WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL - Sgt. Charles M. Frantz

 

Sergeant Charles Meredith Frantz

Charles was born in Galata, Toole County, Montana to Charles Elwood and Trella Minnie (Springer) Frantz on December 1, 1920. By the 1930 census, the famiiy had moved to Montgomery County, Ohio with Charles 9, and his siblings, Bessie (Burdessa), 12, and Waldo H., 15.

By the 1940 census, Charles' parents were divorced, and his mother resided in Hicksville, and was lodging with a widow from Van Wert at the time of the census. On October 26, 1944, she remarried to Lyman T. Winn and lived at Route 1, Hicksville. Sgt Frantz attended Hicksville High School.

Charles, the youngest son, enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1942 and was assigned by October 7 to the 90th Bomb Group, 334th Bomb Squadron, Eighth Air Force, the "Mighty Eighty."

On July 17, 1942, Charles married Frances Mary Courtney in Fort Wayne, Indiana. At that time, his residence was Dayton.

The insignia of the 334th Squadron
A hooded figure of Doom, dropping
a yellow aerial bomb between two red
lightning flashes.

Charles was transferred to the 95th Bomb Squad H

in England where they were based just north of London. He was trained as a top turret gunner/ flight engineer on a B-17 ordered to fly over and drop bombs on Germany. Nicknamed "Situation

Normal," his B-17 42-29943 was shot down by enemy aircraft near Haseluenne, Germany and crashed near Barnsdorf on March 6, 1944.

It was the first day of a series of daylight bomb raids over Germany. Out of the ten crewmembers on his plane, five were able to parachute out and they

became German prisoners of war. The other five,

including Sgt. Frantz, never made it out of the plane.

He was killed in action. (Info thanks to Kay Fradl)

"Situation Normal" B-17, shot down over Germany - Sgt. Frantz's plane

The Journal-Herald, Dayton, reported on June 1, 1949, on page 11:

"2 Dayton Air Force Men On Casualty List

Listed in casualty reports Friday were the names of Lt. Herman F. Ridenour...and Sgt. Charles M. Frantz, 23, husband of Mrs. Mary F. Frantz, 150 N. Kilmer St., missing in action in the European area since March 6.

...Sgt. Frantz, a flight engineer on a B-17 in England, was on his fifth mission over Europe when reported missing in action, his wife said Friday. A native of Montana, he had lived in Dayton for a number of years.

The sergeant entered the service on Nov. 9, 1942, and received his training at bases in North Carolina and Texas before going overseas last December. His father, Charles Moore, lives on Brown St"

Sgt. Charles M. Franz died March 6, 1944, in Oldenburg, Germany, Landkreiss Vorpommern-Graifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

His body was brought home and buried in Hillgrove Cemetery, Miamisburg, Montgomery County, Ohio. C.A.Brough applied for a marble military stone on July 15, 1949.

Sgt. Charles M. Frantz also received the Purple Heart and the European Theater Ribbon.

Dianne Kline, Researcher

WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL - Staff Sergeant Walter J. Ricica

 Staff Sergeant 

Walter Joseph Ricica

The Ricica parents were immigrants from Czechloslovakia. They rented and farmed several places around the area, but they were in Fulton County when their third son, Walter Joseph Ricica was born.  John and E. Francis (Kubrick) Ricica would have seven children by the time the census taker came around in 1940 - Floyd, Walter, Stephen, George, Louis, Theresa and Marcellus.

Before John's enlistment, John and his brothers, Floyd and later, Steven, helped on their family farm. Walter eventually acquired a job at the Defiance Machine Works before enlisting.  His parents had lived in Adams Township but moved to Highland Township by this time.

On the 8th or 9th of January 1942, he enlisted at Camp Perry. As a member of the 145th Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, he was on a ship, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge by late 1943 -44,

heading for the islands near the Philippines.

