via rail to Karachi, where he waited for a month for a boat. He left there Dec. 30 and landed in Seattle Jan. 30. Sgt. GAMMON was a radar repairman of the Signal Corps and worked radar and radio. He wears the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Ribbon. After resting for about a month or so, Rex intends to go back to his former position with the Sun Oil Co. of Beaumont, Texas."

(V-187a) Dwight Garner                                          (V-187b)

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 14, 1944 - B.J. "Junior" Garrett

"Junior GARRETT, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT, left Friday for the Navy. Mr. and Mrs. GARRETT have 3 sons in the service."

(V-22) Garrett brothers: Bill Garrett, Carroll Garrett, B.J. "Junior" Garrett, and Floyd Garrett

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 20, 1944 - Charles William "Bill" Garrett

"Here’s one from Cpl. Chas. GARRETT, written Jan. 2, in New Guinea. He says: Just finished reading the Kinmundy paper, so thought I would drop you a line to let you know that I sure appreciate getting it. Sometimes it takes quite awhile for it to reach me, but it is still news from home to me and I certainly enjoy reading it. I don’t stay in one place very long so I can’t expect to get it all the time. I have never seen anyone that I knew back there. Lawrence BASSETT and I were at the same place for awhile, but I was moved up before I had a chance to see him. Everyone back there seem to be doing a swell job of putting out supplies for the armed forces and I think that before long the Nips are going to wish they had never heard of Pearl Harbor. Thanks again for the paper and I hope that it won’t be too long before I see the old home town again. "

(V-101)                                                   Floyd Garrett                                                        (V-102)

"The Kinmundy Express" - May 17, 1951 - "Wounded in Korea: Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT received a letter from their son, Floyd GARRETT Sunday morning in which he stated that he had been slightly wounded by shrapnel.  At the time of writing the letter, he had recovered enough that he was again on his way to the front lines."

(V-22) Jack Garrett  

(V-25) Tom Garrett

(V-72)  Bob Geiler

(V-73) Lawrence Gottman

"The Kinmundy Express" - June 29, 1944 - Harry Gray, Jr.

"Here’s one from Pvt. Harry GRAY, Jr., who is also in England. He says: I am now in the E.T.O. (England). It is not a bad place to be because a lot of the boys are in a lot worse places. Well, I received my first Kinmundy paper and was sure glad to get it. I like to read the Zatso and the service boys letters. Also have some pals that like to read the paper too. Most boys in the service think being overseas is a bad thing and don’t want to come across. But I sure have seen a lot of things since I left home. I have been in Ireland, Scotland, and England. All 3 are very pretty countries. I sure enjoyed the boat ride over too. I never saw so much water in my whole life, than when I came across. It was kind of a rough trip, but I made out pretty well outside of days when I was seasick. Before we got on the boat, the Red Cross gave us a cup of coffee and something to eat also when we got off. So I think the Red Cross helps the boys in the service a lot. The people here are pretty nice to us soldiers, so we have a pretty nice time when we go on pass. But the funny part about it, I have never been on pass since I have been over here. Every time I think I will go out I change my mind and instead write my wife a letter. There is one thing I don’t like about the E.T.O., we have to sew and wash our own clothes, so the army as a whole makes a pretty good girl out of you. There are a lot of things I would like to tell you about, but you know I can’t. But when the D day is over and the boys come marching home, maybe we can tell you more about it then. Well, I can’t write very good, but maybe you can read this some way. I want to thank you again for the paper and keep them coming am always glad to get it. So good bye and keep the old home town a going."

(V-150) Tim Green

(V-113) Dick Hall

(V-64) Jack Hall

(V-77) Jim Hall

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 9, 1943 - James Hammer

"Here’s one from James HAMMER, SO M 3c, of the U.S. Navy and is now, and has been seeing the world aboard the U.S.S. Heron. And say, Red, don’t forget that we would be mighty glad to see you as well as the other boys and girls, right here on the streets of Kinmundy. He says: I am dropping a few lines to thank you for the much appreciated paper and hope someday to repay the kindness. I showed the fellows your ‘Zatso’ column’ (I believe that is the way you spell it), and now every time I get the paper I have to show them the paper so they can read it. I have been quite a few places since I left Kinmundy but I don’t think I would trade it for any one of them. I can now get the full meaning of "Be it ever so humble there is no place like home." Since the war started, I haven’t seen many fellows from home, but one day I did meet Bob HANNA and we had a short talk and most of it was on past experiences at Kinmundy. As there is not much a fellow can write about these days, I will have to close wishing you all A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year".

Albert H. Hampsten

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 10, June 29, 1942

"Word was received Sunday by Albert H. HAMPSTEN, of Omega, that his 17 year old son, Louis Ervin HAMPSTEN, was wounded in action overseas. HAMPSTEN was a private in the United States Marines. We don’t know just where HAMPSTEN was stationed, all Mr. HAMPSTEN knows is that his mail was sent to California. But we all know this, that the "Leather Necks" are doing a good job of mopping up those little men from the rising sun in a certain bunch of islands in the south west Pacific."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 13, 1944

Mr. Albert HAMPSTEN received a telegram from the War Dept. on Jan. 8 stating that his son, Pvt. Louis Ervin, had been wounded in action. Pvt. HAMPSTEN is in the Marines and this is the second time he has been wounded, the first time being in early Sept. 1942. Pvt. HAMPSTEN is 19 years of age and has been in the service for more than 2 years. He is in the Southwest Pacific. The message did not state the nature of his wound.

(V-74) Virgil Hampsten

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 1, 1946 - "Some 50 relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil HAMPSTEN in Meacham twp. on July 27th to help him celebrate his birthday. Mr. HAMPSTEN was discharged from the army last winter, after more than 3 years overseas. He was very much surprised when all the people came in."

(V-76) Virgil Hanes

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 31, 1944 - Dean Hanks

"Deputy Sheriff and Mrs. Fred HANKS, now living in Salem, but formerly of Omega twp., received a message from the War Dept. last Thursday stating their eldest son, Sgt. Dean HANKS, has been missing in action in France since Aug. 8th. Inasmuch as the message read "missing", the family has hopes that he will turn up O.K in the near future. There has been cases like this and the boys would turn up later. So they still have hopes. Sgt. Dean HANKS entered the service March 25, 1942, was shipped overseas in Dec. 1943, landing in England where he was stationed until the invasion of France. He is 35 years of age. The last letter received by the family from him, was dated July 26th. Mr. and Mrs. HANKS have another son in the service also, Sgt. Donald HANKS, now stationed in Italy. They also have another son at home, Doyle. Also 3 daughters, Mrs. Eileen DYE of Fairfield, Mrs. Louise BRADY of Charleston, S.C., and Miss Fleta, who is at present in Charleston, S.C. with her sister. One son-in-law is also in the service, Lt. (jg) Theodore BRADY, now stationed in Charleston, S.C. Mr. and Mrs. HANKS have many old neighbors and friends in this community who extend to them their deepest sympathy and they are uttering prayers that the missing lad may be safe somewhere and will show up later on."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Beauford Hanna

Feb. 15, 1944 - A telegram was received Tuesday by his wife stating that PFC Beauford L. HANNA was seriously wounded on Jan. 1 in action in France and details would follow. Mrs. HANNA, with her 2 children, have been making their home in Kinmundy the past several months. PFC HANNA is the son of Dr. H.L. HANNA and was inducted into the service on Nov. 17, 1943. He sailed across on June 30, 1944, landing in England. He has been stationed in France for the past month. The last letter received by his wife was dated Jan. 19 in France. He was a member of the Mechanized Infantry. We certainly hope this good family will receive good news as to the outcome of this wound.

(V-177)

Apr. 29, 1948 - Funeral Services Held Sunday Afternoon in Gymnasium for PFC Beauford L. HANNA: Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for the casketed remains at PFC Beauford L. HANNA in the gymnasium, Rev. C.L. HILL of Farina officiating.  This lad was wounded on Jan. 31, 1945 in France, and died in a hospital in France on Feb. 3 following.  A large crowd of friends attended this sad service.  and the profuse of flowers expressed the sympathy of the entire community.  The flag draped casket was escorted to its final resting place in Evergreen Cemetery by members of Kinmundy Post No. 519, American Legion, who gave their comrade a military burial.  PFC HANNA was the third Kinmundy war dead to reach home.  Beauford Laverne, youngest son of Dr. Homer L. and Martha Jane GRAY HANNA, was born in Kinmundy, July 18, 1920, acquiring his education in the local schools, graduated from Kinmundy H.S. with the class of ‘38.  After finishing school, B.L. worked for his father for a time, later going to Chicago where he was employed.  Here he met Miss Irene SLONINA and on Aug. 9, 1941, they were married in St. Louis.  He was called for duty with the U.S. Army on Nov. 17, 1942.  He was stationed at various camps in the U.S. and his companion and infant son, Darrell Patrick, were permitted to be near him.  These few months, though filled with hardships, are held as precious treasures by the grieving wife. After his arrival overseas, a daughter, Lavrene Lynn, was born at their Kinmundy home and was only two weeks old when her father was taken from her.  B.L. sailed overseas June 30, 1944, landing in Italy.  From there he went to France.  Here he distinguished himself as an outstanding hero.  The following citation describes this various action: “For valorous conduct in action against the enemy.  On the night of 23 Nov. 1944 as his platoon was leading the advance of his battalion, Private First Class B.L. HANNA, first scout, observed an enemy emplacement about 10 yards off the road.  Rapidly encircling the enemy position, Private First Class HANNA came upon its rear before the enemy within could fire more than one shot at the platoon.  By this alertness and aggressive performance of duty, Private First Class HANNA thus took three enemy prisoners and eliminated a hostile outpost.  For this heroic action he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.  The presentation, an impressive ceremony in the family home, occurred June 16, 1945, and was made by First Lt. MILLER to Daniel Patrick, the two year old son.  As a youth, B.L. attended Sunday School and Services at the Methodist Church in this city.   After going overseas these early teachings meant much to him.  Letters to his loved ones often spoke of his faith in God and the strength it gave him in his darkest hours.  B.L. was fatally injured on January 31, 1945, and died in a military hospital on Feb. 3, 1945.  He was temporarily interred in the United States Military Hospital in Epinal, France.  An infant son, Richard, preceded him to death May 1, 1942.  He is survived by his faithful companion, Irene, a son, Darrell Patrick, and a daughter, Lavrene Lynn.  He also leaves his beloved father, a stepmother, who was dear to his heart, and the following sisters and brothers: Bertha DAVIS and Leona RIECK of Chicago; Mary HANKS, Alma; Ruth KNABE, Kell; Gail HULTS, Ada SMITH, Clyde, Paul and Robert HANNA of this city; and Dwight HANNA of East Lansing, Mich.  Four step-sisters, Velma HANNA, Kinmundy; Florence JASPER, Eva RUPE and Lida BALDRIDGE, Centralia; a step-brother, Dean LONG of Rockford; other relatives and friends. 

(V-75) Mertie L. "Huffy" Hanna

"The Kinmundy Express" - Apr. 13, 1944 - John Hanson

"Here’s a V-Mail from M. Sgt. John HANSON, who is now sojourning in New Guinea. He says: Just a few lines to let you know my APO number has been changed and how much I appreciate getting the Express. I enjoy your Zatso column very much, although I don’t agree with all you say, I find it very interesting. I am at present in New Guinea and this jungle is plenty rugged. If it wasn’t for military reasons, I’d say let the Japs have it. That would be a fitting punishment for them. But we are not having it too hard. The eats are very good and while we work hard, we sure don’t mind that, as beating the Japs is the main idea. As I advance I can see just what the morale of the soldier is and they have just one idea - to get this thing over with and get back home. We don’t get much news from the States and some of the things we hear don’t sound good. I believe that the ones at home complain and do not help the war effort are very much in the minority and those kind will always be around. How are things around Kinmundy? It has been years since I have been there for a long visit but I think about it often. I can’t say that I like Kinmundy better than any place I’ve seen, but it ranks right at the top. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Chamber of Commerce for the carton of cigarettes. They sure came in handy. Well, guess I’ll close for now. Thanking you again for the paper."

(V-168) Robert Hanna and Dwight Hanna

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 22, 1942 - "The Express was more than glad to receive a letter from Pvt. Dwight HANNA. Dwight reports that this camp in which he is stationed is a new camp and when completed will be the largest medical training center in the U.S. Army. He goes on to say that he doesn’t mind the Army life for it reminds him of his by gone school days, as he only has 1 hour of Military drill and the rest of the day is spent in the classroom."

"The Kinmundy Express" - May 4, 1944 - "Here’s a V-Mail letter from Cpl. Robert HANNA, who is on duty somewhere around New Guinea. He says: It has been my intention of writing you a letter and thanking you for the Kinmundy paper for quite some time but just neglected to do so. I have been in the army 3 years today and have received your paper regular all the time. I really enjoy it as it keeps me posted on the folks at home. I have met a couple of Kinmundy boys since I’ve been overseas. I met James HAMMER the first time I went to town. I wrote home for Elwin TROUT’s address and looked him up. We saw each other 1 time and then he was sent away from this part of the country. I had a nice visit with both boys and hope to be seeing them before so very long on the streets of Kinmundy. I could write you lots about the country over here, but as yet I have seen nothing worth writing home about. I wouldn’t trade one little part of Kinmundy for all the country this side of the ocean. I am still in a veterinary section, but am attached to a Medical Supply Dept at the present time. I hope to back doing veterinary work again before long, but don’t know if I will be or not. Well I am about to run out of writing space here so will sign off for this time. Thanking you again for the paper."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Apr. 13, 1944 - John Hanson

"Here’s a V-Mail from M. Sgt. John HANSON, who is now sojourning in New Guinea. He says: Just a few lines to let you know my APO number has been changed and how much I appreciate getting the Express. I enjoy your Zatso column very much, although I don’t agree with all you say, I find it very interesting. I am at present in New Guinea and this jungle is plenty rugged. If it wasn’t for military reasons, I’d say let the Japs have it. That would be a fitting punishment for them. But we are not having it too hard. The eats are very good and while we work hard, we sure don’t mind that, as beating the Japs is the main idea. As I advance I can see just what the morale of the soldier is and they have just one idea - to get this thing over with and get back home. We don’t get much news from the States and some of the things we hear don’t sound good. I believe that the ones at home complain and do not help the war effort are very much in the minority and those kind will always be around. How are things around Kinmundy? It has been years since I have been there for a long visit but I think about it often. I can’t say that I like Kinmundy better than any place I’ve seen, but it ranks right at the top. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Chamber of Commerce for the carton of cigarettes. They sure came in handy. Well, guess I’ll close for now. Thanking you again for the paper."

(V-115) John B. Harrell

"The Kinmundy Express" - Feb. 11, 1943 - HEADLEY family

"Five sons and one son-in-law in the armed forces and four sons in defense work - such is the contribution of Mr. and Mrs. Winfred HEADLEY, Kinmundy, to their nation in time of war. Mr. HEADLEY, who is 71 years old, owns and manages a 330 acre farm 7 miles northwest of Kinmundy in Foster twp., doing much of the work himself. Another son, Merle, 28, assists him at the farm. Mr. and Mrs. HEADLEY have 13 children, 11 of whom are sons. One son, Pvt. Harvey, 33, who is now stationed in Colorado, has served 4 years with the army in the U.S. and Alaska. Other sons in the service: Pfc. Leslie HEADLEY, 44; Pvt. Russell HEADLEY, 43; Pvt. Harry HEADLEY, 35; Pvt. Wesley HEADLEY, 29; Pvt. Herschel SIMMONS, son-in-law. One daughter, Mrs. Herschel SIMMONS, has taught in the rural schools of Marion County for 16 years. A second daughter is Gilbert DOOLEN of Kinmundy. Mr. HEADLEY was born near Kinmundy on Nov. 10, 1872, and has served all his life as a farmer. On Nov. 10, 1898, at Vandalia, he was married to Miss Mary Lillian DOOLEN. After selective service took his sons from their large farm, HEADLEY went ahead with the work, raising many cattle and hogs, and harvesting more than 800 bushels of hybrid corn in addition to other customary farm crops, such as wheat, soybeans, clover and redtop hay."

(V-171) Cary Henken

(V-104) Leonald S. Henson

(V-143) William Ray Henson

"The Kinmundy Express" - Oct. 26, 1944 - William H. Hill

"Pvt. William H. HILL, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. HILL, Killed in Action in Luxembourg: Again our little community has been dealt a blow by the horrors of war. This time we are extending heartfelt sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. W. Harley HILL who are grieving the loss of their only son. They received the message from the War Dept. yesterday morning stating their son, Pvt. William H. HILL had been killed in action in Luxembourg on Oct. 7th. This was, indeed, a hard blow to this couple because just a week ago they had received a long letter from their son, dated Oct. 3rd, in which he had stated that he was in Luxembourg and everything was going along alright. And we suppose it was but what a difference a few days can make. Pvt. William H., son of W. Harley and Ethel MERCER HILL, was born on the farm occupied for many years by this good family, south and east of Kinmundy, May 19, 1923. He attended the local schools here, being in this district. When he was in his sophomore year in high school, he enlisted in the army and was inducted on Jan. 17, 1942. He received his training in various camps and shipped overseas July 15, 1944, landing in England. His company did not stay very long in England but crossed the channel into France. He was a member of C. A, 774th Tank Battalion, being a gunner and a radio man. Bill, as we knew him, was a regular attendant at Chapel Services as was evidenced by the numerous letters received from his Chaplain. They also received several letters from his commanding officers telling them what a splendid soldier he was. Besides the bereaved parents, he leaves 3 sisters, Miss Myrtle, who is a teacher in the Lawrenceville, Ill. schools; Louise HATFIELD of Winterhaven, Fla.; and Rhea WILLIAMS of Chicago. The flag over our service board now floats at half-mast in honor of the memory of another lad who has given his last full measure of devotion for his country. And the name of Private Bill has been added to our list to be remembered when we face the east on Nov. 11th.

"The Kinmundy Express" - March 23, 1944 - Gail Hines

"Here’s one from 1st Lt. Chaplain Gail HINES. He says: I am writing this to notify you of a change of address. I am in the United Kingdom now, and am keeping busy trying to learn the ways of this place. The people are most kind and helpful, and the country where I am located is most lovely. I am very pleased with my work here and am being given excellent cooperation and help. I trust this finds you all well. My regards to all my good friends there."

(V-33) John D. Purcell, Dale Broom, and Henry O. Hinkley, Jr.

(V-179) Henry O. Hinkley, Jr.

"The Kinmundy Express" - July 6, 1944 

"PFC Henry O. HINKLEY Killed in Action June 7th in Southwest Pacific Theater: A telegram was received Tuesday evening by Mr. and Mrs. H.O. HINKLEY, of Alma, stating that their son, PFC Henry O. HINKLEY, Jr., had been killed in action on Biak Island on June 7th. Needless to say this cast a shadow of gloom over the entire community. This was Alma’s first casualty. PFC Henry O. HINKLEY, the youngest son of Henry O. and Abbie KELSEY HINKLEY, was born March 4, 1924, in Elvsburg, Penn., and died at the age of 20 years, 3 months, and 3 days. Most of his life was spent in and around Alma. He attended the High School in Salem, graduating with the class of ‘41 and where he had attained a great athletic record. He spent 2 years in Carbondale where he attended Southern Illinois Normal University. He was inducted into the Army on March 5, 1943, and assigned to the Infantry. He left the states July 1943, landing in Australia on July _. He was moved to New Guinea in March 1944 and has seen a good deal of combat service. After entering the service, he was never granted a furlough in order to visit homefolks. Besides his parents, he leaves 2 brothers, S. Sgt. Anson A., now with the Weather Section of the Army Air Forces and stationed in Dutch Guinea, and Harlan K. of Carbondale, Ill. The only sister, Audrey I. HARRIS, was killed in an auto accident near Alma in 1937. We are told that a memorial service will be held for this lad in Alma but the date for this service has not be set as yet. Our hearts are truly saddened and our heartfelt sympathy goes out for this good family."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 3, 1944 

"Memorial Services were held Sunday in the Alma Methodist Church for Pvt. Henry O. HINKLEY, who was killed in action on Biak Island, June 7. The service included: Song - LECKRONE Sisters; Prayer - Rev. HARD; Song - Alma Trio; Message - Dr. Roy N. KEEN; Remarks - Rev. Roy E. McGRATH; Taps. Henry Otis HINKLEY was born at Elysburg, Pa., March 4, 1924. He came to Greenville, Ill. with his parents in 1930 and to Alma, Ill. in 1934. He attended the grade schools in both Greenville and Alma and was graduated from Salem H.S. with high honors with the class of ‘41. He then attended the S.I.N.U. at Carbondale until called for duty with the U.S. Armed Forces on March 5, 1943. He gave his life for his country on June 7, 1944, immediately after a beachhead had been established on Biak Island, New Guinea. He was given military burial there and memorial services were held for him in Alma on July 30, 1944. (A list of those attending from a distance was included)."

(V-78) Joe Hudson

(V-48) Ray Ingram

"The Kinmundy Express" - March 18, 1943 - "Swift School: Mr. and Mrs. Frank JONES received a telephone call recently from their daughter, Lora, in New York City that she would be home soon as her husband, Ray INGRAM, would be leaving New York for foreign duty soon."

