Soldier News continued, 1944

Cpl. Henry Soules Leaves for Overseas Duty

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 30, 1944

 

Cpl. Henry Soules

 

Cpl. Henry Soules, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Soules, has left for overseas duty.  As an infantryman, he trained at North Camp Hood, Texas, Camp Carson, Colo., and Fort Jackson, S.C.

 

Sgt. Lewis Eaton Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 30, 1944

Mrs. Lewis G. Eaton, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], learned Thanksgiving Day that her husband, Sergeant Eaton, was killed in action in the battle for Metz on Armistice Day.  Sergeant Eaton had been overseas since last spring and in France for four months.  Besides his wife, the young soldier leaves a year-old son, Jackie Eaton; his mother, Mrs. Edith Carey, of Oswego; a sister, Mrs. Wilford Pinney, of Norwich.

 

Lt. Burnard Page & Allen Southworth Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 30, 1944

 

Two more boys from this area have been reported missing in action.  they are 2nd Lieut. Burnard Page, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY]; and Allen Southworth, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].  Lieut. Page was a member of a crew on a B-29 Super Fortress.  He had been in the air corps since 1941, having had the honor of being one of the first chosen to man the giant aircraft.  Prior to his entrance into the service, he was assistant manager at the Briggs Lumber Yard, Afton.  Allen Southworth is a son of Mrs. Louis Lyon, of Coventry.

 

Memorial Service for Burnard Page

Binghamton Press, December 4, 1945

 

Afton [Chennago Co., NY]: A memorial service was held Sunday afternoon in the Presbyterian Church in memory of Lt. Burnard Page, who recently was reported to have given his life Nov. 11, 1944.

 

Pfc. Howard Salton Dies of Wounds

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 30, 1944

 

Wendell Salton, of Downsville [Delaware Co., NY], received a telegram from the war department Monday that his son, Private First Class Howard W. Salton, died Oct. 30 in France as result of wounds received in action.  A message received Nov. 15 stated that Private Salton was seriously wounded on Oct. 28.

 

Pvt. William Emmett Neal Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 30, 1944

 

Mr. and Mrs. William T. Neal, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY], were notified by the war department Tuesday, Nov. 21, that their only son, Private William Emmett Neal, was killed in action on Nov. 3 in Germany.

 

Pfc. Erroll Bodiot Wounded in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 30, 1944

 

Mrs. Grace A. Bodiot, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY], received a telegram from the war department on Monday, Nov. 20, stating that her husband, Private First Class Erroll G. Bodiot, was seriously wounded in action Oct. 27 in Italy.

 

Letter from Capt. James Ryan

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 30, 1944

 

Mr. and Mrs. P.F. Ryan received the following letter Monday from their son, Capt. James F. Ryan, who is recovering in a hospital in England recovering from wounds received in battle Oct. 7 in Germany:

 

Dearest Mom and Dad,

I sincerely hope you've received my cable and V-mail letter by now.  I'm feeling in pretty good shape and have reached the stage where I can stay in a wheel chair for part of the day.  But it still will be some time before I'll be able to walk.  Time has been passing fairly rapidly and I've been doing a tremendous amount of reading--something I've neglected since college.  We also have a radio and It's darn enjoyable to hear the programs again.  Across the way from me is a doctor who was also wounded in Germany, and we have many interesting chats -- largely philosophical in nature. (getting back to me old habits--ha, ha).

 

The chaplain here is a Jesuit and from Canisius College (our old rival) so it goes without saying that we have many conversations also.  I can't say that I like being a patient--too confining--but it can't last forever.

 

I will be going back to the States shortly, but don't know which hospital as yet.  However, they do try to place you near home.  It looks as though I'm finished in this war in a combat capacity--in other words I have what is known in Army circles as a "million dollar wound."

 

I pray to God you haven't been worrying about me too much--but that's easy to say I realize.  It's just one of those things though.  God only knows why they happen and faith in Him is everything!

 

It's been impossible for me to acknowledge any of your letters since I left the Continent.  My mail hasn't caught up with me as yet and it's difficult to say when it will.  Incidentally have you heard from Tom!--It's been some time since I last heard form him.

 

That's about all for now Mother and Dad except that I hope you're in the best of health and am eagerly looking forward to seeing you in the near future.  Please give my best to Pat, the Eldreds, the Vawters, etc.  Incidentally you had better tell the Eldreds that we'll have to postpone the party planned on my return until another more practical date (ha ha).  Please don't worry now and get a big Christmas tree ready.  God bless you.

Your loving son, Jim