Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Time Machine Trip to August 1944

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

 

August 2, 1944

John Van Deurzen, Little Chute, reports that his son, Private Robert Van Deurzen, 22, was seriously wounded on Saipan on June 25. Robert has been overseas since January of last year.


August 4, 1944

"Stormy" Kromer conducted the second weekly baseball clinic offered by the Kaukauna recreation department at the Kaukauna ballpark. About 30 Kaukauna boys ranging in age from 13 to 17 years took advantage of the second session.


Private Harvey Kerrigan 24, route 2 Kaukauna was killed in action July 9 in France. He had been overseas since August of last year. He had been employed at Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company before entering the army.


A letter received here addressed to Glen Miler, sports editor of the Times from Red Smith expressed his and the Brews organization appreciation of the efforts to make “Red Smith Night” so successful.


 The annual Girl Scout day was held at Riverside Park Thursday.  The Woman’s club was in charge of refreshments. Prizes in the handicraft projects were awarded to Yvonne Emperor and Jo Ann Giesbers.


August 9, 1944

Flight Officer Robert O. Nettekoven of Park Street was one of the first glider pilots of IX troop command to land his glider in France on D-Day. He was recently awarded the air medal for his participation. After cutting loose from the C-47 tow plane, they floated silently into a small field in the predawn darkness.


Mrs. George Brenzel, Fourth Street, has received word that her grandson was captured by the Japs. Pfc. David G. Brenzel, 27, a power plant operator on Corregidor, when the fortress fell in May 1942. “Tell dad I am counting on some fishing trips and planning to spend much time with you in the kitchen,” he told his mother in Milwaukee. “All of us hope to be home soon to start celebrating the many holidays we have missed. That will not be hard to do, because every day will be a holiday. I send all my love and say so long until I throw my hat in the door.”


 CLINTONVILLE, WI – A 68 percent increase in the population. The population in 1940 was 4,134. This year the number is 6,970 or an increase of 2,836.

 

 Recreational Director Paul Little has announced that the mid-channel swimming pool will be closed in the morning for the remainder of the summer.  There will be no guard on duty in the mornings.

 

Seventeen members of Troop 20 Boy Scouts of this city are spending the week at Gardner Dam scout camp. With most of the scouts who have participated in the scrap drives attending camp this week the collection will be postponed until Saturday, August 19. The War Production Board recently requested all scouts to give the scrap drive more support. They set a goal of 1000 pounds a paper per boy for August and September collections and will issue certificates to troop that meet this goal. Wallace Mooney, scoutmaster of troop 20, asked the residents of the Kaukauna to make an extra effort to save all scrap paper for the scouts to help them secure a certificate.

 

 

August 11, 1944

Close to 500 people braved the sweltering sun Thursday afternoon to watch the youngster's bathing beauty contest at La Follette Park and sec Wave Lorraine Gorham crown Carol Ann Alger as "Miss La Follette." The four runners-up were Pauline Bachhuber, Belle Goldin, Patsy Gertz and Margaret Schmidt.

 

Two-year-old Judith Ann Vander Velden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cleborne Vander Velden, South Sidney Street, Kimberly died Tuesday morning of injuries suffered in an accident on Main Street in Kimberly. She was crossing the street to the school playground when she was struck by a car. 

 

Mr. and Mrs. John Rieth, Oviatt Street, received word that their son Private John H. Rieth, was slightly wounded while serving in France July 9. He is recovering in a hospital in England.

 

Art Schubring, the local parcel post man, wondered what it was all about when he was asked to deliver a package addressed to Mr. Lost and Found, 500 Hendricks Avenue Kaukauna Wisconsin. George R. Greenwood lives at that address, and he went blackberry picking and got lost. So, the little box that mail man Schubring was delivering contained a cowbell with the rope conveniently attached so he could hang it around his neck the next time he goes picking berries. The sender of the box was Rev. Robert Rank of Manawa.

 

  This year the Christmas mailing period for both Army and Navy overseas forces is the same, September 15 to October 15. Gift parcels must travel great distance to reach Army and Navy personnel located at remote points and frequently the transfer of a large number two new stations necessitates forwarding packages and additional time is required.  Be certain to use strong string and box materials for your packages. 

 

August 16, 1944

Pfc. Lawrence Vosters was wife lives on 13th St., was wounded in France June 13, and has been awarded the Purple Heart, according to a letter received by Mrs. Vosters.

 

Technical Sgt. John J. Kramer, Sarah Street, flew his 50th mission in aerial combat over Continental Europe. He is a waist gunner and radio operator on a B-24 Liberator bomber. In the course of rounding out 50 missions, Kromer has been decorated with the air medal and four Oak leaf clusters for meritorious achievement. Kramer was employed by the Thilmany pulp and paper company prior to entering the armed forces in November 1942.