(V-79) Charles Jasper

"The Kinmundy Express" - June 8, 1944 - "Here’s one from Pvt. Charles JASPER, who is mingling with the Chinks over in China. He says: Just thought I would drop you a few lines again and thank you for your trouble of sending the paper to me and to tell you that I am still receiving them. Most of the boys have written you 2 or 3 times and I really enjoy their letters, so I thought they might like one from China. I have been here in China now for about 7 months and I still don’t know much more about the place than I did when I wrote the first time. I got to go on a sight seeing tour awhile back, which proved to be very interesting, but a couple of the boys and myself were a little too venturesome and didn’t stay with the guide so everything wasn’t explained to us. I know what I seen but I don’t know what is was all about. Our first stop was a war plant out in the mountains and just to look at this place you would think all they could make would be straw hats or baskets. We really got a surprise though when we got in the plant because they had modern machinery just like our own. Of course, the plant was scattered among small buildings and part of it was in caves and not in one huge building. A lot of their machines were set right on the ground and in the caves there was no floor at all, only dirt and rock. I saw one machine in one of the caves that made small brass gears and there was a 16 year old Chinese boy at the controls. The machine was several times as big as he was but he knew every part of it. We all thought we would see a lot of crude equipment before we got to the plant, but we sure got a big surprise. We made 2 more stops on our tour after we left the plant where we also ate our dinner in Chinese style and beat our brains out trying to use chop sticks. One of our stops after the plant was some temples and the "Black Dragon Pool". This place was at the foot of a mountain and then the temples ran clear to the top. The Black Dragon Pool was just a small pool of very clear water with loads of fish, big and small. From the Pool there were stone steps leading up the side of the mountain to the temples. You go in one temple out of the other side to more steps leading up to more temples. After the temple we went to a laboratory where they were experimenting on different things, were too deep for me and they also ground lens for microscopes. I didn’t look around very much here because I was getting pretty tired after working all night and climbing up and down from the temples. I went back to the truck to rest while the others had tea with the Chinese. From there we had to go back to camp because it was time for chow and most of us were too tired to go anyplace. We had one more place to go to which was the "Copper Temples", but when the guide ask which it would be, the Temples or back to camp, and vote was back to camp. The trip was a lot more interesting than we all thought it would be and the first chance I get I want to make the trip again, but not when I have worked the night before. Just take my word for it, don’t come to China to see this stuff, because it isn’t worth it when you can see it in the movies back home. As for the rest of China, it is all the same as far as I know and the war still goes on. All of the boys over here are just waiting and hoping for the day when they can start home and every time they read about a strike back in the States, they say "send them gold bricks from over here for 6 months and they won’t strike again". If they had to come over here and work for $50 bucks a month, do without mail for a week or two at a time, and eat eggs when your grub runs short, then they would know how lucky they really are. You might say we would like to have some eggs and we would too, if half of them were not rotten. Now don’t get me wrong that we have eggs all the time 3 times a day, because we don’t, but some times when the grub runs low and they can’t get meat, we have eggs for a week or two. Most of the time our meals are good and we have swell quarters to live in. We have barracks which are divided into 6 rooms and 6 men to a room. We have double decked beds, which are pretty good only once in a while the man on top falls through as happened in our room a few nights back. We have a locker per man for our clothes and 2 dressers with a large drawer and a small one for shaving articles and other things you might have to put in them. We get our laundry done free by the Chinese and have house boys who make our bed and clean up the rooms. We have to drink bottled water, so the house boys get our water for us in our canteens. They also fix the holes and tears in our clothes or mosquito nets for a small charge of a few dollars in Chinese money. Of course, all GIs in China don’t have this nice a set up, but we were just lucky when we were assigned to this job and it sure beats driving trucks. I look to be back on trucks before we get back to the States, but I hope our time is up overseas before we do as driving over here on these roads is a man killer. Well, Mr. VALLOW, I have written about all there is to tell about this place and from the looks of the pages I have written enough. If I write any more I will have to sign my name a author. I hope this explains to you a little on how we live over here. We really have it soft although we have to work pretty hard sometimes only right now that the Monsoon season is on, we have it soft all the way around. I will close now before I think of something else, so will thank you again for the paper which I enjoy very much.

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 9, 1944 - "Here’s one from PFC Chas. JASPER, who is still sojourning in China. He says: Just thought I would drop you a few lines again to thank you and let you know the paper is still coming through. Sometimes I get 4 or 5 all in one bundle, and other times one at a time, but no matter how they get here, I always enjoy them. The last one I got as where Rex GAMMON wrote. I enjoyed his letter very much. I wish he would get to come over the hump sometime so I could see him. I got to see Dale BROOM not very long before he started home. I sure wish I could have left with him. I hope by the time this letter gets there, he is safe and sound. Tonight is my night off and I am in the recreation hall writing this letter. They have a big ping-pong tournament going on and some of the boys are beating out a few hot licks on the piano, bass fiddle, flute, accordion, and clarinet. We have some pretty good entertainment over here and I guess that is more than a lot of the boys can say who are stationed all over the country. Last week, Pat O’BRIAN, Jinx FALKENBERG, Betty EDEN, and a couple of others put on a show for us. They played 3 nights in a row so that all the boys would get to go. Tomorrow Jinx and one of her troupe are putting on an exhibition tennis game for the boys, but I won’t get to see that as I have to work. Pat O’BRIAN was a riot with his Irish jokes, but Betty EDEN was the most popular and I guess, the main reason was, she came out in a bathing suit. A white woman in a bathing suit who can twist herself up like a pretzel is really a riot over here. There was another fellow with them whose name I have forgotten, who played a guitar and sang "Senatra stay away from my Gal". That is a song you should hear if you haven’t already which I guess you have. Well Norris, it is getting rather late and I am missing out on a lot of good sleep, so guess I had better sign off. Maybe this is a good way to let some of the boys know that I would like to hear from them. I know they all like to get mail and I do too. So if they will write I will be very glad to answer. Also, if you ever come to China, just ask the boy with the Chinese soldiers who unloads your baggage which could even be me. If they know a guy by the name of JASPER, look me up, air freight, that’s me and any one who has ever seen me can sure remember a mug like mine. Thanks again, to you and every one else who helps in sending the paper to the boys. The best of luck to you all."

(V-80) Charles "Beck" Jenkins

(V-65) James Erschel Jenkins

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 11, 1945: "This one is really not a letter but a little story written by Pvt. Erschel JENKINS, who is now in Holland. He entitles this "My Life in an Ordnance Evacuation". Here it is: A lazy fog was overhead, it was around the middle of the month of July. I, along with many soldiers strained my eyes for our first glimpse of France. The crossing had been calm and very foggy. The watch of our L.S.T. really had a job as at that time many mines were floating in the waters. Every box with an odd shape, we steered around. Soon land was sighted; a sailor who had been there many times volunteered the information that we were looking at the Cherbourg Peninsula. We dropped anchor along with the other ships in the convoy and the next morning around noon we ran our ship into the sandy beach. That afternoon at 2:30 when the tide had gone out sufficiently for us to disembark, the doors or mouth of the L.S.T. swung open and out of it passed vehicles of all types loaded down with men and baggage. I and the vehicle I was driving was among the last as the light vehicles were elevated to the top deck. Off we rolled in the sandy beaches. Here was a knocked out German 88 on one side. Barbed wire entanglements were only a few weeks before; many a man had shed his blood so we, the other thousands of other men, could land in France. Yes, we saw our first battlefield, where the beginning of the end of Germany started. On we rolled inland for a few miles, there we pulled off into a field to rest or eat as we could not go to our area except under darkness. Our vehicles were camouflaged and then about all the boys ate their K rations that were issued in England and if I remember correctly they tasted damn good. It was then some time before midnight we started on our way. It was really a hard blackout trip. I got the headache so I asked my buddy, Bob LANGFORD, to take over. The roads were a mess, as they had torn up things for miles and the roads were dusty and rough. Everyone was a little jittery because all round us was gun flashes and the sound of battle. That night I saw the flashes and heard planes roaring and flares falling. For the first time in my life after near 2 years in the army, the day had come - D-Day. After a nerve racking 7 hours, we reached our area. It wasn’t far, but as I said before, the French roads were not made for vehicles such as we have, especially the roads of Normandy. We set to work and put up our tents and then the shovel I had started to use, of course, a foxhole. A night or so passed then we were awakened by a (Jerry) German plane that came over regular to see what he could see, of course, it was a recon plane, but the AA didn’t bother to shoot as it would give our positions away. Anyway, we called him Bed Check Charlie, for the name we all figured, was best. Anyway my tent was pitched where I could roll right in my foxhole. We were in earnest, our practice was in the past. From day to day we saw the ruins of battle vehicles strewn along the roads and bomb and shell craters everywhere. We went thru the town of Volognes where nothing but shells of buildings were left. It is one of the most destructed towns I’ve seen in that vicinity to date. I couldn’t say that because Aachen has the record and some seem to think St. Lo. We were in the vicinity of the town of Bricquebec which you have known from the news of the past. The conquest of Cherbourg was over. We at this time, weeks ago can’t say when, but will tell you later we controlled the whole peninsula. After a few days of rain our enormous tank movers were sticking all over the orchard. Some of the boys sat in the old orchard on the first Sunday sitting on their helmets with their guns and gas masks by their side. After a few days rain, we moved to another apple orchard. Normandy is nothing but orchards and little fields. The people back there then were not too friendly as they had not fared so badly under the German. They finally warmed up to us and cognac and hard cider was produced by most of them, especially if they thought they might get a few cigarettes. We some times were given fresh eggs by many. Anyway the eggs were darn good compared to the C or K rations that we were getting. From this vicinity I often had runs into Cherbourg and Barneville. Cherbourg is a quaint old city of narrow streets built upon the bluffs over looking the sea. Here we saw the evidence of our Naval bombardments. They had done a good job and deserve much credit for the quick victory of Cherbourg. At Barneville was a large resort area along the sea. A Red Cross club was soon set up and we enjoyed many good baths in the sea. Salt water, as you know, doesn’t clean one too well, but we felt much better. In Bricquebec the public showers of a hotel was turned over to the Americans to use free. Here I had my first hot shower in France for about a month. In a few days after a big break through on July 25 we left Normandy for Brittany and was bivouacked in the vicinity of Fourgeres. Here we had a good area in a large timber. On our way to this area we experienced our first flower tossings and the people lining the roads with bottles of wine and cider waving their hands. We were moving otherwise, I am afraid there would have been some or many tipsy soldiers. Fourgeres was wrecked, the people seemed to not be certain whether the (Boche) Germans or Americans did it. Not many of the homes were left there for the people to come back to. One unforgettable sight was a house completely torn in half as if one had taken a saw to divide it for a show purpose. The bath tub and stool in the bathroom, table and a chair, bed and dresser were in sight along with a portion of the kitchen. Rain had blown in upon it for many days. They were lucky because many couldn’t find a piece of their stuff. We were not far from a little lake that was made into a (W.P.) Water Point. Again we took our baths below it. The first thing we looked for was a place to bathe as the roads were so dusty when dry. Mortain had not fallen then and the Germans were trying to cut us off from Normandy. It was useless as they soon found out. By this time we knew we were here to stay. Before we moved from that area, the people were returned to Foureres on wagons and carts pulled by donkeys or behind bicycles - people had all their worldly possessions. Many times the animal had all he could pull and the family wearily trudged along beside. The next city of any size that we moved close to was Lo Mans. The smaller towns around where we were camped had not felt the arm of war like the larger places. This time we were closed to a river. Here we got to swim a lot. It happed to be quite warm there. Le Mans is a nice city. It is one of the prettiest I have ever seen. They had some of the prettiest flower bed arrangements around the monuments in town of any place that I’ve ever seen. One was a sundial with each section a different color flower. Le Mans was off the limits so I didn’t see too much except going through after rations. Only the area around the rail road yards seemed to be damaged the most. It was through here on the Brest and Paris Railroad many Americans traveled during the last war or I may say World War I. It was not long until we moved again. The tanks we haul must reach where they are need quickly. Many of the crews have delivered tanks in areas under direct enemy fire and we would bring them back for repairs. With a system like ours, we couldn’t hardly loose and I say we are bound to win any war. We moved in the vicinity of Fountainebleau which is on the Seine River only 45 miles from Paris. When I say vicinity I mean it was the closest town of any size. It was here we first met the type of people that France is noted for. They dressed in the best clothes and enjoyed spending their evenings at the famous side walk cafes, which, I have heard so much about. Fountainebleau is a town of much historical interest. Here the castles of many Kings of France stands. It is the second largest in Europe. I spent a part of one afternoon in going through it. It has the harp of Josephine, Napoleon’s wife and his bed only 5 feet long and all the various paintings, etc. Oh yes, the wine the French make I first heard was the best but it didn’t taste too good. The champagne is excellent. It sells for 8 to 10 dollars a quart. It all depends on how much lingo you can talk. Most of us went to Paris for a day; our commanding officer wanted us all to have the memory of Paris to take home with us. Paris is undescribable. It would take a month to see it all. I went up the Eiffel Town, saw Notre Dame, The Arch of Triumph, and many other things that brought great interest. I thought the clothing, I mean hats our women wore were fantastic, but you should see what the women look like here with such odd looking hats. How they dress so well, no I don’t know, but as one English speaking Frenchman said, "they spend their last franc on their clothes." The girls are beautiful but can’t beat the American girls. I guess it is due to several things. If I could understand their words it would be easier to like them, is my opinion. Yes, Paris is the city of cities, it is nice and we Americans got a very warm reception there. It was about a week after it’s liberation. We have left all of that behind and it is just a memory now. Things are much different here in Holland, but I have seen some beautiful places in Luxembourg and Belgium, such as forest trees planted in rows, they however were tall pines. Holland I always thought was one windmill after another, but I’ve only seen one and again this is all in the past. Aachen is nothing but a city that will take many years to be the same. Believe me, if we do them all that way on the road to Berlin, they will surely think twice before the so-called Master Race raises it’s self toward war again. Well, the rest must wait for another day to be told. Perhaps the end is not far off. Naturally, we all want to get home but a lot remains to be finished here and in the Pacific. Let us hope the Japs fall soon after the Jerries."

(V-81) Ralph "Pug" Jenkins

"The Kinmundy Express" - March 16, 1944 - "Here’s one from Pvt. Ralph JENKINS. ‘Pug’ recently landed in merry old England and appears to like the country. He says: Thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know I am in England, and I’m hoping to get a paper soon. I haven’t got a paper now for almost a month and I certainly miss it. Well I suppose you would like to hear a little about the country of England. Well, the weather here is awful, it is damp, foggy, rainy, and once in awhile the sun shines, the policemen wear tall steel helmets, just like the pictures you have seen in history books. The people here live a hard and difficult life on account of food rationing and we soldiers are also rationed, we get 2 razor blades a week and 7 packages of cigarettes. We are living on an old English Settlement and it is a beautiful place. The English people go for flowers and shrubbery and the grass is green now and the country is beautiful. I have changed my U.S.A. currency for English currency and it is some job to keep it straight and know how much one has got. Well, Mr. VALLOW, I got to close and hope I get the paper soon so I can read the boys letters."

"The Kinmundy Express" - July 13, 1944 - "Here’s our first letter received from France and it’s from Pvt. Ralph JENKINS, better known to his friends as "Pug". He rather liked England and from the way he talks, he might fall in love with France. He says: Well, here I am again and this time from France. Thought I would drop you a little about this country, etc. France is a very level country. They have a lot of rock and hedge fences. The people have seen lots of hardships and they are rationed terrible. They wear wooden shoes and only get 3 cigarettes a day. Just think how it would be if the people back there could only get 3 cigs a day. I know it would be awful on me. But we get plenty of cigarettes. That’s one thing that helps me out a lot. I haven’t had any mail since I’ve been in France and I am sure dying to get some. The mail man told us yesterday that there would be mail for us in about a week. So that isn’t so bad, as there are only 6 more days to go. Haven’t seen a boy from home since I have been in England and France, but hope to before long. My brother is over here but I haven’t heard from him in over 3 weeks now. The houses the French people live in look like our barns back home. And I sorta wish I had taken French in High School. I heard a couple of Frenchmen talking the other day and it seemed like children just learning to talk. Maybe I might get onto it before long. Well, I would like to write more, but I can’t think of anything else this time. So will close hoping we hurry up and get to Berlin, so we can come home for good and I’m telling you it can’t be too soon for me. Well, Norris, I want to thank you again for the paper and here’s hoping I get one before long. So for now I’m saying ‘Cherio’."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 21, 1944  - "Here’s a letter from Pvt. Ralph JENKINS, better known as Pug, who is doing his bit in France. He says: Well, Mr. VALLOW, I have been in France for some time now, also my brother is over here but I haven’t had a chance to see him as yet. I tried awful hard to see him while we were both in France, but never got to see him. We get mail from each other in one day’s time so we can’t be too far apart. I haven’t seen any one that I know since I have been over here, but hope to one of these days. I met one boy from Kell, Ill. I was talking to him and he knew Harry BURGE and family, but that is the closest one that I’ve ever met from home. We sure are mopping up these Germans and make no different of what you hear on the radio, take my advice because I know as I am over here. We are really driving hard and fast. I don’t see how this war can last much longer and I am sure by Christmas time, we will see the end of it and what a happy bunch of boys there’s going to be in France. General PATTON and the boys in the tanks are really doing some splendid work. The war news certainly sounds good and it is good. I was working up in the front lines with Charles KLINE’s division and did we turn the heart on these Germans. I will have a few stories to tell you when I get back. Oh did I say a few? Sure would like to see some nice weather. It has been very chilly and it has been raining almost every day for over a week and it certainly makes it bad over here trying to sleep, etc. and especially when we eat. When we go through the chow line and it is raining it’s awful because by the time one gets started eating his messkit is full of water. The sun has started shining now but it is likely to cloud up and rain before long. Anyway, I certainly hope it doesn’t because I have a little washing that I should do. Sure am glad when I get my washing done, so I can get my correspondence caught up. Got a paper last night, first one I have got for a long time, and I certainly enjoyed it very much, believe me. It was the paper about PFC Henry HINKLEY of Alma being killed in action. Sure hated to hear of that and also about Manuel WELSH. Wish I could write to these people and try to express my sympathy toward them, because I know what these boys went through with, especially Manuel, as I was on the front lines the day he got killed. As I said, I would like to express my sympathy. I will in this letter to their folks and relatives, they can read this in the paper. Anyway, they gave their lives for a great country in the world. Although, I know how they feel about the situation. Well folks, maybe this war won’t last so long. Anyway I know you all back home are hoping and praying just like we are doing over here. I don’t see how this thing can last much longer. Mr. VALLOW, I’m sending you a couple of pieces of French money, paper bills. I am sending you a five franc note as a souvenir. It is worth 10 cents in our money back there. France is a beautiful country. It has beautiful grain fields. There are hardly any barb-wire fence, mostly thick hedge rows and rocks for fences. This area where we are at now is very beautiful. We can see for miles and miles. The people over here are rationed terrible. They get 3 cigarettes a day and a package of French cigarettes cost $3 a package here. Of course, all the soldiers get plenty of cigarettes through the cigarette manufacturing companies, who sends cigarettes to the Armed Forces. The people here, practically all of them, wear wooden shoes. They are certainly awful to look at besides trying to wear them. We trade cigarettes now and then for eggs. The French says F.’s and it is spelled aeuf in French. I have tried to learn French from them, but can’t and it sounds crazy. I hope I get out of here before I do learn it. Well, I suppose, the peaches are in full swing by now, how I could enjoy a good one to eat right this minute. From your paper I see where all of my buddies are getting married, and I also see by the paper we get over here and the radio that the St. Louis Cardinals are going fine, and I’m sure glad of that, as they are my team. Hope that the St. Louis Browns win the American League Pennant. What a time I would have if I was there. I would like to see them play. Only hope that the Cardinals win the world series. Well, Mr. VALLOW, I suppose you are tired of hearing me blow off, so will close for this by saying thanks for your paper and keep the good work up and maybe it won’t last much longer. Well so long for this time and tell everyone hello and here’s hoping to see every one real soon."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 9, 1944 - "Here’s a nice letter from Pvt. Ralph JENKINS, who is now somewhere in Germany. He says: Haven’t written you for some time, so thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know I’m well and feeling O.K. Although I have sorta got a head cold. Well Norris, I received a paper yesterday, and it certainly seemed awful nice to get it after going about a month without one. The paper I received yesterday had my letter I wrote you and also Manuel’s, but Norris, was very surprised to hear my letter was the first one from France, now maybe, it will be the first one from Germany. I have got plenty of birthday cards and I’m saying thanks for everyone of them, and here’s hoping I’m home for my next one. Well, Norris, how is everyone around the old hometown, suppose it seems deserted. Well, I got my state ballot yesterday and have already marked it and sent it in. Well, last night the Cardinals won the World Series, my old team came in the pinches and won another World Series. We heard all the games over here and they came in very good. Maybe we will all be home for the world series next year. Well, how does the news sound back home, it sounds sorta good over here. I only hope the Germans get smart before too long and give up. America is too powerful for these other countries and we have so much more to be thankful for. If you could see how happy these Germans are when they are captured. They are very happy when they become our prisoners and they say they are glad because the war is over for them. Well, Norris, you have heard a lot of people talk about eating 3 meals in 3 states in one day. Well, I can say more than that. One day I ate breakfast in France, dinner in Belgium, and supper in Luxembourg. So that is a pretty good record and that’s something a lot of people can’t say and never will be able to say. I guess I was sorta lucky to do something like that. Well, I guess the weather is pretty nice at home, but it’s sorta damp and chilly over here. Well Norris, How is Guin coming along. Guess he is still in Michigan, anyway, I hope so. I hear from my brother often, who is over here and would like very much to see him. Maybe I will before long. And would like to see Charles KLINE. I was up one day with Charles KLINE’s outfit, rendering first aid for his 37th Tank Bn., but I never saw him. I was hoping to see him, but I guess I wasn’t lucky. I read your Zatso column and really enjoyed it very much and also a Sgt. from my company read it and he seemed to like it very much. Well, Norris, I don’t know much more for this time so will sign off. I’m sending you a post card from England. I’ve carried it with me ever since I left England. Anyway, it’s sorta a souvenir in a way. Well, I enjoy you paper very much and don’t know what I would do without it. So keep it rolling and thanks a lot for the fine work you have been doing. I hope before long I’ll be able to walk up personally and shake your hand and thank you for doing such a fine job sending us the paper. So for now, I’ll say be good and careful and I’m saying hello to every one in and around the old home town."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 14, 1944 -"Here’s one from Pvt. Ralph E. JENKINS, who is now in Luxembourg. He says: Thought I would try and throw a little ink your way, as I haven’t written to you for some time and to let you know I have another new APO number. It seems as though every time I turn around I have a new number starring me in the face. Guess it is because I am moving around so much. We haven’t been moving around so much. We haven’t been moving hardly any the last couple weeks. But, of course, we can never tell exactly when we will. I have been thinking that the war might end one of these days and maybe it will, but I believe we will still be fighting until summer. Of course, we are progressing yet taking city after city, but the weather is awful on our troops. But old Blood and Guts is making another progressive drive and maybe this war won’t last too long at that. Anyway, let’s hope and pray. It’s horrible to see our boys fighting and night and day through this terrible weather. It is always snowing and raining and about a week ago we had four inches of snow and the ground is never dry it is always mud, mud and mud. I never saw such weather in all my life and here’s hoping I never see anything like this again, it’s simply awful. We haven’t seen sunshine for some time. It might shine for a few minutes a day, but don’t forget I said minutes. This place where we are is a small farming village and all the people here know is work. The women go out and do men’s jobs and lots of the men at home would say no, if they had to work like the women do here. These women pitch hay like a man and they get a sack of feed and carry it up these hills just like it was nothing. They drive the oxen and take care of them just like you would take care of your car. They are very religious and go to church every Sunday. Talk about people being rationed, they haven’t had a pair of shoes for 4 years and also clothing, but they get by. It is really awful to see how these people live. They don’t know hardly what candy is until we got here. We give them a piece now and then and when they get it they smile and say, "Danke" which means thank you. All of these people speak German because they had to put up with them for quite some time. The people here told us that the German soldiers ate very poor food and only had one suit of clothes. They never had enough clothes to supply every soldier with 2 suits like we have. We have a boy from New Jersey who can speak German very good and he is a good friend of mine. Well, how is everything around the old home town. Guess it is just like it always was. Got to close now and eat chow, will finish afterwards. (Just got back from chow). So will try to write you a few more lines. It has been about 2 weeks since I got a paper, but suppose will get one soon. All the papers are generally a month late but just the same I enjoy them very much. Keep up the good work, don’t know what the boys would do without it. Well, Mr. VALLOW, I don’t know much more, so will sign off and read the paper, "Stars and Stripes". Well, maybe this thing won’t last much longer, anyway, let’s hope so. So, until next time, I’ll say, so long and keep the press rolling."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 31, 1944 - Edward Jezek

"Here’s one from Tec. 5, Edward JEZEK, who is in France. He dated his letter Aug. 10 and has this to say. It has been some time since I wrote you. So, now I can’t see any reason why, for it is a beautiful day, sun shining and a nice breeze, but one can’t get to comfortable in writing for we have to duck now and then. I will try to give you a brief idea of where I have been, what I have seen and done. First of all, I have been in half of the states, most of them Eastern ones, but none has been so nice as ours. Altho, they have their good points as we have. So much for that. I was in England for some time, found it very interesting in historical places. As I had always heard we had this and that in the old country, while here I had the opportunity to visit London. Quite some place, not as good as ours, but they certainly do have some good subways. I was told the best in the world, and on top of that they are used for several purposes, such as air raid shelters, transportation and other reasons. I also visited ‘Big Ben’, Buckingham Palace, the Whispering Gallery, London Bridge, and several other places that I’ll tell you about on my return home. Probably the other boys over here have told you the rest so I’ll not finish with it. For France, it is one terrible place, only God and Uncle Sam’s ground forces will know what is going on until after the war is over. You may read and hear a lot, but you people will never know. About Guin’s statement that he had about our wounded is exactly true. I am sure glad that he had the privilege to write it. And it will give the people some idea of how our wounded are cared for. Really marvelous. I am like Charles Joseph, if the people at home only knew how hard our boys are fighting at the front, they would sweat an extra drop more. For those pictures you people see are after a place is taken in a matter of hours or days. The front lines are hell, I know for I have been there. And about the paper. You should have done that a long time ago, for I see no reason why one man should carry such a load. It is not asking too much from our little city or town in sending the paper to each and everyone of us for the paper means as much to me as a letter from our mother or father. You see we can’t write when we want to, only as time permits us. So everyone at home do your best in writing or sending clippings of papers to a soldier. He will more than appreciate it. I will have to end this as I could go on forever, but it will keep until we get home. Thanks a million for the paper and tell everyone hello for me."

