Soldier News continued - 1942

Michael Sawyer Joins Army

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 19, 1942

Michael Sawyer, the central school's civics teacher, left Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and his many friends here last Friday to start service for the U.S. Army.  His post is as yet unknown, but we are all eager to hear from him as soon as he is definitely located.

 

"Mike," as he was referred to by the faculty and most of the student body, was asked to come to a meeting of the senior class last Friday.  After the preliminary formal good-byes, he was surprised by the presentation of a beautiful neatly done up package; the seniors' gift to their much loved advisor.  The package contained a smart-looking Waterman's gray pen and pencil set and the book, The Song of Bernadette by Franz Werfel, which was autographed by every member of the entire class. 

 

Our loss is the Army's gain.  Good luck, Mike!--From Blue and White.  The leaving of Mr. Sawyer for service in the Army brings the number of local faculty members in the fighting forces to seven.  Previously, six other B.C.H.S. instructors had left for service with Uncle Sam.  They are:  Ensign E. William Baker, Jr., former economics and math instructor, Pvt. Larry Argiro, former art instructor; Ensign William Patrick O'Neil, formerly band master; Corporal John H. Hilbert, Junior  High instructor; Candidate George vicary, former Senior High instructor; and Sgt. Ralph L. Corbin, former band master.

 

George James Receives Army Commission

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 26, 1942

 

Bainbridge now has another Lieutenant to its credit with the graduation of George James, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roland James, Pearl street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], from Officers' Training School at Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga., last week.  George was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in the ceremonies which climaxed his period of study at Oglethorpe after having seen some time in the service with the Military Police.  Lt. James arrived in Bainbridge, Sunday, accompanied by a friend, Lt. Orin Haas, and the two officers will be here, until Saturday night.  Upon the expiration of his current furlough, Lt. James will be stationed in Michigan.  Bainbridge now has five lieutenants in the service:  1st Lt. James F. Ryan, 1st Lt. Ben Lee Dodge, 1st Lt. Richard S. Guthrie, Second Lt. Paul D. Fairbanks and Second Lt. George James.  Bainbridge also has one Captain, E. Prince Danforth. 

 

Ralph Riley Selected for Special Training

Bainbridge News & Republican, December 10, 1942

 

The following release from the Public Relations Office at Great Lakes, Ill., has just reached us: Selected for training as a specialist in the U.S. Navy on the basis of a series of aptitude examinations given every Bluejacket during his recruit training, Ralph D. Riley, of Bainbridge, New York, is now undergoing an intensive 16-weeks course in the school for Machinist's Mates here at the Service Schools of the U.S. Naval Training Station.  Upon successfully completing this course, he will be eligible for advancement to a petty officer's rating and will then be sent either to the fleet or to an advanced Service School for additional instruction.  There he will serve under veteran petty officers in his specialized field, receiving more practical instruction and experience.  Service Schools here at Great Lakes offer courses in 20 of the 49 specialists trades of the U.S.  Navy.

 

Six More from Bainbridge Join the Navy

Bainbridge News & Republican, December 10, 1942

 

Six more young men from this village enlisted in the U.S. Navy in a body and left, Tuesday of this week, for Albany to begin their period of service.  Leaving Tuesday were Jack Hawkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hawkins, Kirby street; Clifford Wearne, 17, son of Arthur Wearne, West Main street; Robert Parsons, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Parsons, Plastics Road; William Butler, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Butler, North Main street; Henry Soules, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Soules, North Main street; and Robert Hitchcock, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Hitchcock, Bennettsville Road.  These boys, all of them school mates, some of them graduating from Bainbridge Central High School in the same class, enlisted together and left Tuesday.  The depleted male population of Bainbridge becomes more and more noticeable as one after another, the young boys of the village follow the older selectees into the service.  There are comparatively very few single eligible left to enter the armed forces; already, Bainbridge has well over 200  men in the Service and this is a considerable number considering the size of the community.

 

Claude William Butler, Jr., better known as "Bill," received all his education in Bainbridge Central High School, Class of '40, after an interesting career in athletics and music.  "Bill" was a member of the school band for four years; of Glee Club for one year; of Art Club for one year; played on the baseball team two years; played football three years; was a member of the Class Yearbook Staff; played basketball three years; was president of the Freshman and Senior Classes and vice-president of the Junior Class; played in the school orchestra during his Sophomore year; was an All-Star Sophomore basketball player; and an All-Star football player for two years.  "Bill" was always well known for his "grit" and "give" in sports and was one of the most popular young men in school.  He was a member of the town baseball team for five years.  On graduating, "Bill" attended Hamilton College for a short time, returning here to work in the American Separator.  At the time of his enlistment, he was employed in the local Resin Plant.

 

Robert "Bob" Parsons, classmate of "Bill" led a similar athletic career in B.C.H.S. graduating, too, in 1940.  He played football three years; baseball, two years; basketball, two years; played in the school band three years; "Bob" was an All-Star football player three seasons; sang with the Glee Club for one year, being well known for his excellent voice; belonged to the Archery Club for one year; the Art Club, one year; was Freshman manager of the school football team; and managed the baseball team for another year.  "Bob" was a popular sport, always a favorite with his class mates and an excellent musician as was "Bill."  "Bob" excelled on the clarinet, guitar and saxophone.  "Bill" was an excellent pianist and also played the clarinet.  "Bob" was the only married member of Tuesday's group; having been wed to Miss Amy Palmer, childhood sweetheart, a few months ago.

 

"Jack" Hawkins, also attended B.C.H.S. and was a very capable football player and also an avid huntsman; spending many hours pursuing his favorite sports.  On leaving school, "Jack" was employed in the Separator.  Early last summer he left Bainbridge to work in the Springfield Rifle Armory, returning here a few weeks ago to spend some time here prior to his enlistment.  He was employed at the Plastics, before his leaving.

 

"Bob" Hitchcock, another athlete, also played in the school band and participated in dramatics, and was a very active member of the Future Farmers of America Organization; was a Junior Fireman and an ardent devotee to his Class, spending much time on committees for social hours, etc.  "Bob" graduated in June of this year and prior to his enlistment had just completed a N.Y.A. course in Maine.

 

Henry "Hank" Soules followed his buddies athletic courses and played football, baseball, and basketball, playing center on the Varsity Team during the 1942 season and on the Junior Town Baseball Team.  On leaving school, "Hank" worked in  the local A.&P. Store and at the time of his enlistment was employed in the Separator.

 

"Cliff" Wearne, a recent addition to the village, in the brief time he was at B.C.H.S. rapidly became one of the most popular boys in the school, and was the star sensation of last season's football team, making many spectacular plays and becoming the hub of the Bainbridge Six.  "Cliff" also played on the Junior Town Baseball Team and played basketball.  "Cliff" was the youngest member of the Navy group, having just turned 17.  Another member of the enlistees, "Bob" Parsons left on his 20th birthday.

 

The individual best wishes of all who knew or knew of these fine young men are extended to "Bob," "Bill," "Cliff," "Hank," "Bob" and "Jack" and we all hope for their speedy return to Bainbridge.