Soldier News - June 1943

Sinking Survivor Visits Scintilla

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 10, 1943

 

Basil Izzi, Seaman Second Class, U.S. Navy, survivor of the sinking of an American ship, visited the Scintilla last Friday and addressed the employees over the public address system.  Later, Seaman Izzi, visited various sections of the plant and it was the pleasure of several local workers to meet the young sailor.  The youth's story in itself was remarkable.  After the torpedo sunk his ship he spent 83 days on a small life raft on the broad expanse of the ocean with other survivors of the sinking.  Not only did this modern epic of adventure take place during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday months but also during a period of some of the worst winter ocean storms.

 

Seaman Izzi described part of his torturous 83 days--remarking on the speedy exhaustion of food supplies--the sailors' struggle for existence on fish and birds--curiously enough their largest catch was on Thanksgiving--and the horrible sight of his comrades attacked by sharks while he and his fellow castaways were powerless to assist.

 

Another remarkable use of meager facilities was the method in which the pitiful group on the raft gained their food.  Using their bare toes to entice young sharks within reach, Izzi and his mates finished off their catch with a pair of scissors, miraculously saved by one of the men.  On this diet of fish and birds the small group lived for those dreadful long weeks in which hope all but left those weary breasts.  During those 83 days adrift Seaman Izzi's weight shrank to a mere 80 lbs. 

 

Barely five feet in stature with the childish eyes of a schoolboy, this young hero is someone for us all to think about and remember.  For he is the typical fighter today.  Maybe his parents didn't come over on the Mayflower but just as great Americans have entered these shores on the decks of the immigrant steamers.  All with one thought--America!

 

Perhaps what will e remembered most of Seaman Izzi's modern odyssey will be the poignant fact that while adrift on the raft he celebrated his birthday.  He is just 20 years old.

 

Harry Jaynes Dies in Action in Africa

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 10, 1943

 

George Jaynes, of North Franklin [Delaware Co., NY], has been notified that his son, Harry Jaynes, 25, who was killed in action in North Africa on April 23, had been promoted to Sergeant a few days before his death.  Born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] May 8, 1918, he was the son of George and Anna (VanVallkenburg) Jaynes.  Sergeant Jaynes, who enlisted in Oneonta in November, 1940, left for overseas duty in July.  He was stationed in England and Scotland prior to his transfer to North Africa.

 

Pvt. Charles Bennett Wins Purple Heart

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 10, 1943

 

Pvt. Charles Bennett, brother of Mrs. Edward Gliha, of Bainbridge, and son of Lee Bennett, of Greene, has been awarded the Purple Heart for his gallantry in the battle of North Africa.  Pvt. Bennett, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], is confined to a hospital in Phonixville, Pa., awaiting the removal of a piece of shrapnel from his leg.  His father received word recently from Washington, D.C., that his son, who was wounded in the North Africa area on Mar. 25, was being removed to the States.

 

Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 17, 1943

 

Pvt. Maurice A. Page

 

Sgt. Maurice A. Page, son of Leo B. Page, of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], well-known in this area, has been killed in action in the North African area, it was released Wednesday by the War Department.