From The Sons of Liberty Museum website:

"On January 9, 1945, the Buckeyes (another name for the 37th Division as it was dominated by Ohio men) came ashore on D-day at Lingayen Gulf and spearheaded MacArthur's return to Manila."  The 37th raced inland to Clark Field and Fort Stotsenburg, but they met fierce resistance from the Japanese and didn't arrive at their goal until Jan. 31, 1945.  This is the period of time when Sgt. Ricica was killed - on January 26, 1945.  His hospital report indicated that he had a compound fracture of the pelvis with no nerve or artery involvement.  He was 27 and it was a mortal wound.

On Luzon

His parents were informed of his death on February 17, 1945. An article about SSgt Walter Ricica tells us of his heroism in battle, found in the Crescent-News published on March 15, 1946.

"BRONZE STAR AWARD REVEALS HEROISM THAT COST LIFE OF DEFIANCE SOLDIER

Heroism of a Defiance soldier, Sgt. Walter J. Ricica, costing his life in the Philippines, has just been revealed in the citation accompanying the posthumous award of the bronze star to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Ricica of Route 6.

Former employee of the Defiance Machine Works, Sgt. Ricica entered the Army Jan. 8, 1942, went overseas in October 1944, and was killed in action Jan. 26, 1945.

The parent recently went to Camp Perry where they receive the bronze star medal. The citation read:

'For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine islands on 26 January 1945.  

When the advance of the second battalion of an infantry regiment was threatened with delay because of the action of a *Timm gun in its sector, Sergeant Ricica and Privates Staleny and Holappa, left their covered positions and ran across an open road to observe the hostile weapon.

As they advanced, an exploding shell struck nearby and mortally wounded them. Their disregard for the safety of their lives exemplified the spirit of courage and self-sacrifice which led to the ultimate successful conclusion of the operation.'"

*A Timm gun is a submachine gun.

Sergeant Ricica also received the Purple Heart.

His official place of death was Pampanga Province, Central Luzon, Philippines. He was buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila. A photo of his cross was not available, but a certificate commemorating his burial had this appropriate quotation:

"Time will not dim the story of their deeds."

Dianne Kline, Researcher

WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL - 2nd Lt. Roger W. Squire

 

Second Lieutenant

Roger Wesley Squire

Pappy's Pullman was the B-24 on which 2Lt Squire served his last mission. (Slightly edited photo)

Born in Bowling Green, Ohio, to George Wesley and Florence A. (Smith) Squire on May 7, 1922, George would later turn into a Defiance boy. After his father died in 1928, his mother, a widow, moved to Defiance and they lived with a grandfather, John C. Edwards. Later, she remarried to James O. Reed and by the 1940 census, the family lived on Jefferson Avenue in Defiance. His siblings included his brother (Pvt) George Squire, who survived the war, and sisters, Bessie and June. He also had some stepsiblings: Robert, Mary and Kenneth Reed.

Roger graduated from Defiance High School and then worked at the Defiance Machine Works. He registered for the draft on June 27, 1942, in Defiance. At 5'7" and 130 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, he went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to enlist into the Army Air Corps.

He trained at Keesler Field in Mississippi; Laredo, Texas for aerial gunnery, and New Mexico for bombardier training and finished with schooling in aerial reconnaissance photography and enemy aircraft identity. 

Crescent-News, June 28, 1946

On June 22, 1945, he was on a mission on 'Pappy's Pullman" to raid the Kawasaki Aircraft Factory in Kagamihara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. They were attacked by Japanese fighters, and his plane eventually crashed, but not before some men parachuted out. Because his death date has been given officially as June 22, it was thought that Lt. Squire may have one of the men killed in action on that day. But, instead, he had parachuted, and with nine other of his crewmen, was captured by the Japanese.

Crescent-News, November 22, 1949

However, the Crescent-News reported that the total crew was taken captive as POWs, beheaded and cremated on July 14, and then the ashes were returned to the U.S. after the war. Lt. Squire's ashes were returned with those of 39 other POWs to Jefferson Barracks Memorial Cemetery.  They were buried together with a stone listing all the names and ranks.

*No photo was found for Lt Roger W Squire.  If you have one to share, please let us know.

