Soldier News continued

More Young Men Join The Service
Bainbridge News & Republican, June 25, 1942

The young men of Bainbridge have responded to the call and this week finds the  youthful population of the town slowly and steadily diminishing as another group of enthusiastic Americans complete or have completed their plans for enlistment in the various branches of service of the United States.

 

Included in the group of fellows are four former classmates who graduated in 1940 from Bainbridge Central High School--Bryce Wilcox, the son of Fayette Wilcox, who left Tuesday for the U.S. Navy; Henry J. Gardner, Jr., son of Henry Gardner, who also left Tuesday for the Navy; John L. Burgin, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Burgin, of Franklin, formerly of Bainbridge, who leaves for the Navy next week, and Ivor Bosket, son of Mr. and Mrs. Merle Bosket, who left Monday, another new Navy man.

 

All four of these boys figured actively in sports and extra-curricular activities during their years in high school.  Bryce and "Hank" Gardner both played football, basketball and baseball with gusto and were valuable additions to the sports department of the school.  Ivor was a member of the band, football manager, played baseball and is as well known for his dramatic ability as well as his music and athletic prowess.  He played important parts in the Senior Play of 1940 as well as in the Contest Play which won first prize for the section in his last year of school.  In addition to this, he was a member of the Echo Staff and was invaluable in editing the yearbook.  John Burgin, known as "Berg" to his friends was also a popular member of the younger set of town.  He was vice-president of his Freshman Class, played baseball basketball, football, participated in several track meets, was a member of the Echo Staff, sang in the Glee Club, a member of the Art Club, played in the school bank, was Football manager and played in tennis tournaments.  "Berg" was known in school for his easy-going ways and humor.

 

Prior to their enlistment, the four boys had all been employed. Bryce at the Casein Co., John at the Separator, 'Hank" at the Casein and Ivor at Noyes' Drug Store. 

 

In addition to these four schoolmates, Stirling Hodge, John Newcott and Reginald Nichols, all Bainbridge men, have volunteered their services for Uncle Sam.

 

Stirling Hodge, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hodge, left last Monday for the U.S. Navy, Prior to his enlistment this popular local boy had attended B.C.H.S., where he, too, was an active participant in baseball, football, tennis, and basketball.  On leaving school he was employed in the American Separator which he later left to work at the Scintilla. 

 

John Newcott, outstanding athlete of this area, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Newcott, of Peckville, Pa., has enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guards and will leave today, Thursday, for the induction center. He is a graduate of Peckville High School.  "Johnny" as he is known to all his friends, was prominent in baseball and basketball.  He pitched on the Bainbridge baseball team in the Binghamton Sun league for two years.  Two years ago, while pitching with Deposit, he defeated "Red" LaFlamme of the Albany team at Downsville.  Last season, he was quarterback of the Sidney Cardinals, semi-pro football team.  He was a speedy backfield man, a good pass receiver and a fine blocker.  Under his guidance he led the team through the season, undefeated.  He was employed at the Scintilla Magneto Co. before enlisting.  Johnny also has a brother in the Coast Guards, and has a sister, Miss Martha Newcott, who also resides in Bainbridge.  Last Thursday night John was given a farewell party by Mrs. Reno Smith and Mrs. Arthur Wearne at the home of Mrs. Smith.

 

A future cadet in the U.S. Air Force is Reginald Nichols who left Monday night to join the flying forces of Uncle Sam.  Reginald was born in Worcester, Mass., on Oct. 1, 1917, and attended Chenango Bridge grade school and graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1934.  On Dec. 23, 1939 he married Miss Dorothy Taft, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darwin Taft of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], in the local Episcopal Church.  before his enlistment, Reginald worked in the office of the Scintilla and prior to that was bookkeeper for his father in Chenango Bridge where his father has the Chenango Cement Block Co.  Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have an infant daughter.  On her husband's enlistment Mrs. Nichols began work in the Magneto Corp. at Sidney.

 



Cpl. Stanley  Hutchinson Awarded Bronze Star
Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 6, 1945

Corporal Stanley R. Hutchinson, Field Artillery, United States Army, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for "heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Malayhalay, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 20 May 1945.  Corporal Hutchinson a battery clerk of a field artillery battery, left his comparatively sheltered position, crossed open terrain and helped operate a howitzer which was highly instrumental in silencing the Jap artillery which was being placed on his battery.  By his courage and devotion to duty he undoubtedly saved many lives and much valuable equipment.  This act reflects great credit on Corporal Hutchinson and the Service."

 

Corporal Hutchinson also received the following letter of appreciation sent to his division by the Commanding General, Major General Clarence A. Martin:  "As you embark for home, with your task completed, I know that you have that great satisfaction which comes with the realization of successful completion of a tremendously difficult job against almost insuperable obstacles. Words are inadequate to express my extreme gratification and great appreciation for what you have accomplished and the manner in which you have done it.  No mission has been too difficult no obstacle too great, no enemy too strong.  With heartfelt candor let me say I am proud of you and of the glorious record of the Dixie Division."

 

Corporal Hutchinson is a son of Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Hutchinson, 64 South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]



S/Sgt. Edwin T. Hopkins Given Discharge

Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 6, 1945

S/Sgt. Edwin T.  Hopkins, Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], R.D.1, has been honorably discharged from the service at the A.A.F. overseas Replacement Depot, Kearns, Utah, after nearly four years' service with the Army Air Forces. A graduate of Harpursville High School, he entered the service Jan. 5, 1942.  Sergeant Hopkins was employed at Demeree's Garage before entering the service.