More Soldier News - 1942

Carlton Kinch Serving in Hawaii

Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 19, 1942

 

Carlton Kinch

 

The week the News prints the picture of still another local boy who is doing his part for the national defense, Carlton Kinch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kinch, joined the United States Army on Sept. 9, 1940.  He sailed for Schofield Barracks, Co. M, 35th Infantry, Hawaii, in Nov. 1940.  Carlton has written home several times since Dec. 7 [1941] and has stated that he is well and happy and that he enjoys his food.  He says that the weather there is warm as the Summer in "the good old home town."  While in Honolulu on leave, Carlton met Everett Herrick, another Bainbridge boy in the service.  Prior to his joining the Army, Carlton, attended Bainbridge Central High School.

 

Vicinity Soldier at Pearl Harbor

Masonville Parents Get Eye-Witness Report

Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 15, 1942

 

Eyewitness reports on the Pearl Harbor tragedy come closer to home with the publishing of a letter written by Milton VanValkenburg to this mother, Mrs. S.F. VanValkenburg, of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY].  Milton has been stationed with the headquarters 15th corps at Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii, and withstood the attack of Dec. 7.  In a letter written home under the date of Dec. 14, he writes:

 

"My dear folks,

"I bet you thought I was never going to write again, didn't you?  Well, I have been pretty excited over the Jap attack here Sunday and couldn't seem to settle down and write a few lines.

 

"Everything seems to be O.K. now and I am still kicking the same as usual and feeling fine.  Was happy to receive your letters yesterday and was wondering just when I would hear from you again.

 

"The Jap attack sure was a surprise and I doubt very much that it will happen that way again.  We are all set for them and won't be caught sleeping on the job again, I hope.  I was in bed when the air raid started.  Didn't take me long to crawl out though I presume you are kept posted on the situation here by radio, etc.  There is nothing to worry about, and I think we can handle every yellow slant-eye that comes in sight or hearing.  My trigger finger is real itchy and I think it's limber enough to give them a good scare if nothing more.  I am out for big game and hope to get my limit.

 

"The food here is good and plenty of it.  I'm comfortable and can't kick about anything at present.  I only hope the day will soon come when we get every Jap, his friends and everyone else who doesn't like what we the American citizens are."

 

Soldier Briefs

 

Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 12, 1942

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Pvt. Leon Swart has been transferred from Fort Niagara to Fort Monmouth, N.J., and is in the Signal Corps, Radio Training School for six months. Then he expects to see active service. 

 

Arthur Clark has received word that his cousin, Harlan Clark, vice-counsel to Siam, is being held prisoner by the Japs at Bangkok.  Mr. Clark was vice-counsel to Switzerland for two years prior to his appointment to Siam two years ago. 

 

On Furlough:  Sgt. Walter Roider, Jr., of Ft. Meade, Md., spent the week-end at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Roider.  Pvt Earl Clark, Jr., of Fort Devens, Mass., has been visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Clark.  Robert Rosenstein, of the U.S.S. North Carolina, spent Monday and Tuesday with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rosenstein. 

 

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 19, 1942

Guilford [Chenango County, NY]:  In Hawaii:  Friends in Guilford are receiving cards and brief letters from Private Thadeus Tutack, former teacher of music in Guilford Central School.  All mail is censored from out of states, but he states he is well and writes of the marvelous scenery and how busy they are.  He is always glad to hear from Guilford Friends.

 

Pvt. Carl Pfeil, of Camp Dix, N.J., enjoyed a weekend pass, spending it with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Pfeil.