Mary Williams, Researcher

WORLD WAR II - The American Propaganda Machine

 

In 1942, the use of propaganda of all sorts really thrived with the formation of the OWI (Office of War Information) who hired writing teams and graphic artists to help in their work. The underlying theme was to create a large sense of patriotism, and with that, they could urge Americans to do their part to support the soldiers and the war, as well as create a hatred for American enemies.

The enemy was most often portrayed as a caricature to make them look foolish and stupid. It was not called propaganda, but war information. The government didn't really want to admit that the goal was to influence, or perhaps. manipulate people to think or feel a certain way. 

Posters were popular, but we also used other media. A special squadron of B-17s was used to drop leaflets over enemy territories. They were used for only that job.

Radio programs like FDR's "Fireside Chats" were very popular, as well as comic books. Can you imagine Captain America deflecting bullets from the Nazis or Superman punching Hitler?

Short films were used in movie theaters before the main movie. Eventually, advertisers got into the game by tying their advertisements into the war effort.

 Bill Maudlin, a famous cartoonist of the time who depicted his characters, Joe and Willie, was very popular. 

It showed the friendship between soldiers as well as revealing the hardships of war. First appearing in the military news in "Stars and Stripes," it soon became popular nationwide and promoted support for our soldiers.

The consequences of being a blabbermouth

One of the most used mottos was "Loose lips sink ships." The need for discretion if you had knowledge of war happenings was important because, as we thought, spies were everywhere. 

These types of posters were hung everywhere, especially in public places like churches, railroad stations and even schools. Be aware of your talk; be guarded!

Spies have big ears.

Late in the war, even the Germans recognized the effects of our propaganda. Joseph Goebbels was in charge of propaganda for Germany.

Their propaganda emphasized the cowardice of their enemies and how

misguided the thinking of the Americans and British were.

But a month before his death on May 1945, Goebbels said,

"Enemy propaganda is beginning to have an uncomfortably noticeable effect on the German people. Anglo-American leaflets are no longer carelessly thrown aside, but are now read

attentively."  (American Experience)

Animated cartoons were helpful in our diverse propaganda efforts. Walt Disney was a strong, patriotic supporter and contributed many animated films.

Here's one:

Walt Disney: Education for Death - The Making of the Nazi (1943) - video Dailymotion

Dianne Kline, Researcher

WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL - Staff Sergeant William R. K. Schudel

 

Staff Sergeant William R. K. Schudel

With four brothers and three sisters, William came from a large family in Defiance headed by his father, William John and mother, Mary Elizabeth (Beck) Schudel.  At one time, the family lived at 825 Jackson Street. Born on May 30, 1922, William attended school in Defiance, and he completed 8th grade in 1937.

His first job was at the Borden's Ice Cream Depot, followed by a time at Rymer's Bowling Alley, both in Defiance. In October 1940, he enlisted into the Army at Fort Hayes, Columbus. Much of his training took place at Fort Custer, Michigan.

On October 20, 1941, the Crescent-News reported on page 1 that he was in Iceland.

"WILLIAM SCHUDEL SERVES IN ICELAND

Pvt. 1st Cl. William Schudel now is stationed in Iceland with the U.S. Army, it was learned today through a letter received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schudel. He has been in the Army a year, most of the time at Fort Custer and last wrote from New York seven weeks ago.  His Iceland letter, postmarked Oct. 1, had been opened for examination by U. S. Army officers and bore an inspection stamp."

Fifth Infantry Division Insignia

With the promotion to Staff Sergeant, William was with Patton's Third Army as it broke through Normandy and marched through France.  They took out many enemy forces who were weak and broken after defending the Normandy beaches.

Patton had called in tanks and the army air force to help.

Beginning in September, the Army began their mission to cross the Moselle River in France. Long ago fortresses, gun turrents and other fortifications had been built in the city they needed to conquer - Metz.  Air assaults and tanks were not getting the job done.

The fortresses of Metz

In mid-November they finally broke through and were able to cross the Moselle River when the Germans ran out of ammunition.

