Soldier News continued - 1944

Cpl. Richard Parsons Completes Training

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

Cpl. Richard L. Parsons, who is now home on furlough, has successfully completed the Flexible Aerial Gunnery Course at the Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Laredo Army Air Field, Laredo, Tex.  Upon graduation, he was promoted to his present rank and received the Aerial Gunners Wings.  He will now assume an important position as a member of an Army Air Forces Combat crew.

 

Milton Spangenberg Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

Mr. and Mrs. John Spangenberg, of Susquehanna [PA], have received a telegram from the Red Cross informing them that their son, Milton Spangenberg, who was reported missing in action as of Dec. 11, was killed.  He was a gunner on an American bomber and had the rank of technical sergeant.

 

James Duignan Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

Sergeant James G. Duignan, graduate of Walton High School in 1939, is reported missing in action in the South Pacific area, according to a telegram received by his father, Harry Duignan, of Brewster.  After completing his high school cource in Walton [Delaware Co., NY], James Duignan entered Cornell University as a pre-medical student.  He was in his junior year there when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to the air force.  Since completing his training he has been on a bomber in the Pacific area as radio man and tail gunner.

 

Carl Sejersen Enters Air Corps

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

Pvt. Carl Sejersen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Sejersen, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], R.D.1, who enlisted in the Air Corps last September, was called to active duty Jan. 12 and is now in training at Keesler Field, Miss.

 

Everette Herrick Writes from Naval Hospital

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

Just a few lines to you tonight to let you know the hometown paper is getting through again.  The last paper I received until three weeks ago was on Aug. 13, 1943 while I was in an advanced Field Hospital in the Solomon Islands.  It seems good to receive the paper again after so long a time.  I thank you for sending it to me and it will be a great day when all of these papers catch up with me.

 

As you already know I am a patient here at the Naval Hospital in San Diego.  This is the fifth since Aug. 3 and believe me it's -----.  The best treatment I can honestly say came just back of the front liens, where we were hitting the foxholes every few hours--those foxholes are a pretty handy place sometimes.

 

When I left the States a year ago I never expected to see the United States again.  While out there, I met the enemy (Japs) seven different times, making 11 engagements in all.  Well the happiest moment of my life came when we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge.  there were 1,700 of us and we were all so happy and there was so much noise from our crying that you couldn't "hear yourself think."  It took several days to get used to being back.  I certainly hope this doesn't bore you as I can't help but write it.

 

While out there I gathered quite a few pieces of Jap equipment which I was going to bring home for the folks to see.  My sea bag was lost--clothes and all--so all I have is a set of pictures taken on Guadalcanal which I will bring with me when I come home.

 

I expect to see you people sometime this Summer, can't say for sure just when.  It will be a great day when my wife and I board a train going East; it has been three years and three months since I last saw dad and mother.

 

I have received the paper all this time through your kindness, so will drop in and thank you personally one of these days.

 

Sincerely yours,

Everette R. Herrick, G.M. 2/C USN