Brigadier General Roosevelt Buried Among 2,000 Doughboys in France
Bainbridge News & Republican, July 20, 1944
U.S. Fourth Division Cemetery in France: Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., was buried tonight in the French soil on which he fought in two wars against German aggression. He lies among 2,000 doughboys he loved and who gave their lives in battle in the same cause for which he wore out his restless heart.
The General, who died of a heart attack induced by exhaustion, was buried with pomp and pageantry in a stirring military ceremony that will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Even as the flag-draped wooden coffin was lowered, the distant rattle of machine guns and the black patches of anti-aircraft fire bursting in the faraway clouds told of the progress of the war against the enemy. Three volleys rang out under the elm trees, and bugles sounded the silvery notes of taps in the darkening twilight as the red soil of Normandy received the body of General "Teddy."
Standing mute as a statue during the 20-minutew ceremony was the general's son, Quentin, a captain in "Teddy's" favorite division, the "Fighting First." Beside him were the general's aide, Lt. Marcus Stevenson of San Antonio, Texas, and the driver of the general's jeep for the last two years, T/4 Kurt Show, Roslyn, N.Y.
Marching to his grave, too, came six generals--including Lt. Gen. Omar N. Bradley, Maj. Gen. Clarence R. Huebner, Maj. Gen. James L. Collins and Maj. Gen. Raymond Barton--and other high-ranking officers of the First Division and the Fourth Division, of which Roosevelt was assistant commander when he died of a heart attack Wednesday. But what would have given the most joy to "Teddy" was the presence of several hundred rankless doughboys and scores of patriotic French resistance leaders and their families, who showered the coffin with Normandy roses.
William Maloney Missing in Action
Bainbridge News & Republican, July 20, 1944
Mrs. W.H. Likely, of Hallstead [PA], has received word from the War Department that her son, William Maloney, has been missing in action since Feb. 18. The last letter which she received form him was written Feb. 1, after he had been overseas about a month.
Letter from Sgt. Elton Fletcher in New Guinea
Bainbridge News & Republican, July 13, 1944
I think of Bainbridge friends even though I do not get to write often. I had the good fortune to meet Bud Supplee here recently. We hashed over news of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] a bit. Bud gave me a few addresses of other Bainbridge boys that I might be able to contact some time. Edgar Hayes is also located here at this base.
This place was a bit rough at first but the essentials were fairly well established in a fortnight. The Engineers deserve much credit in performing their job of general construction. At first it was simply grass areas and jungle. A good sized river coming out of the mountains is the main source of water supply. Most of the streams are swift due to the intense rainfall of approximately 120 inches per year. As is true of the tropics the days are hot and the nights are cool. Clouds hang rather low, generally over the mountain tops. It is called the dry season here now, but we get considerable rain regardless.
As you likely know, the New Guinea campaign is apparently reaching completion. After having been here for several months, I am hoping that we make a move out of New Guinea. The time passes more quickly it seems with an occasional move and change of surroundings.
We have a softball league here which has yielded much interest. Especially true of the 56th Fighter Control Squadron as we are at the top of the league. Swimming is popular as recreation and one may go often as we are near the beach. Salt water fish are plentiful and there are some fresh water fish caught also. There are shell fish of various finds. This is indicated by the many coral reefs which have built up from sea shells. Some mammoth turtles are caught near here. I have heard that the Japanese soldiers' chief food are fish and rice.
We have had several late movies here, one of which was the "Song of Bernadette." It was shown here at Easter time and it was generally highly appreciated. Our theatres are simply screen put up in an open area. Despite difficulties and rain, the movie is the best evening entertainment that we have.
Religious services are held under a grass sheltered shack, built by native labor. They have built many grass shelters for various purposes about the base. During a recent service, the Chaplain mentioned the fact that our problem in New Guinea would have been greater had it not been for the work of missionaries among the natives prior to the war. This is something worth our consideration in evaluating work of missions.
We are paid in Australian money here. The Australian monetary system is the same as that of the British. The main units are pence, shillings and pounds. We have very little use for money here as practically everything is issued in combat areas. I hope to get a good collection of pictures. I have to send to the States to secure what few films are available. The Bainbridge news has come to me quite regularly. I appreciate your effort in sending the paper to me. With kind regards to my Bainbridge friends.
Sincerely, Sgt. Elton Fletcher.
Sgt. John Wood Missing in Action
Bainbridge News & Republican, July 13, 1944
Sgt. John Wood, of Livingston Manor [Sullivan Co., NY], is reported missing in action. He was the tail gunner in an American bomber, and the action in which he was reported missing was on May 29 over the Italian front. A brother, Leslie, of Middletown, was the author of a book, "Rafting on the Delaware." His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Wood, of Livingston Manor, where his wife also lives.
Kenneth Meader Missing in Action
Bainbridge News & Republican, July 13, 1944
Kenneth Meader, son of Mrs. Anna Meader, of Hancock, Delaware County nurse, a graduate of Hancock Central School last year, was reported by the War Department as "missing in action" in Italy since May 17th. Mrs. Meader is anxiously awaiting further information. She also received two letters from Kenneth after May 27th, in one of which he said he was all right. The War Department's telegram was received here on July 4th.
Alan Heyn Survives Sinking of the Juneau Near Guadalcanal
Bainbridge News & Republican, July 13, 1944
Alan Heyn, a survivor of the Juneau, sunk near Guadalcanal, is spending his first leave home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Heyn, of Callicoon [Sullivan Co., NY]. Heyn clung with nine others to a life raft and one by one all of them disappeared into the sea. On the ninth day he was rescued. Heyn at his gun station on the ship, was thrown 30 feet against another gun when the ship's magazine exploded. His skull was fractured but his steel helmet saved his life. He went down with the ship, his foot caught between two steel plates. As the ship settled the plates moved releasing him and his life jacket brought him to the surface, where he was able to cling to the life raft.
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