Anthony Plosky Awarded Purple Heart
Bainbridge News & Republican, September 7, 1944
Anthony Plosky, C.P.O.
Anthony Plosky, C.P.O., USNR, has been awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received somewhere in the Pacific. Chief Petty Officer Plosky is now confined to a Naval Hospital in New Caledonia, where he is recovering from severe burns, suffered July 29.
S/Sgt. Warren B. Davy, USMC, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] husband of Margaret Mertz Davy, of Bainbridge, was crew chief of one of the first Transport Air Group (TAG) planes to evacuate wounded leathernecks from Tinian. He flew in a ship piloted by Capt. Roy Earl., of Las Vegas, Nev. Sergeant Davy's plane transported tons of urgently needed food and medical supplies to Tinian in addition to evacuating more than 50 seriously injured Marines from an airfield on the recently secured island. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren E. Davy, of Coventry. He has a brother, S/Sgt. Frederic Davy, who was reported missing in action on Saipan by the War Department in a telegram to his parents on Aug. 9.
Sergeant Donald Moseman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Moseman, of Grand Gorge, Delaware County, was seriously wounded in France, according to the War Department. He is hospitalized in England for treatment of a temporary paralysis of the right arm and a shrapnel wound in the head. An infantryman, Sergeant Moseman had served in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and England before going to France.
Staff Sergeant Carleton Swartz lost his right hand during an engagement in the New Guinea area on Aug. 6, according to word received by his wife, Mrs. Janice Swartz, Tully, and his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Swartz, of Oneonta. Sergeant Swartz had been attached to the paratroops.
Miss Betty Tuskey, of Susquehanna, has received word that her brother, First Class Private Arthur Tuskey, Jr., of the U.S. Marines, was wounded seriously at Guam. His chaplain writes that the wounds are in the left eyelid and the shoulder and they are serious. The young man was also wounded last December in the invasion of Bougainville. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Sept. 7, 1944]
Pfc. Arthur R. Tuskey, Marine Corps. has written his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur P. Tuskey of 1005 Avery Avenue, telling them he was wounded on Guam Island. His eye and shoulder were struck by shrapnel and he is now under treatment in a hospital in Hawaii. This is the second time Pfc. Tuskey has been wounded. The first time was on Bougainville, Dec. 23, 1943. He was awarded the Purple Heart at that time. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Aug. 10, 1942, and has been overseas since Feb. 28. [Syracuse Herald Journal, Sept. 8, 1944]
Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Burrhus, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY], received a message from the War Department Friday evening, Aug. 25, that their son, First Lieutenant James C. Burrhus, Jr., is reported missing in action over France as of Aug. 8. Further word is anxiously awaited by the family and friends. He had taken part in some 50 missions. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Sept. 7, 1944]
Lieut. James C. Burrhus, Jr., 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Burrhus of this village [Walton, Delaware Co., NY], who was reported missing in action in a message received by his parents on Aug. 28, was killed in action over Avignon in southern France on Aug. 8, according to a later telegram received from the War Department. According to the message, Lieutenant Burrhus was pilot of the lead plane in a flight of six Mitchell B-25 medium bombers and after the plane had dropped its bombs it was struck by flak or an enemy plane. The right engine burst into flames and the crews of the other planes in the group saw five of the six men in the plane bail out. It is believed that Lieutenant Burrhus was unable to leave the plane. Graduating from Walton High School in 1941 at the age of 17, he took a post-graduate course, and on Jan. 15, 1942, when he was 18, he entered the Army Air Force, and was called to active duty in October of that year. Receiving his commission at Brooks Field, Texas, on Aug. 30, 1943, he was assigned to overseas duty in March where his squadron was based on Corsica. It is believed that Lieutenant Burrhus served on more than 50 missions. On his graduation at Brooks Field, he was presented with the bars his father wore in World War I, and which he wore until his promotion to the grade of first lieutenant. Surviving besides his parents is a sister, Miss Anne Jean Burrhus. His father is the chief of the Walton Fire Department and head of the job printing and mechanical department of the Walton Reporter Co. [Binghamton Press, Sept. 23, 1944]
A memorial service for Lieut. James C. Burrhus, Jr., who was killed in action over France on Aug. 8 while leading his flight of medium bombers over Avignon, was held Sunday afternoon in the First Congregational Church in this village [Walton, Delaware Co., NY]. A citation accompanying the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross which was made on Aug. 28, when he was reported missing in action, has been received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Burrhus of Union Street. The citation which bears the signature of Col. John W. Monaha, chief of staff, reads: "James C. Burrhus, Jr., O-689-020, first lieutenant, 488th bomb squad. For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a B-25 type aircraft. On Aug. 8, 1944, Lieutenant Burrhus flew in an attack upon the heavily defended railroad bridge at Avignon, France. Intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered while on the bomb run, but Lieutenant Burrhus, flying as an element leader, continued toward the target until a direct hit set his airplane on fire and forced him to leave the formation. Displaying superior flying skill and in spite of the fact that almost the entire aircraft was enveloped in flames, he kept his plane under control, allowing at least three and possibly five of the members of the crew to parachute to safety before the aircraft disintegrated in midair. Although his aircraft was destroyed before reaching the target, his courage and leadership in pressing the attack in spite of such determined enemy resistance contributed much toward the success of the mission On 49 missions his selfless devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency have reflected great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States." [Binghamton Press, Oct. 4, 1944]
The following is an excerpt from a letter written by Sgt. Rolland C. Peckham, stationed "Somewhere in Egypt."