John E. Jezek

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 6, 1944 - "Here’s V-Mail, written on Dec. 16th by Cpl. John JEZEK who is sojourning in North Africa. He’s in the hospital, or was at that time, but didn’t say what for. Here’s what he has to say: As I’m in the hospital now. I will take the time to write you these few lines, which I have been intending to do for quite some time, but just couldn’t get around to it. But now I just lay around, smoke cigs, and read, though first comes my letter writing. You don’t know how much I thank you for the paper. You don’t know how much you appreciate it until you are a long ways from home. So thanks again. As you probably know I am in North Africa and there’s not much I can tell you as Major A BROOM, Jr., has told you everything that I could tell you, so I won’t waste any time on the subject. I suppose the old town is the same old place, no new changes made, but any way it’s ‘Home Sweet Home’. Now I must take a dose of mineral oil, so I must say so long."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 31, 1944 - "With the 1^st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army in Korea - (Delayed) Kinmundy, Ill. Army man in serving on the Korean front at a signal man in the 1^st Cavalry’s 13^th Signal Co.;  Private First Class John E. JEZEK, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis JEZEK, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis JEZEK, Kinmundy, is in the 1^st Cavalry’s 13^th Signal Co.  JEZEK’s unit completely installs and operates all Calvary communications equipment, including hundreds of miles of telephone lines and scores of high frequency radios and teletypewriters." 

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 7, 1944 - "Here’s one from Cpl. John E. JEZEK, who is now in Southern France. He says: Here it is Sunday evening and what a dull evening. So, to keep my mind occupied, I could think of nothing better than dropping you a few lines. Since I’ve been in France, I’ve had no papers. So, I’ll have plenty of reading some day, and soon, I hope. We’ve been in Southern France now for sometime and I must say it is a very beautiful country. The people are so nice and friendly, and I must say it is quite an improvement over North Africa. Rather a nice city I’m in, and it is fairly large. So, I’ve been doing quite a bit of gazing about. I was amazed at some of the things they had on display. So, I’ve done a lot of window shopping. Mostly, civilian clothes. I’ll think no more of women window shopping. Anything that has gold or silver in it, we can’t purchase unless we have the equal amount in return. Their shoes no more are made with leather or rubber soles, maybe, still a few. But the majority has wooden shoes, like in Holland, I guess, but do they make a noise when walking down the street. I’m sending something here I should of several months ago, honest, had all the good intentions of sending it. It may be too old by now, but I don’t think so, or at least I hope not. My brother, Ed, who is in Germany now, been through France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and now Germany, saying he was paid in German money. That struck me rather strange. I’d think they wouldn’t want our troops to mix with German people. But I guess they are limited though. I know there are several from down around home over here, so I’m keeping my eyes open wide. Met two Illinois boys, one from Salem and the other from Effingham, getting close. Maybe, if my luck holds out I’ll meet some one yet. I’d like to say hello to the boys over here and good luck to you all. They sure have done a wonderful job over here and it can’t last forever. I’ll have to sign off for now, and thanks a million for the paper. And be careful you don’t eat too much turkey during the holidays."

"The Kinmundy Express" - March 23, 1944 - Charles Johnson

"Here’s a nice letter from Sgt. Charles JOHNSON, who has been very busy seeing the sights of Hawaii. He says: I have been here in the Hawaiian Islands for some time and have just now gotten around to dropping you a line. So please excuse my apology. It’s pretty nice here but it rains a lot. I guess several of the boys have been here before I so I expect you have heard all about it. I can’t write about our trip or what I’ve been doing here but I may write a very exciting book afer the war. I am tired of pineapples and cocoanuts already. I’ve seen several dear and wild hogs. Even as many as 12 in one herd in a small garage the other night. I was on guard the other night when a wild hog nearly ran over me. If he hadn’t been where I could see him we would of had pork. There is not much news and we cannot express our opinion about when the war will end but it can’t be too soon if it’s tomorrow. I would like to have the paper sent to my address. The news from home is first with us except letters from my wife. I believe I had better close and maybe in the near future I will be able to write more."

George A. Johnson

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 26, 1943 - "Capt. George A. JOHNSON has again received a citation for exception and meritorious service during an engagement with the enemy from May 6 to May 9 in the vicinity of Mateur, Tunisia. When the initial attack was stopped by heavy anti-tank fire, he so capably organized his forces and prepared for the next day’s attack that he overran all enemy opposition and advanced well forward into the enemy’s strong defense lines. Mrs. JOHNSON, who is making her home here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.D. INGRAM, informs us that her husband has been promoted to the rank of Major."

"The Kinmundy Express" - June 14, 1944 - "Our whole community received a shock Friday evening when the following telegram was received by Mrs. George JOHNSON: "The Secretary of the War desires me to express his deepest regret that your husband, Major George A. JOHNSON, was killed in action on the 25th day of May in Italy. Letter follows. The Adjutant General". Yes, we were all shocked immensely. This was Kinmundy’s first death in the war. How we have escaped thus far has been nothing more than a miracle. Every person in the community felt this shock and are sympathizing with the bereaved family for every family has some boy or girl participating in this war and they know not when they might receive a like message from the War or Navy Department. We claimed Major JOHNSON as one of our boys because he moved his family here just before he was called into service. And this has been his home ever since. Though, there are 2 other communities which can lay claim to him namely Harrisburg, where he was reared, and Windsor, where he taught school preceding his induction. Nevertheless, he was a good soldier and all these communities are mighty proud to claim him. George, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. JOHNSON, was born in Saline Co. on March 21, 1912, and died at the age of 32 years, 2 months, and 1 day. He graduated from the Harrisburg High School with the class of ‘30, and graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with the class of ‘35. He taught a year in Vocational Agriculture at McNabb, Ill., and 5 terms at the schools in Windsor in a like position until he was called into service. On June 3, 1935 he married Miss Lucille INGRAM of this city, and they had 3 children: Jimmy 8, Nancy 6, and Joyce 4. While attending the U. of I. he enrolled in Reserve Officers Training and upon graduation was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. In 1939 he was elevated to the Rank of First Lieutenant. He was called to duty on March 28, 1941, and left for overseas on May 10, 1942 landing in Ireland. From there, he was sent to Africa and then to Italy. He was advanced to Captain in Dec. 1942, and to Major in July 1943. He had been in the thick of the fighting in North Africa and then in Italy. While serving in the Tunisian Front he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. During the period of Jan. 21 to 24, 1943, he distinguished himself in action against an armed enemy, and led his company against the enemy contributed much to the success of the operation. On one occasion, the example he set was by firing at an enemy tank after he had to borrow ammunition from another vehicle gave his men the inspiration to carry the engagement to a successful conclusion. It was during this campaign that he received a citation for exceptional and meritorious service. In May 1943 he received a wound in the right hand from a shell fragment which sent him to a hospital for a week. On May 9, 1943, he received another citation and the following month received the Purple Heart. Major JOHNSON was rather fortunate in having a brother, 1st Lt. Joseph JOHNSON, in his regiment, and although they were several miles apart, they did manage to see one another quite often. Another brother, 1st Lt. Robert JOHNSON is with the Army Air Corps in New Guinea. Three brothers-in-law are also in the service, namely Lt. Col. William C. INGRAM, Army Air Corps, stationed in Idaho; Ray H. INGRAM, Ph 1 c, U.S.N., now stationed in Casa Blanca; and Louis C. INGRAM, Ph 2 c at the present time a patient in a hospital in Long Island. Besides the immediate family and the 2 brothers, he leaves his parents, who are living in Beltsville, Md., 2 brothers, Cressie at home, and Dan, also of Boltsville, and 1 sister, Verda, a nurse in the Garfield Hospital, Washington, D.C. Truly, this man was a soldier, giving his last full measure of devotion for his country. And we feel as though he did not die in vain. He was a good Christian man. Although, he retained his membership in the Ledford Baptist Church of Harrisburg, he was always more than willing to work along side of his faithful companion in any church or community in which he resided. Memorial Services will be held in Kinmundy High School June 25th."

 (V-109) Harvey Johnston                                    (V-110) Harvey Johnston                      (V-6) Harvey Johnston photo and letter - WWII

"The Kinmundy Express" - June 29, 1944 - Woodrow Johnston

"Sgt. Woodrow JOHNSTON home on furlough after being wounded in Italian Invasion: Here’s a letter from Sgt. Woodrow JOHNSTON, of Meacham twp., in which he tells of being wounded in the invasion of Italy. He says: Just a few lines to show my appreciation for the old home town paper. You don’t have any idea how it helps to keep up the morale of the boys who are overseas. Well, Mr. VALLOW, I was in the invasion of Africa and Tunisia and the invasion of Sicily, where I didn’t duck quite soon enough. I was hit in the back with shrapnel and was flown back to Africa where I was operated to remove the shrapnel. I had a little trouble and a second operation was performed to remove my right kidney. It has affected me in a few different ways, but I believe I will soon be batting them off again. I landed in New York city on June 9th, and arrived here on my furlough of 25 days and boy, are they going fast. Then I report to a hospital for medical care. I was in the hospital for 7 months. The doctors and nurses are sure doing a wonderful job on the battlefields. I was in the 9th Division until I was wounded at Randazzo, Sicily. Those are the boys who are doing such a good job on the Normandy beach today. God Bless each and every one of them, and also all of my friends from home that are overseas in the battle zones. I was only over 20 months. My experience was as a Sgt. in the Infantry keeping the transportation moving. I will thank you again for the paper, and boys, I am done in this one, but keep up the good work. It is not going to be much longer."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 7, 1944 - Emmerson Jones

"Here’s one from Emmerson JONES, F2 c, who is sailing the seven seas aboard the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. He says: While I have a little time to myself, I thought it was about time I wrote and thanked you and the other folks for the paper. I have just begun receiving them and I sure enjoy reading the letters which the rest of the boys from home write, especially, the one which Charles JASPER had written from China, as Charles and I used to run around together quite a bit and that was the first I had heard from him since he left for the service. I have a very fine buddy with me by the name of Michael BERRA and every time I receive a paper we sit and read every thing that is in it. He is from St. Louis and he enjoys very much reading about the Municipal Opera. I would like to tell you about where I have been and what we have done since I left the good old States, but they are pretty strict on what we write. So that will just have to wait until I can get home and tell you in person. Well, Mr. VALLOW, there isn’t anything else I can think of to write this time so I will close thanking you once again for the paper."

(V-114) James E. Jones

(V-66) George Keen

 Harold W. Kleiss

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 16, 1944 - "Here’s one from Cpl. Harold KLEISS, who has just landed in England. From the way he writes, he forgot to take any lemons with him. He says: I guess you are beginning to think that I have forgotten all of you. Well, I haven’t. I’ve been rather busy and on the go so much since my furlough, that I haven’t hardly had time to write to the folks. As I guess you know by now, I am somewhere in England. I had a very nice trip across, as I was only seasick one time and that happened to be the very first night of the voyage. I considered myself rather lucky as I had only to look around me and see them "heaving it up" on the deck and over the rail. We are now at our new "home". As to how long we stay here is anybody’s guess. We are quartered in buildings and sleep on a mattress cover filled with wheat straw. That is about all I’m allowed to tell, so will sign off and hit the "straw"."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 15, 1948 - "The Sergeant Comes Home: Sergeant Harold W. KLEISS, Battery A, 307^th Field Artillery Battalion, 78^th Lightning Division, returned home Saturday morning, Jan. 10, 1948, after an absence of three years, three months.  But it was God’s will that he return home in a baggage car in a flag draped casket.  His journey was a long one but he was at home now, among his loved ones and friends.  As C. & E.I. Train number 123 pulled to a stop at the station, the baggageman gently slid the door open, exposing the flag draped box.  This brought tears to the eyes of many of the near 100 relatives, friends, and comrades, who had gathered at the early hour to accord him the utmost respect.  The trainmen very gently unloaded his casketed remains from the baggage car to an awaiting truck.  As the train pulled out, every train employee looked from a door and bowed their heads in respect.  Of course, they did not realize it, but no doubt but what this lad had waved at them while he was riding a gang plow or a corn cultivator as they passed by Sunnyslope Farm.  Sergeant Harold was just like any other farm lad, he always waved at the train crews as they sped by.  After the train had pulled out, an order was given by an officer in charge and six pallbearers stepped forward, lifted the casket from the truck and placed it in the hearse.  The hearse moved slowly toward the home of the parents.  The casket was removed and placed on a bier, and taken into the home.  The boys in olive drab and blue then proceeded the public square where they raised a flag, and then lowered it to half-mast.  This flag floated at half-mast for three days in honor of Sergeant KLEISS.  Sergeant KLEISS lay in state in his home with a burning candle at either end of his flag draped casket, a kneeling bench in front for those who care to offer a prayer for the repose of the soul.  At either end of the casket also stood the colors of the American Legion.  In the background was a large profuse of the prettiest flowers one could ever wish to see.  In reality, this wasn’t his home when he left.  But it was the home of his grandmother.  So it was just as near and dear to him as Sunnyslope Farm.  You see, Harold was a typical farm lad and did a great deal of the farm work.  But after he was called to the colors, the father, mother, and two sisters, kept right on, trying to do their best to keep everything going until he returned.  But in the last summer of 1944, the father contracted undulant fever which rendered him helpless as far as farm work was concerned.  This threw all the work on the two sisters.  They did not mind it in the least.  Their only thought was just to hold things together until Harold returned.  But after receiving that sad message from the War Department, they realized they could not carry on the farm work.  So they had a sale and moved to town to this house which the parents had purchased after the death of the grandmother.  Several days ago after word reached here that Sergeant KLEISS would return home, inasmuch as the church of his father was rather small and certainly could not accommodate the relatives and friends, it was proposed to the family that the funeral services be held in the school gymnasium.  The family consented.  The matter was taken up with the pastor.  He was favorable but had to have the consent of his superiors.  This consent was readily obtained.  In the meantime, the gymnasium caught fire and considerable damage was done to the interior.  But workmen worked like fury to get these necessary repairs done for the funeral.  Less the 24 hours before the funeral hours,  These workmen laid aside their tools, having completed their work enough to make the place look respectable.  At 9:45 o’clock, the remains left the home escorted by members of the American Legion, the family and friends.  The funeral cortege arrived at the gymnasium at 10 o’clock. The procession was met outside the door by the Rev. R. A.B. SCHOMAKER, pastor of St. Philomena’s Church.  After the usual short ceremony he led the procession into the gymnasium and immediately ascended to the improvised altar on the stage where he offered mass.  Although this was an improvised altar, we can truthfully say it looked beautiful.  Fr. SCHOMAKER was assisted at the altar by two lads in their army uniforms, namely, Charles VALLOW and Alva STOCK.  These two lads responded to the request of the family to be Mass Servers.  Harold had worked with them in that capacity on several occasions.  Although it had been serval years since they had done this, they just couldn’t have done better.  Their rhythm was perfect.  During the mass, three songs were sung by Mrs. W.B. VALLOW and Mrs. J.N. VALLOW, namely “Jesus Savior of My Soul”, “Take Me, My Jesus, To Heaven”, and “Face to Face”.  They were accompanied at the organ by Mrs. Paulene JOHNSON.  The gymnasium was filled almost to capacity with relatives and friends.  There was a little standing room left.  All business houses were closed, the school was closed, and people came from neighboring towns.  Most everyone present knew Harold or his family. It was heart rendering to glance over at the audience and see the tear bedecked eyes of several Goldstar mothers and fathers.  We well knew just what they were thinking. The gymnasium is so massive, those in the rear could not hear the mass being said.  The public address system was set up by Earl DOOLEN, over which Fr. SCHOMAKER delivered his sermon.  He did not dwell much on the life of Harold because, as he said, he was such a good boy there just couldn’t be enough good things said about him.  He well knew that this was the first Catholic Funeral several of his listeners had ever attended.  And so he explained at length, the ritual of the church, telling just why this and that was done.  His talk was very enlightening.  The procession left the gymnasium and the cortege wended it’s way to Evergreen Cemetery. The colors and firing squad preceding the hearse, the pallbearers and honorary pallbearers walking on either side of the hearse and other members of the American Legion walking behind the hearse.  At the grave, the regular ritualistic services were read by Fr. SCHOMAKER after which the firing squad fired three volleys.  Taps was sounded by Dwayne HANNA.  The flag was lifted from the casket by two of the pallbearers and presented to Sgt. Steve MITTL, who had escorted the body from Chicago.  Sgt. MITTL then, on behalf of the United States, presented it to the mother.  The casket was then lowered to its final resting place.  Harold William, son of Fred W. and Dora STOCK KLEISS, was born Aug. 17, 1917, on Sunnyslope Farm south of Kinmundy.  He attended Wilson School and was graduated from High School with the class of ‘35.  After his graduation, he engaged in farming and was a very successful young farmer.  He was inducted into the army on July 7, 1942, and spent the most of this army life at various camps in the States, becoming an instructor in his branch of service.  He applied for overseas duty against the wishes of his superior officers and sailed Oct. 14, 1944.  Soon after his landing, he was thrown into combat service, making his way up through France, Holland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and into Germany.  On Dec. 16, Nazi General Gerd VON RUNSTEDT commenced the Battle of the Bulge.   Two days later, Sergeant KLEISS was sent with a detail to an observation post.  They set up headquarters in a two story building.  The Jerries soon located the building and their aim was perfect.  A shrapnel came down through the roof of the building, on down thru the second story and exploded when it reached the first story Sergeant KLEISS happened to be on this floor. A fragment and this shrapnel struck him in the head, rendering him unconscious.  The medics were soon on hand and transported him to a base hospital.  His wound was serious.  The doctors and nurses did everything within their power.  The Catholic Chaplain offered prayers.   But his life ebbed away the following day.  And he was buried in the Henri Chapelle Cemetery in Belgium.  His cross was one of the 17,320 in this cemetery.  This happened just a week before Christmas.  Always before, he had been lucky enough to spend Christmas with homefolks.  But this Christmas homefolks knew it was impossible.  This Christmas happened to be a bleak cold day in this vicinity.  The father arose early to start the fires.  Mother lay in bed.  Both thought of their son.  Father shed a few tears because he knew Harold wanted to be at home and couldn’t Mother shed a few tears wondering if Harold was warm and had plenty to eat.   Neither knew the other was crying their hearts out for their son.  Within a few days, that expected letter did not come.  Nor did it come the next day nor the next.  Then they were just sure something had happened.  Finally on Jan. 8, 1945, the family received the expected telegram stating Harold had been seriously wounded.  It was certainly a hard task to break this  news to this good family.  But it was still harder on Jan. 15^th, just a week later, to deliver to them the telegram announcing his death.  Memorial services were held the following Monday morning.  This did a lot toward consoling the members of the immediate family.  And yet, there was that thought that maybe the War Dept. might, be mistaken and Harold would show up later.  This memorial was just as trying on them as a funeral.  And yet, they realized the hard part was to come.   That was when the other boys returned home after the war.  Of course, they were glad to see all these boys come home again. They were broad-minded.  Yet, that loneliness or longing for their son was evidenced on several occasions.  Many a tear was shed which no one knew about.  Three years has now elapsed since his death.  Time has partially healed Those of us who knew the Sergeant KLEISS, having nothing but the fondest memories of him.  He did no deed which would cause us to have any other kind.  He was certainly a good lad, we would say one of the best.  We know that everyone of us will cherish his memory in our hearts.  Yes, Sergeant KLEISS is now resting beside loved ones, and we know it is a great relief to the father, mother and two sisters to know that he is there.  Some time ago the family had a large stone placed upon the lot in his memory.  They frequently visited this place and placed flowers in front of the stone.  This was satisfying to some extent, and yet, there was a vacancy that existed.  But now it is different, he is there.  Sergeant KLEISS was the first war dead to be returned to Kinmundy.  And the citizens of this community did their utmost toward showing respect to this honored boy as well as extending every courtesy possible to the immediate family.  And it is our intention to pay the same respect for all the lads who are returning to us."

