Thursday, May 27, 2010
2
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Letters, photos tell story of war The montage of items that form the cover page of this special section — a photo, telegrams, letters — tells a story of war, those who fought in it, those whom they loved. They also serve as a theme for this issue of The Republic — a tribute to the men and women who serve our country in uniform and their loved ones. It is a story that we chose to tell using their own words — excerpted from messages they exchanged at times of enormous stress and concern for each other. The messages cover a wide span of time and several generations — from the Civil War to the present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The methods of communication also took varied forms — from the simple sheets of paper used during the Civil War and World War I, through the V-mails of World War II, to the emails of the 21st century. On the following pages, each major conflict in this country’s history is reflected in messages to and from men and women in service who had connections to this community. The letters are virtually unchanged from the way in which they were written. Some contain grammatical and spelling errors, but we chose to let them stand, not to embarrass but to ensure that the words are honestly reflective of the writer and the circumstances. The correspondence on the cover tells the tragic story of one local soldier
— Marshall McKain, the only son of Louis and Nellie McKain, who left their Spraytown home to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was killed Oct. 22, 1951, four days after writing the attached letter to his mother. The letter was provided by his sister, Lois Hartog, who now lives in Columbus. She was a teenager living at home when the family received word of her brother’s death. It is still fresh in her mind. “It came by telegram,” she said. “It was delivered by a cab driver who gave my parents the message he had been killed.” It was the first of several traumatic experiences that night. Hartog remembers that she was asked to go to Columbus that night to give the news to her brother’s fiancée. “I was taken by a family friend since I wasn’t old enough to drive,” she said. “My family wanted to make sure she was told by a member of the family so that she didn’t find out about it from a story in the newspaper.” The letters have served to keep her brother’s memory alive. Many of those who wrote the letters on the following pages survived their conflicts and came back to this country to live out the rest of their lives. The messages, in their own words, are a testament to their service and their sacrifice.
Marshall McKain
KOREAN WAR Army
MCKAIN’S LETTER TO HIS FAMILY, PAGE 3
Marshall McKain and his mother, Nellie.
About SALUTE! Coordinators: Harry McCawley, Kirk Johannesen Design: Joe Gill Copy editor: Katharine Smith Cover photo: Andrew Laker
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday Night 18 Oct 1951 Dear Mom & All, Received a long letter from you today and was glad to know that you folks are well. I am OK and hope this finds you the same. I am off duty tonight as I made Colonel’s orderly this evening. The captain was O.D. one just has to be sharp. Ha. Ha. I also had a letter from Rosie too. She very seldom fails. Got three from her yesterday and one from Rosie’s Sister and Husband. They wanted to know what I wanted for Xmas. I told them a furlough was what I wanted. Mom, if you can wrap a flood flashlight up in the next package that you send. The supply furnishes batteries. Just a two cell if you please. Thank you. Items like that are scarce over here. Well, Charlie made pfc today. We have been tormenting him all evening. We call him pfc Ruckeu. I guess Don is for cpl. Probably won’t make it for a month or two. I don’t know what’s going to happen to this outfit but I hear rumors that it might go back to the states by Jan. If I could get stationed at Ft. Knox I’d take my Ford down there. I think it’s about time they were raising soldiers pay again. They are the only under paid men in the world.
You said something about Uncle Guy. What is Ina doing and does Junior and his wife live now? And does Guy still have his pontiac? Go easy on the hickory nuts for that is back breaking. But they are good in cake and candy. I guess Henry Huber was about the oldest man around there. 88 years old. Just had a cup of hot coffee and gave the hostess a hard time. Nothing like teasing the women. It is 8:50. I just found out that we are eligible for R & R. I don’t want it as only one can go at a time. Maybe rotation will come around pretty soon. Hope! Hope!! We had steak and mashed spuds and gravy and hot biscuits and so on for supper. As they say in Korean No. 1 chop chop meaning chow or grub or eating. So Jim thinks he can get my insurance down. He should since I’m over 25. Well, news is few and scattered so will sign out. Write when you can and take life as easy as you can. Am looking to be home in Feb. or March. By the way, am glad you got a new cook stove. You sure needed one. Will quit now. Your son Marsh
3
4
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Civil War (1861-1865) The Civil War, also known as the War Between the States, occurred when 11 Southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America, also known as “the Confederacy.” Led by Jefferson Davis, they fought against the United States (the Union), which was supported by all the free states and the five border slave states. In the presidential election of 1860, the Republican Party, led by Abraham Lincoln, had campaigned against the expansion of slavery beyond the states in which it already existed. The Republican victory in that election resulted in seven Southern states declaring their secession from the Union even before
Lincoln took office on March 4, 1861. Both the outgoing administration of President James Buchanan and Lincoln’s incoming administration rejected the legality of secession, considering it rebellion. Hostilities began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked a U.S. military installation at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Lincoln responded by calling for a volunteer army
from each state, leading to declarations of secession by four more Southern slave states. Both sides raised armies as the Union assumed control of the border states early in the war and established a naval blockade. In September 1862, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation made ending slavery in the South a war goal, and dissuaded the British from intervening.
Confederate commander Robert E. Lee won battles in the east, but in 1863 his northward advance was turned back with heavy casualties after the Battle of Gettysburg. To the west, the Union gained control of the Mississippi River after their capture of Vicksburg, Miss., thereby splitting the Confederacy in two. Long-term Union advantages in men and material were realized in 1864 when Ulysses S. Grant fought battles of attrition against Lee, while Union general William Tecumseh Sherman captured Atlanta, Ga., and marched to the sea. Confederate resistance collapsed after Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.
Freedom comes at a cost.
Which is why we at Myers Funeral Service salute our men and women in uniform through our special veteran’s benefits. We ensure that these brave service members receive the honor in death that their service in life merited. To find out more or to learn about other Dignity Memorial benefits, contact Myers-Reed or Hathaway-Myers Chapels for your free Personal Planning Guide.
Myers Funeral Service
“Your Local Dignity Memorial Providers” Myers~Reed Chapel The Former Reed & Jewell Funeral Home 3729-25th Street Columbus, Indiana 47203 (812)-376-3341
Hathaway~Myers Chapel A Historic 1800’s Home 1022 Pearl Street Columbus, Indiana 47201 (812)-379-4419
The Columbus Crematory The Only Crematory in the Columbus Area 1022 Pearl Street Columbus, Indiana 47201 (812)-372-2828
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thomas Rominger
T
homas Rominger was born and raised in the Hartsville area in the first half of the 19th century. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the 33rd Indiana Volunteers, which was one of the units that were part of Gen. William Sherman’s infamous march through Georgia. The following letter was written to his
CIVIL WAR 33rd Indiana Volunteers
sister, Martha, in the summer of 1864. The brother and sister were part of a family of 12. The letter was submitted by Stephen Barrett of Seymour, Martha Rominger’s great-grandson. He served with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991.
President Abraham Lincoln at a Union Army camp.
