Soldier News continued - 1945

Pfc. Socrates Nellis Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 11, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Rexford Silvey, of R.D.3, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], received a telegram from the War Department Sunday stating that their grandson, Pfc. Socrates Nellis, had been missing in action in Belgium since Dec. 18.  Socrates, who made his home with his grandparents here, was a member of the Infantry, having been assigned to this branch of the service early last spring when the Army Specialized Training Program, to which he was attached, was discontinued. 

 

Sgt. Merritt E. Sweet Member of Famous Bomber Group

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 11, 1945

 

15th AAF in Italy--The Second Bombardment Group, a B-17 Flying Fortress unit of the 15th AAF which traces its origin to World War I as the oldest heavy bomber group in American military history, has flown its 300th mission in the Mediterranean Theatre.

 

Sgt. Merritt E. Sweet, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Sweet, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] is a mechanic in the group.  Led by commanding officer Col. Paul T. Cullen, of San Gabriel, Calif., the group by coincidence flew its 300th mission on the first anniversary of the 15th Air Force--Nov. 1, 1944.  It attacked target at Vienna, Austria.

 

The second Bombardment Group was organized in September, 1918, at Moulon, France, and its giant Flying Fortresses are a far cry from the old Frence Breque day bombers flown by its original members.

 

In more than 18 months combat flying in the Mediterranean, the group has dumped 18,568 tons of bombs on Axis targets, rolled up more than 7,574 sorties and shot down  496 enemy planes out of the skies.  From North African bases in 1943, it participated in the Tunisian campaign, the knockout of Pantelleria and the softening of Sicily, Sardinia and Italy. With the 15th in Italy it has flown in the great air battles over Regensburg and Stayr, lent its weight to ground support at Cassino, Anzio and Southern France, helped pound German aircraft industry and Ploesti's oil fields and participated in the first shuttle run to Russia.

 

Ernest Meade Sends Card from German Prison

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 11, 1945

 

Mrs. Ruth Meade received a card the end of last week from her son, Pfc. Ernest E. Meade, written Oct. 7, from a German prison camp.  Private Meade was reported missing on Sept. 25 in Holland and no further word had been received of his whereabouts until he was reported a prisoner Dec. 14.  The young airborne Infantryman has been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for serious wounds received shortly after D-Day. 

 

Father Receives Citation from Son in France

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 11, 1945

 

Attai Carpenter, of R.D.2, Bainbridge, has received the following citation awarded to his son, Pfc. Floyd W. Carpenter, of France:

CITATION

Bronze Star Medal

Private Frist Class Floyd W. Carpenter, 32470761, FA, Field Artillery Battalion, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in France between 24 Aug. 1944 and 28 Aug. 1944.  Private First Class Carpenter performed his duties in an outstanding manner.  During operations against Brest, he assisted in the location, establishment and operation of the Battalion Forward Observation Post in a position often subjected to attack by enemy patrols and under enemy shell fire.  Despite the dangers, Private First Class Carpenter kept German installations under constant observation and adjusted effective artillery fire upon them.  His technical skill, determination and unstinting devotion to duty reflect credit upon himself and the Army of the Untied States.  Entered military Service from New York. 

 

Donald K. Norris Killed in Germany

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 11, 1945

 

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Norris, of Susquehanna [PA], received a message from the War Department Thursday stating that their son, Donald K. Norris, had been killed in action in Germany on Dec. 14.  The young soldier, who would have been 19 years old in February, was a graduate of the Susquehanna High School, and at the time of induction in the Army was a student at Pennsylvania State college.  he went overseas last October.  Besides his parents he is survived by a sisters, Joan, and a brother, Jack, both at home. 

 

Erroll Bodoit Loses part of Leg

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 11,1945

 

Mrs. Grace Bodoit, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY], received a letter Wednesday from her husband, Private Erroll Bodoit, who was returned to the United States last week. He was wounded in action in Italy in late October.  In his letter he stated that he was at England General Hospital in Atlantic City, N.J., and had his right leg amputated at the knee.