Soldier News continued, 1944

Lt. Leonard Tompkins Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, September 28, 1944

Ira Tompkins, of Shinhopple, received a telegram Thursday, Sept.14, stating that his son, Lieutenant Leonard Tompkins, 19, had been reported missing in action since Aug. 14 over Saipan.

 

Lt. Ralph Owens Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, September 28, 1944

 

The plane of Lieutenant Ralph Owens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Owens, of Delhi and Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] was last seen "descending rapidly" during a raid on Budapest, Hungary, July 17, according to a letter received by his parents from the War Department, Saturday.  Several weeks ago a telegram advised them that he was missing in action.

 

S/Sgt. Charles Helm Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, September 28, 1944

 

Staff Sergeant Charles J. Helm was killed in action in France on July 26.  He entered the Army Sept. 13, 1939, and was at several camps through the states for his training.  He was sent overseas sometime in June this year and served with the infantry.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Helm, of Smithville Flats, and was born at Rock Rift Sept. 8, 1919.  Before entering the Army he worked on a farm at Delancey.  In June, 1942, he was married to Yvette LaBranch, of Lowell, Mass.  Surviving are his wife, his parents, three brothers, Raymond, of Hancock, Warren and Clarence at home; two sisters, Mrs. Raymond Swartout, of Cadosia, and Mrs. Henry J. Moore, of Roscoe.

 

Pfc. Anthony Amitrano Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, September 28, 1944

 

First Class Private Anthony M. Amitrano, the 24th Oneontan to lose his life in the war, was killed in action in France Sept. 4, according to a telegram received from the War Department by his mother, Mrs. James Amitrano.  He was employed before entering the service as a sign painter by Grand Union Co. and the Empire Market, and later became manager of the Grand Union Store in Stamford.

 

Pvt. Stanley Welton Died of Wounds

Bainbridge News & Republican, September 28, 1944

 

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Welton, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY], received a message Saturday from Lieutenant General A.A.Vandergrift, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, informing them that their son, Private Stanley C. Welton, had died of wounds received in action.  A memorial service for Welton were held in the United Presbyterian Church in Walton Sunday afternoon, Sept. 24.

 

S/Sgt. Victor Foster Wins Commendation

Bainbridge News & Republican, September 28, 1944

 

An Air Service Command Depot (Somewhere in England):  S/Sgt. Victor Foster, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Foster, 10 Front street, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], has won high commendation for helping to shatter world's records overhauling aircraft engines at this Air Service Command depot.  He and his fellow mechanics overhauled engines last month totaling two and a half million horsepower, the highest figure recorded since Air Service Command began operations in England.  "A knockout blow against Germany" was the way his Commanding General, Brigadier General Isaac W. Ott, described the contribution of S/Sgt. Foster whose extra effort makes it possible to maintain a constant air cover over allied armies rolling through Germany.  Before entering the Air Forces in October, 1942, he was employed as an inspector by the Scintilla Magneto Company, Sidney, S/Sgt. Foster attended Bainbridge Central High School in Bainbridge.