864 he 28, 1
July t rtha)
rt (Ma ister Ma
u a few few o y e t i r se ow myself t l and hope tho ub t a e s I asure and B am we With ple et you know I will finde you l y t lines to e to hand the as to ge w I m o d c a l s g n line appy on’t know how est little girl i h d n a l b d e we nI rtha you for you are th bad I felt whe ly a M l e u W i ow how from yo the fam a letter ty you don’t kn d leave any of ittle l l n the cou and Bub. I cou for I love my b left you en you and Bu est of any. ere better th d Brother the b have been wh ect d p n sister a tha if you coul tter I don’t ex as e r w Wel Ma en I got your l rry long for it so h y I was w d have staid ve e dead men la l t h you cou attlefield and t ep for them bu t on the b could hardly s ve ther men off thick we al rebs we dro ere dead on s h they wa had to leave t er come I was t y t e and th when your le get behind , the field breast works to t us so good, i digging bs could not h your d e a so the r t down and re rget I was o and I sa d it made me f almost I letter an n awful place alking a t in such I was at home ery v thought for you told e u with yo
r My Dea
S
thing je s when I t like it was at g o high an ot up to work ur old happy a h d me and some old reb gain I raised ome and my head way off sent a b did not i scair m ullet right clos n the woods se too e e shoot a gain an a bit I hollow to my ear but en da ed for I did it not wan me a little low and told him time. to t him to e shoot q r if he pleased Wel Ma uite so r close ne gardin tha I wish I co xt gatheri ng rasb uld be with yo has bee u er n gardin a long time si ries ---- again in the w n - and I el Martha ---- ce I have eat - for it w so hot d il promis to do wil close my le --- in our t o stand it wn here in --- ---- next time. ter this --love to now I want you Dirty that I ca --- for it is M for Mat a and Pa and to write again n’t hardly ta .G al the fa Your lov mily an ive my d a sha Thomas ing Brother ir
To Siste When th r Martha i Remem s you see Tho the b e many m iles apa ring me F a rt we And Ma re across ol d Tenne be rching o ssee n thr We are bound t ough Gerogia o Thomas have Atlanta Martha W. Rominger A.E. Ro minger
5
6
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
David H. Keller
D
avid H. Keller was serving with the 4th Indiana Cavalry when he wrote the following letter in 1863 to an aunt, Harriet Kelly, who was living in Columbus. The letter was discovered in family papers by his great-grandson, Robert N. Stewart, former mayor of Columbus. Keller, who was a private at the time, was charged with finding horses for the unit as they traveled between battle zones. The “copperheads” he referred to in the letter was a term used by Northern residents to describe Southern sympathizers in their midst. After the war he returned to Bartholomew County, where he died in 1912.
CIVIL WAR 4th Indiana Cavalry
Dear A Murfree to write unt it is with sboro T p y l M e o a u a s r u a c re that I h the 29 enn few line and hop th s s may enj e that these few to let you knoweat myself dow 63 n o with the ying the same lines may you that I am wel l . killed a rebels but soo The boys had and your famil n fl nd ano y I was o two wounded. ushed them ou ther skirmish t we ha now I w f on the curri d but on er line a ould ha e no chan ve answ t the tim ce there e e r ed yo I am one ma n killed was one curri ur letter soone in camp r but I h er post and Tim and two t a t k M a e k a n e thews y n prison last nig ad Keller i e ht ste er. s star don well also. I am rday and they I saw John Sa y a it did. I ’t bother me ne in my right m re allright Sam er t has ne i nd yet I ar as m v say it d id over er come as nig utch as you mi think that y g they we re all w ou. I got a lett h runing over m ht suppose er from ell then getting e as yo s h a home a o thick that so nd says that t ome yesterday u h n m quell th d if there is I w e think that th e copperheads em ere an is I believ whitch we can t to bee one th will be war a t at is s soon but rem e nothing mo re of im do if they wan ent back to ain you t r affecti p onate n ortance to wri it done ephew u te ntil dea no more th. David A
. Keller
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Civil War troops rest after battle.
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Benjamin F. Brown itory) r r e T a t ko DT (Da ay 13th 1876 n l o c n i M Fort A L r me lette o c l r e e h w t d o Dear M d your kind an e this may find at p e I receiv well and I ho orry to hear th e me dm ry s it found ame. I was ve lice might sen s s A you the s sick. I think tom to send hi ill w l a Alice w r and allso, tel ry them. they hey t fo her pixe be no excuse em teaking. if l a h l they wil nex fall to get t ’t send them te ndo n have til them taken do starte next m y o do have , we are gong t e big horn vale t to u l next fal ur gerney to th male is sent o e o day on write and if th you can et it. n g your so us I wil Brown . F n i m Benja 7th US F Troop avalry C
LITTLE BIG HORN 7th U.S. Cavalry
O
ne of the most remarkable letters to be submitted for the Salute! issue was this short note to his mother by Pvt. Benjamin Franklin Brown, who on May 13, 1876, was serving with the 7th U.S. Cavalry in the Dakota Territory. It was commanded by Gen. George Custer. The letter was submitted by Bob Snively of Columbus. He and his brother, Tim McIver, are the great-great-nephews of Brown. Brown was guarding the remount herd at the time Custer’s unit was attacked in the Battle of Little Big Horn. According to most histories of the event, the herd guards apparently left their posts when the fighting began to assist their comrades who were under attack. There were no survivors from the 7th Cavalry. Lawrence Brown, Snively’s
grandfather and a nephew of Benjamin Brown, later moved to Columbus.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Troops are shown gathering before the Battle of Little Big Horn.
7
8
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Spanish-American War (1898) The Spanish-American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States. Revolts had been endemic for decades in Cuba and were closely watched by Americans; there had been war scares before, as in the Virginius Affair in 1873. By 1897–98 American public opinion grew more angry at reports of Spanish atrocities, and, after the mysterious sinking of the battleship Maine in Havana harbor, pushed the government headed by President William McKinley, a Republican, into a war McKinley had wished to avoid. Compromise proved impossible; Spain declared war on April 23, 1898; the U.S. Congress on April 25 declared the official opening as April 21.
Although the main issue was Cuban independence, the 10week war was fought in the Caribbean and the Pacific and was notable for a series of one-sided American naval and military victories. The outcome by late 1898 was a peace treaty favorable to the U.S., followed by temporary American control of Cuba and indefinite colonial authority over Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines. Spain, whose politics had become highly unstable, managed to get rid of a very expensive empire with honor (the U.S. paid Spain $20 million). The victor gained several island possessions spanning the globe and a rancorous new debate over the wisdom of imperialism.
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
9
World War I (1914-1918) World War I was a military conflict that involved most of the world’s great powers, assembled in two opposing alliances: the Allies (centered around the Triple Entente) and the Central Powers. More than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, were mobilized in one of the largest wars in history. More than 15 million people were killed, making it one of the deadliest conflicts. The assassination on June 28, 1914, of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, was seen as the immediate trigger of the war, though long-term causes, such as imperialistic foreign policy, played a major role. Ferdinand’s assassination at
the hands of Yugoslav nationalist Gavrilo Princip resulted in a Habsburg ultimatum against
the Kingdom of Serbia. Several alliances that had been formed over past decades were invoked, so within weeks the major powers were at war; with all having colonies, the conflict soon spread around the world. The war opened with the German invasion of Belgium, Luxembourg and France; the Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia and a Russian attack against Prussia. After the German march on Paris was brought to a halt, the Western Front settled into a static battle of attrition with a trench line that changed little until 1917. In the East, the Russian army successfully fought against the Austro-Hungarian forces but were forced back by the German army. Additional fronts opened with the Otto-
man Empire joining the war in 1914, Italy in 1915 and Romania in 1916. Imperial Russia left the war in 1917. After a 1918 German offensive along the western front, American forces entered the trenches and the German armies were driven back in a series of successful allied offensives. Germany surrendered on Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918. By the war’s end, four major imperial powers — the German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires — had been militarily and politically defeated, with the last two ceasing to exist. The revolutionized Soviet Union emerged from the Russian Empire, while the map of central Europe was completely redrawn into numerous smaller states.