(V-82) Charles B. Kline

"The Kinmundy Express" - June 22, 1944 - "Word has been received by relatives here from Charles KLINE and Dale WRIGHT, both in England, that they spent June 6th together. We are happy our boys can meet in other countries."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Harold Lambird

Apr. 6, 1944 - Meacham: PFC Harold LAMBIRD is at home on a furlough. He has been serving in the Southwest Pacific for the past 18 months.

March 29, 1945 - PFC Harold LAMBIRD, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter LAMBIRD, Dies of Wounds on Iwo Jima: As announced last week, Mr. and Mrs. Walter LAMBIRD of Meacham twp., received a message from the War Dept. stating their son, PFC Harold LAMBIRD, had died from wounds received in action in Iwo Jima, 9 March. He was in the Marine Corps. Again, our hearts go out to this good family and we extend sympathy in your loss of this noble lad. We know that he was a good boy and we know that he will be sadly missed, like many other lads, when the rest of our boys come marching home. Harold, son of Walter and Minnie MERRITT LAMBIRD, was born Dec. 13, 1921 in Warrenburg, Ill. When just a small lad, he moved with his parents to the present homestead in Meacham twp. Here he acquired his education in Booker School. After finishing school, he helped his father with his farm work for a while and then went to Champaign where he found employment in a foundry. He enlisted in the armed services July 31, 1942 and was sent to the Southwest Pacific Theater in Oct. of 1942. There he fought on Guada canal, Tarwawa, and other islands. In March 1944, he was sent home on a month’s furlough. After his furlough, he was sent to North Carolina, where he remained for 4 months. He was then shipped back to the Southwest Pacific Theater in time to help take Saipan. And died of wounds received in Iwo Jima March 9, 1945. Besides his parents, he leaves the following brothers and sisters: Carl LAMBIRD of Madison, Ill.; Leonard LAMBIRD of St. Peter; Geneva HAYS of Wichita, Kansas; Pauline and George at home. Also an aged grandmother, Mrs. Cora MERRITT of Champaign. Thus closes the life history of another lad who gave his full measure of devotion for his country. His memory will linger on.

Apr. 15, 1948 - Last Funeral Rites Held Here Sunday for Marine Hero PFC Harold LAMBIRD: The casketed remains of Marine Cpl.  Harold LAMBIRD arrived here last Thursday night on I.C. Train No. 29, accompanied by Marine Cpl. CLARK.   They were taken to the home of the parents in this city where they remained until the funeral hour.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Methodist Church Rev. Orlando BRAKEMEYER, officiating.  Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery with full military honors.  The flag on the public square, as well as those throughout the business district and in front of many homes throughout the city, floated at half-staff on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  The church was filled almost to capacity and a large profuse of flowers symbolized the sympathy extended to the immediate family of this lad who laid down his life for his country.  Harold, son of Walter and Minnie MERRITT LAMBIRD, was born Dec. 13, 1921, at Warrensburg, Ill.  When just a small child, he moved with his parents to their home in Meacham Township.  Here he grew to manhood, attaining his education in the Booker School.  He helped his father with the farm work and then went to Champaign, Illinois, where he found employment in a factory.  Harold enlisted in the U.S. Marines on July 31, 1942.  In October 1942, he was sent to the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations.  Here he saw much action on Guada Canal and Tarwawa.  In March 1944, he was returned to the states and granted a 30 day furlough, which was spent here with his parents.  After the expiration of his furlough, he was sent to North Carolina where he remained for four months.  He was then sent back to the Southwest Pacific.  His last assignment was in the ragged campaign of Iwo Jima.  Here his conduct reached a high point when he became No. 1 gunner of machine gun squad, taking the place of men who were casualties before him.  He remained at this post for several days under the heaviest of rifle, machine gun and mortar fire, doing a difficult job with never a complaint.  On March 6^th, he was wounded by rifle fire and was evacuated to the Hospital ship, U.S.S. Samaritan.  The ship’s chaplain, Clarence F. CROUSER, in a letter to the bereaved family, written 3 days after Harold’s passing had this to say “Undoubtedly you were informed by our government of the death of your son, Harold, on this ship.  After his injury upon the field of battle, he was transferred to this Naval Hospital Ship for treatment.  Our doctors are among the best in the profession and they did everything possible to save his life.  Our nurses and corpsmen did much to make him comfortable during his last hours.  Human efforts failed and God called him to his eternal home at 11 a.m. on March 9^th.  I was with him shortly before his death and offered a prayer.  Our prayers have been with him all during his suffering and with his dear ones at home, that they might be strengthened in the hours of affliction.  Cpl. LAMBIRD was laid to rest in the Marine Cemetery in Guam.  Besides his parents, he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Carl LAMBIRD of East St. Louis; Leonard LAMBIRD of Vandalia; Mrs. Geneva HAYS of Kinmundy; Pauline and George at home; and an aged grandmother, Mrs. Cora MERRITT of Champaign; six nieces and four nephews.

(V-165) Dick Lane

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 9, 1944 - Everett Lansford

"Here’s one from PFC Everett LANSFORD, who is somewhere in Germany. He says: Here is some lines to let you know I am getting the paper. There is lots of news in it that is kinda old by the time it gets here, but you know it takes some time for mail to travel this far. There are some boys from around Salem, Alma and Kinmundy here that I know and I guess there are a lot more. I got a letter from Raymond MOELLER the other day. I sure wish I could run into him sometime. I have been here for some time you know, and I can’t say how long. It is a little rough here sometimes. I will say I am in Germany somewhere. I have sure seen lots since I have been here. I hope the war will soon end. It sure keeps a fellow busy ducking. It is not near so bad now as it was, and I know I’ve seen all I want to see right now. I was reading Lawrence BASSETT’s letter where he said he would like to see some snow. Well, it has been a long time since I saw snow, but I will probably get to see some later on, but I hope not. Well, I better stop for now. Thanks a lot for sending the paper and good luck to you all."

"The Kinmundy Express" - July 8, 1943 - Glen Lee

"Ever since the sinking of the Transport McCawley in the battle of Rendova, Mrs. Stella LEE of this city has been somewhat worried because her son, Glen, was one of the crew on that ship. Although the release stated that there were no casualties, she just couldn’t help worrying. Then a later broadcast stated a few members of the crew were lost. Her mind was greatly relieved Tuesday when she relieved a call from Glen’s wife, who stated that she had wired and also telephoned Washington and they stated that Glen’s name was not on the casualty list. Glen has been in the Navy for 20 years and holds the rank of Chief Boatswain’s Mate. He is 39 years old."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 2, 1944 - Joseph Lovett

"Here’s a letter from Joseph LOVETT, S1 c, who is now doing duty on a LST. He says: Well, I suppose you think I have forgotten you and all the people in Kinmundy, but no such luck. That’s a town that will always be favorably remembered in my mind. I have just been too busy every minute to get a chance to write to anyone. Now for the events which have taken place since I last wrote to you. First of all, I was transferred from the Life Saving Station the 26th of June to Berkley Receiving Station in Norfolk, Va. On the first of July, I was again transferred, this time to the Amphibious Training Base, Camp Bradford, just outside Norfolk. I went into rigorous training there for about 2 months (including a 10 day cruise). Then I was sent to Pittsburg where I stayed a few days at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. I picked up my ship and proceeded down the river. I’ll not go into details as that may be military information. I’ll not explain what an LST is for. I think everyone knows that by now. They are playing a large part in all invasions now. I can’t say how I like them either for I’d rather tell the truth and the Navy Dept. might not appreciate my view points. I’m working in the office now doing general yeoman’s worker and hope to be a striker for the same. As time is getting closer to liberty time I better close and get a shave."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 7, 1944 - Cecil Lowe

"Here’s an interesting letter from Capt. Cecil LOWE, who is a chaplain stationed in England. He says: We would take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation for the local information and news received through the columns of your paper. Second class mail is rather irregular in reaching us, but we have the pleasure of looking forward to it’s arrival. This is the first opportunity we have taken to write you from England. A very pleasant and uneventful journey was enjoyed in crossing the Atlantic, and it was with thankful hearts that we welcomed land. The English people have been found very congenial. Although, many of the Americans have their grievances, most of them are not serious. The British women are certainly doing their share in the war effort as most of the transportation, and much of the factory work is done by women. The Chaplain has many opportunities to speak to the factory workers and the different social and religious groups. I consider this to be a very profitable means of developing congenial international relationship and harmony. I have spoken from Anglican pulpits, which is not usually accorded the Free Churchman, and might be considered a special privilege. Our Hospital carries on some what of a specialized, and experimental program which seems to be serving its purpose quite well. There are other Patient Chaplains on the Post most of the time, but I am the only assigned chaplain. These Chaplains are usually able to assist with the services. The Sunday Morning Service is well attended. Communion Service is held the last Sunday in each month. Only recently I returned from a short leave which took me to London and Oxford. It was indeed a pleasure to visit the historic and renowned places in these cities. We saw the impressive ceremony of "The Changing Guard" before Buckingham Palace, and sat in the "Whispering Gallery" of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The ancient architecture of "The Tower of London" located at the corner of Tower Bridge takes one back to the eleventh century and in thought to the deeds and crimes of the early English Monarchs. Other places of interest were "Madame Tussand’s Exhibition of Wax Figures", National Arts Museum, British Museum with it’s magnificent Library, Oxford and Paccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square. Beautiful Westminister Abbey boasts the honor of being the place of crowning and final resting place of many of the rulers of England. Of great interest to a Methodist Chaplain are the home, church and burial place of John WESLEY, the founder of Methodism. It offered me a thrill to be able to stand in the enclosed and uplifted pulpit of this 18th century church of his building. Observations on the damage from the "blitz’ and "flying bombs" remains for future consideration. In many ways Oxford gives a person the feeling of having come to a very old city, as the first colleges of the University were founded several centuries ago. Each of the 27 colleges has its own chapel, hall, quadrangle, library and dormitory. Five of these colleges, built more recently, are for women. The women students have only1 room each. Meals are eaten in the common hall where lectures are also given. For me, the atmosphere of these halls was not to congenial for meditation and absorption of wisdom as there was the invariable odor of fish everywhere, although everything seemed spotless and shining. Each college is enclosed, and the great gates are closed at night and securely locked. To the student desiring a secluded life - "This is It." All students wear sleeveless, short, black gowns, but the Scholar who is unusually brilliant or privileged, has a like gown with full, long sleeves. The university enrollment is restrictive and is much less than an American university. As the students race down the narrow streets on their bicycles with black gowns streaming out behind, they remind one (as our lady, faculty guide suggested) of a horde of black witches. I attended 4 church services on Sunday (rather starved for preaching I guess?) while at Oxford. Two of these were in the larger of the college cathedrals. Two were at the Memorial Methodist Church. These are a few of the many places of interest encountered during our present brief stay in England. We have little reason to complain, as we minister to the needs of others who have been less fortunate than ourselves. Still, the old USA would look good to almost 100% of the American soldiers that I have met. Two officers of Roy DOOLEN’s Group have been under my jurisdiction recently. We thus receive information from the active Theatre of Operations. We had considerable nice weather during August and September, but it is becoming worse now as winter draws near. We can expect bad weather ahead. Best regards and good wishes to all for the Holiday Season."

(V-11) Sam Lowe - WWI

(V-83) Dan Mangner

(V-120) Darrel McCarty

(V-84) John Bill McCulley

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 2, 1945 - "Here’s a nice letter from Cpl. John "Bill" McCULLEY, dated 17 July, Baguio Luzon, Philippine Islands. Here is what he says: Will try and write you a few lines this evening to let you know I am all O.K. and hope everyone else around the home town is the same. I hear that you are having quite of bit of rain at home this summer. Well, we sure are getting our fair share of the rain and foggy weather now. This has been a real nice climate up until now. I see now why all the Filippinos were always talking about Baguio when we were in the lowlands. Of a night you need 3 or 4 G.I. blankets to crawl under. Here of a day you have to do quite a bit of work to get up a sweat and it’s not often that I work up a sweat now. Our division has been relieved of front line duty so now we are in the rear taking it pretty easy. The Illinois National Guard Division has made quite a name for itself during the Battle for Baguio. Our division has prepared a paper with quite a few pictures of Baguio that I am sending you. Baguio is sure not what it used to be, as you can see by the pictures where the Cathedral was the only building is the whole city was left undamaged. There were several places around here where the going was so rough, we couldn’t get our troops in with supplies to front line troops. These mountain people (Igorots as they are called), were lifesavers for us. The women do most of the work up here as you can see in the picture. The loads they carry on their backs and heads; some of these women carry as much as 75 to 80 lbs. of rations or ammo on their heads. I think I had better round up some of these women and bring them home when I return, then I can lay in the shade, and catch up on my fishing. The cemetery shown in the picture is the one where Floyd EAGAN is buried. The hospital unit the Capt. Charles W. YOUNG is with is now here in Baguio, so we visit back and forth quite often. I guess a few of the boys from around home are getting discharged on the point system. I have 82 points and sure have been hoping they would lower the amount of points required; but so far they haven’t announced a new score for us over here. I guess my only hope is for the Jap Rats to throw in the towel. I guess this letter is about long enough for this time, so had better come to an end. Keep the wheels of the press rolling, Mr. VALLOW, as all the boys in my tent as well as myself enjoy getting the paper and reading the other boys’ letters and your famous Zatso column."

(V-151) Michael Brian McGraw

(V-12) Donald Meyer and his sister, Frances Meyer - WWII

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 6, 1944 - George Miller

"Here’s one from Pvt. George MILLER, who is still seeing the sights of merry old England. His letter was written on Dec. 22nd. He is really thanking the general manager for a package sent to him. You see, George is one of the boys out of the office and the only one overseas thus far. So we felt a little Christmas box was due him. George always did have a way with the fairer sex and we are just a little afraid he might bring one of those English girls back with him. Anyway, here is what he says: Just received a swell package from you and want to thank you a million for knowing just the right things to send. The hair oil is more precious than gold here. The only thing we can get in the way of it is a starchy substitute that makes the hair a gooey mess. This afternoon we gave a Christmas party for about 250 kids and really had a swell time. The head of the school told us the only presents or parties the children would received would be what we gave them. Each of us who attended played host to 5 or 6 kids and had just as much fun as they. It’s been said and probably true that these children have seen more war than the average doughboy saw in the World War I. I’ve finally been to London and it is just as full of life and gaiety as other large cities. The uniforms of all the allied nations of the world are found there. The natives of the city are more American in dress and speech than in other sections of this country. Maybe I should add that the girls are quite nice and it doesn’t take long to find one who is willing to show a fellow the town. There isn’t much else in the way of news now. Tell the rest of the family hello for me and any time you find time to write, let me know what Carl, Annette and Guin are doing. Thanks again for the Express."

See Millican

"The Kinmundy Express" - Oct. 5, 1944 - "Here’s one from PFC See MILLICAN, who is somewhere in New Guinea. He says: How is every little thing in good old Kinmundy? I don’t think New Guinea will ever amount to much as it is too far from Kinmundy. But laying all jokes aside, it is not too bad here. We have 6 men tents with good old terra firma for a floor and Army cots to sleep on. We also have a theater with a show every night. We use split coconut logs for seats. They have about as large crowds at the show as they do at the Salem Reunion. The dust here is about 5 times as thick as at the reunion too. I went on a pass today and I expect you wonder where a fellow could go in the jungle. I went down to the Red Cross and got some cold coke, the only place here where you can get a cold drink. We saw a number of natives in their colorful and abbreviated costumes. They are very friendly and greet you with a "Hello Joe, got a smoke?" and if you give one fellow the rest will devil the life out of you for a cigarette. We got a cocoanut but they cost you a florin, which is 32 cents in our money. They use Australian money entirely here. They even pay us here in Australia money. This week they gave us ration coupons for 3 bottles of beer and a carton of cigarettes. We can buy 2 candy bars a day when they have then at the PX. Also they let us have a package of gum. It must be pre-war stuff as it is wrapped in tin foil. All the comforts we have here we have to make ourselves. Wooden boxes serve as tables, chairs and writing desk. Wood and fountain pens, writing paper and pocket knives are scarce as hens teeth here. I doubt if you can read this as I am finishing it by candle light. I haven’t received a Kinmundy Express lately, but they will no doubt catch up with me sometime. In fact, I haven’t received any mail from the States since I left them. We had to take time out just now to rig up a couple of lamps to write by. We used our last candle so we had to get a couple of beer cans full of kerosene and put some rope in for a wick. You would be surprised at how much light they make. The smoke helps keep the mosquitoes out. I know that you don’t have time to write the boys, Norris, but you just keep the Kinmundy Express coming to all the boys in the service and I’m sure they will thank you and the folks back home who made it possible with their generous contributions. Here is wishing you and yours the best and hoping for complete Victory in forty-four."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 4, 1945 - Here’s a nice letter received from PFC See MILLICAN, who is wintering in the Netherlands East Indies, Dec. 21. He says: How is everything in the good old town of Kinmundy by now? I am in the best of health and am doing fine in the heat and sunshine of this place. I sure feel sorry for you folks who are probably huddled around the old heater about now. I am sweating just like the proverbial Turk right now while writing this. But seriously, I would just as soon be back there with all the rigors of winter. I hear you lost a good citizen in George BARGH. Sure was sorry to hear of his death. I thought that I better write you and give you my permanent address and APO as I think it will be the same where ever we go. I haven’t received a Kinmundy Express since I have been over here. The reason is that I have had and have been moving around a good deal the past few months. They will eventually catch up with me I guess. The only trouble is the process of being forwarded. It takes about a couple of months for newspapers and packages to reach here. I have received 3 Christmas packages so far. They got here for Thanksgiving though, but I guess it better early than late. This makes 2 years that I have spent Christmas in the field but I shouldn’t kick as a lot of fellows have spent 3 years and Christmases overseas. We are having our Christmas dinner tomorrow. I haven’t seen the menu yet but the rumor is that we are going to have turkey with all the trimmings. As yet I have not been fortunate enough to see any of the boys from home over here although I have 2 letters from Frank BAKER and one from Art STANKEY, a cousin of my wife from East St. Louis. Another one of the fellows from the Omega way was in the very vicinity where I am a while ago but was gone when I arrived. I wish to take this opportunity to wish all my friends of Kinmundy and vicinity a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the dove of peace once again fly over this war harassed world in the year of 1945. We are right in the middle of summer over here down under. The heat and sunshine are terrific, but you soon get used to it. It doesn’t rain here quite as much as it did the last place I was. There the poncho was a very necessary item of clothing. Well, Norris, as you know I can’t tell you many of the things that you and the folks back home would like to know, but it is for our safety so we shouldn’t kick. Tell all the folks hello for me and I hope by this time next year, all their sons, daughters, husbands, fathers and friends will be able to spend next Christmas once again.

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 14, 1944 - Harold Moeller

"Harold MOELLER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert MOELLER of the North Fork neighborhood, arrived home last week from Camp Ellis. Harold has been discharged from the army after serving since 1941 in the Southwest Pacific. "

Raymond Moeller

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 20, 1944

"Here’s one from Sgt. Raymond MOELLER, who wrote the letter on Christmas Day in merry old England. He says: Well it has been quite some time since I have written to you and have come a long way cross. How is everybody back home by now? I am just as good as always and thinking very much on getting a little better as we have just finished a grand Christmas dinner and I know that you have heard that everything now-a-days is shipped across the pond. Well, by the looks of our dinner today that we had just everything and they possibly could have no more better than we had back in the States. Would like to write about our trip over here but all that I can say is that it was a grand voyage and am looking forward to just one more and that is the one that will take us back to America, then that will be my last one for sure. I think that I received the best Christmas present that one could expect to get as I got my first mail before Christmas and it included paper. The mail could not have come at any better time. The paper was Nov. 26 issue. So it was rather old but to me it was really new and I enjoyed it very much and as soon as I get to my new location I will send you my new address or have my folks give it to you. I had the opportunity to get out of this country a few days ago and it is a beautiful place as much as I have ever seen so far, and I was rather amazed to see the livestock that they have here and being rather interested in livestock they looked very good to me. I think they have some of the largest milk cows that I have ever seen. The people are somewhat different, but most of them are very friendly and easy to make friends with and that helps a lot. The young boys and girls are a little quiet for a few minutes then when they get started, they talk and keep on talking. I feel kind of sorry for them as they have gone through what I hope none of us will ever see or hear about in our country. They had a Christmas party for a lot of the youngsters here on this base and it sure did make a lot of them happy I remember one of them saying that it was not Santa as he has a cotton beard, but they sure did enjoy it and I think all the soldiers that took part in it enjoyed it as much as the little ones. I know that I sure enjoyed it as all the things they got came from the States. Well the 6th of January I will have been in the Army 2 years. That seems rather a long time but I do not know where I could have possibly got the experience that I have got in them 2 years anyplace or at any coast and it looks as if there are a lot more new ones ahead. Well I am out of news, if that is what a person can call it so until next time. I hope that every one is well and happy at home and I wish every one back home A Happy New Year. "

"The Kinmundy Express" - May 11, 1944

"Here’s one from Sgt. Raymond MOELLER, who is also in England. He says: Have been wanting to write for quite awhile and until tonight I have just let it got from one night until the next. So right at the present time I will try to write to you and thank you for my papers which are coming pretty steady now. In today’s paper that I got, you wrote in your Zatso that you thought that you were about washed out when it came to being a weather prophet. You know what I think that I could be a weather prophet as all that, as all I would have to say would be shower and fog, then I would hit it pretty well around here. But then the last few days has been rather nice. It kinda makes me want to go out in the field, but some reason or another the job that I have now does not include the kind of field work that I like, in plain words it has plenty of field work. A few week ago, I had my biggest surprise since I have been in service. When I came in from my days’ run I got to my mansion (tent) and found my brother-in-law lying in my bunk, I think I must have stood there as I was so much surprised that I could say nothing. He got to stay with me for 3 days and the time went so fast for us, as that was the first time we had seen each other since Jan. 2, 1942, and I think we talked of everything that ever happened to either of us back in the good old state of Illinois, and some of our newer experiences that have happened in the last couple of years. I was driving on a highway a few days ago, and I happened to see a farmer in the field rolling on his wheat ground. And I have never seen anybody hook up a team the way they do around here. When they use one team, they hook one behind the other, then the farmer drives the front horse and either leads or rides the other horse. It seems kinda funny the way that they do everything backwards. I think that maybe in the near future that I may see them back the team instead of letting them go forward and I think that as soon as I see that then I shall have seen everything. They never have but one horse hooked to a wagon, but most all of their wagons are a 2 wheel outfit. They have a dump box on them and most of the time they lead the horse. I think they like to walk a lot better than we do back in the states. When you see them walking on the streets, and ask them where a certain place is they will think for a second and then say it is up the road about 5 or 10 minutes walk, then you can’t miss it. And if they should happen to forget to say you can’t miss, well, you may as well go into a pub (tavern) and have a few pints of bitters (beer) as you can’t find the place you were looking for. I am sending along our daily paper that we get here in camp. I think perhaps you will be interested in it. When they printed this copy they were celebrating their 2nd anniversary and I think it is quite interesting because they gave it’s history. Well as it is getting rather late, so I think that I will close for this time. So again I want to thank you for the very best paper we can get. I have 2 very good friends, one is from Odin, Ill., and the other one is from Dixon, Ill., and they too enjoy the paper very much. "

(V-152) Gene Montgomery

(V-105) Paul Montgomery

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 21, 1944 - Arthur Muehlhausen

"Here’s a nice letter from PFC Arthur MUEHLHAUSEN, formerly of Alma, but now of "Somewhere in Italy". The letter is also signed by Sgt. Walter FISHER, Muskegon, Mich., and Sgt. Arthur QUINN, West Orange, N.J. These boys surely read our paper along with Arthur, for which we are very happy. Here is what they say: Today, we emerged from the dugout after finishing our shift on the radio set and returned to the place we now call our home, in fact, any place you lay your steel helmet is home over here. It wasn’t too long before the mail orderly barked out the names of the lucky fellows who had received mail and between the 3 of us, all we received was the "Kinmundy Express". As we have no electrical facilities, we lit our candle stub; made sure we had adequate black-out and began to read the paper. We got a real kick out of your Zatso column and also enjoyed the various letters from the other fellows in the Armed Forces. This particular issue dated Sept. 14th, but nevertheless, we enjoyed it immensely as it was the latest one we have received. There really is not much we can say of what we are doing, what we intend to do, or what we have done, however, we are doing all we can to hasten the day of victory. We are aware of the fact that you people on the home-front are doing your part, doing it magnificently, and we appreciate the unending support, both moral and physical which you are giving us. At times things are pretty rough for us, but then there are the brighter moments which also come up. Not long ago we received 4 day passes to one of our rest centers, which we enjoyed very much. It seems rather nice to get away from the front lines, back where you can see a movie (which is sponsored by the Red Cross) and also merely roam around at your own free will. So you see if it is not all work for us, as we too, have our time to play. Once again we wish to thank you for the paper and want you to know it is deeply appreciated by all who read it. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyous Holiday Season."

