Soldier News --- Continued

Wellington Swart awarded Emblem for Civilian Service

Afton Enterprise, Dec. 16, 1943

 

Wellington L. Swart was awarded the Emblem for Civilian Service at Halloran General Hospital, the largest military hospital in the United States, where he has been purchasing agent for one year.  The War Department, to recognize the contribution being made by the civilian employees to the successful prosecution of the war and to encourage a greater awareness of their active personal participation in the achieving of ultimate victory, is presenting emblems to civilian employees in the departmental and field service who have rendered faithful and meritorious service.  The presentation took place in the Red Cross Building where an address was given by Colonel DeVoe, commander of the Post.  Awards for those who had served for one years or more were presented by Colonel DeVoe while the awards for those who had been in for less than a year were presented by Major Cleon Goodnough head of the Quartermaster's Corps.  With music furnished by the Halloran Band. A party with refreshments followed. 

 

Orry Wright Jr. missing in Action

Afton Enterprise, Dec. 16, 1943

 

Staff Sergeant Orry E. Wright, Jr., son of Orry E. Wright, Sr. of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY] has bee listed as missing in action on a bombing mission over Italy on November 6 according to a War Department notification received at his home.  Sergeant Wright entered the service September 26, 1942 and received his training at the Radio School at South Field, Ill., The Gunnery School at Harlington, Tex., and the Army Air Base at Delbert, Tex.  He had been overseas since September. 

 

Myrtle Padget Joins Military

Afton Enterprise, Dec. 23, 1943

 

Miss Myrtle Padget, nurse at the Bainbridge Central School has tendered her resignation effective this week.  Miss Padget will report at Santa Ana, Calif, on Jan. 4 to take her basic training. 

 

Fred Emeott Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 23, 1944

 

Fred Gerow, of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], has received word that his nephew, Pvt. Fred Emeott, 18, of Saginaw, Mich., was killed in action Feb. 12, while serving with the infantry in Italy.  Pvt. Emeott entered the Army Mar. 12, 1943.  Six months later he was sent overseas, and on Dec. 18 he landed in Italy from North Africa where he had served until his death. 

 

Edward Peckham Tells of Gestapo Arrest

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 30, 1944

 

The following letter was received by  Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Peckham, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] R.D. 3, the latter part of last week from their son, T/Sgt Edward Peckham, who has been a prisoner of war in Germany for a number of months.

 

Oct. 16, 1943

Dear Dad and All,

It will probably be several months before you receive this, but at least it will put your mind at rest.

 

I was shot down over France late in June and for six weeks I lived with the French people; they were trying to get me over the border into Spain but I was arrested by the Gestapo Aug. 7 and tossed into a civilian prison in Paris.  After six weeks of that, I was sent to this prisoner of war camp.  It was like old home week because a lot of the boys I knew were here.

 

I expect to be sent to another camp soon however.  You will probably have to get the Red Cross to figure out my address and also ask them about sending parcels.  They will tell you what you can send.  I just got out of the hospital, had a very bad chest cold but am o.k. now.

 

Am allowed to write only two letters and three cards a month.  Please get in touch with Anne and explain it to her.  Good bye for now.

 

Love to all,

Ed

 

[Note:  Anne is Anne Vawter, his fiancé]