And the printed word completes your story. Pentzer Printing began printing and enhancing the image of our customers—big and small—107 years ago. From black and white through full color printing, our commitment to graphic excellence will be music to your ears.
4505 Kelly Street, Columbus, Indiana • 812-372-2896 • Fax: 812-372-2901 • pentzerprinting.com • Since 1902
10
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Walter Lain
WORLD WAR I American Expeditionary Forces
ium we um g i l g e l e B B n i ere in I am in our trucks h t w a h e t m So ow es 1918 ome: d to kn bout 400 mil 8 e 2 s i . t r c p r O he drove a nes at H ll be su s you t ld d n fi Dear o xpect you wi week now we . s i I cou pe th e e Well I here about a ome truck rid g fine and ho y I only wish en ntr lin es have be me it was sur O.K. and fee cross the cou a believe leaves me all ts on my trip I saw….. t h a s Thi aw sig tenth of wh s e r u s e same. I d tell you on n write a t I was i . n i g l l l e i B rb here in e dolla ned the chew w n e o e m h o t S contai e with od. and 1918 Nov. 6 es at Home: ich you sent m letter which ost auflle go o some e n m s Dear o c the letter wh I also rec th but it tasted it and and al nd Lut t a I just re glad to get i one stick of i a quarter in ng gum also as very ith ut ry wi Iw glad ve I never got b t me a letter w me some che and tell her f t ing gumer Lelava sen ter Pearl sen ures of hersel t t s say Sis gum and Si and too pic g m chewin t me some gu ella sen ased to ….. e ce well pl e Fran r b n i M t n-Dehere ye e b St. Oue 63 l l i . w 7 long I e last of Mar w o A.P.O. 19…. h y th know d Feb. 3r es at Home: ce & I don’t out of here b u n n t ches yo o or a e Dear o m still in Fra at we will ge r s i h t to e, hope ere has been at we Well I a s like now th n fi g n i l ook m fee here now th thing like wh a d but it l n a is no inter O.K. f anyway eaves me all ing a little w ter over here we hal d l v n n s i a a i h w h w T e o re ut o Co. n s in we will b s e, we a ws fell here b o m T a o s t e r i k e o th ur truc s. all that ucks ov mall sn three s er in the state r all of our tr us turning o tation that is y r e v have o ve turned ov . So I think b n but transpo t wory ’ n o a n a d h c o e & W we ow e soon y now. from n e as soon as m i t k l e a m a w o to ome s as on my w mp Taylor to y hom h a e w b r l u l Iw wi ca . on o us now n mind that I course I wish sent back to g n i d l cle ho keep i ight of will be a & Un p a p So just for I am all r an learn we d e e Ic he show d i t a s about mss from what e e had’n s&h w s r o o R f I gue ed out. y d rc ery goo ter rom Pe . be mus rec. a letter f got from me u it was not v I am I just etter that he re I sent yo ake out who m yl ictu John m ou get that p hope you can … Did y w clothes I ris the other ne Pa got any very near to I was
L
ittle things meant so much to those serving overseas in a time of war, as evidenced by these short notes written during World War I by Walter Charles Lain to family members in Waynesville. At the time of his enlistment in 1918, Walter Lain was a blacksmith. Serving with the American Expeditionary Forces he was stationed in England, France and Belgium during the war. After the war he married Luella Shaw, and they had three children. He worked as a timber assessor and buyer and worked at Ross Sawmill, Emerson-Braningham and Lewellen Manufacturing Co.
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Alton Reeves
L
etters to mothers from servicemen with the American Expeditionary Force in Europe apparently took precedence over any other kind of mail, according to Pvt. Alton C. Reeves, who was assigned to the 23rd Engineers. Reeves and other soldiers wrote “Mother letters” on the outside of envelopes, and they were treated as special delivery messages. The following letter was written to his mother, Effie Reeves, who in 1918 lived in Knightstown where he was born and raised. In the following note he made reference to the use of a nearby
11
WORLD WAR I American Expeditionary Force
field as a gun range for planes, which were still considered something of a novelty since it was only 15 years earlier that the Wright brothers had made the first powered flight. Following the war, Reeves returned to Indiana and eventually moved to Edinburgh. He settled in Hope, where he was postmaster for several years. He died in 1957. The letter and photo were provided by his son, A.C. Reeves, of Hope.
BowmanAutoGroup.com
1873 E. Tipton St. • Seymour
REEVES’ LETTER TO HIS MOTHER, PAGE 12
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Alton Reeves, right posed with his brothers Harold, left, and Ben in their World War I uniforms during a home visit in 1918.
We Support Our Troops!
Experience the Bowman Difference! Jimmy Adkinson General Sales Manager
Mike Richey Sales Manager
Jim Webster Sales Manager
Bart Draper Sales
Gayle Robinson Sales
Bonnie Baxter Sales
John Wiethoff Sales
Ashley Nowling Sales
12
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
with me . Service e v i t c A Nothing On with the very ex and see citing h RCE O l o F t a s Y R o A f T N r t r a O 8 a nsport w 1 ffic pas ppening. I’m s TI 9 I 1 D 0 E 1 P y s. All k a till aga gons, F Ma descrip sh CAN EX i in i I n r d e w R t n s E i e c o r o h n M u f . A wagons trucks a building roa Is d n a T y h y a d a s ere is a a nd mot nd carts thers D ut needless to ed o n o r o a o f M c i u e a r s r v p i r ery size s la camp a b ay os , sort an . nd ever ne machine g xt Sund rve it with you souvenir encl e a N r o u — d y n u : d n e e ev w other ver. e littl o obs there w hile you hear ening planes range across t Dear M be with you t is letter and th or more than e but all a c h s th uld ch ime inspect one came do the sputter of t ome out and e field from that I co ut I’m sending g of you as mu ter for some t ou probw d h i y t B n looking t. It sure seem n over there a eir guns. The art and sail I can’t. that I’m thinki receive the le al delivery so s o n i t to have can carry two wonderful tha d of course we ther evening to show urse you won’ be just as spec thers. t a t m a went ov a e plane s I wrot any cha try at it once en up into th ill yo e e w m n o Of co f o ” l o s i e r g e h e t e h t t n a t and fr r to ce. clouds ltho I d e et bu om c s L o n i e s s l r s r a o e s f r h e a e t o t r e o gile n’t supp Last Su fight. B “Mo eive it b any of my lett ones from the a while. c n o e u d s r t a e l y I l t ’ i h m d I at there e, and s t l ably w you received had only the ou for quite will eve ike aw lots ook a long wa Sue y m d s o a f o r h r o f l m o k e be f Have r d e post c and vis interest mp. Su er from eithe March 25 an h a a c i i c t r n n e d e g u d s h b v t a s o i h t o e a me with in ws that m lett bou the b l in I got bu gs. I wish tha e new towns, me. ’t had a u was written a ill get severa nt Amann e v H t a t to o h I could I ’ll have w is eve I s rom yo ppose that I w letter from Au t night. f e r t t y n o s b g d w a o a l y d v a o e e y back it and b a su me so as Th ring the u ugene l e received 31 but I I see th me interesting home. The Ban m March f these days. I warded from E from Lawrenc at Bob ner was news. o r s r w o h e f e o o n p D w u H o v a o . a e p n d y y v r o oes h b y welco id is 1 the one rom Ru 10 & 1 me and Well I m e get that way now a Sergea da and some March ch 22 Banner f ? n u t s t M o r clo ajor. Lu with lov And als y I got the Ma b by now. ck to hi old way e from A se for now as e m a s a o j d e m but i t llen. is almo and to like the new long about th s t t i m e a e for taps does sh thing is going . So fare y r e well v E
Memorial Day
Sale
CHARLEY’S HAS A NEW, EXPANDED MENU... BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY. OUR NEW MENU IS SURE TO PLEASE EVERYONE! N EW RE DUC ED PRICES
Now through Sunday, May 30 (closed Monday, May 31)
30% off
BLACK & WHITE
plus...