(V-86) Art Mulvaney

(V-88) Ralph Mulvaney

(V-87) Ernie Mulvany

(V-89) Kenneth Neilson

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 21, 1944 - Perry L. Neaville

"PFC Perry L. NEAVILLE, Rifleman, is fighting with the 363rd Infantry Regiment in the current Florence-Bolonga offensive in Italy. The 363rd entered combat in Italy last July 4 north of the Cecina River on the right flank of the 34th "Red Bull" Division, to which it was then attached. The regiment rejoined the 91st Infantry Division south of Chianni, where it experienced one of it’s roughest battles. A battalion of the 363rd captured Hill 634, four miles southwest of Chianni, and repelled a number of savage enemy counter attacks in hand-to-hand fighting. The rockiness of the hill made it impossible for the doughboys to dig in sufficiently to withstand a highly concentrated artillery and mortar assault that followed, but after withdrawing slightly, the outfit returned and retook the hill. During the night of July 17, the 363rd, as the infantry element of a task force attached to the 34th Division, moved into a position southeast of Leghorn. The next morning, the 363rd shifted its strength to the northeast corner of the seaport, maneuvering with support of tanks and tank destroyers. That night one of the infantry regiments battalions fought it’s way through the northern districts of the city itself to be the first American troops to enter the city. The 363rd next broke across the canal north of Leghorn and occupied the costal sector from the port city of Pisa, one of the battalions entering the city before dawn July 24, and another one reaching the city of the Leaning Tower that night. The 363rd returned to the control of the 91st Division for 4 days. The regiment was on Fifth’s Army right flank, fighting as a unit of the 91st Division, when it went into action again."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 3, 1944 - Garland Lacey Norman

"Mr. and Mrs. Jesse NORMAN of Meacham twp. received word Monday evening from their daughter-in-law, Mrs. Garland NORMAN of Indianapolis, Ind. stating that she had just received a message from the War Dept. announcing the death of Garland, which occurred July 13th at St. Lo, France. He was killed in action. This was a great shock to this good family as well as to the neighbors and to his many friends. Garland was a very likable chap and was loved by everyone who knew him. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to his good family. Garland Lacey NORMAN was born in Meacham twp., Aug. 18, 1910. He attended the Lacey School and graduated from Farina High School with the class of ‘28. He finished one term of school at Normal and one term at the Univ. of Ill. In 1931, he graduated from the Lima Linotype School in Lima, Ohio. At the time of his enlistment, he was employed by the Rytx Printing Co. of Indianapolis, Ind. He married Miss Louise WILLIAMS of Indianapolis on Dec. 20, 1941. He entered the army on June 4, 1941, was temporarily released on Oct. 3, 1941, recalled on March 3, 1942 and was shipped overseas Oct. 1, 1943, landing in Northern Ireland, where stationed until a month before the invasion of France, when he was stationed in England. He went with the 1st Division in the invasion of France and was a member of the 12th Field Artillery Battalion. He participated in several major battles and was killed in action on July 13th in the battle of St. Lo. Besides his wife and parents, he leaves 4 sisters, Frances, Helen, Dorothy, and Louise and 1 brother, Charles. In all probability, memorial services will be held as soon as arrangements can be completed."

(V-24) Lewis T. O'Dell - Korea

(V-121) Bill Ray Olden

(V-90) Raymond Olden

"The Kinmundy Express" - May 17, 1945 - "Pvt. Ray OLDEN arrived here last Thursday evening to spend a furlough with his wife and children, as well as the rest of the homefolks. His wounds appear to be healed with the exception of his left arm which is still in a cast. Pvt. OLDEN entered the service on June 14, 1944, and after training in various camps, was shipped overseas in Jan. 1945. He landed in England and was taken from there into France and then into Germany. On Feb. 23, near Hambach, Germany, a shrapnel exploded near him, wounding him in the throat, back and left arm. He was sent to a hospital in England on March 2. He left there April 14th, landing in New York on April 28th. From there he was sent to the Theyer General Hospital, Nashville, Tenn., where he is now a patient. While in England, Ray and his brother, Bruce, who was also wounded and a patient in a hospital nearby, were permitted to visit each other. Pvt. OLDEN wears the Expert Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the American-European Theater Ribbon with one star, representing the Battle of Germany and the Purple Heart. He will visit here until May 24th and then report back to his hospital."

Paul Parrish

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 28, 1941

"A Letter Written at Sea: The following is a letter received by Mr. and Mrs. Robt. PARRISH from their son, Paul, who is in the Navy; U.S.S. Pennsylvania; At Sea; Aug. 9, 1941: Dear folks: Received your letter at sea this morning and am trying to answer it. I received the letter by plane. They sent 3 planes we have aboard ship to Pearl Harbor, to pick up mail. They send planes off the quarter deck right into the air. They run a distance of 35 feet from the time they start until they take off. It’s too much to explain just how it is done, so I’ll tell you about it when I get home, when I get home, if I ever do. I like to get letters at sea because it sure cheers a fellow up. I hate to go to sea, as bad as I used to hate to shock oats. We will be at sea 8 days this time. We are going to fire all the guns again and that is going to be fun. I like to fire the guns and they sure make a noise. The last time we fired, the 14 inch guns used 420 pounds of powder per gun. There are 12 guns so that makes of total of 5,040 lbs. of powder, fired all at the same time. They fired the guns 7 times which made a total of 35,280 lbs. Used. The guns fired 24 miles. Well, here’s the good news, or maybe the bad news. I am leaving from the Asiatic Fleet the 15th of the month. I don’t know where I will be stationed as yet. It might be in the Philippines, South America or China. So don’t write until you hear from me again. It might be a couple of weeks or it might be a month. I will send my new address as soon as possible. So watch the mails, you may hear from me anytime. Your son, Paul."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Oct. 22, 1942

"Paul PARRISH, third class petty officer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob PARRISH, living north of Kinmundy is home visiting his parents for the first time in 2 years. Paul enlisted in the Navy on July 9, 1940, trained at Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois, was sent to California, and from there went to sea. He studied to be a baker first, and later took up cooking and at the present is following his trade. When asked if he could cook, he replied, "Well all of the boys on board and the officers don’t say anything about it so I guess they all like my cooking." It was unofficially reported that Paul was at Pearl Harbor and was missing after the Japs attacked Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7. His parents didn’t receive any word from Paul from Sept. 1941 until Sept. 1942, thus some of the citizens did believe that Paul was missing, no one knowing any different till word was received from Paul this Sept. Paul was on board ship in the Philippine area and was asleep in his bunk, like many of his ship mates, when the general alarm was sounded, and all were up and dressed, and at their battle stations in a very few minutes. The skipper reported that Pearl Harbor had been attacked by the Japs. This was about 4:10 in the morning, Dec. 8, which was Sunday evening here in the States. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, they stayed only 1 day in port in the Philippines, then on the second day, they set out for sea to make contact with the enemy. The boys didn’t have to wait long for action, for soon after they were at sea, they were attacked and bombed by the Japs, but Paul said, "Those Japs couldn’t hit a thing." For a week straight after they had set sail for the high seas, they didn’t even leave their battle stations to eat or sleep. Their food was all brought to them. Off and on they were in contact with the enemy. To date Paul has traveled 27,000 miles in the Pacific war zone. Paul will be glad when he can get back and get into the fight again, but sure is glad to be home for awhile. Paul’s personal opinion is that the Japs have gone as far as they are going and now have started back to Japan."

(V-13) Bob Phillips

(V-45) Harry Powell - World War I

Harry was from Alma and was the grandfather of Charles Randolph, and father of Veretta (Powell) Randolph Garrett. 

He served in the Illinois Corp Ordnance in France, and died in 1933 when Veretta was just 7 years old..

(V-14) Walter Pruett - WWII - at the 19th Reinforcement in Etampes, France.

Articles from "The Kinmundy Express":

Nov. 9, 1944: Rev. Walter B. PRUETT will leave Saturday for Mass. where he will start training for a Chaplain.  He received the rating of 1st Lieut.  Mrs. PRUETT and 2 daughters, Patricia and Peggy will stay in the W.S. PRUETT home and with the Cecil JONES family near Patoka for the present.

Aug. 30, 1945: Lt. Walter B. PRUETT arrived here Sunday morning where he will spend a 30 day leave with his family and parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.S. PRUETT.  This was quite a surprise to his family as they knew nothing about his being back in the States.  Lt. PRUETT entered the army as Chaplain on Nov. 11, 1944, and was commissioned a First Lieut.  He shipped overseas March 5, 1944, on the British Ship Queen Elizabeth, landing in Scotland.  From there he went to France and then into Belgium.  He was then returned to France and assigned to duty at Etampes.  He left Etampes on Aug. 5 and went to Marseilles.  There he went aboard ship on the 11th, heading for the Pacific Theater via the Panama Canal.  But on the 15th, they received different orders and changed their course, heading for the U.S., landing at Hampton Roads on Aug. 21.  From there, he was sent to Fort Sheridan and then home.  Although Lt. PRUETT spent only a few months in France, he can tell of some interesting things, especially about Paris.  He made several trips to this city and says that it is nearly more intact than any other European City.  He wears the European Theater of Operation ribbons.  After his leave has expired, he will report back to Fort Sheridan, and unless his orders are changed in the meantime, will report for duty at Camp Beals.

April 4, 1946: Walter B. PRUETT, Protestant Chaplain of the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, Milwaukee, Wis., has been promoted to Captain, the War Dept. announced Monday.  Capt. PRUETT came to the Disciplinary Barracks in Nov. 1945 from the 19th Reinforcement Depot at Etampes, France, and is a native of Kinmundy.

(V-130) Carl Edwin Purcell - 1942

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 9, 1943 - "The first letter is from Sgt. Carl E. PURCELL, more commonly known as "Percy", who used to know his way around Kinmundy, although he did live at Alma. He is now learning how to get around in merry old England. He says: I enjoy getting your paper a lot and thanks a lot considering we boys. I never read your paper before entering the service but no I read each copy completely. Your Zatso column is very interesting. I have friends from many states that read and enjoy it a lot. Your new letter column is a big booster to us. It lets each other boy know the approximate location of his friend. Hoping for an early victory and we all get home again. I sign off."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 24, 1944 - "Mr. and Mrs. Dwight PURCELL of Alma, received a telegram from the War Dept. last week announcing their son, Sgt. Carl E. PURCELL, had been seriously wounded in action in France, on Aug. 1st. A little encouragement was received Thursday when the family received a letter from Sgt. Carl dated Aug. 6th. Then on Friday they received another letter written by him on Aug. 10th saying he was in a hospital in England. He did not tell them the nature of his wound but says he was slightly injured and it was nothing to worry about. That he was living the best since going overseas. We are all consoled in the fact the Sgt. Carl was able to write these letters himself which gives evidence that his wound could have been much worse, and that he was feeling good enough to write. Naturally the family will not rest easy until such time when they get the full particulars."

"The Kinmundy Express" - March 1, 1945 - "Sgt. Carl E. PURCELL, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight PURCELL, of Alma, Killed in Action: Again our community as well as our neighboring community of Alma received quite a blow hen a message was received from the War Dept. Monday morning by Mr. and Mrs. Dwight PURCELL, residing south of Alma, stating "Sgt. Carl E. PURCELL, who was previously reported missing in action, reports now received states he was killed in action 18 January in Belgium. It will be remembered that the parents received a telegram on Feb. 6 stating that Sgt. Carl was missing in action on Jan. 18. Naturally the family, as well as his friends, had hoped and prayed that he would turn up safe and sound in the near future. But now all these hopes have faded and this good family is grieving the loss of their son and brother. And to these relatives we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Sgt. Carl Edwin PURCELL, known to his most intimate friends as ‘Percy’, was the oldest son of Dwight C. and Carrie BROOM PURCELL. He was born on a farm just south of Alma, April 28, 1915. He attended the grade school in Alma and graduated from Alma H.S. in 1930, being valedictorian of his class. Then he attended the Salem H.S., graduating with the class of ‘32. After completing his high school education, he attended Southern Illinois Normal Univ. at Carbondale a few terms. He gave up his studies here to come back home and assist his father with the farming and fruit growing. He was appointed extra mail carrier from the Alma office and served in this capacity during the winter months. A short while before his induction into the armed forces, he was employed by the Texas Pipe Line Co, of Salem. He entered the army on June 17, 1941, and was trained at various camps in this country. He sailed overseas on Sept. 3, 1943, landing in England where he remained until crossing over into France. On Aug. 1, 1944, while in France, he was wounded in the right forearm, which necessitated him being sent back to England where he spent 3 months in the hospital. For this wound, he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Gallantry in Action. After 3 months, he was sent back into action as a member of the 3rd Armored Division, Reconnaissance Battalion and was killed in action Jan. 18, 1945. Sgt. Carl was a faithful member of the Alma Methodist Church. He was a good lad and was liked by everyone. We are sure that his spirit now rests in peace in that better land. Besides the grief stricken parents, Carl leaves 1 brother, Sgt. John D. PURCELL, now in the Philippines; 4 sisters, Rhea GREGG of Alma; Pauline DOOLEN of Seattle, Wash.; Maxine and Marilyn, at home; and his 2 grandmothers, Mrs. Belle BROOM and Mrs. Mattie PURCELL, both of Alma. It is possible that memorial services will be held a little later, but not now, due to illness in the immediate family."

(V-32) Carl Purcell, Dwight Purcell (their father), and John D. Purcell - July 1943.

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 25, 1945 - John D. Purcell

"Here’s a nice letter, dated Jan. 6, from Sgt. John D. PURCELL, who is now in Philippines. He doesn’t say just what he is doing but we can imagine. Here is what he says: This must be a great surprise to you to receive a letter from this G.I. Well, I have enjoyed your paper for a long time, especially the Boys letters and your Zatso column, and I haven’t contributed a bit to it. I started getting the paper again about Christmas time; the issues ranged from Sept. to Nov. 23, which, I received yesterday. Especially after no news for so long a time, I’m reading every line. I take this opportunity to thank you for the splendid job you are doing in sending the paper to all of we boys. Well, I know of no other way to attempt a letter of interest than to briefly review the past 2 years of my army life. I entered the service in Oct. ‘42, and to a great extent against my desire, but I had received my greetings. I soon found myself on the west coast and as time went by the army didn’t seem to be such a bad place; and now I’m in such rut, I hardly know any better. The first year and a half was spent up and down the west coast from Seattle to San Diego, getting training which, we thought at the time, very impractical. During this time I got my share of the furloughs for which I’m thankful now. We began to think our part in the war was going to be slight and we weren’t exactly complaining either. But when things began to happen, we weren’t slow. We left the states in July and spent some time in Hawaii, we went to Honolulu quite often, but were somewhat disappointed. It didn’t seem to be the beautiful place that I had pictured. Even Waikiki Beach didn’t equal some in the states. Although I must admit it would be a great change with the innumerable G.I.’s off the streets, and one vacationing there with more charming company. But we didn’t stay there long because October found us in the Philippines. After seeing some of the headlines of papers at about that time, I believe you can tell me a lot about what happened here. Ha! Ha! But now the roar of guns has ceased and we are taking things a little quieter and easier. The rains here have been terrific. It only rained a few inches yesterday. But this morning I am basking in the sunshine, while dreaming of thoughts of home. I am glad to see the Overseas Rotation Plan beginning to bring some results. I was very happy to learn that my good friend, Dale BROOM, was home on leave. "Red" HAMMER is another that deserves move liberty than he received and I have seen where others that I am not personally acquainted with got home after long years overseas. I have been much concerned about the German front recently, especially because my brother, Carl, is back on that front again. Here is hoping that our final victories may come soon with the cost of lives light, and that we may return to our homes and loved ones in ‘45. Well, I must not take too much of your time. If all of you will keep the home front going just a little longer we will soon be there to relieve you. So long for now and keep your chin up."

(V-45) Darrell Randolph

(V-91)                                        Darrell Reese                                                      (V-92)

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 17, 1946 - "PFC Darrell REESE arrived home Jan. 9 after receiving his discharge at Camp Grant the day previous and is again with his wife and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse REESE. Darrell entered the service Aug. 13, 1942, and shipped overseas, Dec. 2, 1944, landing in England. From there he went to France, Belgium and Germany. He started home Dec. 27, landing in New York, Jan. 3. PFC REESE wears the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon and the European Theater Ribbon with 2 stars representing campaigns of central Germany and the Rhineland. Darrell will probably follow his former occupation of farming."

(V-93) Eugene Reese

(V-122) Larry Ritter

"The Kinmundy Express" - Oct. 14, 1943 - Howard Robb

"Here’s one from Howard ROBB, son of Mrs. Lois ROBB, who is stationed in the Southwest Pacific. He says: Guess you are keeping plenty of oil on the wheels. Have been getting the paper and it sure is a big help in keeping up with home news. Will try to tell you some of my experiences since leaving the States. Took us around 3 weeks to come over and I hope I take only 1 more ride as long as that one. Was pretty crowded on the boat, and if you weren’t "on the bale" at chow time you stood in line a couple of hours. Had only 3 or 4 days rough sailing, but wasn’t bad. Everyone would get a good laugh when a big one came over the side and drenched someone. We first were met by a seaplane, and it sure looked good, sighted land in the afternoon, docked that evening and debarked the next day. You really don’t know how pretty land is until you take a nice long boat ride. We built up our own camp, living in Pyramid tents, 7 men to a tent, they are OK unless it rains too hard. The day we moved in there were about 4 trees of ripe oranges, they lasted about 15 minutes. Can find lemons, limes, oranges, cocoanuts, nearly anything in jungles. Natives raise quite a few bananas. They also raise quite a few cattle. The whole Co. went up to the other end of the island last week, spent 5 days, did very little work, mostly swimming, fishing, and went deer hunting for the first time in my life, but all we got was a set of antlers I found hanging in the tree. (I think the deer beat us up by a couple of hours.) We are camped about 50 feet from a small river and the water was so clear the fish wouldn’t bite in day time. Are 25 miles from town, but think there is more in camp than in at town. They have very little to sell and that is priced beyond reason. We have good food most of the time and the PX, keeps a pretty good supply of cigarettes, candy, beer, toilet articles, etc. Will close for now and get a little shut eye. Thanks a million for sending paper. Merry Christmas to You and Yours."

(V-56) Charles D. Rose

(V-153) Randy J. Rose

(V-154) Steve M. Rose

(V-15) Calendar Rohrbough - Civil War - 118th

(V-183) James Harry Sanders - WWII

(V-184) James Harry Sanders (on right)

"The Kinmundy Express" - Oct. 5, 1944 - Merle Schneider

"Here’s a dandy letter from Pvt. Merle SCHNEIDER, who is doing his best to corral the Japs. He says: It is with a good deal of pleasure and warm feeling of not being forgotten that I say: Thank you for what you are doing". I can truthfully say, that the regular issue of The Kinmundy Express, and the fact that I have been fortunate enough to receive most of the copies up to this date, have given me much more pleasure than any other publication I have found time to read. Needless to say, I shall always find pleasure reading them. The old days of civilian living is far behind me. I have been in the Army now for some time. If one must travel from home, he might as well come back a better and wiser man. I certainly am becoming a lot. I know war is hell! That men far from home yearn eagerly for return to their own folk, to their native land. I know all men who are soldiers, be they privates or the highest officers, all think the same thoughts of home and loved ones, dream the same dream. Mostly, I know that most of us want more than anything on earth to get this job over, to win the war completely and then, at last, to come home and live and let live I have had hard training, traveled many miles and had long weary marches through jungles and some of the roughest terrains. I know it takes much to become a good fighting man. Above all, I am prepared to do my best and no matter what is yet to come, I know it means a great to fight for the peace and love which I long to return to. My home, my folks, and all my friends, I have missed so much. Every day my thoughts sought out those memories and I realize now more than ever what having a home and friends really means. Well, I shall be back soon I hope and believe me, I’ll know a better appreciation for all those things than that which I knew. Though I haven’t written before, you have not been absent from my remembrance. I should have let you hear from me but somehow there always comes a time when one feels a duty must be recognized. Sorry it has taken me so long but never the less, it certainly is privilege. My present moods are entirely as good as can be wished, and in spite of all, I am in very excellent health and doing exceptionally well for myself. In regard to all my friends, I sure hope this letter will be read by most of them as so they shall know I how I really feel. Mr. VALLOW, I am very grateful to you for your kind thoughts and services. With this, I know, it’s folks like yourself who make it all seem a glorious sacrifice and which is well worth fighting for. And so I close with happy thoughts of meeting again soon. My fondest wishes and God bless all of you."

