Soldier News continued - 1945

S-Sgt. Louis W. Finch Returns to Base

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 22, 1945

S/Sgt. Louis W. Finch, who was reported missing in action Oct. 23, 1944, and who returned to his home base in Italy on the first of January, has been spending the past three weeks at his home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

 

S-Sgt. Louis W. Finch

Top turret-gunner on a B-24 Liberator, S/Sgt. Finch participated in a number of strategic missions over enemy territory.  When asked his opinion on the way the home front is backing up the boys over there, he replied:  "The people as a whole are doing a fine job; but a few of the defense plants apparently are slacking off when the time for an all out effort is needed most.  Although we are well on the road to victory, it's this last pull that's the toughest.  With the enemy backed into close quarters, we have to expect some tougher fighting that is going to take all we can give it.  Certainly there is no slacking on the part of the boys over there, as they continue to harass and beat the enemy back to utter defeat.  If they can give everything over there, certainly greater effort can be made on the home front to keep the ever needed supplies flowing in to finish the job.  More than ever, we've all got to pull together and make sure it is finished right this time."  Staff Sergeant Finch left for Atlantic City, N.J. Friday, where he will be re-assigned for further duty.  In parting he wished to thank all those who had made his stay a home so enjoyable.

 

T/Sgt. Donald Wheat Awarded Second Stripe

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 22, 1945

 

At a Troop Carrier Base of the 12th Air Force.--Tech. Sergeant Donald k. Wheat, son of Mr. and Mr.s Seth T. Wheat, and husband of Rita Wheat, all of 11 Evans street, Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] is busily sewing on his second overseas stripe after completing more than 12 months overseas duty with a veteran troop carrier group of the 12th Air Force.  Wheat is an aerial engineer with duties that play an important par tin the work of his group which includes the flying of ammunition, arms, food, and personnel up to the front lines, evacuation of wounded, and during invasions, the towing of gliders carrying airborne infantry, and the dropping of paratroops behind enemy lines.  For distinguished service performed in the China-Burma-India Theater, his group has been awarded the War Department Unit Citation.  His group has also given outstanding performances in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Southern France.  Before joining the AAF, Wheat was employed by the Casein Corp. of America.  He attended Bainbridge High School, Bainbridge.

 

William Moran Survivor of Merchant Ship

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 22, 1945

 

William Moran, of the Merchant Marine, of Binghamton, and formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], visited friends in town the fore part of the week while on a 12-day sick leave.  Bill was a member of the crew of the ill-fated S.S. Springhill which blew up in New York Harbor a few weeks ago when rammed by another merchant ship, killing 22 men.  The Springhill was carrying gasoline and the other ship was loaded with oil which caused a terrific explosion when the two ships collided.  Bill, who was a fireman, was thrown against a boiler, severely burning his stomach and arm.  he stated that he swam almost to the Statue of Liberty with a group of survivors before they were picked up.

 

Pfc. Cecil B. Weatherly Wounded

Bainbridge News-Republican, February 22, 1945

 

Pfc. Cecil B. Weatherly, brother of Miss Wanda Weatherly, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], now is convalescing in a hospital in England from wounds received in action in Germany, according to word received there by his sister.  Reported wounded on Nov. 17, Private Weatherly has been awarded the Purple Heart Medal which has been sent to his sister.  He entered the service in June, 1943, and has served overseas with an infantry unit since last September.  Private Weatherly is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cecil B. Weatherly, of West Oneonta, and the grandson of Mrs. Lulu Scofield, of Unadilla.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, February 22, 1945]

 

Myron Carl Promoted

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 22, 1945

 

15th AAF in Italy:  Myron L. Carl, R.F.D. #1, Afton [Chenango Co., NY], bombardier on a 15th AAF B-24 Liberator Bomber, has been promoted recently to the rank of First Lieutenant.  The announcement was made by the group commander, Col. Leroy L. Stefonosicz, Wildrose, N. Dak.  Lieutenant Carl has participated in 16 major attacks against such strategic targets as the Blechhammer Oil Refinery, Germany, Florisdorf Weiner Loco Works, Austria, and other important targets in Austria, Germany, Italy and Hungary.  Before entering the Army on June 15, 1942, Lieutenant Carl was employed as a machinist for Bendix Scintilla Corp., Sidney.  He was commissioned at Carlsbad, N. Mex. On May 20, 1944.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Carl, live at the Afton address.