30% off all jeans & belts 30% off all Vera Bradley Frill 30% off all Vera Beach 30% off Vera Patchwork 25% off Nally & Millie Tees 25% off Retired Vera Bradley 20–40% off Spring Selections
2607 Central Avenue • 812-372-2532 WWW.GRINDSTONECHARLEYS.COM
Ladies Shop 12 th & Washington Street, Columbus 812.376.8363 www.lockettsladiesshop.com
MOTORS
US 31 • 372-1561 • (800) 467-8450 • www.rennermotors.com
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Lloyd Huffer
WORLD WAR I Army
L
loyd Huffer was a combat veteran at the age of 16. The Newbern teenager entered service in 1918 and served eight months on active duty, most of them in the trenches in combat areas. For several months, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Huffer, did not hear from their young son. When a letter from him did arrive at their home, it was to announce that he had received an honorable discharge from the Army and was in Indianapolis on his way home. He lived in Newbern his entire life and worked at Cummins Engine Co. He died in 1969. This letter to his parents written early in his World War I tour was provided by his daughter, Judy Beckett, of Columbus.
LETTER FROM HUFFER TO HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, PAGE 14
Your office equipment specialist. Digital copiers • Phone and voicemail sytems Desktop computers • Office furniture Shredders and more
3570 Commerce Drive, Columbus • 812.372.7871 • www.jginc.com
13
14
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
, 1918 July 21 : Mother e few days d n a r som athe r Dear F ed your letter ble to answe a I receiv have been un feeling fine. I e er tI ago bu letter leaves mgive the Kais od it. This en helping to ery has been y a l e have b cks. Our artil The French s as i . a few l e great work ecord hits. I w quite r m ing so made some en hours, had et e we hav re for sevente n just a few fe thi i under fi ells fall with ery got out w st t h u a few s he whole bat ne says we m ound T of me. ratch. Everyo horse shoe ar n e c out a s en wearing a a village wh ot n e i have b ks. We were immediately g ave h our nec e started. We o our guns. I s. h v t the dri ed and went for six mont sion e b s out of the firing lin er the impre re d n been o rmans are un or dazed befo The Ge ns are crazy a Americ
we star every t t firing, becau i shots. T me they start se we don’t r u t they wi hey haven’t g o fire a few n l last mu l get. I don’t ot near what b on like ch longer if e elieve they w v i are nowit has in the l erything goe ll s a s Everyo in for a day t few days. W n o we hav e is happy ov r two of rest e . e very da had. This is er the succes s a again. rk nights now rainy day w I i . will co t has been ve Looks like ra th ol the a ry hot a i ir. nd a ra n We hav in essary e only been clothin c a rryin a wash g ing tod with us so I g necY.M.C. A. and ay. I am in a Fhave nearly c every n an see soldie rench rs of atio Will clo se for t nality. his tim e. Your so n, Lloyd
With Honor & Respect CO L U M B U S M E D I C A L P H Y S I C I A N ’S P R A C T I C E O RG A N I Z AT I O N, I NC.
FAMILY PR ACTICE
A Tradition of Quality Care Monday through Friday • 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. New Patients Welcome
Laura LaSell, FNP
Tracy Salinas, MD
Shobha Sahi, MD
Eriko Onishi, MD
Philippa Shedd, MD
Dale Guse, MD
2345 North Park Drive • Columbus • 812-372-8293
www.columbusmed.net
2040 Cottage Ave., Columbus 812-379-4911
We remember all OUR VETERANS for all their service.
5780 25th Street, Columbus 812-372-7983 Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-2
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
15
World War II (1939-1945) World War II was a global military conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945 that involved most of the world’s nations, including all of the great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. It was the most widespread war in history, with more than 100 million military personnel mobilized. In a state of “total war,” the major participants placed their entire economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities at the service of the war effort, erasing the distinction between civilian and military resources.
Marked by significant action against civilians, including the Holocaust and the only use of nuclear weapons in warfare, it was the deadliest conflict in human history, with more than 70 million casualties. The war is generally considered to have begun Sept. 1, 1939, with the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany and subsequent declarations of war on Germany by France and most of the countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth. Many countries were already at war by this date, such as Ethiopia and Italy in the Second Italo-Abyssinian War and China and
Japan in the Second SinoJapanese War. Many that were not initially involved joined the war later in response to events such as the German invasion of the Soviet Union and the Japanese attacks on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and on British overseas colonies, which triggered declarations of war on Japan by the United States, the British Commonwealth and the Netherlands. The war ended with the victory of the Allies in 1945, leaving the political alignment and social structure of the world significantly changed.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
The Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C.
We salute all those who have served and continue to serve our country.
“Award Winning”
DARLAGE CUSTOM MEATS GREAT FOR PARTIES AND GRILLING T-BONES • RIBEYES •FILETS • GROUND BEEF • PORK PORK BURGERS • BEEF • FREEZER BUNDLES AVAILABLE
522-1635
JUST OFF HIGHWAY 50, 5974 E. CR 410 N., SEYMOUR
16
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Robert Roush
WORLD WAR II Navy ensign, USS Augusta
E
Columbus resident Robert Roush had a front row seat to history in 1945 aboard the ship USS Augusta, which took President Harry Truman to the Yalta Conference. Roush, in cap and just behind and to the right of the uniformed officer standing next to President Truman, was in the ship’s ward room when the President announced an A-bomb had been dropped on Japan.
nsign Robert Roush came face to face with history during the closing days of World War II when his ship, the USS Augusta, was chosen to take President Harry Truman and other members of his cabinet to and from the Potsdam Conference. At the time, Roush was engaged and preparing for his wedding. The following letter describing the presidential visit was one of hundreds he wrote his fiancée, Peg, while on active duty. Today Robert and Peg are residents at Four Seasons Retirement Center.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
With all th ience r e p fi x e e d d operatio e secrecy that t e i s s d a e p d r r ha su n, a ver ua before t y intere d surrounded to be un as so clearly g oughout d h n e a p t r n sting in r e this hig a sident’s ers con mport e greatness w be evident th c i h i d e s s e p i m n s e i t t t c e l i o d of Ge al train ccurred ly classito t th n e h a y a An al g , v e t e r b o m a l f the at rri an ro e our hanges what ev dock spotless prisoners of w ved. The dock dockside t numbe ial s a was to b ntil physical c ed. v a , a e s pec t outh u of the w nt was about t nd clean, supp ar; their job b weepwasn’t that we suspec ival at Portsm ip. Then too, s but of e o a o r s r h , Preside prisoners as take place. So edly not kno ing to the ship iately upon ar rred from the s ersonal nature uise w n k the Aug t Truman com ed the gangwa out of the blue ing Immed were transfe rd, not of a p an routine cr e u y s a th oa ew under s ta had been s board?” For sentry “Whe one ships cr rted coming ab d guess a more n does trict qu winging a week l ted of s a i p p r s r a a r n i t i n s o o gear sta e that one wou a o t c r i n n ne ch to er knew ent what 99 to prevent any or in Chesape this day know. equipm ent, which y l such typ tore for us. r a e ak .99% of s uipm f the and the Ame ecurity leaks. S e Bay Thirty t was in s ajor portion o munications eq the “Augie” ts. r o this ican pe ing with wo guests in The m elicate com een tested on improvemen o p l e d all id not the pres nd ry d te b rnes. ident w came aboard some ve very recent da rther update a awnings, stana f o s his Se u cretary r the crossing Mr. Tru had at a removed for f ay was added, ught aboard, . Comm o o n f State J r a n’s smil much li had bee coat of navy g speed boats br of wardroom a m i n e g k s e c d Bye , get arou part of our ountenance b Another elded in place omplete chang changes that d n e a c d i a l e a y c me nd ro has din chions w furniture; a the many mor rd. ed with mingle with th utine. The man a familiar and w f a e o Y n y e th officers d av few more and shi e enlisted men crew. Since co oes certainly e just a t week in the N me day to the r a s e r p s m u , erved in s i c rs sa fixt five cou officers in the hief petty offic ng aboard he ce this fi ransferred the e bringing on d a l p f k a o w v r e t o o s rs, w ardro t es an red ontinu s adde p was during with a dinner m d I might say om. Our dinne arrant The shi ating base to c rest which wa ne adthe in r usic con or inte per cert by record time. W was August meal. Navy O c. One item of ready history b his was the ship e l t ing lunc 4 at noon the ’s symp were stores e rniture of the a ogany piano. T ive. h P h onette s h on Hiro to announce resident cam to the fu abin was a ma t at all conclu up of e t s h h t a o i m t o t o t h a, Japa The Pre mirals c ndication yet n the pier, a gr er n. The fi he “A” bomb e ward room d s i d e i n i h n p o r urad been t d s e t atomic ordered and to r a goo forming unted on to th op d r r t e b o h e t t o p e u f m p r a s n ed hip bu to the U st sh Newpor Soon .S. at fla to get underw sed in any wa rs were as brought to a First t a N c e n w a s r. ay imm , VA, Au nk spee outh, E Pullm ecial car w gway. n e d n a g d . g g u i T a l s a a h t t t e n p e 8 l d. This ing vess and a s site the Augus ar were plain was the , 1945, just 5 d ship arrived in y e l . o c l p i a f p a d a ys stest cro just o g from the r sely followe ssing ev from Plymn o i l , c m s , a e s t er by a stre yguard he United Sta sea-god o b s e t f o cloth t n e d resi by the p Truman. Harry S
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Roy Rudolph C.W.L. Sat. Evening Dear Dad & Hazel Received your letter yesterday & was sure glad to hear from you. I am glad you are fixing my car. You can drive it if you want to I sure don’t care. Well I got one week left of training & I be home some time the next week I am in the first order to ship out of our co. We wont know till a few minutes before we ship but will let you know. Seen Calvin & Farrell if I stayed in the other co. I would have been home when they were. Well I think I go to town & buy a present I done a washing for a guy for $1 & one for another guy for $1. So I have done all right today. Don’t write after Thursday I probably wont get it. hoping to hear frm you soon. Will be seeing you soon. With Love Roy
WORLD WAR II Army, European Theater
Belgium, Mar 19 – 1945 Dear Mom: I received your letter of Feb 10 telling me about Farrell being killed in action Jan. 11. I am very sorry to hear it. I like for you to send me his address & I see what I can find out. Tell dad I do all I can to find out what happened & the letter that follows the telegram send it to me. I would like to see it. I got a letter from Ruth dated the Feb. 10 – 13. She never said any thing about it to me. Does she know it yet. You say that the last letter you received from him was about 21st of Dec. I try to find out where his div. was about that time. Don’t worry about me as I am very safe hear & I have a permanent adress and will probably get my mail regular now. I am also very sorrow to hear about you mother death. I am glad to hear that some of your bro. got to come home to the funeral. How are all the rest of your folks. Well take good care of yourselves & don’t worry & lets hope this war is over soon & we can all come back to the good old U.S.A. hoping to hear from you soon. Your Son, Roy
Take a Closer Look at Full-Service
Retirement
Living
I
n a tragic twist of fate Roy Rudolph of Freetown had just returned to combat duty with his Army unit in Belgium after recovering from shrapnel wounds when he received word that his younger brother, Farrell Rudolph, had been killed in action in January 1945. Both brothers were serving in separate units in the European Theater, and the younger brother was killed by enemy fire while going to the aid of a wounded comrade. Roy was told by his mother in a letter about his brother’s death and was asked to see what additional information he could obtain. Roy Rudolph was one of four brothers who were serving in the European Theater during World War II. The others were Farrell, Calvin and a stepbrother, Russell Phegley. Roy returned to Indiana after the war and eventually moved to Columbus, where he worked at Cummins Engine Co. for several years. He died in 1983. These letters were provided by his daughter, Sue Lain, of Columbus.
We Salute All Those Who Give Of Their Time And Lives. Jackson Tax Service 1733 Central Ave 376-0491
Our spacious modern apartment homes are ideal for today’s active older adults. Should the need arise, assisted living services can be provided by our staff to residents in any of our apartments. In addition, the Health Care Center at Four Seasons is Medicare certified and offers a comprehensive array of rehabilitation and supportive services.
Four Seasons RETIREMENT CENTER
Call 812-372-8481 today to schedule a visit and take a closer look at FULL-SERVICE retirement living. 1901 Taylor Road Columbus, IN 47203
17
To our veterans and their families, we say
Thank you. Doing Business Since 1946 1604 Cottage Ave. • Columbus • 372–3791
18
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Edwin Oberman
S
oldiers and their families back home not only had to cope with the hardships of war but they also had to find their way around military censors. During World War II there was not only a fear of inadvertently revealing secret information in letters back home but in discussing very personal matters, especially between a husband and wife. In letters to his wife, Agnes, whom he had married only two months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Edwin Oberman, of Jackson County, constantly expressed his love but could only hint at some
of the things he really wanted to say to her. The two were reunited in Seymour upon the completion of the war and were together until his death in 2001. Agnes died in 2007. Back home Edwin worked in the meat department of Jay-C grocery stores in North Vernon and Seymour. Letters, from which the following excerpts were drawn, were provided by their daughter, Barbara Bradley, of Columbus.
WORLD WAR II Army ETO
Edwin Oberman and his wife, Agnes, during World War II.