Xon Schooley

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 21, 1944 - "Cpl. Xon SCHOOLEY, son of Mr. and Mrs. James SCHOOLEY, Reported Killed in Action in France: Another telegram was received in this community Sunday from the War Dept. which of course bore some very sad news. This was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. James SCHOOLEY and stated that their son, Xon, had been killed in action in France, on Aug. 8th. This was certainly a hard blow to this good family and another severe shock to the community. Mrs. SCHOOLEY, in company with another son, Maurice and family, of Vandalia, happened to be visiting relatives in Salem at the time the message was delivered. When they returned home, the father had to deliver the sad news. But they were thankful Maurice was with them on this occasion. Xon was the baby of the family of 7 children. Naturally, a lot of love and affection was bestowed upon him by his family. And he had aunts and uncles who loved him almost as much as his parents. They, too, are grief stricken. Xon was born Oct. 3, 1918 in the present SCHOOLEY homestead 1 mile south of Kinmundy. He attended school in Kinmundy and graduated from Kinmundy H.S. with the class of ‘36. Since graduation, he worked at various jobs, helping his father on the farm, working some in the oil fields near Salem, and in a lumber mill in Pennsylvania. It was while he was working in Pennsylvania that he registered for the Selective Service. He afterwards came home and had his registration transferred to the local board. He did not wait his turn for the Selective Service but volunteered and was mustered into the army June 18, 1941. After graduating from a communications school at Ft. Knox, Ky., he was commissioned as a Corporal, which rank he held until his death. He was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division and sailed overseas about a year ago. He entered France on June 17th and was a radio operator in a tank. Besides his parents, he leaves 5 brothers, namely, PFC David SCHOOLEY of Dale Mabry Field, Fla.; Maurice of Vandalia; Glenn of Chicago; Clyde of Burbank, Calif.; and Clark at home; and 1 sister, Mrs. Helen GAINES of Mattoon. A brother-in-law, Floyd GAINES, is also serving with the armed forces. Due to the failing health of both Mr. and Mrs. SCHOOLEY, it is their desire that no memorial service be held. But we are sure they would appreciate a card or letter or even a visit from their many friends. Truly, Xon was a good soldier and we know that he made things pleasant for everyone around him just like he did when he was here. We will miss that cheery smile he had for everyone."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 11, 1948 - "Funeral Services Held Sunday for Cpl. Xon SCHOOLEY: The casketed remains of Cpl. Xon SCHOOLEY arrived here Saturday morning and were accompanied to the home of his parents south of Kinmundy by members of the Kinmundy Post No. 519, American Legion.  Services were held Sunday afternoon from the Methodist Church, Rev. Orlando BRAKEMEYER, officiating.  Interment was made in Evergreen cemetery under the auspices of Kinmundy Post No. 519, American Legion.  Xon, youngest son of James and Lena WHITSON SCHOOLEY, was born in the family homestead south of Kinmundy Oct. 3, 1918 and was killed in action in France on Aug. 2, 1944, aged 25 years, 10 months, and 25 days.  Xon grew to manhood in this community attending the local grade school and graduating from Kinmundy H.S. with the class of ‘36.  After his graduation, he worked at various jobs, helping his father with the farm work, working some in the oil fields near Salem and in a lumber mill in Pennsylvania.  It was while working in Penn. that he registered for the draft.  He later returned home had his registration, changed to the local board and reenlisted.  He was mustered in the service June 18, 1941.  After graduation from a communications school at Ft. Knox, Ky., he was commissioned to a corporal.  He was assigned to the 3^rd Armored Division and sailed overseas, entering France June 17, 1944.  He was a radio operator in a tank.  Truly, Xon was a good soldier and we know that the made things pleasant for everyone around him just like he did when he was here.  We have all missed the cheery smile he had for everyone.  Besides his parents, he is survived by four brothers, namely, David, Chicago; Maurice, Vandalia; Glenn and Clark, Kinmundy; and one sister, Helen GAINES, Mattoon.  Relatives from out-of-town attending the services included David SCHOOLEY, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Maurice SCHOOLEY, Vandalia; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd GAINES, Mattoon; Mr. and Mrs. Web ALLEN, Charleston; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin WHITSON and Miss Elsie WHITSON, Salem."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 14, 1944 - Earl See

"After serving for 3 lists in the navy without a visit home, Earl SEE, PM1 c (Pattern Maker 1st Class) arrived here Saturday night to visit his father, Paul SEE, residing near Omega, and his brothers and sisters in this community. Of this 3 years spent in the Navy, 34½ months has been spent in Pearl Harbor. Earl said he was sent back to the States to be re-assigned and upon his arrival on the west coast, was handed a 30 day leave. He immediately caught a plane and flew to Chicago and arrived home just 26 hours after he was handed his leave. He arrived at his father’s home late Saturday night, went into his house, lighted a lamp, and then awakened his father and 2 sisters. Needless to say, they were very much surprised, as he had not sent them any word of his coming home. Naturally, Earl is very happy to get home and see his loved ones again. He says this weather is very much different from the weather he left in Pearl Harbor. Earl paid our office a short visit just in order to let us know how much he appreciated the Express, which he stated reached him regularly and looked mighty good to him. We know all our boys appreciate the paper, and we are only to happy to send it to them. Earl will return to the west coast after his leave expires and will be re-assigned. Just where he will go or what he will do, he doesn’t know."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Oct. 26, 1944 - Frederic H. See

"PFC Frederic H. SEE, son of Mrs. Margaret GRAY of this city, has won high commendation for helping to shatter world’s records for repairing aircraft at an Air Service Command depot in England. He and his fellow mechanics sent back into action the highest number of battle-damaged craft since Air Service Command began operations in England. "A knock out blow against Germany" was the way his Commanding General, Brigadier General Isaac W. OTT described the contribution of PFC SEE, whose extra effort makes it possible to maintain a constant air cover over allied armies on the Continent."

John See

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 11, 1943

"Here’s a letter from John SEE, RM 3 c of the U.S. Navy. He says: I have been intending to write you for some time but just couldn’t get in the mood. After I read that you wanted some of the boys to write, I just made up my mind to write. I get the paper pretty regularly considering where I am and all. I think the last paper I got was published September 30. I enjoy them a lot and they give me a lot of dope that I never hear about otherwise. It seems that there won’t be any girls left when we get back. Every time I pick up the paper I see where someone back there is married. All the USO service men sure have it soft. I shouldn’t complain though as it isn’t so bad here. A few days ago was the last time I had seen a woman in about 8 months. It sure was nice to see some of those lovely creatures. I’ll have to say they were very nice looking but maybe that is because I hadn’t seen one for what seemed to be about a year. I understand that Howard ROBB is stationed at this particular place. If I had his address I would try to find him. I sure would be glad to see someone from home and I know he would, too. Well, it will soon be a year since I have seen the States. Sometimes time flies so fast you can hardly keep track of it and then again it passes slow. I haven’t been out here very long at all though considering that one of the fellows left the States in January 1941 and hasn’t been back since. I sure had an odd feeling when I read in one of your papers about Glen LEE’s ship being sunk. I didn’t know what ship he was on until then. If I had known it I might have been over to see him before he went back. I saw it just before it was sunk. This South Pacific weather sure is swell. It reminds me a lot of the early spring and late fall back home. That is, except for the surroundings. We don’t have very many boys on here from home. There is one from Springfield, and one from West Frankfort. There was one from Centralia but he went back about a month ago. There is also one from Vincennes, Ind. He used to run around in Salem a little. I hope you’ll overlook this typewriter but it is the kind we use in radio work and I always use it to write letters as it is a lot faster and more legible. I can usually type out a two page letter in an hour if I don’t have any interruptions. I guess most of the fellows have some little bit of amusement to tell you but I can’t think of any at present. About the only entertainment we have are movies. We usually have some pretty nice ones but once in a while we get a hold of one we can’t stand. We also have a radio to get all the news and music from the States. There is a small station on the beach that has a lot of transcribed programs and right at present it is going. I guess this is all that I can think of that would be of interest to anyone so will close hoping to see some of the guys from around home down here pretty soon. Thanks again for the paper.

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 17, 1944

"Here’s one from John SEE, R M 2 c, who is sailing the seven seas aboard the U.S.S. Pawnee. He says: As I haven’t written you for nearly a year, I think it is about time to write and let you know I am still getting the paper and want to thank you very much for it. I got 2 issues today, which were about 6 weeks old, but nevertheless, they contained a lot of news items and so on, that I hadn’t already heard. I just finished reading the letter that Charles JASPER wrote and wish to say that it was as interesting a letter as I’ve read in a long time. I’m not even going to try and compete with him. I sure wish I could see a different section of the world but it seems my fate to sit here and look at cocoanut trees until I think I’ll go crazy. I will say that I am fortunate enough to be on a ship that gets under way occasionally and not on a shore station. Even if all the islands are the same, sometimes one island has a little different inlet or harbor that breaks the monotony. There has been nothing happened for me of interest until around the first of the year when I had a good opportunity to see the continent from down under. A lot of fellows from around home have been here but I’ll venture to say none of them had a better time than I did. Although I just had 6 days ashore, I really made them count and in that short time (which passed like hours), I spent very little of it aboard ship. If you want to know the real layout of Australia, just ask Red HAMMER. I’ve heard from various sources that his former ship spent a lot of time around here, "How about it, Red?" I didn’t take long to find out that a ‘Yank’ sailor rated tops with all the people in this city. As long as you had plenty of American cigarettes and occasional stick of gum, you could have more girl friends than HEINZ has pickles. I remember 1 incident where 2 fellows and myself went for a little cab ride throughout the city for an entire morning. We didn’t know whether we would have enough money to pay for the ride as it came to over 10 bucks of our money. I took a wild chance when the cabbie told us what the fare was, I stuck a carton of Chesterfield cigarettes under his nose and asked him if it was enough and nearly broke his arm reaching for them. By the way, the cigarettes only cost me fifty cents. My only difficulty was keeping on the correct side of the streets in waiting for a car or tram. One night I waited for about a half hour on a slightly used street for a tram before it dawned on me that I was on the wrong side. I had forgotten all about 1944 being leap year until I had about 3 proposals. I understand there is some sort of law or something there about having to know the girl 6 months before you marry her but that still wouldn’t have made any difference to me. That will do for my little trip to Australia until I get back and then tell you personally a few of my exploits. And incidentally most of them were very amusing to most of the fellows after we got back aboard and started discussing what we had done. Recently I read in ‘Zatso’ about the measurement of your 2 sons. We have one guy on here that will nearly compare to them. He says he had lost a lot of weight since he came in the Navy, but we still give him the horse laugh every time he says that. I just returned from looking out to see how the movie is coming along, and trying to think of something else to write about but still didn’t help, so I guess that is a good indication that I should close for this time for this time. So in closing, thanks again for the paper and some of these days, I’ll drop you a few lines and enclose a few shackles to help cover the cost of editing and sending your paper overseas. I imagine the Navy guys know why we’re all pretty well broke at present."

(V-106) Wayne See

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 29, 1942 - John W. Shaffer

Following is a letter we received this week in appreciation of a package sent to different boys in the service by the Salem Women’s Club: Dec. 30, 1911; "Dear Ladies; I received your package Christmas morning and you may be sure I was pleased - as well as surprised to have received such a remembrance from old Marion County. I had read in the paper that you were going to send packages to the Salem boys in the service but never thought that I would be remembered too. It was very nice and thoughtful of you. The boys of my Platoon and myself certainly did enjoy it. Perhaps you would like to know what we in the Army did Christmas day? Our days now are extremely full to say the least. We wondered if we would even get Christmas day off. It was the first Christmas most of us had ever spent away from home, and, although we wished each other lots of "Merry Christmas", we were a pretty glum bunch of boys that morning! Our Post was put on extra alert that day as we were expecting an attack, so several of us were on Alert Duty and couldn’t be off. A few of us had to take turns keeping the shops open. Our friends and relatives had supplied us with lots of nice gifts and good things to eat, but really, that doesn’t make Christmas, does it? We turned on the radio listened to them sing Christmas carols and had a perfectly lovely dinner. The high point of the day, and the one thing that made it seem like Christmas to us, was an indescribably beautiful service at the Post Chapel. A service in which the word "War" was never spoken (probably the only one in the Nation.) Somehow, it made us feel that Christmas was there instead of on the battlefield or the news reel, and that there was something that we could share with our families and friends at home. It made us feel that there is still peace on earth if we only look in the right place for it. It made us further concentrate ourselves to see that peace which we never fully appreciate until we are about to be deprived of it, would never be lost. We have been put in the "Theatre of Operations" here on the Coast. Among other things, that means that we cannot have any more furlows. We work lots at night and will work New Year’s Day. No one can go to town until January 3rd. I am in the Quartermaster Corps. My Company does general mechanical work on Army vehicles. I work in the Ignition Department at the shop. I like my work fine - for more reasons than one. I like that kind of work, it is very necessary to our modern mechanized Army, and it will fit in nicely with my work after the war is won. Thank you again for the nice box of candy and popcorn. If I can ever repay your kindness, I shall be more than glad to do so. Sincerely yours, Pvt. John W. SHAFFER."

Phil Short

"The Kinmundy Express" - May 11, 1944

Here’s one from Cpl. Phil SHORT, who has seen plenty of action in North Africa and Italy and is now in England. From the tone of his letter, he has other things on his mind also. He says: Just a line to let you know I haven’t forgotten you and the rest of Kinmundy. Would like very much to see all of you again, maybe it won’t be so terribly long before I can. But the main thing is to thank you again for the papers I have received. The Kinmundy Express really gets around according to some of the letters the boys have sent you. I have received it myself in places I never thought I would be, but have always managed to read it even though sometimes I didn’t know if I should read or do some more improving on a good deep hole. There is always room for that being as I am inclined to be on the lazy side. Of course, everyone knows that the army is at fault for that, for I never was afraid of work. But so much for that. For a change I am having a wonderful time here. Haven’t seen any of the boys but Lee. Sure was good to see him. It had been a little over 2 years since I had seen him, thanks to a great change that got me here. I have a beautiful girlfriend. We have been engaged a month tomorrow. I won’t send you her picture for I know everyone will be wondering what magazine I cut it out of. I will wait and maybe produce the goods, ha. But don’t forget I said maybe because anything these days are subject to change. Well I must close for now and write to my sis. I received a letter from her today wondering why I hadn’t written to her. I just don’t have time to write to everyone these days. Thanks a lot for the paper and wishing you all the best.

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 16, 1944:

(V-47) Leroy Simpson

(V-16b) Harry Shreffler

"The Marion County Express" - Kinmundy, IL - Sept. 19, 1918 - "Alma has a least two families doing their full part for the war - the SHREFFLER and JENKINS families. Gordon SHREFFLER is the third boy from this family to enter in just a few months. His brother Leslie joined the service in January, and brother Harry was called in March. JENKINS was also the third in his home to respond to the call. Leslie McWHIRTER, a third Alma boy also left Alma recently for the war".

(V-17) Lyle Shreffler - WWII

(V-17c)  Lyle Shreffler

"The Kinmundy Express" - Feb. 24, 1944 - Harold Simmons

"Here’s one from PFC Harold SIMMONS, who is seeing the sights of Iran, a place where most preachers would give their right leg to visit, but from the way Harold talks, he would probably be willing to give his right leg to get out of it. He says: I have been trying to find time to write and thank you for the paper, but just never got around to it. You don’t know or can’t even imagine how glad I am to receive the paper and I think all the boys in the service are just like me. It seems as if mail from home is about all a person has to look forward to. It doesn’t come very regular over here but that makes me appreciate it even more. I don’t know very much to tell you about this country except it would be a good one to get out of. When I first reached this country, everything was new and strange to me and I noticed all of the things that were different from our own, but now I am getting rather used to them and don’t notice them so much. The people in this country are very backward as a rule although some of them are being pretty well educated. Most of the educated people being very rich. A lot of the people are being hired by the U.S. government as laborers under the supervision of the army. You’ve read and seen pictures of old Biblical stories. Most of these people dress and look exactly as they did. You can see some of the tombs that were built many years ago. I have seen Daniel’s tomb, you have read about him, I know. The one railroad which is operated exactly like the one the Major BROOM described. I could go on for hours, but I think I can tell it better than I can write it. Here’s hoping I get to tell you all about it soon."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 30. 1943 - Joe Slovick

"Two Guadacanal Boys Spend Christmas Here: Joe SLOVICK, F 1 c of the 14th NCB arrived here Thursday to spend 2 weeks with his mother, Mrs. Mary SLOVICK. Joe has been in the Navy for 18 months and this is his second trip home, his first trip in 16 months. He has spent the past 15½ months in the South Pacific and the past year on Guadacanal. In other words, he has been in the thick of it. Joe was granted a 30 day leave but it took seven days for him to come from California and it will take him seven to return. So that makes 2 weeks at home. He has lost some flesh since we last saw him but he looks pretty good. Mr. and Mrs. Albert MOELLER and family, residing north of Arnold’s Chapel, were happy to have with them their son, Pvt. Harold MOELLER on Christmas Day. Pvt. MOELLER had just returned from overseas and is now recuperating in Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Mich. Pvt. MOELLER was inducted into the armed services on March 20, 1941, and was assigned to the infantry. After training in various camps, he left the States on Jan. 23, 1942, and sailed for the Southwest Pacific. During his absence he has seen combat service and did clean up duty in Australia, New Caledonia, Guadacanal and Fiji Island. Pvt. MOELLER said that he did not care to relate any of his experience for fear he might say the wrong thing and then again, he wanted to forget some of them anyway. But he did say that he spent many days carrying supplies on his back to the front lines. And the most precious of these supplies, he stated, was water. It was while doing ‘Cleanup Duty’ in Guadacanal that he contracted malaria. He landed back here on Nov. 27 and entered Percy Jones Hospital on Dec. 10. He arrived home last Thursday and will report back to the hospital this Thursday for further treatment."

(V-31) Calvin Coe Smith

"The Kinmundy Express" - July 27, 1944 - John Smith

"Here’s a nice letter from Cpl. John SMITH, step-son of J.H. LEWIS. He is now in France and sent us some French money to prove it. This 5 Franc note has been laid away with the rest of our collection of foreign money. He says: Just a line to thank you for the paper and let you know how glad I am to get it. I do get lots of news from home out of it and I can see where a lot of the boys are home on furlough and boy, would I love to have one as I have been in England and now some place in France. I can say, I do not like it, but I will do my best until it is over. I was in the battle of Cherbourg and I am lucky that I am up and on the go tonight. It is now 10 o’clock and the sun is still up, but I am going to cut this letter short and go to bed as I had a hard day. I sleep in a fox hole at night, so you can see it is a good life. I would give anything to be in bed at home. Tell all the boys and girls that I love to get letters. Put my A.P.O. address in your paper and I know they will write. I get letters from my brother in Italy, Carl PURCELL and Charley DeWEESE, but I love to hear from all the boys. So thanks again for the paper and keep it rolling."

(V-94) Roy W. Smith

(V-155) Roy E. Smith
 

Louie Soutier

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 16, 1943 - "Here’s one from Cpl. Louie SOUTIER, who has just completed the first leg of his journey to the far east. He is now in merry old England and seems to be enjoying himself but we imagine he would just a little rather be back here roaming the highways and biways of Foster twp. He says: Will drop you a few lines to let you know my right address so I can get my paper. I have received two since I have been over here and I sure enjoy the paper for there is not much near here. About all I can tell you is that I am in England, but can’t say just where. I have a good place to stay and plenty to eat. Well I guess a lot of the boys from around home are over here, as I have never seen any of them, but hope to run onto some of them some time. Have been in town twice. Well guess I had better quit for now, sure glad to get the paper and thanks very much for it."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 24, 1944 - "Here’s a nice letter from Cpl. Louie SOUTIER, who entered France on the day of invasion and has been there ever since. He says: Well, at last I guess I will write you a few lines. Been aiming to write you for quite awhile, but just never got to it. Well, I have been receiving your paper pretty regular since I have been here in France. Sure enjoy reading it. I like to read the letters the other boys write. I have been here in France what seems like a long time, but it hasn’t been but a little over 2 months and it is quite a long time when a lot of your time has been spent in a foxhole, but it is the best place at times. Well, I have seen quite a bit since I have been here. Most of the cities are tore up so you can’t tell what they looked like. The French people here are friendly, only you can’t understand them for most of them speak French, only a few can talk English. As for France, it is about like England - it rains all the time. Only last week it didn’t rain here and I think it is the first week that it didn’t rain since I have been overseas. Well, I am on the second drive over here. You may read something about them. I don’t know whether they mention what divisions are fighting here or not. The first month we were here, we lived on K rations, but now we get regular army rations. I sure was glad when we got them for the K rations get pretty old when you eat them for awhile. I have never seen any of the fellows from around home yet, but there are several of them around here. I have run on to a lot of boys from Salem and Centralia here. The French here have a lot of stock, cows and horses, but they are a little behind time on their farming. Well, I enjoy reading your Zatso column and the other boys like to read it and they all think it is pretty good. It don’t look like the war here will last too long, sure hope not, for it will be good to get back to the U.S.A. again. I have been gone, almost a year, and I know that it is not as long as a lot of the boys have been gone and at that it sure seems like a long time. Well, I guess I have written enough for this time. I sure want to thank you for sending me the paper for I certainly enjoy it, and I get a lot of news I would never hear about. Well so long and hope to see you all soon."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Nov. 2, 1944 - Orval Spurlin

"Here’s one from Ens. Orval SPURLIN, who is doing duty on a LCT. He says: I want to thank you greatly for sending me the Kinmundy Express. News over here is pretty scarious. Often times we read a magazine 3 or 4 years old. If we get one that is only 3 or 4 months old, we consider ourselves very lucky. We have a radio aboard our LCT, on which we receive the news broadcasts at various intervals. I’ve been in New Guinea, but now we’re moving north. If my writing becomes hard to read, it’s because the LCT is bouncing around. At this moment we’re under way with a load of priority cargo. The work on an LCT is very interesting, but it has it’s disadvantages. Being the only officer aboard, makes the job, doubly hard. When we get north; I’m supposed to get another officer aboard as my executive officer. The LCT is only a small landing craft and carries a complement of 13 in the crew, including myself. When the sea really gets rough, we find ourselves bouncing around all over the ocean, as these LCT’s have a flat bottom. The natives of New Guinea are funny looking people, small, busy headed, and black as the ace of spades. A few know how to talk a little English. It’s summer down here and every day we are getting nearer the equator, so you see it’s getting very hot during the day. We have an awning built over the aft end of our ship to protect us from the sun and rain. We live on deck, as our quarters stay pretty warm 24 hours a day. I also had them build an awning over the bridge, because I’m on the bridge most of the time and I really get sunburned. My biggest problems aboard ship are the personnel problems. When you get a 16 year old boy that has never been away from home in his life, you really have a problem. You have to act as a chaplain, father, doctor, and God only knows what all. It’s time to change watches, so I’d better stop and get my men posted."