The World War II author, Eric S. Margolis, wrote: 

"The gallant defense of Metz by far outnumbered and outgunned German forces delayed the U.S. Allies in Germany and covered the withdrawal from France and retreating German forces...which reminds us of Churchill's famous dictum,

"You will never know war until you fight the Germans!"

The Fifth Army was able to secure the city, given that the enemy troops inside the city had discarded their weapons and surrendered.  In the midst of this, on November 14, 1944, William Schudel was MIA.  The Crescent-News of December 8 reported on the front page:

"WILLIAM SCHUDEL MISSING IN ACTION SINCE NOV. 14

S/Sgt. William R. K. Schudel, 22, has been missing in action in France since Nov. 14, a telegram from the War Department today informed his father, Henry Schudel, of Defiance. The communication promised further information as soon as available.

Staff Sergeant Schudel is an infantryman and has been in the Army since January 1940. He was in Iceland 28 months, and served in Ireland and England before going to France."

*His mother died in January 1944.

It was a week later, on December 21, 1944, that the family found out that he was killed in action. From the Crescent-News:

" WM. SCHUDEL DIES IN ACTION.

STAFF SERGEANT IN ARMY SINCE OCTOBER 1940, IS 52ND COUNTY DEATH

A telegram from the War Department today announced that S/Sgt William R. K. Schudel, 22, son of Henry Schudel of Defiance, was killed in action in France on Nov. 20.

S/Sgt Schudel previously had been reported missing in action. He had been in the Army since October, 1940, training at Fort Custer, Mich. before going overseas. He served in Iceland 28 months, then in Ireland and England before going into France with invasion forces.

After attending Defiance schools, S/Sgt Schudel was employed at Borden's Ice Cream depot and later at the Rymer's bowling alley here prior to entering the Army.

Two brothers are in the Army, S/Sgt Clarence at Coffeyville, Kan. and Pvt. Charles in Belgium when last heard from. He is survived also by three sisters - Margaret, Gertrude and Mary, of Defiance and two older brothers: George, Deshler, and John, Toledo. His mother died last January.

In the Crescent-News  tabulation, S/Sgt Schudel was the 52nd war casualty from this county. The 51st was T-Sgt John R. Bassler of Rt 3, Hicksville, whose death was reported Monday, and who was inducted from Mansfield at age 18. The Crescent-News list also includes the Stitsel brothers, killed in the Merchant Marine, early in the war."

Hospital admissions records

Metz, France - the 10th Infantry Regt. on a cold, rainy, muddy 
mission

indicated that Schudel was admitted in October 1944 for

scabies. Then the next month,

he was brought there, having

taken a bullet in the eyeball 

when he died.

He was buried in the Lorraine

Cemetery and Memorial in

St. Avoid, France. His sister,

Mary, requested the 

cross for him. 

Lorraine Cemetery and Memorial, St. Avoid, France

"S. Sgt. Schudel's Memorial Rites Sunday 3 P.M.

Memorial service for S/Sgt William R. K Schudel will be held in St. John's Reformed church Sunday at 3 p.m.

Rev. Alfred Grether, the pastor, will conduct the service and members of Herbert E. Anderson post, American Legion, will participate. Ora Symonds, Legion Commander, today requested members of the post to be present, and urged attendance of all veterans of World Wars I and II and servicemen at home on furlough.

Sgt. Schudel, an infantryman, was killed in action in France, Nov. 20 at age 22. He is survived by his father, Henry Schudel of Defiance, four brothers and three sisters. Two of his brothers are in the Army:

S/Sgt Clarence, stationed at Coffeyville, Kan, but now home for the memorial service, and Pvt. Charles in Belgium.

Defiance Crescent-News, December 28, 1944

He was also awarded the Silver Star "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepity in action against the enemy while serving in the 5th Infantry."

Robert Carpenter, Researcher

This poem was written by a friend, George Z. Keller, Florida, and published in the Crescent-News in memory of Sgt. William Schudel on November 21, 1947, on the third anniversary of his death in northern France.