So the boys back home in camp think that they are having a good time, well listen to this. As far as the past week-end was concerned in the lives of the weather and communication detachments it was "Party Week." From "Somewhere in USAFIME" came 27 members of the Women's Army Corps bent on showing us what an American girl looked like. From the time they got off the plane until it was time to get back on it, they were dined (at the consolidated mess) danced (at the Service Club) toured (jeeps and trucks) swum (at the beach) and generally kept so busy that they all complained of having a good time.
High spot of the 24 hours for us was the dance at the Service Club. It had been specially decorated for the event and each WAC presented a corsage of roses. They liked the music which was furnished by an eight-piece British orchestra, American style, and polished off dozens of chicken, tuna, and turkey sandwiches with ice cold Coke as a chaser. At first it was unbelievable that one could step up to a gal and say "Let's cut a rug" or the equivalent instead of hesitatingly trying out the usual mixture of French (most of which we had forgotten years ago if we ever knew any) and Arabic (which few of us know well enough to carry on even a limited conversation) and baby-talk (sometimes called basic English). By the second dance we were all old friends and reminiscing about days in the States, long ago. We dug out our best pre-war manners and vocabularies and found that it wasn't so hard to be civilized as we had thought. Our dancing had suffered from want of practice but by the later part of the evening the creaking joints had ceased to drown out the soft music.
Some of the girls may not have been good-looking but the fact that they were "American" cast a rosy color over everything. They were just a swell bunch of "G.I. Gals," come to make us remember what home was like.
Sunday morning they got coffee and donuts in bed and still tired from the previous night were routed out to go swimming. Most of them didn't have bathing suits but we dug around and found short, T-shirts and other nondescript articles which served very well. It is surprising what a female form will do to a T-shirt. Those susceptible got the usual sunburn but that didn't stop them from going in again after lunch. This place is no paradise but we found that, with the proper company, it has its points. They said they'd like to be stationed here and we told them we'd like it too, but if they were here, we would be somewhere else.
Having seen them off most of us hit the sack--I took 12 hours to rest up. We are all in favor of doing it again but sooner than seven months from now.
Now to Bed--Rolland
S/.Sgt. Warren Davey Removes Wounded from Tinian
Bainbridge News & Republican, September 7, 1944
S/Sgt. Warren B. Davy, USMC, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] husband of Margaret Mertz Davy, of Bainbridge, was crew chief of one of the first Transport Air Group (TAG) planes to evacuate wounded leathernecks from Tinian. He flew in a ship piloted by Capt. Roy Earl., of Las Vegas, Nev. Sergeant Davy's plane transported tons of urgently needed food and medical supplies to Tinian in addition to evacuating more than 50 seriously injured Marines from an airfield on the recently secured island. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren E. Davy, of Coventry. He has a brother, S/Sgt. Frederic Davy, who was reported missing in action on Saipan by the War Department in a telegram to his parents on Aug. 9.
Sgt. Donald Moseman Seriously Wounded
Bainbridge News & Republican, September 7, 1944
S-Sgt. Carleton Swartz Loses Right Hand
Bainbridge News & Republican, September 7, 1944
Staff Sergeant Carleton Swartz lost his right hand during an engagement in the New Guinea area on Aug. 6, according to word received by his wife, Mrs. Janice Swartz, Tully, and his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Swartz, of Oneonta. Sergeant Swartz had been attached to the paratroops.
