Soldier News continued, 1944

S/Sgt Paul Robek Receives Citation

Bainbridge news & Republican, March 23, 1944

 

On left, S/Sgt. Paul J Robek

Mrs. Paul J. Robek has just received the Distinguished Fling Cross which was awarded her husband, S/Sgt. Paul J. Robek, on Feb. 9, 1944.  It was sent to her by Sgt. Robek from somewhere in England.  The citation accompanying the medal reads:  "For extraordinary achievement, while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 airplane on 15 bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe.  Displaying great courage and skill, Sergeant Robek, fighting from his gun position has destroyed two enemy airplanes, warded off many enemy attacks and has materially aided in the success of each of the 15 missions.  The courage coolness and skill displayed by Sergeant Robek on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the united States."

 

1st Lt Harry Hill Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 23, 1944

 

First Lieut. Harry H. Hill, Jr., 24, was listed by the War Department Monday as missing in action over Germany since Feb. 25, according to an official notification received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Hill, Binghamton  [Broome Co., NY].  A bombardier on a Flying Fortress, he had been stationed at a base in England since October, 1943.  Lieutenant Hill has been awarded the Air Medal and two Oak Leaf Clusters for "meritorious achievement" on bombing missions.  He was promoted to first lieutenant shortly before he was reported missing.  A graduate of the Binghamton Central High School, he was employed by Ansco before entering the service on may 1, 1941.

 

Lt. (j.g.) Roger Banner Awarded Citation

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 6, 1944

 

Lt. (j.g.) Roger H. Banner, U.S. Coast Guard, has been awarded the Legion of Merit medal by Captain J.S. Rosenthal, at a recent ceremony at St Augustine, Fla.  The citation, which is from the Norwest African Theatre reads: 

United States Naval Forces

Northwest African Waters

Award

 

The Commander United States Naval Forces, Norwest African Waters, in the name of the President of the United States, awards the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Roger  H. Banner.

 

Citation

 

For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services during the amphibious invasion of Italy, September, 1943.

 

As officer in charge of a support boat, Lieut. (j.g.) Banner exercised great skill and courage in escorting amphibious trucks from the transport anchorage to the assigned beaches during darkness to discharge urgently needed artillery and equipment for the assaulting forces.  He continued to navigate his support boat by the stars in traversing this distance of 12 miles between the beaches and the offshore anchorage through enemy mine fields and concentrated shell and mortar fire from shore defenses to expeditiously complete unloading operations.  His excellent judgment and determination were directly accountable for the rapid discharge of assault cargo without casualty which contributed materially to the success of the invasion. 

 

The extraordinary ability, resourcefulness and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieut. (j.g.) Banner reflected great credit upon himself and the Naval Service. 

 

Lieut. Banner is a nephew of Robert L Banner, of Bainbridge, and the youngest son of the late Erford and Pearl (Decker) Banner, formerly of this village.

 

Sgt. Julian Wiedmann Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 6, 1944

 

Albert Wiedmann, of Roxbury [Delaware Co., NY], received a government telegram Saturday that his son, Sgt. Julian Wiedmann, had been missing in action over Germany since Mar. 6.  The family had received their last letter form him, dated Mar. 3.  Sgt. Wiedmann is the second Roxbury man to be reported missing.  The first one was Sgt. D. Cantwell, who was in Bataan peninsula, Philippines, and who was found to be a Jap prisoner several months after being listed as missing.  At last reports, Sgt. Cantwell said he was in good health and looking forward to returning home some time.

 

Lt. Richard C. Brown Killed in Action

Bainbridge news & Republican, April 6, 1944

 

Having been listed as missing in action over Europe since Mar. 22, 1943, Lt. Richard C. Brown, of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], has been officially recorded as dead by the War Department.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel D. Brown, received notice of the listing last week from the War Department.

 

PFC  Douglas Neidlinger Member of Chemical Warfare Service

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 13, 1944

 

A U.S. Army 8th Air Force Service Command Station, England:  Contributing to the all-out effort of this station to keep the essential supplies rolling to the points where they will be used with the deadliest effect against the Axis, is P.F.C. Douglas Leroy Neidlinger, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], one of four brothers in their services.  The Neidlinger brothers have divided equally their allegiance between the two main branches of the service.  With Douglas, on the Army Side, is T/5 Frederick Neidlinger, who has been on duty the longest of the quartet-19 months.  He is still stationed in the States.  For the Navy, there are brothers Mo. M.M. 3/C Earl, at sea with a submarine crew, and S 2/C Otto, who is still undergoing training in the United States.  They are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Neidlinger, of R.D.3, Bainbridge.  P.F.C. Neidlinger is a member of the Chemical Warfare Service at this station.  he entered the Army Jan. 29, 1943. Prior to that, he was employed as a retail feed salesman by the Cooperative G.L.F. Ind. of Bainbridge.  He is a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1940, and while there played varsity football, basketball and baseball.  His remaining favorite sport is tennis.  He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge.