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This newspaper page contains 9 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Denton Journal
Location
Denton, Maryland, United States of America
Date
Aug 18, 1944
Page
5
Pfc. George W. Clendaniel Jr writes from Italy about a lumber camp and sawmill work, describing the physical labor, the cat logging gear, and shrapnel in trees. He notes Italian workers and a tobacco drying shed where girls 9 to 40 roll barrels, the long hours, meager pay, and potato purchases under Allied Military Government oversight.
A nostalgic letter recalls evenings by a free running stream in France, with days spent carefree and away from writing or reading. The writer mentions John Jestings’s old girlfriend remarking “It smells so nice,” and notes time spent at Charlie Hammers, asserting country spirit endures. Sentiments to Pug and Lolly are offered with love and a prompt reply.
Sgt. Clayton Dudy Long writes to his parents Mr. and Mrs. Walter Long of Denton in the South Pacific dated June 3 1941. He reports he is still fine and serving, notes missing letters from home, mentions weather and time passing, and references a letter from Mrs. Liden.
Clayton writes of high strawberry prices due to a poor crop and encloses a rough photo of himself and a boy. He mentions Carroll and a Denton boy with the same APO number Harold Prattis, a colored youth. He notes Mr Ward losing the election and that Dudley Roe caught up with him. He closes with love and concern for family.
Major James A. Wise, commander of the Caroline Unit of the Maryland National Guard, notes in a July 24 1944 letter from France that locals are warmer since the unit’s stay, rationing has improved, quarters are repurposed buildings, and showers and latrines replace helmets. he observes language barriers but finds daily life settling into a steady routine amid wartime occupation.
A Denton man writing from France details hopes to see Paris soon, recalls Denton peers in England’s Maryland National Guard, and contrasts local sanitation and daily life with mosquitoes, ponds, and farmhouse barnyard layouts. He notes German crisis reports and visits to Carenton Valognes Chev Saint-Lô.
A fragmentary closing letter expresses cautious sentiment and mutual agreement on limited optimism. The tone remains formal and restrained, with a courteous sign‑off. No explicit events, dates, or actions are described beyond a general outlook and cordial closing.
Lt. Thomas Gray Jr of Goldsboro Maryland flies a B-25 Mitchell in the Twelfth Air Force. He has built a combat tour of 20 missions and helped his group set a new Mediterran ean theater record with 500 bombing sorties.
Luther Bennett Jr. of Greensboro entered service June 12 1944 and completed recruit training at Bainbridge Maryland July 27 1944. He was named Honor Man for superior aptitude loyalty and duty. The award was presented by Capt Frank C Russell. Before service he worked for Pet Milk Co in Goldsboro. He is the son of Luther Bennett Sr and Mrs. Bennett. His wife Carolyn Sparklin and two children Marcellyn and Tommie live in Greensboro. He remains at Bainbridge pending reassignment.
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