Did it e v SUBMITTED PHOTO your oth er heal up are y 4 e ou r 194 Darling trouble by now still doctorin pril 11, nd” A , y a g for it. ? Hope I d would l you kno Mon Also, ho i n Engla t i i k i e s e r a w e t o h w is ing thro the kind I me write some l lot better. “Somew e a u t n g t e , h r b s, li a ce ut i letwould l ike to g ncor, but there s really impos ke I used to, te a few too. i u q ” u e o f s et one o ur’s g Wi ten y f those is nothing to s ible, by it goe Lovin ys I have writ tters as I do yo re, than u r T l t e op you. y t ters from Sweethe “M er he ew da oy all my le f v I t o s a , e y a r e o h t p , m u T I love y Nothing again. sure to e. t m i n In the sure you enj t a t d r o o o u a el t of go re imp that this any one can d and miss you ters. I fe rom you is mo rld. I have a lo g day’s work is ward o f r and wel mess may end about that no more than I ca A letter g else in the wo d to after a lon used to look fo k. I w n l soon an . r d then w , only pray to G say. When, I any thin g I look forwa is about like I om a days wor ou e may g o r t n so far fr think of the et back d, only thi ter from you. I coming home f and kiss from y I c o u safe t thing is m it all, it alm te little house sweet le g you at night a nice big hug ou, more than , o s u y s o t r e u m , if I get a a y f in sure I a back sa kes me sick to nd I have and to meet ways be sure o I sure do love s w e l l f e me t a l hink of s every fighting and wel worry o could a g wife. Darling i t t o l . f e n o f O v r e r o . n a e m A pl e lse n ’t h al we plea my lovi you don t think that has se, to co ace to live, we will know wha l of this, I am , g n i l r . a all, our t c m can say ing is sure, D to you. I don’ do not worry loved o e and go as w an call home, we have been h e e t n s u a e e r e a s Glad yo r w gt On ple u are ge who are waiti ant, good foo ight to do as not bein , but if it has, clean for you e g m o t n d o u t g , and ab d t o ing the so patie job. I se ab ing you st as true and and I am sure y h r o n r n u t o t l h s y y w o e o for us n ove pe you u a mon painted t, ju f e e l been b I l l n i g ow. e . e ey orde I do hop t it O.K wh .Iw proud o r . f e i o t about it eturn, as I was r h w f e $ r keeping you and feel s ill help out so 15.00 a few d does a when I be the same. m ur ay things g l oing at e you are doin e. Agnes, I’m m s ago, M u s you wil t c . h g l ig o o you sI “Good se for now, so me, just as I w a wonderful jo hty s, I love lue envelope a e n g L b a A o u g , u ck,” “G a l Darling ting this in a b r to read it. You ood He in I say, “I Lo d want them. i a o v r . l t c e You.” w t h” and I am nit cen elieve, he is L . u “ r G u o o t d b Bless Yo an me don’t w r unit cencor, I ber him one ti u.” u m Your Lo know o ink you reme ving Hu w? th bby: “E e by no o t Carr. I er? d a ddie”. b r u b o y m s e i m w o Re h , nes Say, Ag
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
19
20
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
21
22
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
23
World War I, II memorials Clockwise from top: National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.; WWI Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery; Field of Stars at World War II Memorial in Washington.
Cutting Hours into Mintues® for over 35 Years
Thank You
to all men and women who serve our country.
Jim Ogilvie, US Army Aviation Veteran 1864 W 550 N, Columbus (812) 372-4469
1860 W 550 N, Columbus Next to Silgas 812-378-9091
Columbus York Rite Masons
Honor Honor Our Vets Vets
Columbus Chapter #10 RAM Columbus Council #54 CM • Columbus Commandery #13 KT Columbus Commandery Drill Team Columbus Masonic Temple • 4131 Rocky Ford Rd., Columbus, IN
24
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Marshall Hancher Marshall Hancher and his wife, Betty, were photographed in downtown Columbus during World War II.
WORLD WAR II Army
M
arshall Hancher had not yet reached his 20th birthday in 1943 but had already been exposed to some of the most horrific scenes that a war can produce. In this letter to his parents living in Columbus, he described some of those scenes. Upon his discharge from the
Army in 1945 he returned to Columbus. Much of his career was spent working at the Columbus Post Office. At this writing, he is a resident at the Veterans Home in West Lafayette. The letter was provided by his daughter, Beverly Buck, of Columbus.
tore up s things s o bad yes mom o things o me towns com , I have really s p nce I st I caugh arted in letely tore up aw some horri t I b and onc a dead man I a house and w have saw a lo le ers h t o r B g t h e an op got sick I saw the Ger uess he was le en I opened th of d I’m h m Dad, n o a M e t n s a fi e m e b r e ng tough ti ut the thing I an soliders fa ning against t door My Dea till feeli from Jackie th to s n i h m s a g half and e after it was aw once was w ll like flies but e door d me I am a I got a letter e t e n r a e h w I o e om nd a tree a half Part of th ver some of th hen we were h never Well, M ou are the sam e he passed a see the mail n e a e fy r nI gm ground. d the rest of h m on the grou Germans wer ving a ing all o y he was tellin so I guess whe also got a lette im n Im glad Yes I guess wa about twenty d one had his e just other da a little money order for him I ng again Gee r l i thing th its me over her is the worst th feet farther on egs in send himill get a money ou were worry ey besides a i e get ther t I always say instead of Bo ng there could the man I w d and he said y orry I’ll be ok look like e b i w ber how I don’t never s homes the be and Don but be but from Da m why do you r there it don’t know you t w I o I have s I used to go to ant to leave a st place and w he one whiz M e Bobbie Junio s so quiet but , Betty and h g e l a horse b en things that Western shows ain but Mom r en I with litt ld miss me I w miss you, Dad d worry a e i l I some ho ck I remember s like a show t so much Well, memyou wou mom because think you shou nly this h I o as we to rses from the G once me and a e Germans fou guess miss me ers but I don’t y and still am out but e h r behind the owners to erman soldiers couple buddies ght on my brot I have been ok I had a sore th on’t t a d don’t w hem. Well Mom nd made them but they didn’ took because when I got up ll I have but it t yes t o e i g can and rry because I’ if you don’t he walk while we mind mornin have I got it w medicine for ver m e o her and tell Betty I lov okey but I wi re from me ver rode to night e as I got som ’t mind being eing e l y n b send me when you go to her more each l write as often often bother mhe reason I do know that my vt Comic B the size is 6 x town try to fin day and sure as I I guess r one reason I d Bob from ha er m 9 d n g fo rod I sa ooks Well, I w or 120 and se me some film iss here is my kept Don a here while lon i i n r and Min d hello and tel ll close for this d me some ca and in the a ht and staying y from fighting ndy l tim c H ed Ham g you . So lon arley Pittman e So tell Doc and ing to fi Bob’s little bo tty and I can I g Mom H e p Dad an miss his Bolog arwill kee n I get home B we won’t d God B n e d less all a and wh e children an m being in of e m have so orry about th y won’t be w Love Ki have to cause German ty years its sses e f a war b ght again in fi Y o u r fi S on able to Marsha ll
SUBMITTED PHOTO
, 1943 June 17 age 1 P
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Warren Phillips
WORLD WAR II 1st Armored Division
E
The paths of Columbus friends Warren Phillips and Clementine Miller (later Tangeman) crossed during World War II in Italy.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
19 Dec 44 Dearest Mother: Just received your letter of 19 November with the newspaper clipping of Ernie Pyle’s Degree awarded at I.U. Enjoyed your letter so much, as I do all of them you write. Sorry to hear that you hadn’t been hearing from me for quite a while. I must confess there are times when I don’t write as often as I should but a five week period with no word from me could only be due to overcrowded mails. Even tho’ I write by spurts I always try to get off a letter at least once a week …. Think I told you that I finally did see Clementine again and it must have been shortly after she had written of not seeing me. In fact we had some snap shots taken together which turned out real well. And when they get home we can have some made for Miller’s …. It’s good to hear what kind of an opinion some of the other people have of me. I’ve never tried to be anything except just myself and if I can help anyone along the path by being friendly that’s what I want to do. Seems there’s plenty of room for that in a world at war. must close now and get to work. All my love from, your devoted son, Warren.