(V-156) Amanda Stanley

Derrill Stipp

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 13, 1944

"Here's another letter from PFC Derrill STIPP, who is now in Italy. He thanks us for the cigarettes, but he really means this part for the Chamber of Commerce and those who donated for this cause. He says: I am going to write you a letter. I have thanked you for the paper which I get in bunches every once in awhile. Well, I read Major BROOM’s letter. Sure was good. Here is some of my experiences. When we landed in Africa, we started sleeping on the ground and the same in Sicily and we are sleeping in the ground now. You know the holes we dig. We have been in action several times, should have some planes to our credit. They have strafed us some with ME109. We managed to chase them off. The artillery shells of both sides have been going over our heads. We have had wet feet a lot and I have had the rheumatism a lot. A good bed sure would help. Haven’t saw one after we left the States. There is a lot more, but no room, not very good at spelling. Thanks again for the cigarettes and paper."

"The Kinmundy Express" - March 9, 1944

"Here’s another letter from PFC Derrill STIPP, formerly of Alma, but now in Italy. He says: Well, I will write you a letter thanking you for the paper again and telling you or asking you to tell the boys I enjoy reading their letters. I sure do feel like I am home or close to home when I read one of them, as 22 months away from home will make a man have the blues and homesick too, and about 10 of them months sleeping on the ground and in a foxhole. That is where I am writing this letter. From what I hear there has been several of the boys left the States since I have. I sure will be glad when we can all come home again and sit down to a good meal once more. We have some pretty good food, but not like home. The Spam and hash and stew sure gets old. We do have some beef once in a while, but I guess it is a pretty hard job to feed all the men in the army. Will close hoping to get home soon."

"The Kinmundy Express" - May 25, 1944

"Here’s one from PFC Derrill STIPP, who has seen plenty of action and has been in a hospital in North Africa. He says: Well, I haven’t received your paper for almost 4 months and am not getting very good news or I mean I haven’t got to read any of the boys letters that is on the account I had to go to the hospital the 21st of February and my mail has been held up or misplaced. I suppose I will get it one of these days, hope so any way. Well, here’s to you guys up there in Alaska, in England, Ireland, Africa, Sicily, India, China, and all of the South Pacific Islands and where ever you may be. I spent almost 4 months last winter where it was hell. And I went to the hospital for arthritis and I mean I had it bad, and I might have a little touch of psychoneurosis. I mean when a man has shells bursting around him and artillery fire constantly that long it finally gets him. Say, DEWEESE, how is everything where you are. I bet you had a nice long winter, ha. I sure have been homesick. I have been across for 13 months and all but the last 3 months have been heck. As I started to say I was in the hospital for one month, lacking a day or two, and I have been in this camp for 60 days. I have had a few good days since I have been here. Then I was in the hospital they gave me my Africa ribbon and 2 bronze stars, one for Sicily and one for Africa. They have put me in B-2, that is limited assignment which should not be so bad for me now, as I am pretty badly bummed up in the back and legs. I sure miss the paper for I sure do like to read here the boys are getting furloughs, something I haven’t been able to get since I have been in the army and that is over 2 years. I guess it is just tough luck, but haven’t got any bad time so far. I was restricted to the Battery for awhile in Africa for getting left at a picture show, which I stayed in all night and if I tried long enough I could have got back. There was another guy with me and I couldn’t blame the Company Commander at all. I haven’t or can’t think of anything else to write so will close."

(V-181) Sterling "Shorty" Sullivan

"The Kinmundy Express"   

March 16, 1944 -"Here’s one from Sgt. Sterling SULLIVAN, who has seen quite a bit of the old world and is now sojourning in Italy. He enclosed a copy of the famous "Stars and Stripes" which we scanned from cover to cover. He says: Sitting in my tent reading our old town paper. I find that the articles that appeal to me mostly, besides the actual news of home, are those written by my comrades in arms, stationed all over the world. I fully realize that these articles mean a great deal to the folks at home. It is with that thought in mind which urges me to relate some of my own experiences. You would be surprised to hear of the many countries in which I have received the Express. Believe me, there has been many an evening back in the dessert when my tent mates and I had nothing but this paper to read. Those were the trying days when Rommel and his infamous African Korps were knocking on the gates of Alexandria. In the past 16 months I’ve gone a long way thru Egypt, Lybia, Tunisia, Malta, Sicily, and finally here in Italy. It certainly has been interesting seeing all these famous cities like Suez, Cairo, Alexandria, Tripoli, and Tunis, just like having my history and geography lessons come to life. I’ve enclosed the Stars and Stripes in this letter for 2 reasons, one to give you a view of our Italy edition and second to proudly refer you to an article about my outfit - the famous 79th F.A. I could say a great deal about my outfit but then every solider’s own outfit is always the best. My claim is short and sweet I don’t believe there are many groups that can claim 5 stars to their campaign ribbon. However, the ribbon that I want most of all and hope to earn soon is that final "Victory Ribbon". I’d like to say a little about the job I do. I play nurse-maid to a fighter plane, otherwise known as crew chief. You would be surprised how one can get attached to a plane. Of course, without saying to the pilot, watching his take-off and then sweating out his return. If he is a few minutes late, you lose 10 years of your life worrying what has happened and then you spot him always and that thin smile creeps across your face and you are like a new man again, and so it goes day in and day out, always something new and exciting happening to help pass the time and so it will be until its all over. Again many thanks for the paper. I always look forward to receiving it."

Jan. 4, 1945 - "S. Sgt. Sterling SULLIVAN Awarded Six Bronze Battle Stars at Fighter Base in Italy: 12th AAF Fighter Base in Italy - S. Sgt. Sterling J. SULLIVAN, 26, Kinmundy, Ill., has been authorized six bronze battle stars according to information received at this advance Thunderbolt group. The stars represent participation in the Egyptian-Libian, Tunisian, Sicilian, Southern and Northern Italian and French campaigns. S. Sgt. SULLIVAN is the son of Mr. and Mrs. A.L. SULLIVAN, Kinmundy. He was a farmer in the Kinmundy sector prior to enlistment in the service, November, 1941. He departed for overseas on Oct. 6, 1942. The Illinois aircraft mechanic also wears the War Dept. Unit Citation ribbon presented to his group for outstanding performance of duty, and the Mediterranean theater ribbon. SULLIVAN’s task as an aircraft mechanic requires technical skill applied in the most adverse weather and living conditions. He was a member of his present fighter-bomber unit throughout the blistering Western Desert campaign in 1942, being one of the few Americans attached to MONTGOMERY’s Eighth Army. He has traveled upward thru 8 foreign countries, participating in 4 major invasions. Among other distinctions, he was among the first Air Corps groundmen to operate from southern France beachhead strips and from the first Rhone valley airdrome captured in the Seventh Army "uppercut" operation in September. During his 20,000 miles of travel overseas he has helped establish dozens of airfields, all part of the job of a Thunderbolt mechanic with a fast moving fighter squadron. His crack Thunderbolt outfit commanded by Col. Gladwin PINKSTON, is one of the oldest and best in the Mediterranean theater. Now in its third year overseas, the group has flown over 27,000 combat sorties in 6 major campaigns. They are now smashing the enemy strong points, communications, and gun positions with the Desert Air Force in support of the Eighth Army Troops in Italy and Allied forces in Yugoslavia. They have figured prominently in the recent innovation of Thunderbolt rocket guns. The group has been commended by Gen. ARNOLD, Gen. MONTGOMERY, Air Marshall CONNINGHAM, Air Marshall TEDDER, Air Marshall BROADHURST and Capt. Eddie RICKENBACKER."

(V-157) Leslie D. Tate

(V-158) Stanley C. Tate

"The Kinmundy Express" - June 29, 1944 - Clyde Thomas

"Here’s a nice letter from Cpl. Clyde THOMAS, who is stationed in England. He says: Just a few lines to give you my new address and to thank you for sending the paper, which I appreciate very much. I certainly enjoy reading your paper, especially the letters from the boys in the different theaters of operation and also a lot of news from around home that I probably wouldn’t get otherwise. I spent a short while in Scotland, but am back in England now. It is very pretty country and seems more modern and up to date than England. I like it here alright and have had things pretty nice so far, but I think we will all thank God for the day when we can come home back to the good old U.S.A. I must close thanking you again for the paper."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 7, 1944 - Elliott Thoms

"Here’s one from Sgt. Elliott THOMS, who is in New Guinea and he has this to say: Well I appreciate all the papers you are sending me, so think it is high time I wrote you about it. I left San Francisco 2 years ago for Australia on a P24 (Liberator) and after 4 days arrived in Brisbane, Australia. We were about 38 hours in the air and believe me, that was some trip. After 3 days rest we flew to New Guinea to do some engineering work on P38's. About 2 months of that or I might say 2 months of slit trench time as that was where we went most of the time. We then returned to Australia via B17 and was in Australia training P38 pilots for over a year. My job was electrician on all aircraft, so I had plenty to do. We are now back in New Guinea training pilots and acting as a service squad too. I have all the bananas and cocoanuts I can eat and have been to several native villages. They are pretty if you can stand that sort of thing. Just between you and me, I would rather look at a good old hog pen, would be a pleasant smell. I had better close before I tell how bad I want to come home. Maybe I will get there if they can get the rotation plane off the merry-go-round. Thanks again for the paper and to all my old friends in old Kinmundy. Well thumbs up boys, "Roger"."

(V-159)  Curtis Thompson

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 14, 1944 - Adolph Tockstein

"Here’s a nice letter from Cpl. Adolph TOCKSTEIN, who is stopping in France on his way to Berlin. He says: As most of the boys have been writing to you, I felt like I was neglecting my duty, so I will try and write a few lines. First of all, I want to thank you for the paper which I enjoy reading very much. For a boy a long ways from home, there is nothing he craves better than news from home. A former Kinmundy boy, Capt. MARLOW, is our troop commander. He is a swell fellow and is doing a great job. I am proud of him and glad to be under his command as he comes from one of my old home towns. I’m in France, our pleasures are few and far between, so we just have to make the best of it. The people here are friendly as they watch you roll along. They come and greet you with cheers, joy and happiness, to show you their appreciation. As I watch their happy smiling faces, some with tears streaming from their eyes with joy. It does something deep down inside a fellow and makes you feel good. You realize for the first time that the job we are doing has not all been in vain. May only hope is to put an end to all wars and have lasting peace. So that no boys will ever have to go through this again. In closing I want to say to all my friends in the service from back home, wherever you are or wherever you may go, the best of luck always and may God speed you safely home. To all the folks and friends back home, I want to say, hello and hope to see everybody again in the near future."

Theodore Trout

"The Kinmundy Express" - Oct. 14, 1943 

"And here’s another one from PFC Theodore E. TROUT, better known to us here as ‘Tuffy’, who has spent some time in New Guinea but is now in Australia. Here’s what he says. "In your paper dated July 15th I read where you had received a letter from me. I am very glad to know that you received the letter but am very sorry that I did not invite you to spend your vacation with me. You don’t really know how much I would like to see you. I am looking forward to the day when I can walk into your office and personally thank you for sending me the paper. As for the vacation, I did not forget it but I know it would have been impossible. And then I did not have the heart to ask anyone into the place we are at. Just a little advice from a friend, if you ever start traveling, just mark New Guinea off the list. I don’t think you will like it. I will say that I wish you could spend your vacation here in Australia with me as it is very interesting and I am sure you would enjoy it here. I want to thank you again for the paper and I will bring you’re a souvenir back with me as I can’t send them in the mail. I will close for this time, hoping to see you all very soon."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 17, 1944 

"Here’s one from PFC Theodore TROUT, better known to us as "Tuffy", who is still somewhere in the Southwest Pacific area. He says: I will start this by saying I am very sorry that I have not written to you sooner, but there is no better time than right now to thank you for sending me the paper. I really and truly enjoy it and hope that it will be continued to be sent to me. I hope by now that mother has payed for it for at least a year, by the end of that time, I hope to be home. Mr. VALLOW, I will sure hand it to you when it comes to writing something about "Mother’s Day". It was very good and I am sure you was writing it with some feeling and a lot of meaning. There is no one who can take the place like mother. I am very lucky in that respect. I have a lady who means just as much to me as mother, as you know her and Chick. There is no one who could take their place. And have you ever taught Chick to play cards yet? I see in the paper where Mrs. JOHNSON and Mrs. CURRY have been helping you with the paper in their spare time. I think it is very nice of them. They always think of others. Mrs. CURRY used to always have a smile for everyone. She is a very good friend to every one. There is a very close censorship now, so I cannot tell you much of what is going on over here. But as you say, a little cold weather would be nice after 3 years of summer. If it was to get cold, I suppose I would freeze to death. For the past 3 years it has never been too cold to go without a shirt. Swimming in December and January. It don’t seem right, does it? I had better close for now, for it is getting late and almost time for lights out, but before closing, I want to thank you again for the paper. So until next time it is ‘Cheerio’ in Aussie talk and ‘So-long’ in the Yank way."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 31, 1944 

"Here’s another nice letter from PFC Theodore TROUT, better known as "Tuffy". He is still in the Southwest Pacific Theater and wrote this letter on some very peculiar looking paper. He says: I will try to send you a few lines to let you know that I am still receiving the paper. It has been coming through when the letters are not. There has been very few letters lately, but the good old paper brings the news. I want to take the time to thank you for sending me the paper. I am sure that all the boys enjoy the paper as much as I do. I enjoy the letters from the other boys and the column Zatso is really interesting. Of course, there are lots of other things like the news and the happenings of the fair city. I really enjoyed the verses by Lt. ARNOLD, those verses have a lot of meaning. They are something she can be proud of. More than one fellow has asked to read them. Speaking of verses, not long ago you wrote about your mother. Those few lines sure brought back some memories. I kept them until I was in action and somewhere I lost them. That reminds me of a few lines I sent my mother before I went into action. I will inclose them they are not much to any one else, but to me they mean a lot. As you can see this is Jap paper. You know he had this but couldn’t use it so I took it - a dead man can’t write. I had better bring this letter to a close as it is getting late. So again I will thank you for the paper and I hope to see you soon. Tell everyone hello for me."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Sept. 14, 1944 - Joseph Guin Vallow

"We asked our son, Tec. 5 Joseph G. VALLOW, who is stationed in the Percy Jones General Hospital, Battle Creek, Mich., to write us something for publication. He comes through this week with a regular story entitled "I Saw the First Boy to Return from France". Here it is: I was awakened from a sound sleep at 4 a.m. one morning by the newsboys calling out the news of the invasion of France. I was up immediately and dressed, and soon on my way to the hospital to start the day, knowing that the war really started in France and that Hitler and his mob would be to their knees before too long. But I also knew that many an American boy would be wounded on this day and some would be giving their last full measure of devotion that their country might live. In the latter part of the morning, the Captain called all the public relations staff into his office and told us that we would be getting some of those boys who made the invasion in about a month and to be on the lookout for them. It was on Saturday evening, July 1st, about 5 o’clock, when our office received the word that an ambulance plane was coming in. As usual, I went to the air field to meet and talk with the boys who came in. This seemed like any other ambulance plane bringing in wounded veterans. But somehow, I had a strange feeling about this certain plane that I couldn’t explain. It was still light as I watched the large C-47 ambulance plane from the front seat of one of the waiting ambulances, come in for an easy and perfect landing. We sat there watching this large ship roll slowly up to the line. Then we went out to meet it. The first 3 boys out were walking patients and got into the ambulance I was in. The plane had 1 litter patient and he was placed in the second ambulance. All the way to the hospital, I kept wondering who that boy was on the litter in the other ambulance. After the boys were unloaded and in the receiving office of he hospital, I went up to this boy and asked him his name and address to release to the newspapers. He looked up at me with a forced smile on his fact and said, "Private James C. LESTER, Chio, Michigan." Then I asked him where he was injured. He replied again with that same smile on his face, "On the beach of France." He had no sooner said this when he asked me if I knew where his old outfit now was in France. My next thought was to rush to the office to get my camera and get a shot of this lad. This I did. As I went through the office, I told the staff the first man to return from the invasion of France was here. I got me picture to release to the newspapers O.K. It was 3 days later when I saw LESTER again. During this time, the newspaper reporters were eagerly awaiting to get his story of the invasion. Due to the nature of LESTER’s injuries, it was very hard for him to speak, thus causing a delay before he could be interviewed. However, after the 3 days, he was able to be interviewed by the newspaper men. I will say that he had a wonderful story to tell and everyone who heard it, well, it just made them feel more proud of our boys in France. Private LESTER is a typical American farm lad whom you might find around Kinmundy. He much preferred to talk about his pet Beatle Hound, "Buster", and of his team of horses, a picture of which he carried in his wallet. And more than once throughout the interview, he would say, "Farming is the real life." He then started to tell his story of the part he played in the invasion of France. Lester reported that he and his outfit, the combat engineers were exactingly trained for their job in the invasion. For 4 days and nights, they were on a boat. And in this length of time, they made several feints at the French coast. But each time they would turn back and go on a confusing course in the channel. Then early on the morning of June 6th, they well knew this was it. The big show was soon to start. They climbed down the sides of a large boat into smaller landing crafts and started toward the coast. During this time, our navy was opening up with everything it had. The air force was in on it too. It was truly a great show. LESTER’s craft was one of the first crafts to go in. His boat touched bottom, the ramp dropped, LESTER grabbed 2 belts of ammunition, then jumped into the water which was 3 feet deep. "I struggled for 50 yards towards the shore. It was then that I got it." I don’t know what hit me, it was either a bullet or a shrapnel. I fell and turned over, supporting myself with my left arm and holding my head above the water, I called for a medic to come over. The medic gave me a shot and from then on I don’t remember much." LESTER was hit in the chest, the object going thru and injuring his spine. Later, back in England in the hospital, LESTER underwent an operation and on June 23rd, was flown back to the States. Two days later, I saw and talked with LESTER again. By now his parents had seen him a few times. He then told me that his old "Buster" was well. Looking up again from his pillow, he said, "He’s a swell old dog, not much on hunting because he’s gun-shy. But couldn’t ask for a better friend. I’ll sure be glad when I can get out and see him again. Maybe he’ll even do better when we go out hunting again, and I shoot a rabbit or pheasant." I, too, think old Buster will be glad to see LESTER up and around on the farm. But old Buster may have to wait a little while to hunt again with his master for Private LESTER now lies in the Percy Jones General Hospital paralyzed from the chest down from that wound he received in the invasion of France. Today, Private LESTER is showing good improvement in the hospital. And with the wonderful medical care the United States Army is giving it’s wounded veterans, I say it would be a safe bet that about this time next year, Private LESTER will be hunting rabbits and pheasants with old buster on his farm near Clio, Michigan."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec.14, 1944 - Junior Vanscyoc

"Here’s one from Junior VANSCYOC, S2 c, who is sailing the seven seas on the U.S.S. Killen. He says: Hello, all of you! It has been sometime since I have written to you, so please forgive. I have been kept pretty busy lately. Today I received the first paper since I left the good old U.S.A. and don’t think I didn’t appreciate it. It sure was good to read up on some of the home town news, if it was 2 months old. Mr. VALLOW, I can’t tell you where I am at or what we are doing, if I could. But the way it is it will be a short letter. I have been in several interesting places and have seen some interesting things, such as natives, etc. I will have to admit that I have seen a little action, but it is nothing to brag about. I can’t understand the boys that haven’t been across, that want to go. I know I was the same way and now that I have had a nice taste of it, I would given anything to be back in good old U.S.A. as well as the other boys, but the boys back home should be thankful that they are where it is peace and quiet at nights. During the day it isn’t so bad here at the present. We are permitted to tell the things we have gotten credit for. We have had one surface battle and in that struggle we got one Jap battle wagon, one heavy cruiser, four planes and three shore bombardments. Not bad for a little destroyer, is it? I am not bragging but I think if a destroyer gets a battleship and a heavy cruiser, I think that is worth telling people about, don’t you? But with what we have been through they still find time to give us plenty of beans, Ha. Well, Mr. VALLOW, I must close for now thanking you again for the paper and may God bless all of you and the boys who are serving overseas. Tell everyone hello for me."

