Soldier News continued - 1943

Otto Neidlinger Joins Navy

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 18, 1943

Otto G. Neidlinger, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto F. Neidlinger, was accepted in the U.S. Navy, Nov. 10, and is now in training at Sampson Naval Base.  Mr. and Mrs. Neidlinger now have four sons serving their country, Cpl. Frederick Neidlinger, of Aberdeen, Md.; Earl Neidlinger, F 3/C, U.S.N.R.; P.F.C. Douglas L. Neidlinger, who is somewhere in England.

 

"Ott," who graduated from Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] Central High School in June, was in many school activities.  He was treasurer of the Senior Class, had one of the leading parts in the Senior play, and was a member of the Glee Club and band.  He was active on the wrestling and boxing teams, and played varsity football and basketball, for two years.  He was captain of the winning intramural basketball last year.

 

Mrs. Isabelle Youngs, of Newton avenue, also has four sons in the service.  Clarence Youngs, Jr., Eric Youngs and George Youngs are serving in the Army; and the fourth son, who lived in Endicott with his wife and child, is serving in the Navy.

 

Edward Peckham Send Card to His Dad

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 25, 1943

 

E.J. Peckham, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], R.D.3, received the following card Friday from his son, S/Sgt. Edward L. Peckham, a prisoner of war in Germany:

Sept. 24, 1943

Dear Dad,

You will probably be glad to know that I am a prisoner of war.  Am in good health and not injured.  Inquire at the Red Cross for information on how to write to me.  I am treated well.  Send my address to Anne.  Will write a letter soon.  Thank God for the Red Cross. 

Love,

Ed

 

Roland McPherson Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 25, 1943

 

War, with all its grim realities and bitterness, was brought closest to us since Pearl Harbor, when the death of Pvt. Roland McPherson was officially announced by the War Department, in a telegram received by his parents on Monday, Nov. 15.  A Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] boy, who had spent many years of his life here with his parents, who operated a farm in our community, received his education in our schools and graduated and chose his work here at the Moses Crank Co., before being inducted.  He was known, loved and respected by all in our village.  He is the first World War No. 2 casualty from our village, who was known by everyone.

 

The message to the bereaved parents read as follows:  "This serves to notify you of the death of your son, Pvt. Roland McPherson, who was killed in action on Oct. 16, letter follows," signed by the adjutant general.  This was received one month later.  The parents had a letter from their son, which was dated Oct. 8, a short time before he met death.  and reached them on Nov. 1.

 

Pvt. McPherson was stationed at Wheeler, Ga., and was in a branch of the service known as the "Pioneers."  The Pioneers precede the engineers in Army tactics.  He was inducted in the early spring.  Born in Canada he would have been 27 years of age on Dec. 4.  Only a few Sundays ago, a service flag was dedicated at Christ church, Guilford, and one of the 10 stars on the flag belonged to Roland McPherson, who was a member of the church.  The mother and sister attended the service.

 

His first thought has always been of his parents.  At the time he entered the service his father's health was very feeble.  Due to his condition growing weaker, and the approaching winter, they moved from their farm off from the main highway between Guilford and Oxford, into their daughter's and her husband's apartment in New Berlin, the latter also having been inducted.  Here he knew his parents would be comfortable, close to the doctor in New Berlin who attended him daily, and with modern conveniences to assist his mother in the growing daily care of his father. Thus he entered the service with a lighter heart.  Up to his death he had received no mail from home.  Christmas and birthday gifts mailed to him, he will never know their contents.  The daughter, Mrs. Lewis Anthony, of Norwich, was made aware of the contents of the telegram and hastened through the storm of Monday night to New Berlin, to be with them when the crushing blow reached them the following day.  The parents both were completely broken hearted, the mother is also confined to her bed, and both under the care of Dr. Elliott.

 

To extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to them is all we can do.  The one question we can ask of ourselves is, "Are we making ourselves worthy of the supreme sacrifice Roland McPherson and thousands of American boys have already made, and more will make, as the war continues?  Are we denying ourselves to buy bonds, assist in all War Fund drives, or are we just going our usual way saying "Nothing like this will come to us."  A similar message can come to any of us mothers who have sons in service at any time.  We understand things are underway, already to bring the body of their son home, when the war is over.