 

August 18, 1944

After fifty-nine years of service as a printer in Kaukauna, Mel A. Raught has announced his intention to retire. He disposed of his business this week to Ray Morgan, owner and operator of the Kaukauna Reminder. Mel has earned for himself an enviable position as a good citizen, honest worker and friend to multiple local citizens. There are none among us who do not have a feeling of regret to learn that he has decided to retire from business. Mel worked with his brother, Charles E. Raught, in the operation of the Kaukauna Times, he has taken an active interest in the affairs of the city and has always been a booster of Kaukauna.

 

 Pfc. Leo Kappell, East Second Street, who is attached to the third armored division write home to his parents. “Well, I guess you read, already the third armor is in action here, going right through the Germans. Sometimes I don't get time to finish my foxhole, and we have to move out, that's how fast they are retreating. The last two weeks have been a little tough, but I can't kick. Look at the poor fellows were right in the front, I'm about a mile behind. I worked the radio set I feel better than I ever did.” 

    

Of interest to Packer fans will be the news that the Green Bay professional team has an almost complete roster. The latest additions to the team are Lou Brock and Ted Fritsch. Brock, starting his fourth season with the Packers, as a triple threat man, running, kicking and passing very well. Fritsch is a pile driving back with a good eye and a toe for kicking field goals and adding extra points. Lambeau now has 14 backs signed and may add a few more before practice begins Sunday.

 

August 23, 1944

The Boy Scouts of Rotary troop 20 hold a court of honor tonight at the Epworth home. The Eagle rank, highest award in scouting, will be given to Connie Hatchell. The star rank will be received by Dean Belonger and Keith Thyrion.

 

Word has been received here by Mr. and Mrs. Carl G. Trettin, Diedrich Street, from the war Department stating that their son, Marvin has been seriously wounded in France. Marvin entered the service in July 1943 and arrived overseas about a month ago.

 

Frederick DeBruin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert DeBruin, Desnoyer St., left last Monday for Great Lakes to begin his boot training for the Navy. Frederick is the fourth son of the DeBruin’s to enter service.

 

August 25, 1944

“It was as neat an exhibition of pinning Tojo’s ears back we have ever hoped to see.” That is the opinion of Sherman Powers of Kaukauna and other Coast Guardsmen aboard this LST. Powers and his mates were referring to the attack on Tinian Island by sea, air and land. “The teamwork was perfect. We rocked them back on their heels with a good assortment a broadside from our battle wagons and cruisers. While they were trying to shake those off, the bombers began their shuttle trips and walloped the daylights out of them.”

  

Tech. Fifth Grade Glen L. Vandehey serving in the South Pacific sent a letter to his mother, Mrs. Alfred Vandehey, Lawe Street, Kaukauna. “I’m back with my outfit after attending school in New Caledonia for two months to speed up my code. The French people were swell to us and invited us to dinner. I had a real egg, sunny side up, what a treat after the dehydrated ones that tastes like limburger cheese.  It seemed strange to see streets and houses and I had not seen a woman in a year. We attended church in a beautiful cathedral. I witnessed a volcano eruption and an earthquake that made you dance the hula hula weather you wanted to or not. It was a great change of scenery.

 

August 30, 1944

The French have announced that Paris has been liberated. French troops commanded by Gen. Charles De Gaulle and American soldiers’ arc now fighting alongside the French Patriots inside Paris cleaning out the last German resistance and completing the liberation of the city.

 

Mrs. Irma Lambie Davis, route 2, Kaukauna has received a citation from President Roosevelt and a certificate of award of the Purple Heart, given posthumously to her husband Private First-Class Samuel E. Davis, who was killed in action June 29 in France. Private Davis was serving with the armored infantry and went overseas in August 1943. He had been in the service since November of 1941.

 

Mrs. Joseph Dougherty, Oviatt street, received a telegram Wednesday informing her that her son, Staff Sergeant Edwin Dougherty, was seriously wounded in action.

 

Lt. Bernhard W. Tessin, Taylor Street, Kaukauna, a navigator on the C-47, was recently awarded the Air Metal. Lt. Tessin took part in the Ninth Troop Carrier history making flight which struck the opening blows on the D-Day invasion.  His flight dropped airborne soldiers directly over the target.  

 

Work on the 20x75 foot addition to the Roloff Manufacturing Company’s building on Gertrude Street, is progressing. The company is now operating the foundry at its full capacity with 27 men employed. When the addition is completed there will be room for additional workmen.

 

Nearly 100 natives of the West Indies will be brought to Oneida County this week to assist in the potato harvest. The natives have been employed in the agricultural work in the United States and are reputed to be good workers had of a happy disposition.  

 

 

Notes from the Armed Forces

 

Men from the area were inducted into service.

Those inducted in the Navy from Kaukauna are:

Joseph P. Jansen, Hendricks Avenue  

Marvin E. Alger, Depot Street

Arden Tousey, Ninth Street,

Theodore J. Smits, Oviatt Street

Clement F. Boucher, Wisconsin Ave.

 

Those inducted in the Army are:

Raymond A. Van Stiphout, Draper St. Kaukauna,

Herman J. DeLeeuw, Kimberly Ave., Kimberly,

Russell H. Zillges, Sidney St., Kimberly

Donald H. Vander Velden, Wilson St., Little Chute

Harry A. Valentyne, Main Street, Kimberly.