We Salute
Every Man, Woman & Animal that has served our country! Business hours served by Appointments Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 7:30AM - 5:30PM Wed. 7:30AM - 11:30AM Sat. 7:30AM - 11:30AM Cooperative Emergency Service Available
Drs. Wagner & Platacis & Staff 4915 Pine Ridge Dr. Best Friends Animal Columbus, IN 47201 (812) 342-1233 Healthcare & Laser Center
25
ven during World War II when millions of Americans were scattered across the globe in a variety of theaters, the world turned out to be a small one for several Columbus residents. In this letter written to his mother, Mary Jane Phillips, of Columbus in 1944, Maj. Warren Phillips spoke of meeting with friend Clementine Tangeman as Allied forces advanced through Italy. At the time, Phillips was attached to the 1st Armored Division, while Tangeman was a volunteer with the American Red Cross. During the war, Phillips served as an infantry officer and among other citations was awarded the Silver Star. He was credited with singlehandedly convincing a force of 700 German soldiers to surrender to his task force and avoid further bloodshed. He entered active duty as a lieutenant in April 1941 and upon his discharge in 1945 was a lieutenant colonel. He returned to Columbus after the war and launched a business career, serving one term on Columbus City Council. He died in 2005 at the age of 96. The letter and photo were provided by his daughters, Mary Jane Trueblood and Carol Phillips Wright.
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum Columbus Municipal Airport
This WWII CG-4A Glider flew from the former base. Visit the museum and learn about the rich history of the former Atterbury Army Air Field, later named Bakalar Air Force Base. Gallery displays include the periods of WWII through the Vietnam era.
Open Tuesday through Friday, 10am–2pm, Saturday, 10am–4pm, Closed Sunday & Monday.
Visit online at www.atterburybakalarairmuseum.org
26
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
James Bunch
J
ames Thomas Bunch spent most of his World War II military service in German prisoner of war camps. The Kentucky native had enlisted in the Army shortly after the United States declared war on Germany and Japan. He was assigned to the tank corps but was taken prisoner in the Mediterranean late in 1943. According to his cousin, Martha Ann Sebastian of Columbus, Bunch was a POW for almost two years. His correspondence with family members in the United States was rare and his messages brief during his internment. They usually consisted
of one paragraph messages written on postcards. There is some question as to how much of the material on the cards was of his choice. In some instances the sentences
NAME N A I T RIS ND CH A E M NA Bunch . T s e m Ja Sgt. RRECT D NOTHRANK O nks. C a T T O T IF N ND UNIT AD UNIT U O H A TC 1)STRE NAME, RANK GN LEG E I S D I D S E N B A TTERS E L K C ING. IN BLO WRITE IBLY. P.O.W. R O F P IT CAM TRANS 1979 3 ) — in ere 1 d e d FP. Nr. 12/43 n / ly wou From h Date 12 soner — slight erfect health. days to p i I am pr ptivity, but in ing the next few ll give a c ur sha German e transported d ess of which I ers and can t r I shall b camp, the add an get your let c another . Only there I r you late them. reply to st regards Kinde
WORLD WAR II Army Tank Corps were stilted and almost as if the writer were following guidelines set by his captors. The first message he sent back to his uncle and aunt, Rufus and Regency Perkins (who at the time were living in Westport), was actually typed. It was written from a transit camp for POWs and was likely a form card sent by the Germans. Upon his release at the end of the war, Bunch was discharged from the Army and returned to south central Indiana to resume living with the Perkins family. Prior to the start of the war, the Perkinses had brought their nephew to live with them in Indiana because of the
harsh economic conditions in Kentucky during the Great Depression. After the war he worked for a short time at Sunshine Grocery in Columbus, which was owned by Rufus Perkins, but later decided to re-enlist in the Army. He eventually retired as a master sergeant and returned to Columbus, where he lived from 1964 to 1968. He left Columbus to return to his Kentucky roots. He died and is buried in Barren County, Ky. Correspondence and information about James Thomas Bunch were provided by Martha Ann Sebastian, Columbus.
Kriegsg e Datum: fangenenlager Hello fo March 27, 194 am still lks. Just a fe 4 w all the f well and I hop words to let y p olks hel o Tom lo. I hop ing to see you u all know I al e to hea r from y l soon. Tell ou all s oon. Kriegsg efangel enlager Datum: Hello F April 2, 1944 know I olks Just hav e a one hel m still well an a few words to lo d hear fro and answer s in good healt let you all h o m home . Tom on for I sure w . Tell every ould lik e to Kriegsg efangen Datum: enlager Hello F April 17, 1944 are wel olks here is a l mail I s this leaves me few lines hopp i u to see a re will be glad fine I have nev ng you all er ll of you t soon. To o hear from yo got any u all. I m hope
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thomas M. Carmichael
A
common thread among many of the families of those killed in action has been the desire to know the circumstances of their loved one’s death.
Thomas Murry Carmichael, of Columbus, was killed in action July 24, 1944, while part of the invasion force of Saipan in the Pacific Theater.
4
Nov 1. 194
e are all hael. W ic . is m r e a n C o . y s Dear Mr to find out how ever e, and everyone r A few lines is sorta cool down he Murrys death, I t it s to fine, excep ave colds. In regard st buddy wrote to h e down here information as his b g: in have a little d told her the follow hen he was shot w n my sister a ing right beside him no use. He did not “I was lay help him, but it was eside him, in fact to ht b and I tried for I was laying rig another, and when w suffer I kno ctically touching one nd Murry’s folks, a a we were pr e I want to meet you way Murry talked I come hom are all swell from the I know you n’t you? I o d s u ll te . about you it was nice of him to him to write to you g I thought night tellin ppose Murry told to im h to n u have writte to. I know he will. I s er. His name is PDC e if he’d car im sometime or anoth rolina. Have you a h you about ackley from North C e you are all fine. B op John Mack er back already? I h tt gotten a le n you can Bye Now. Love Aline e h Answer w
We Salute Our Veterans!
WORLD WAR II Army, Pacific Theater
In the following letter, a family friend wrote to his mother, Clora Carmichael, passing on information about his death from a fellow soldier who was with Carmichael when he was killed. He described the circumstances and in a phrase that was often used by soldiers in such circumstances, assured the Columbus woman that her son “did not suffer.” Thomas Murry Carmichael
(within First Lutheran Church)
www.justfriendscolumbus.com
was 20 years old when he was killed. His name was passed on to a nephew born in 1949 — James Murry Carmichael. In 1969 James Murry Carmichael was killed in an auto accident. He was 20 years old. The following letter and information about the family was provided by Alice Lamb of Columbus, a niece to Thomas Murry Carmichael and a brother of James Murry Carmichael.