"In Memoriam

He lies today in a simple grave,

In a place devoid of common beauty.

His previous life he gave through acts

Above and beyond the call of duty.

So far from homeland, friends and kin,

So far from loved one's fond embrace,

He traveled war's uncertain path

And found his final resting place.

No 'reveille' startles him at morn

No 'taps' announces close of day;

No noise disturbs his soundproof vault

Where struggles cease and clay meets clay.

This life cut short by ruthless war

Has given what each hero gives,

And though he sleeps on foreign soil,

His priceless, dauntless spirit lives.

Sadly missed by his brothers and sisters.

WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL - PFC Thomas M. Scherger

 

Private First Class

Thomas Moore Scherger

Insignia of the 7th Infantry
Volens et Potens
"Willing and Able"

Born in Defiance, Ohio, in 1922, Thomas made his home with Leo Constantine and Mattie Belle (Boroff) Scherger. Leo was a monuments salesman, according to the 1940 census, and Thomas, 17, worked for him as an unpaid driver.

In this document, Thomas was listed as being a pastor's son, and in some military documents, he is listed as the foster son of Mrs. Leo Scherger and her next of kin. Later, he was referred to as her adopted son.

Thomas finished two years of high school and enlisted into the Army National Guard Infantry on October 15, 1940. His residence was at 408 East High Street. On that date, 44 men enlisted in Defiance into an anti-tank platoon, including Thomas. He trained at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, and was assigned to the 7th Infantry, 3rd Army Division.

On a quick military leave, he married on September 2, 1943. The Piqua Daily Call reported this on September 14, 1943, on page 3:

"Married Sept. 2

BRADFORD - A very pretty wedding was solemnized Sept. 2 at the home of Rev. Paul Gehm in Piqua uniting Miss Marcreda Grise and Thomas M. Scherger of Defiance, O. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kline of Piqua.

Mr. Scherger is in the service and returned to his station in New York following the ceremony. The bride will remain with her mother, Mrs. Noah Brown, for the duration."

Private Scherger arrived in Rome, Italy, on June 6, 1944, and at Cavalaire, France, on August 15, 1944, as the 7th Regiment, 3rd Division worked its way into Germany. In August, they landed on the warm beaches of southern France, and by September, the group was in the cold, rainy area of northern France and the Moselle River.

On September 20, they launched an early morning attack toward the northeast, forced to go through a valley with hills on both sides occupied by the German enemy.  It was slow progress as the hills were full of enemy snipers, concealed machine guns and mortars. "During this period, September 20-26, the (group) engaged in some of the most bitter and exhausting fighting in its entire history..."

(History of the Third Army Infantry Division, U.S. Army)

Heavy rains made the roads impassable, along with minefields, and roadblocks.

From the history named above, "Numerous counterattacks were launched by fanatical Nazis who yelled allegiance to Hitler as they attacked."

On September 22, 1944, a platoon of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry made another crossing of the river at Maxonchamp, about one mile north of Rupt-sur-Moselle at noon.  The 15th and 7th Regiments attacked to protect the right flank during the river crossing

"Opposition was immediate, all roads in the rugged regimental sector were mined and blocked by trees. Fog and rain added to the difficulties. Every type of enemy fire was encountered. (History of the Third Army Infantry Division, pp 244-245)

On September 30, 1944, the day Pfc Scherger died, Germans led an all-out attack to infiltrate the regiments on the defensive line, using small arms, artillery and mortar.

A hospital admission card indicated that Scherger, age 22, was killed in action with a bullet in the neck at Rupt-sur-Moselle, Dept des Vosges, Lorraine, France.  Pvt. Scherger was awarded the Purple Heart.

An obituary appeared in the Crescent-News on November 7, 1944, on page 1:

"T.M SCHERGER DIES IN FRANCE

Adopted Son of Defiance Couple Killed in Action Sept. 30

Pfc Thomas M. Scherger, 22, adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Scherger, 936 Wilhelm Street, was killed in action in France Sept. 30, according to a War Department notification received today by his wife, the former Marcreda Grise, at her home in Bradford, Ohio.

