02 Dec 1943
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 8 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 02, 1943
Page
1
In northwest Sicily our advancing column meets no resistance at Sambuca as paratroopers ambushes are avoided and civilians flood the town with joy. The scene shifts from fear to ecstatic cheers with villagers of all ages, colors, and dress celebrating the arrival of Allied troops.
A wartime field note describes D. Mi and Thom paratroops after a successful operation. Surrounded by cheering crowds and a sea of flowers, the force moves through a Sicilian town as locals greet them with banners from Allied nations. The day also features a priestly welcome, a mayoral welcome, and a long, memorable vigil before rest.
The Olcott family of Cove Neck Long Island mourns Col V S Merle-Smith heir to a banking business and noted yachtsman. A veteran of World War I and World War II he served as executive officer of intelligence under General MacArthur, earned the Distinguished Service Medal, and was later invalided home after long service. He leaves a widow and four children, including a son who is a Major in the U S Army. The obituary cites a New York Times feature from November 10th as its source.
A wartime letter from PVT William Vander Beek at Camp Fannin Texas dated November 22 1943 expresses appreciation for home news from The Chronicle and describes army life as like summer with sandy patches and green grass. He notes soldiers want to hurry overseas and mentions the distance from home.
Gene Ver Ploeg and three fellow Pella men Henry Muilenberg William Van Gorp and Roy Van Niewai return on leave from Camp Farragut Idaho. They praise camp cooks and report gaining weight while awaiting further orders. They mention Tyler Idaho and annual festivals akin to Tulip Time and Rose Queen.
Paul Grundman, on leave from the Great Lakes Naval training station, has been promoted to chief pharmacist mate. He has been transferred to San Diego California to provide medical care to the sick and wounded and left for California Wednesday evening.
Harold Kaldenberg, a Seabee stationed in San Francisco, writes to friends in Pella wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He notes missing white Christmas but enjoying sunshine and thanks readers for letters and cards.
Readable OCR lists scattered names and addresses of Fleet Post Office postings, postmasters, and service members in multiple locations including San Francisco Los Angeles New York Tampa Camp Gordon and MacDill. Entries show ranks such as Sgt Pvt and service numbers with APO designations. The fragmentary text resembles a military mailing roster or personnel list rather than a cohesive article.
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