Joseph P. Van Daalwyk, Route 3, Kaukauna

Richard G. Mischler, Metoxen Ave. Kaukauna

Lawrence G. Driessen Route 1, Kaukauna

Robert J. Kempen, Route 1, Kaukauna

Richard Lettau, 8th Street, Kaukauna

Sylvester J. Geurtz, route 1, Kaukauna

Gerald J. Hietpas, Gertrude St. Kaukauna

Robert A. Nicodem, Main St., Little Chute

Clarence G. Nelessen, Wilson St. Little Chute

Willard L. McCabe, Madison Street, Little Chute

Martin W. Van Grinsven, Wilson St. Kimberly

Vernon H. Friebel, Sidney St. Kimberly 

 

 John Owen Roberts, W. Wisconsin Ave. recently graduated from the aviation electrician’s mate school at Jacksonville, Fla.

 

Pvt. Donald F. Schmitt will return to Kentucky after enjoying a furlough with relatives and friends.

 

Apprentice Seaman Allan L. Johnson, route 3, Kaukauna is now a member of the navy V-23 unit at Hobart College, Geneva, N.Y.

 

William H. Wachtendonk, 23 of John Street, Kimberly, has been promoted to the rank of first lieutenant; it was announced by 15th Army Air Force headquarters. He was inducted into the army on May 27, 1942. 

 

   Staff Sgt. Earl A. Treptow, Oviatt Street, Kaukauna is a machinist with Eight Air Service Command. This unit, in operation for less than six months, had handled more than 1000 repairs of damaged heavy bombers.

 

Francis J. Landreman, Sixth Street, Kaukauna, has been promoted to first sergeant in the Far East air service in reorganization for his outstanding work as a transportation sergeant.

   

Lt. Robert G. Van Abel, Route 3, Kaukauna, recently returned from active duty recently with the navy air forces in the Atlantic and saw his daughter, Mary Lou, for the first time. Lt. Van Abel is a veteran of three and a half years of service with the naval air force.

 

Petty Officer Third Class Bette McCarthy, Catherine street, Kaukauna, left Wednesday for Norfolk, Va. where she was assigned.        

 

 Seaman 1st Class Emmet McMorrow returned to sea duty after enjoying a 20 day leave here with his parents. Emmet enlisted in the navy when he was 17.   

 

 Aerographer mate third class Vern H. Fink, route 3, has spent a nine-day leave with her parents, left for Corpus Christi, Texas, where she will report for work in the aerology unit, at the naval training center. Wave Fink enjoys her work very much and is enthusiastic about what she is doing.     

 Sgt. Ben H. Wheaton, W. Third St., has been awarded the Air Medal with the Oak Leaf Cluster and Bronze Star. Ben arrived overseas on July 4 of this year and is at present a waist gunner in the B-17 Flying Fortress. 

 

 Pvt. Ambrose L. Berken, W. 13th Street, graduated from Armored Tank School.

 

 Pvt. Frank J. Effa, 32, Main Ave. who returned from service outside of the United States. He had served in North Africa as a clerk in an aviation signal corp. detachment. He entered the army in Feb. 1942.

 

 Master Sergeant J. J. Martens, Jr., arrived home to spend a two-week furlough with his wife and parents. Sergeant Martins is stationed in the finance office at Sioux Falls, S. D. He has been in the army three years.

 

Seaman First Class Michael Niesz is spending an 11-day leave with his mother and family. He has just returned from the south Pacific area where he has been for the past nine months.

 

Seaman First Class Michael Niesz is spending an 11-day leave with his mother and family. He has just returned from the south Pacific area where he has been for the past nine months. 

 

Tech. Sergeant Leland P. Golden, route 3, was awarded the air medal at Sioux City, Iowa, Army air base. 

 

Robert Van Drasek, 23, Island Street, has been promoted to Tech. 4th grade. He is currently with the 244th anti-aircraft artillery, in San Diego, Ca. He has been in service for 27 months.

 

Seaman second class Charles Gorchals, Park Street, has spent a 15-day leave with his parents. He has just completed boot camp and will receive his assignment.

 

 Edward J. Kramer, Sarah Street, has been promoted to sergeant. He is with the Eight American Air force Fighter Command in England.

 

Raymond J. Hurst, Spring Street, received the silver wings of an army air force pilot and is now a Second Lieutenant.    

 

 Staff Sgt. Ambrose Grissman, Route 3, has arrived on the west coast after 17 months service in the South Pacific. He will be arriving home for a 30-day leave soon.    

 

Seaman 2nd Class William F. Siebers, Roosevelt St., has spent 10 days leave and has returned to his station Idaho.

 

Joseph W. Krings, W. Wisconsin Ave. has been promoted to Corporal. He is a radio operator assigned to the 883rd signal company at Kelly field, Texas.

 

Corporal John J. Hagany, Greenleaf, was awarded the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action while serving with on the fifth Army front in Italy.


 



No comments:

Post a Comment