Thursday, July 20, 1944
KILLED IN ACTION
The word has been received that Private First Class Robert L. Atkinson, of Marlinton, was killed in action in France on June 10, 1944. His age was 20 years. He had been in the Army nearly two years. The deceased was a son of Charlie Atkinson. His brothers are William, Charles and Kenneth, all soldiers. His sisters are Mrs. Denver Irvine and Anna Lee Atkinson.
Our Army and Navy Boys
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kesler, of Clover Lick, received word Saturday, July 15, 1944, that their son, Lieutenant Earl M. Kesler, has been missing in action since July 2, 1944.
Pvt. Henry A. Shinaberrry was home over the weekend to see his mother, Mrs. Lorena Meeks, at Thornwood. He has finished his school in Indiana. He is now working in a hospital in Kentucky.
Sergeant James A. Boggs, of the Army Air Force Air Transport Command, has safely arrived at his base in West Africa. He writes to his mother Leah R. Boggs, he had a wonderful plane ride from Miami, Florida, to West Africa, stopping somewhere in Brazil for a week.
Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Kirkpatrick, received word that their son, James F. Kirkpatrick, of the Navy, has been promoted from Seaman First Class to Third Class Petty Officer. He is now on active duty in the South Pacific.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Cochran, of Beard, have received the word that their son, Walter F. Cochran, was promoted to Staff Sergeant on June 27. He has been in Australia over a year serving as an airplane mechanic. He received his training in Miami, Florida, and Duncan Field, Texas, with a few weeks’ training at Browns-ville, Texas.
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Mrs. Arnot McNeill received this letter from her son, Gerald, with the U. S. Forces in France.
Hi Mom:
Well, your little boy has added another country to his list. They told me not to tell where I am, and that sure is a joke, for I don’t know myself. The people here were rather glad to see us; in fact, they had quite a fireworks display for our benefit when we arrived. Don’t worry about me, for I am as safe as in bed at home, if I don’t catch cold from sleeping on the ground. However, I was in a few hot spots, but haven’t been in any for the past three days, and from what I hear, won’t be in any more. I hope you haven’t been too worried about me, for I am just like a bad coin that always shows up.
Guess it is about time to bring this letter to a close as I want to write Elsie a letter this afternoon.
I hope all this I have said won’t be cut out. Well, answer soon.
With love,
Jerry
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The following letter is from Pfc. Kenny R. Beverage, with the U. S. Forces in Italy:
Dear Calvin;
Just a line or two to let you know I have not received your paper for some time. Really do miss it a lot. Probably you have not gotten my correct address.
There are quite a few boys here from West Va. We really do enjoy being here together. And believe me the boys from West Va. can take it.
I have had a chance to visit Rome. It is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. Some of the most wonderful paintings in the world.
I have really seen a lot of action. I heard that a couple of the old pals from Marlinton have been wounded. Thank God, I have gotten by so far. I say a big hello to all the old friends of mine from Marlinton, that are in the service. Hope to see all of you in Berlin, as it looks it shouldn’t be so long now; so all you civilians keep the home fires burning.
Hope to receive your paper in the near future.
So long,
Pfc. Kenny Beverage
Some Record
This week Sheriff Ward Hudson publishes the lists of persons delinquent for the non-payment of taxes on real and personal property. This sets the record for tax collection in this or any other county – ninety-nine and one-half percent. It is a record the Sheriff and his deputies can well be proud of. Out of $83,000 worth of tax tickets, less than $500 remains to be paid; of this amount less than $75 is chargeable against real estate. Of course, such close collections is not at all popular with some people, but I say again it is a record to be justly proud of.
Canning Demonstration
Mrs. Esther LaRose will hold Canning Demonstrations Friday, July 21, at 2 o’clock p.m. at the Cummings Creek School house. Other demonstrations this week were held on Beaver Creek, Greenbank and Hillsboro.
Raising and saving food is still one of the main jobs in winning the war. Canned goods will soon have to be rationed again. Grow all you can, and then save all you can by drying, canning and storing.
BIRTHS
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Basil McLaughlin, a son named David Ray.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. James Galford, of Slaty Fork, a son, named James Emery.
Mrs. Alice Cashwell Carter and her husband, who is serving in the Navy, announce the birth of a baby girl.
Born to T-Sgt. and Mrs. Bert Dencer, of Mineral Wells, Texas, a son named Richard Brian. Mrs. Dencer is the former Miss Opal Shinaberry, of Huntersville.