He was the 44th Defiance County man to lose his life in World War II.

Previous notification had been that Private Scherger was missing in action.

Beside his foster parents here and his wife, he leaves a daughter, Sandra Kay, and a brother, George Pier, a paratrooper in New Guinea.

Private Scherger enlisted in the armed forces in 1940. He first served with the 37th division and later was transferred, serving with the infantry in Italy before going to France."

Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial
Epinal, Vosges, France

Dianne Kline, Researcher

World War II - A Soldier's Rations

 

When World War II began, and U.S. soldiers started pouring overseas, America had to get creative in making rations that would not spoil easily.  Food sent had to be shelf stable, appealing, and nutritious for the hardworking soldier.

Spam and Corned Beef Hash probably led the way

as staples that were sent. Both were canned and provided high protein and fat for energy. Spam consisted of pork shoulder and ham with salt and some potato starches. The hash was canned corn beef with bits of potatoes and carrots and other vegetables.

Both were very shelf stable and filled the need for meat.

Because of the war, the U.S. began to dehydrate foods to send over. Powdered eggs were developed in 1940, followed by instant mashed potatoes. Soldiers only had to add water and cook. The powdered eggs, especially, provided protein and both items lasted a long time on the shelf. Powdered milk was a source of calcium, protein and vitamins, and could be hydrated easily.

Instant coffee was developed in 1941 and added to the meal rations. Coffee was one of the first things rationed in the states and was very difficult to obtain. So the folks at home learned to make their coffee last and ran it through their percolators several times, even though it was much weaker and rather tasteless...but it was coffee. Soldiers could add hot water and enjoy the much desired coffee.

A shortage of real cheese was helped by the creation of Velveeta cheese, a processed cheese that made its way into rations. Originally, it was made up of scraps of various cheeses, whey, oil, pasteurized milk and other additives.

Butter was also hard to get, so margarine/oleo came into being as a fake butter. It started out white, but because of people's complaints, it was dyed yellow to resemble butter, but the texture was different because it was made with beef fats, lots of salt, and it was a bit slimy.  Both Velveeta and margarine could last in storage. 

One other item that rose in popularity during the war was the Chef Boyardee products. These canned Italian foods such as spaghetti and meatballs and beef ravioli not only found their way into ration boxes, but the Americans back home enjoyed them, too.  Campbell's condensed soups also hit the bowls at home and overseas. 

But every soldier enjoyed a treat for both morale and energy. A D-ration of chocolate was available - a special treat that melted slowly. It was at this time that M&Ms became available and very well-liked. They, too, melted slowly and had a very long shelf time. Originally called "Smarties," the soldiers loved them so much that they kept the brand going when they came home from war.

Our soldiers were given C rations and K rations. K rations were intended to be used up in about 15 days. They contained lighter foods with fewer calories that were more portable, wrapped in a waxed paper box. C rations, however, were complete meals with more calories and more canned meat,

Americans did become more innovative as the war went along so our soldiers could get the necessary nutrients to fight and still have tasty food.  And just think how many of those brands and foods still exist today.

Dianne Kline, Researcher

WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL -PFC Alvin R. Haver

 

Private First Class

Alvin Robert Haver

  

 Alvin Robert "Bob" Haver was born on   October 9, 1919, the second of twelve 
 children born to Jesse and Irma Mildred (Bernard) Haver. Bob was the oldest son, born in Delaware Township, but he was raised in Mark Center and educated in the Mark Township schools.

 He registered for the draft in Mark Township on October 16, 1940. With blue eyes and blonde hair he was 5'10" and 155 pounds. 

On March 5, 1941, he enlisted into

the Army in Toledo. Alvin had  

two years of high school, was single, and was assigned to the 26th infantry,

1st Infantry Division. 

His basic training took place in Camp Walter, Texas and Fort Devers, Massachusetts. On August 4, 1942, he was on a ship headed for England, and upon arrival, was assigned to units alerted for the invasion of North Africa. 