(V-50) Leroy Vanscyoc

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 30, 1945 - Grover Veteto

"Here’s a nice letter from PFC Grover VETETO, who is, or was still in Naples, Italy, on Aug. 17, when this letter was written. He says: Thought I would try and write you a few lines to let you know that I haven’t forgot you folks back home. How is everyone? Fine, I hope. This leaves me in the best of health and able to work every day. Well, here it is VJ-Day and I’m still working! Sometimes we over here wonder if we will ever get to where we can enjoy life like the ones back in the States. The war is over, as you know, and we are wondering when we are going to get back to our loved ones. Sometimes I wonder if we ever will. We don’t think that it is right for the War Dept. to discharge the boys that are in the States and let us stay over here in the Army of Occupation, that is the ones that have never been overseas. I say, if there is a man back in the States that has been overseas as much as one month, let him out of the Army. But I don’t think that it is doing us boys right to let the boys out of the army that have never been over here. And that is what they are talking about doing. I think that they should be the ones to come over here and take our place. They know that they will get to come back home some day and it wasn’t that way when we came over. We never knew if we would get to see our loved ones again and they won’t have that fear that a lot of us had that have been in combat and got shot up. They could come back home in the same shape that they came over here with. I don’t know why I am writing this but I thought I would let you know how they treat us over here. You will see for yourself that us boys that are here are not going to be the ones that is going to do the talking about what went on over here; it is going to be the hero that has spent all of his life in the army back in the States. I’m not saying anything about the ones that were never in the army; if they were lucky enough to stay out of the army, I’m for them. But I will say this if anyone got in the army and has taken his training, let him come over here and get a little taste of what we got over here, if he has never been overseas. I know that there are enough men back in the States that are in the Army that have never been overseas to take the place of most of us over here. And I’m not the only one that thinks that if they let the ones out of the army that never have been overseas first there will be a little war back in the States when all of the veterans get home. Well, I hope you see the way we do but the most of the people back in the States as the war is over will forget that we are still over here. You might think that I’m just wanting out of the Army. Well, I am, and I think that if any man has a family and wants to stay in the army, needs his head worked on and I don’t mean maybe. If a man that is single wants to stay in the army that is not so bad, but I say let them that has got a family and all that has not got a family and wants out, let them out. We lived before the war and you know that there is not going to be as many men in the states as there was before the war. So I think that we could get by without asking the army for much. Just because we are in the army don’t mean that they got to look after us all our life. Well, I think I’ve said enough so will say good luck to one and all and I hope to see all soon. So the best of luck to all and may God bless you."

(V-160) Paul Veteto

(V-51) Carl Wagoner

"The Kinmundy Express" - James L. Walker

July 19, 1951 - Private James L. WALKER, son of Mr. and Mrs. James WALKER, Kinmundy, Ill., recently joined the 7^th Division’s 48^th Field Artillery Battalion in Korea.  As a member of the “Hourglass” Division, WALKER has joined the most traveled unit in the Far East, in 9 months of Korean action, his unit has made 2 amphibious landings, gained the Manchurian border, and fought on both coasts of the Korean penisula of the Korean peninsula.  Just recently the 48^th FA Bn. celebrated the firing of it’s 100,000^th round of the Korean campaign.  The occasion was marked by a battlefield ceremony.  The artillery has become one of the most feared of the weapons used against the enemy.  With six months service, Private WALKER joined the 7^th Division in June 1951.

(V-161) Richard Waterman

(V-162) Ben Webster

Manuel Welsh

"The Kinmundy Express" - July 13, 1944 - "Here’s one from Pvt. Manuel WELSH, who is also in France. He says: I haven’t written you in quite some time, so I thought I would drop you a few lines. Well, how is everything going at Kinmundy. Just fine I hope. Well here I am overseas in France now, so my APO number has changed, maybe my wife has already told you about it. I have been looking for some of the boys over here, but so far I haven’t any one, maybe I’ll run into one that I know some day. I doubt if you can make his letter out because I am writing it in a fox hole and it sure is hard to write. I sure did enjoy reading the paper while I was in England, and maybe it will catch up with me pretty soon over here. Well, I guess I had better close for now, so keep everything rolling back there."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 17, 1944

"Memorial Held Sunday For Pvt. Manuel WELSH: Services were held Sunday afternoon in the Methodist Church in this city in memory of Pvt. Manuel WELSH, who was killed in action in France on July 4th. The church overflowing with relatives and friends and the large profuse of beautiful flowers were emblematical of the profound sorrow of the citizens of this community and the sympathy for the bereaved family. The services were conducted by Rev. Lisle E. MEWMAW, pastor. J. Harley HAYES, supt. of the local schools also made a few remarks regarding the life of this soldier as he knew him. Mrs. W.B. VALLOW and Mrs. J. N. VALLOW sang 2 songs with Mrs. Pauline JOHNSON at the instrument. Taps were sounded by Duane HANNA, S3 c, and members of the American Legion constituted the firing squad. It was truly a beautiful, but sad, service. But it was the only way in which the community had of paying tribute to the memory of one who gave his last full measure of devotion for his country. Manuel R. WELSH, only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Manuel WELSH, was born at Coweta, Okla. on Nov. 22, 1922. He graduated from Kinmundy H.S. with the class of ‘43, was noted for his ability in basketball, baseball, and other sport activities, and acted as assistant coach of the local elementary school in ‘42 and ’43. He was called for duty in the U.S. Armed Forces on Oct. 15, 1943. On Feb. 19, 1944 he married Miss Mildred ATKINS, who resides west of Kinmundy. In April 1944, he sailed for the overseas, entering France in June. It was there that he gave his life for his country on July 4, 1944. He was a young man of high character, respected and liked by his great number of friends. Great was the sacrifice he made for his loved ones at home. He is survived by his wife, Mildred, his parents, who now live in Flora, and 1 grandmother."

(V-95) Kenneth Wilkinson

"The Kinmundy Express" - Aug. 3, 1944 - "Here’s a dandy letter from PFC Kenneth WILKINSON, who has been in the Southwest Pacific so long, he is beginning to look like it. He says: Hello Cobber, how’s the blokes around the Kinmundy Square, or is it square? It’s been so long since I’ve seen it they may have turned the town around. As for myself, I’m fair dinkum. You needn’t pay any attention to the Aussie slang I use. I’m so used to using it that I even write it. I picked it up from the mates around the pubs a long time ago. By the way, a pub is a place where you go for a refreshing drink. If you are lucky you might get 2 glasses of liquid known to G.I.’s as green death. I’m quite ashamed of myself for not writing to you and thanking you for the Kinmundy paper. After not receiving any mail for several weeks, I finally received several issues and decided that I had better get on the ball and at least thank you for them. They were a little old but that’s all right for a Christmas card on Easter is considered up to date. Since I last saw you, I have knocked around in the S.W. P.A. quite a bit chasing a Nip now and then. Here in the South Sea Islands, they have declared open season on them and no bag limit either. Things are pretty quiet around here now since. Whistling Charlie got his shooting iron taken away from him and Photo Joe and his flying sons of Heaven was greeted with a hot reception. Tojo has thrown everything at me but a Geisha Girl. Speaking of girls since I am about to become an inhabitant of the south sea islands, I decided to take unto myself a wife. I picked myself out a nice chocolate dish with more curves than Route 37, then I run into difficulties. First, I needed 5 lbs. and a wild pig before I could bargain with her old man. For several months I didn’t get paid then the break came, payday. Now all I needed was a pig. They told me to put salt on the pig’s tail that was a sure way, but salt was rationed and I never could catch one. So I remain a senior bachelor out Meacham way. That is enough hot stuff for now so I will sign off thanking your again for the paper.

(V-96) Xon H. Wilkinson

"The Kinmundy Express" - July 6, 1944 - "Young School: Xon WILKINSON of Chicago is spending a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis WILKINSON, before he leaves for the service with the U.S. Navy."

"The Kinmundy Express" - Dec. 21, 1944 - Woodrow Wilkinson

"Here’s one from Pvt. Woodrow WILKINSON, former proprietor of the "Idlehour" Store in Meacham twp. but now in France. He says: As I have been receiving your paper and enjoying it very much, I want to thank those responsible for it. When I was in the hospital back in Italy, my address was changed and I failed to receive several copies of your paper and I missed it very much. I receive it regularly now. It is the time of year when I used to see you so much out in my neck of the woods with a bird dog or 2, so it reminded that I had better drop you a line. I suppose it sounds like a war has broken out there when quail season is in. I used to like to be among the first to go but am getting tired of hunting now. When we hit Southern France it was like hunting pheasants, you scare them up they would fly for miles, but now they are more like rabbits, you have to tramp them out. I have been told that it snows a lot over here, maybe in a few days we will be able to track them up and get a pot shot. But they seem just like flies, you swat one and there will be 2 come to his funeral. I noticed some of the boys mentioned the fact that it was hard to write in a fox-hole. Well, if you can’t read this, it is just because I am nervous, for I am not in a fox-hole, as they are all full of water, and the weather is quite chilly. We don’t dive into them unless it becomes absolutely necessary. Of course a nice cool bath feels mighty good when a shell lands close. Maybe I should try to tell you something about France, but I can’t say very much for I hear the women back in the states are getting jealous of the French girls. I saw where 1 woman made the remark that she didn’t like what happened on tank turrets, but as I am with an infantry outfit, all I can do is march on. I, myself, think the French girls are just like the girls in the states. There is just a little bit of bad in every good little girl. I had better ring off as there won’t be room left in the paper for the Zatso column, and I sure don’t want to miss that. Here’s hoping we will be seeing you in the near future and thanks again for the paper."

(V-21) Bobby Dan Williams

(V-108) Claude Williams

(V-107) Jim Williams

"The Kinmundy Express" - Feb. 10, 1955 - "Cpl. James WILLIAMS returned home Friday after receiving a discharge from the army at Ft. McClelland, Alabama.  He has served in the U.S. Army two years." 

(V-195) Richard "Dick" Williams                                      (V-196) Ruth (Bassett) Williams with Richard "Dick" Williams

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 10, 1946 - "T4 Richard WILLIAMS, son of Mrs. Cora WILLIAMS, arrived home January 2, after being discharged at Jefferson Barracks the same day. He is now busily engaged visiting with his wife, mother and other relatives. Richard entered the service July 11, 1942, and shipped overseas Jan. 8, 1944, landing on Good Enough Island. From there he went to New Guinea, then to Borneo, and then to the Philippines. He started for home Nov. 9, landing in San Francisco Dec. 19. He was attached to the 5th, 7th, and 9th Divisions as an Amphibian Engineer, Radio Operator, High Speed, Enciphering and Deciphering messages in the International and Morse codes. Sgt. WILLIAMS wears the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the Victory Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific with 3 stars, representing the bismark Archipeligo, Southern Philippine and New Guinea Campaigns, and an Arrow Head for the Boreno Campaign. On Aug. 4, 1943, Sgt. WILLIAMS and Miss Ruth BASSETT, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James BASSETT, were married. After Dick gets caught up on his loafing, he and Mrs. WILLIAMS will go to Chicago, where he will enter the Appliance business."

(V-163) Troy Williams

(V-97) Darrell "Bill" Wilson

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 10, 1946 - "Sgt. Darrell WILSON, with his wife and 6 year old son, buddy, spent Sunday here with his father, Lewis WILSON, and other relatives. (Darrell is better known to his friends as "Bill".) He received his discharge at Jefferson Barracks Jan. 4. Darrell first entered the army Feb. 23, 1936, and was honorably discharged Feb. 1939. He again entered the service June 23, 1943, and shipped overseas in Oct. 1944, landing in England. From there he went to France then to Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. He started home Dec. 17, landing at Norfolk, Va., Dec. 30. He wears the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the European Theater Ribbon with 3 stars representing the Campaigns of Ardennes, Central Europe, and the Rhineland. Sgt. WILSON and family live in Lemay, Mo., and he will resume his work in St. Louis."

(V-164) Walt Wilson

(V-182) Marge Wooden-Massey

(V-117) Fred Young, William R. Young, Robert C. Young

(V-98) Fred C. Young

(V-59) Robert C. Young

(V-49) William R. Young

(V-18a) Civil War Veterans Reunion at Sandy Branch Campground - Kinmundy, Illinois

(V-19a) Civil War Veterans Reunion at Sandy Branch Campground - 1880

(V-19b) Civil War Veterans Reunion at Sandy Branch Campground - 1880 (left side of photo)

(V-19c) Civil War Veterans Reunion at Sandy Branch Campground - 1880 (right side of photo)

(V-20a) Veterans Reunion at Evergreen Cemetery on Decoration Day (Memorial Day) - 1908

Standing: John Schoenborn, W.N. Brewer, I.T. Dillon, H. Shaffer, J. Hubert, Levi Thomas, Geo. Fenster, C. Rohrbough,

            Jack Foster, Denny Ingram & Dr. Smith

Seated: Bill Neil, John Nelms, Howard Nelms, Joel Youngkin, John Doolen, John Miller, Wm. Coleman, T.J. Greenlee,

          Hi Herrick, Wm. Brown, Chris Shaffer & J.F. Donovan

(V-7) Kinmundy GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) memorial - Evergreen Cemetery, Kinmundy, Illinois

(V-8) Soldiers Monument at Evergreen Cemetery - Kinmundy, Illinois

(VE-2) Evergreen Cemetery –Decoration Day 1890 – Grand Army Republic crowd of people

(VE-3) Evergreen Cemetery – Decoration Day 1890 – Grand Army of Republic firing rifles [Elwyn said dedication of monument, I’m not sure.  The G is missing on the side of monument.  Wouldn’t it be new enough to still have the “G”? ]

(VE-4) Soldier Monument at Evergreen Cemetery.  The Civil War soldier’s posture is in “Parade Rest” according to Casey’s Infantry Drill Manual ca 1862

(VE-5) Evergreen Cemetery – The G.A.R. monument [Grand Army of Republic] draped for respect.

                   ALMA VETERAN HONOR ROLL SIGN

                       This sign stood in Kinmundy near the tracks during the 1940's

         (V-193) Veteran Honor Roll sign that was located in Alma in 1940's.  Patsy Gray is standing in front.

              KINMUNDY VETERAN HONOR ROLL SIGN

                       This sign stood in Kinmundy near the tracks during the 1940's

(VE-1) War Memorial (northeast corner of Madison & 3^rd St.) [believed to be names of men serving in WWII]

Betty LEE, Mary Lou FOLLOWELL, June LEE, Arlene ZIMMER,  Alice Marie ZIMMER

(V-39) Frances (Bailey) Gray in front of the World War II Soldier sign in Kinmundy - June 28, 1945

(V-40) Dick Gray in front of the World War II Soldier sign in Kinmundy - June 28, 1945

(V-41) Frances (Bailey) Gray and Dick Gray in front of the World War II Soldier sign in Kinmundy - June 28, 1945

                                                Names listed on World War II Sign in Kinmundy  - 1940's

On Jan. 5, 1945, the Kinmundy-Alma area had 333 men and women serving in WWII.

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 5, 1933 - "333" In the Service: Leland B. ALDERSON, Cecil ALDRICH, Xon L. ALEXANDER, Daniel A. ARNOLD, Grace ARNOLD, Mark L. ARNOLD, Donna B. ARNOLD, Raymond ATKINS, Merle BAYLIS, Lloyd BAILEY, Ray Y. BAILEY, Calvin BARBEE, William BARBEE, Lyle E. BARBEE, Everett D. BASS, Oliver M. BASS, Robert L. BASS, James A. BASSETT, James M. BASSETT, Lawrence H. BASSETT, Charles BERRY, Thomas A. BOONE, John T. BORING, Joseph BORING, James R. BOSTON, Marion BOSTON, Norman R. BOWMAN, W. Arthur BOYD, Fred BOYD, Thomas F. BOYD, Cecil BRIM, Charles BRIM, C.M. BROOM, Dale R. BROOM, John A. BROOM Jr., Wilbur A. BROOM, Ernest V. BROOM, Earl BRIMBERRY, Joe A. BRIMBERRY, Dean BRUBAKER, Forrest BURKETT, Virgil BURKETT, Warren BUSWELL, George BUTTS, Harold B. BUTTS, John W. CALDWELL, Ted CALDWELL, Clyde B. CAMERER, Harold CHANCE, Frances CHEATUM, Floyd CHEATUM, Alonzo CHURCH, Eldon D. COLCLASURE, Arvie Lee COX, Ambrose L. CRAIG, Lyle CONANT, James D. CONANT, Albert CORRELL, Carl CRAIN, Fred E. CRAIN, Roy W. DAVIS, W. Ralph DAY, Dwight C. DAY, Ivan DEVORE, Henry E. DeWEESE, Beryl DISS, Charles D. DISS, James DONOHO, A.H. DOOLEN, Charles L. DOOLEN, Bennie DOOLEN, Carl G. DOOLEN, Florence DOOLEN, Roy DOOLEN, Walter J. DOOLEN, Louie F. DOUDERA, Leo E. DONOVAN, Norman Lee DOWNS, James O. EAGAN, Floyd EAGAN, Noah EAGAN, Thomas EDWARDS, D.B. EGELSTON, James ELLIS, Tiny L. ELLIS, Carl T. FIELDS, Harold W. FIELDS, Charles DeFORDE, Kenneth L. FULFER, Andrew W. GAMMON, Rex GAMMON, Fred GAMMON, Harry L. GAMMON, Merle GARDENER, Dwight W. GARNER, Junior GARRETT, Chas. W. GARRETT, James E. GARRETT, Marvin GARRETT, Theodore L. GARRETT, Christy GENTRY, Orville GORDON, Donald R. GRAY, Harry E. GRAY Jr., Robert A. GRAY, Carl K. GREEN, Lyle W. GREEN, James W. GREEN, William H. GREEN Jr., Thomas Leroy GREEN, Edward HALLER, Delbert S. HAMMER, Howard HAMMER, James E. HAMMER, Merle HAMMER, Clifton HAMPSTEN, Louis Ervin HAMPSTEN, Richard D. HAMPSTEN, Virgil HAMPSTEN, James HANKS, H. Dwight HANNA, B.L. HANNA, Robert D. HANNA, Duane HANNA, Eldred J. HANSON, John HANSON, Virgil HARRIS, Charles HAYS, Lewis HAYS, Merle HEADLEY, Carl HEADLEY, Harve L. HEADLEY, Russell HEADLEY, R.C. HEADLEY, Wesley HEADLEY, Orville E. HEICHER, John Howard HELM, William H. HILL, John HINES, Gail W. HINES, Anson A. HINKLEY, Billy Eugene HOCKADAY, Ralph G. HOYT, Francis HICKMAN, Dwight INGRAM, Glenn G. INGRAM, Cecil E. INGRAM, Elwin G. INGRAM, Joseph R. INGRAM, L.C. INGRAM, Ray H. INGRAM, W. Coy INGRAM, Virgil U. JAMISON, Kenneth E. JACKSON, H. Merle JACKSON, Charles E. JASPER, Emmerson JONES, Harold W. JONES, Leon JONES, Ralph JENKINS, Chas. W. JENKINS, James E. JENKINS, John E. JEZEK, Edward JEZEK, Benjamin N. JOHNSON, C.W. JOHNSON, Harvey M. JOHNSTON, D. Floyd JONES, Harold JONES, Cecil F. JONES, Richard JONES, James C. JONES, George KEEN, L.C. (Pete) KEEN, Harold KLEISS, Charles B. KLINE, G.R. KOTTKAMP, Harlas D. KRUTSINGER, M. Hugh LACEY, Kenneth P. LACEY, Luther LACEY, H. Ted LACEY, Harold LAMBIRD, Roosevelt LAMBIRD, Everett LANSFORD, Jack LANSFORD, Glenn LEE, Clifton LEMAY, Zarold LEWIS, Kenneth LEWIS, Nancy LOWE, Rev. Cecil LOWE, Joseph LOVETT, Robert MAHAN, Robert G. MARSHALL, Virgil I. MARSHALL, James M. McCARTY, Rex McCARTY, John W. McCULLEY, Walter McHATTON, Ira G. MERRITT, George W. MEYER, Chas. MEYER, Donald K. MILLER, Ray George MILLER, Harold R. MILLER, See MILLICAN, Ralph MILLICAN, Frederick MISELBROOK, Oliver R. MITCHELL, Charles T. MINER, Harold H. MOELLER, Raymond A. MOELLER, Willard E. MOELLER, Clyde Q. MORGAN, James MORGAN, Richard F. MOTCH, Russell MOUNT, Arthur MUEHLHAUSEN, Arthur MULVANEY, Ralph P. MULVANEY, Edward MULVANEY, Tanner MULVANY, Ernie K. MULVANY, Charley NEAL, Perry L. NEAVILLE, Royal Bruce OLDEN, Leland OLDEN, Raymond OLDEN, H.D. OSBORNE, Warren OSBORNE, Earl W. OUTHOUSE, Tony PERGL, Donald D. PARRISH, Paul PARRISH, Oliver Paul PERRY, Vernon Cleo PERRY, Lewis Chester PERRY, John PHILLIPS, Jr., James W. PIGG, R. Wayne PIGG, Kenneth PIGG, Hartzel L. POWELL, Charles E. PRUETT, Frederick PRUETT, Carl E. PRUETT, Lynn PORTER, Carl E. PURCELL, John D. PURCELL, Dan S. RAINEY Jr., Darrell D. REESE, Flory REPEC, Conrad REPEC, John G. RICHARDSON, Harold W. ROBB, John R. ROBB, Howard L. ROBB, Erwin H. SCHNEIDER, Merle SCHNEIDER, Earl SCHWABE, David SCHOOLEY, Charles R. SEE, Earl SEE, John F. SEE, Frederick SEE, Leroy SEE, John SHAFFER, Russell SHAFFER, Leland F. SHORT, Philip E. SHORT, Edwin SHREFFLER, George I. SHREFFLER, Lyle SHREFFLER, Ralph W. SIMER, Harold SIMMONS, Harold SLANE, Anne SLOVICK, Joe SLOVICK, Francis SMITH, John SMITH, Kenneth D. SMITH, Warren C. SMITH, C.C. SMITH, John H. SMITH, Charles P. SMITH, Louie B. SOUTIER, Maxey M. SPENCER, Arno SPURLIN, Lewis L. SPURLIN, Orval SPURLIN, Clouris M. STIPP, Francis G. SULLENS, Orville V. SULLENS, Rolla SULLENS, Sterling J. SULLIVAN, Burdette SWIFT, Lyle SWIFT, E.A. THOMS, Clyde B. THOMAS, Adolph TOCKSTEIN, Theodore E. TROUT, Mitchell D. UNDERWOOD, Charles V. VALLOW, Joseph G. VALLOW, Annette VALLOW, Junior L. VANSCYOC, Grover C. VETETO, Walter W. WILLIAMS, Duane WALTON, Lloyd T. WANTLAND, Benny WARREN, William WEISS, Pearl WHITE, Willard WILEY, Xon WILKINSON, Kenneth WILKINSON, Woodrow WILKINSON, Chloris WILLIAMS, Dewayne WILLIAMS, Eugene WILLIAMS, Fred WILLIAMS, Henry E. WILLIAMS, Richard WILLIAMS, Walter WILLIAMS, Bill WILSON, Dale R. WRIGHT, Paul L. WRIGHT, Kenneth WRIGHT, Andrew YATES, Victor E. YATES, Charles W. YOUNG."

(V-35) Memorial Day crosses in Kinmundy in the old location next to the post office (where the Serenity Garden now stands).

(V-10) Kinmundy Veteran Memorial - Kinmundy Park