Pfc. Arthur Tuskey, Jr. Seriously Wounded
Pfc. Arthur R. Tuskey, Marine Corps. has written his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur P. Tuskey of 1005 Avery Avenue, telling them he was wounded on Guam Island. His eye and shoulder were struck by shrapnel and he is now under treatment in a hospital in Hawaii. This is the second time Pfc. Tuskey has been wounded. The first time was on Bougainville, Dec. 23, 1943. He was awarded the Purple Heart at that time. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Aug. 10, 1942, and has been overseas since Feb. 28. [Syracuse Herald Journal, Sept. 8, 1944]
1st Lt James Burrhus, Jr. Killed in Action
Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Burrhus, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY], received a message from the War Department Friday evening, Aug. 25, that their son, First Lieutenant James C. Burrhus, Jr., is reported missing in action over France as of Aug. 8. Further word is anxiously awaited by the family and friends. He had taken part in some 50 missions. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Sept. 7, 1944]
Lieut. James C. Burrhus, Jr., 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Burrhus of this village [Walton, Delaware Co., NY], who was reported missing in action in a message received by his parents on Aug. 28, was killed in action over Avignon in southern France on Aug. 8, according to a later telegram received from the War Department. According to the message, Lieutenant Burrhus was pilot of the lead plane in a flight of six Mitchell B-25 medium bombers and after the plane had dropped its bombs it was struck by flak or an enemy plane. The right engine burst into flames and the crews of the other planes in the group saw five of the six men in the plane bail out. It is believed that Lieutenant Burrhus was unable to leave the plane. Graduating from Walton High School in 1941 at the age of 17, he took a post-graduate course, and on Jan. 15, 1942, when he was 18, he entered the Army Air Force, and was called to active duty in October of that year. Receiving his commission at Brooks Field, Texas, on Aug. 30, 1943, he was assigned to overseas duty in March where his squadron was based on Corsica. It is believed that Lieutenant Burrhus served on more than 50 missions. On his graduation at Brooks Field, he was presented with the bars his father wore in World War I, and which he wore until his promotion to the grade of first lieutenant. Surviving besides his parents is a sister, Miss Anne Jean Burrhus. His father is the chief of the Walton Fire Department and head of the job printing and mechanical department of the Walton Reporter Co. [Binghamton Press, Sept. 23, 1944]
A memorial service for Lieut. James C. Burrhus, Jr., who was killed in action over France on Aug. 8 while leading his flight of medium bombers over Avignon, was held Sunday afternoon in the First Congregational Church in this village [Walton, Delaware Co., NY]. A citation accompanying the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross which was made on Aug. 28, when he was reported missing in action, has been received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Burrhus of Union Street. The citation which bears the signature of Col. John W. Monaha, chief of staff, reads: "James C. Burrhus, Jr., O-689-020, first lieutenant, 488th bomb squad. For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a B-25 type aircraft. On Aug. 8, 1944, Lieutenant Burrhus flew in an attack upon the heavily defended railroad bridge at Avignon, France. Intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered while on the bomb run, but Lieutenant Burrhus, flying as an element leader, continued toward the target until a direct hit set his airplane on fire and forced him to leave the formation. Displaying superior flying skill and in spite of the fact that almost the entire aircraft was enveloped in flames, he kept his plane under control, allowing at least three and possibly five of the members of the crew to parachute to safety before the aircraft disintegrated in midair. Although his aircraft was destroyed before reaching the target, his courage and leadership in pressing the attack in spite of such determined enemy resistance contributed much toward the success of the mission On 49 missions his selfless devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency have reflected great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States." [Binghamton Press, Oct. 4, 1944]
Letter From Rolland Peckham
Bainbridge News & Republican, September 7, 1944
The following is an excerpt from a letter written by Sgt. Rolland C. Peckham, stationed "Somewhere in Egypt."
So the boys back home in camp think that they are having a good time, well listen to this. As far as the past week-end was concerned in the lives of the weather and communication detachments it was "Party Week." From "Somewhere in USAFIME" came 27 members of the Women's Army Corps bent on showing us what an American girl looked like. From the time they got off the plane until it was time to get back on it, they were dined (at the consolidated mess) danced (at the Service Club) toured (jeeps and trucks) swum (at the beach) and generally kept so busy that they all complained of having a good time.
High spot of the 24 hours for us was the dance at the Service Club. It had been specially decorated for the event and each WAC presented a corsage of roses. They liked the music which was furnished by an eight-piece British orchestra, American style, and polished off dozens of chicken, tuna, and turkey sandwiches with ice cold Coke as a chaser. At first it was unbelievable that one could step up to a gal and say "Let's cut a rug" or the equivalent instead of hesitatingly trying out the usual mixture of French (most of which we had forgotten years ago if we ever knew any) and Arabic (which few of us know well enough to carry on even a limited conversation) and baby-talk (sometimes called basic English). By the second dance we were all old friends and reminiscing about days in the States, long ago. We dug out our best pre-war manners and vocabularies and found that it wasn't so hard to be civilized as we had thought. Our dancing had suffered from want of practice but by the later part of the evening the creaking joints had ceased to drown out the soft music.
Some of the girls may not have been good-looking but the fact that they were "American" cast a rosy color over everything. They were just a swell bunch of "G.I. Gals," come to make us remember what home was like.
Sunday morning they got coffee and donuts in bed and still tired from the previous night were routed out to go swimming. Most of them didn't have bathing suits but we dug around and found short, T-shirts and other nondescript articles which served very well. It is surprising what a female form will do to a T-shirt. Those susceptible got the usual sunburn but that didn't stop them from going in again after lunch. This place is no paradise but we found that, with the proper company, it has its points. They said they'd like to be stationed here and we told them we'd like it too, but if they were here, we would be somewhere else.
Having seen them off most of us hit the sack--I took 12 hours to rest up. We are all in favor of doing it again but sooner than seven months from now.
Now to Bed--Rolland
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