Tunisia

In November 1942, Pfc Bob Haver was deployed to North Africa as part of the Tunisian Campaign. He was a part of the Battle of El Guettar, March 16 - 23, 1943.  On the 17th of March, the United States First Infantry Division moved forward into the almost abandoned plains, taking the town of Gafsa and preparing it as a forward supply base for further operations. It was at Gafsa or near there where Pfc Haver met his death on March 21st, 1943. 

A fellow soldier relayed to the family that he was wounded by a mortar fragment and that both he and a medic attending to him were killed by a second mortar round. Hospital admission records at the time stated that he had obtained a penetrating wound in the flank from shrapnel, and they listed him as a battle casualty.

El Guetter Corridor Battle in Tunisia

From the Crescent-News, April 9, 1943, page 1:

"ALVIN R HAVER DIES IN ACTION

MARK CENTER PARENTS GIVEN NOTIFICATION BY WAR DEPARTMENT

Mark Center, April 9 - Pvt Alvin Robert Haver, 23, was killed in action March 21, presumably in the North African war theater, the war department notified the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Haver of Mark Center, in a telegram received late Thursday.

The war department's wire informed the Havers that a letter would follow

Pvt. Haver who was 23 years old last Oct. 9, had been in the U.S. Army after being drafter two years ago. Besides his parents, he leaves five sisters and six brothers."

S. S. Barney Kirschbaum

Pfc Haver was first buried in the U.S. Army Cemetery in Gafsa, Tunisia. Following the war, his remains were returned home. The Defiance Crescent-News reported on May 14, 1948:

"Remains of three more World War II soldiers from this area will be returned from overseas on the Army transport Barney Kirschbaum from Africa, the Army announced today...

Transport bears a total of 2,530 Americans, including 155 Ohioans from the temporary military cemeteries near the battlefields of North Africa. From ten days to three weeks will elapse after arrival of the transport in New York before next of kin are advised when they can expect the remains."

(The soldiers returned with Pfc Haver were Virgil Schubert, to Continental, and Ernest Badenhop, to Napoleon.)

Services were held for Pfc Haver at the Moats Funeral Home in Sherwood on June 19, 1948. Rev. J. True Yocom, pastor of the Mark Center and Sherwood Methodist churches, officiated the ceremony. He was buried with military honors in Lost Creek Cemetery, Farmer Township.

His Obituary

Alvin Robert Haver was born in Delaware Township on October 19 (9), 1919, and attended the Mark Township schools. He entered the Army on November 5, 1941, and received basic training at Camp Walters, Texas, and Fort Devers, Massachusetts. On August 4, 1942, he embarked to England, and thereafter participated in the invasion of North Africa, fighting in several of the major battles.

Surviving in addition to the parents are: sisters - Mrs. William Cline, Mark Center; Mrs. Lois Gump, Hicksville; Dorothy, Margaret, Caroline, at home; brothers- Richard and Bernard of Ft. Wayne; Donald with the Navy at Norfolk, Va., Charles, Max, Lynn at home. 

Friends may call at the funeral home after noon Friday. The body will be accompanied here from Columbus by a military escort.

Members of the Legion and VFW are to meet at the Town Hall Saturday afternoon at 1:30 to attend the funeral in a group."

The Sherwood Chronicle, Thursday, June 24, 1948, p. 5:

"CARD OF THANKS

We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their kindness and help in the sad hour of the return and burial of our son and brother, Alvin R. Haver. Many thanks to the American Legion and Auxiliary of Sherwood, the V.F.W. of Sherwood, the Auxiliary of the V.F.W. of Hicksville, the WSCS of Mark Center, Mrs. Vera Core, Mrs. Mary Moats, Rev. Yocom, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Moats for their part in the services.

Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Haver and family

In addition to Bob, Jesse and Irma had five more sons that served in the armed forces. Richard and Bernard also served during World War II. Don served in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, while Max and Lynn are both Korean War veterans. The Jesse and Irma Haver family is truly a testament to the "Greatest Generation."

Researcher - James Robert Haver, Alvin's nephew