Soldier News continued - 1943

Donald Hadley Joins the Army

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 7, 1943

Local friends of "Don" Hadley will be pleased to learn that the former local boy has finally achieved his desire to get into a branch of the service, in spite of the fact that he did not make the group he most wanted.  After several attempts at enlisting in the Navy, Don finally took second best in his estimation and joined the Army.  While trying to make the Navy, he underwent an intensive diet to meet required weight regulations but all efforts were in vain.  Despite his lost weight he was rejected on another count, and is now a private in the Army.  During his stay in Bainbridge where he was employed in the Casein Laboratory, Don was an active bowler and was a softball enthusiast, playing on the Lab Team.  The many friends he made while here wish him the best and offer him congratulations on the realization of his determination.  Despite the fact that his hopes as a sailor were to no avail, we all know he will make a fine soldier.

 

Earl Neidlinger Completes Basis Submarine Training

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 7, 1943

 

The News has just received the following release from the Public Relations Office at New London, Conn. in regards to a local boy assigned to that post:

 

Earl Kenneth Neidlinger, 21, seaman second class son of Otto F. Neidlinger, Bainbridge, N.Y., has completed basic training at the Submarine School, Submarine Base, New London, Conn., for duty with our growing fleet of underseas fighters.

 

The new submariner will be entitled to wear the twin dolphin insignia of the submarine service after further experience aboard a submarine during which he must demonstrate to his commanding officer that he is fully qualified to carry out the duties of his rate.  The insignia is regarded as a mark of distinction throughout the Navy.

 

Neidlinger attended Bainbridge Central High School, lettering in football and basketball, and was graduated in June, 1939.  After joining the Navy Aug. 5, 1942, he received preliminary training at the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Ill.  "I chose submarine duty," he said, "because a friend of mine who was in the last war recommended it as the best branch of the service."

 

The Submarine School, the only one of its kind in the Navy, is attended by a picked group of men who must pass special physical, mental, and psychological tests.  The school work takes place not only in classrooms and laboratories, but also in numerous training submarines in which students master the actual techniques of operating the powerful fighting craft.  Many students at Submarine School already have seen battle as members of surface ship crews before volunteering for submarine duty.  Others are fresh from training stations, but all graduates are sure of action once they are assigned to a submarine due for offensive patrol.  Large numbers of recent students now are serving in submarines which have sunk enemy naval or merchant vessels.

 

Mary E. Strong Commissioned

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 21, 1943

 

Word has been received that Miss Mary E. Strong, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.O. Strong, of Doylestown, Pa., has been commissioned as an ensign in the U.S.N.R. and been assigned to active duty.  Miss Strong is a graduate of Cornell University, with the B.S. Degree, and was previously employed as junior bacteriologist of the State Health department in Norfolk, Va., and as bacteriologist in the Craney Island laboratory, U.S.P.H.S., Norfolk, Va.  She is also a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. 

 

Renwick Parsons to Begin Marine Training

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 28, 1943

 

Renwick "Ren" Parsons, 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Parsons, left Thursday to begin his "boot" training at Parris Island, S.C., with the United States Marine Corps.  Ren has long attempted to make the celebrated USMC and at last his wish was granted and after a lengthy impatient wait for summon to duty, he at last is starting his training.  A student of B.C.HS., Ren was known for his prowess as an athlete as was his brother, Bob, now Robert Parsons, A.S., of the U.S. Navy. 

 

Murray Wilcox Now a Second Lieutenant

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 4, 1943

 

W. Murray Wilcox, son of Fay Wilcox of this village, graduated from Officer's Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga., last week Wednesday, as a Second Lieutenant.  Lt. Wilcox, who was the first Bainbridge boy to serve in the regular Army previous to World War II, enlisted in June 1938.  He was followed into the Army within a few months by Sgt. A. J. Rosenstein, who is now stationed at New Orleans, La., and Sgt. Jack Shaver.  The young lieutenant served two years in Hawaii and returned to Fort Dix on Nov. 6, 1940, where he had been stationed until his entry into Officer's Candidate School.  Lt. Wilcox informed the News while calling at the office Tuesday that his "kid brother," Bryce, who entered the U.S. Navy five months ago, is now Acting Chief Petty Officer.  Congratulations to the Wilcox brothers!