Soldier News - 1944

Lt. William Parsons Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 6, 1944

Reported missing in action on a bombing raid in the European theatre is Lieut. William H. Parsons, 23, of the U.S. Army Air Corps.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Parsons, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], were notified by telegram last Thursday that Lieutenant Parsons was reported missing Dec. 20.  Mr. Parsons explained that he believes his son was stationed in England as he was sent there only two months ago.  Lieutenant Parsons, an only son, was a pilot on a bomber and had been in the Air Corps about 18 months.  A graduate of North High School, Binghamton, he was employed by the New York State Electric & Gas Corp. when he entered service.

 

Norman Alpin Released from Nazi Prison

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 6, 1944

 

Norman J. Alpin, 5th grade technician, and a rescued Nazi prisoner, has returned to this country and is visiting his mother, Mrs. Marian Alpin in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  In September, Mrs. Alpin received word from the War Department that her son, who had been reported missing in action in the North African theatre of war, was a prisoner confined to a military hospital at Caserta, a town near Naples.  Technician Alpin said that the two happiest moments of his life were the day that the Americans marched into Caserta, taking the town from the Germans, and when he stepped on American soil again.  He has been awarded the Purple Heart with three stars and wears five service bars and is entitled to three more.

 

Tech Sgt Samuel Craig Killed in Accident

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 6, 1944

 

Tech. Sergt. Samuel L. Craig, one of four soldier-sons of the Rev. and Mrs. David A. Craig, of Hamden [Delaware Co., NY], was killed in an accident in the European area on Christmas Day, according to a War Department telegram received by his parents.

 

PFC Joseph LeSuer Wounded in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 6, 1944

 

P.F.C. Joseph L. LeSuer, son of Lynn LeSuer, Afton [Chenango Co., NY], was wounded in action in the Mediterranean area, the War Department announced Monday.

 

George Ives Receives Commission

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 13, 1944

 

George Ives, son of Assemblyman and Mrs. Irving M. Ives, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], and grandson of Mrs. George I. Skinner, of Bainbridge, received his commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy Dec. 23, at Great Lakes Training School.  Ensign Ives, who graduated from Dartmouth College in June, enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1942 and was called to active duty this past Fall.

 

Pvt. Carl Vrooman Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 13, 1944

 

Mrs. Carl Vrooman, of Hobart [Delaware Co., NY], has received word from the War Department that her husband, a private in the Army, was killed in action in Italy on Dec. 8.  Private Vrooman, who was 29, entered the service last April and was sent abroad in September.  Before his enlistment he was employed by a Hobart Creamery.