Thank You s n a r e Vet CPL Christopher J. Moore US Marines Now Serving in Afghanistan WHEN QUALITY & PRICE ARE IMPORTANT SHOP —
812-372-6415
3600 25th Street, Columbus, IN 47203
27
Monday - Saturday 9:30-6 • Friday 9:30-8 • Sunday 1-5
812-372-9179
We will be closed Sunday & Monday May30th & 31th
28
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Charles Brown
T
he horrors of war were described in the following letter to his father in Oklahoma from Charles Brown, serving with the Army during the
Korean War in 1953. Brown enlisted in the Army at the age of 16, according to his niece, Debbie Kleinschmidt of Columbus. “Heaven only knows why he June 1, 1953 Korea
Dear Dad and Family: Well, Dad, I am sorry that I haven’t written sooner but I am lucky to be writing at all after what we have been through these last few days. Got a letter from you yesterday saying that you were going on vacation May 29th. As long as I live I will never forget that day. That is the day I really got my baptism of fire. I had been on the line before and even killed one of the enemy but I have never seen anything like what happened that day. Baker Company attacked “Elko and Carson” that day and I was assigned to go along with them and lay wire. If my wire chief hadn’t been late getting the wire up to me, well I wouldn’t be writing now. Baker had started the attack when I got the wire and started to catch them. Well, Dad, to make a long story short Baker started out with 235 men and came in with 20. The Chinese cut us to pieces with their mortars and artillery. There was a rice patty about 500 yards long that you had to cross, and every time you crossed it the Chinese would snipe at you with mortars. I crossed it 5 times and got fired at every time. There were a lot of dead Turks out there. When I finally got to Baker, well there wasn’t any Baker. I was interviewed by two newspapermen that night. They said they were going to send you some copies of the paper. They were the Associated Press and the United Press. I was the last man to come out of the canyon alive. Well, Dad, I gotta close and get some sleep. 2 hours sleep in 4 days doesn’t help much. Love, Your Son, Charles
We Salute Our Veterans!
Cummings Lighting & Design Center
A Weber Certified Alliance Dealer Make your cookouts great with a premium Weber grill. U.S. 31, 2 mi. North of 50 in Seymour • 812.523.1034 Mon.–Fri. 8–5, Sat. 8–2 www.cummingslighthouse.com
KOREAN WAR Army History of Korean War, Page 34 thought that was a good idea,” Kleinschmidt said. “My grandfather had remarried, and probably home life wasn’t the best in the world.” Brown’s unit was caught in the fierce battle for Carson Canyon in Korea. An attack by Chinese infantry virtually wiped out his entire unit. He recounted that experience in a letter to his father. Brown lived in Oklahoma after being discharged from the service, but other family members moved to southern Indiana, including a sister, Ja-
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Charles Brown, front left, posed with his Army buddies during a break in the Korean War.
quetta “Jackie” Brown (Furnish) Schoolcraft, who lived in Columbus from 1975 to 1990.
Serving the Community Since 1860
RUST RUS T~UNGER MONUMENTS www.rust-ungermonuments.com
Thanks to all those who have given their lives for our freedom. 2421 10th Street, Columbus 812-379-4151 Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm Saturday • 9 am - Noon
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Bruce Harris
B
ruce Randall Harris graduated from Columbus High School in 1966 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in April 1967. He received training in reconnaissance, underwater demolition and paratrooping and was assigned to the 4th Marines. His father, former Columbus Fire Chief Edgar Harris, received a handwritten will from his son two days before Christmas 1967 with instructions not to open it unless
VIETNAM WAR 4th Marines
notified by the Marines. He was killed Jan. 2, 1968, by rifle fire when his unit was ambushed on a reconnaissance mission near Kai Phu Bia, Vietnam. He died the day a New Year’s truce was signed. In these letters to his father and other family members he wrote about the experiences of his combat. The letters were submitted by his sister, Gail Day, of Columbus.
History of Vietnam War, Page 34 1967
Dear D a Well. W d, Pauline & K e n Nov. 8th zeroed o are sitting a ids, ng Reco st s, i 1967 d e i b k r u d o r & n u weapon nd doin r la ne fi i o l r e t u h a t a I p P r s g s t , till have a rs ad d fo n’t rece nd have a nig nothing. We ju Dear D ent out on my fi ut. My Sgt. sai B a r b st . ht patro i ved any Hope to ain. g a l w t Well I w point and sco t s o n o o i n o r o T i d from a g n. he ra . I’m p . iven ny of yo ht. are mov ins haven’t rea I was g I did real well night ambush d we are all u or ing out lly start a t n u a n o o e l e i o h m g o i e t f d There is for aw ow we off. n’t too mhere on the 15t yet and they s t i t i Tomorr re holding off h t o y l ay we wait un h. uch for a e real eady s n W i t . i a t l m r a I e e e r r ec address to g Th alr of Farm eive your lette say — I guess eam are and they say I t . y e r p fi p a W y rs h B I’ illiams’ s in m onths to get S ureau and hav . Send me the m ll have d a h The guy eterans of 8 m i y t e t teve ma e o me. . t and th ev iling ad Pauline call o ailing They ar stuff real well y ins. allotmen will start so in S d ver to ure wis ress in N y l t m l i m h i n e w a I w r o m I c o u n o s c n and sen an’t. uld be h k which e I’m d agai d ome for I checke tten it. This tim s start arriving next $25 I T w h a a nksgivin tc the eck rgo g but I ing blow hed a man die done fo er when my ch a month) pay tional. I want just a li n 0 a b a 2 N m p 1 e t a $ s c r r t e i w t ttle whi u D F from en ords I’l le pay off ome. ing (abo e l be send d and start to nds arrive at h items: light- at thy ha never forget M my artillery. H ago from beo pains, a nds cheerfully y Lord God e e muttered th ins peri if any of my bo ouple of more intbrush. , i v n c a thee to d sufferings w willingly, with en now I acce s to know what I need a small 1-inch p b p h al e t atever k Guess d flints and a you soon. ind of d l it’s anxieties, After th mine. e b n d m a r eath ma twenty f ese few word er fluid ope to hear fro e and study ha hy I’m y please s e e h w h v t e behind is ha d e s i s e Well b e d h o n a t b i v y p s e been m him wh kid hap en it ha my side. I was e. Tell the freedom and orth while. W s ppened y r only ite soon wa w eir a n d a Love al dy n i t d cause th I want it to be As Mac could d Ran Arthur behave. w here an o s a r ry I’m t i ? o mean d I shall return g along n i m o c & So stubbor ter n to die shall I. Don’t the win s i w o . P.S. H P.S. Tel l
the kids
Love Randy I send m y love
29
30
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Bill Stahl
VIETNAM Navy, USS Ajax AR6 , 1969
r 10 Octobe
da ail. I ha r m r o f ay fo l good d ll thanking us a e r a s ne wa y. This m Mrs. O’Don a d o : t l a l r i e e drank Dear B ived your lett s and one fro w d n a t h d We rece m Aunt France Sat. nig ood they coul r e n n i d o g r so for letter f hem down. K of C aid, they were e h t t run o g t havin down . She s st about s m u j k e n h e i t v r a k d Ih We too f after dinner estions u q y o n e a om ? coupl a habit. d you s e k Vietnam e s r a a m e e o n v a e bec h r we e Bill I u know ile you o h Y w . s Well ge p i n h o es esti leave th hout qu t o i out. t w t e s g g ou thin n’t livs i e Didn’t y it like there? l me all these o me. h S n. l t inzelma t wont be long e H What is w you could te ould be news y d u wJ ell i w You kno outine to you eeting and I sa know that. W r. y r h longe c u what is ht I went to a m ose you alread m e tb at p t it won this week. Th u Last nig me now. I sup be home. B . r a e d or snt o ll is y he impact of war on those back home is ing at h boy friend wi ming home th ain R.E. Crawf f course that i o t r o t e p c u illustrated in this letter from Lola Stahl of a h e b l unti ou wer letter from C ship is doing y h s e i r w Indianapolis to her son, Bill, who was servroup a es I sure ived a Review to what the g l a r o C s ing in the Navy during the war in Vietnam. on he We rece a lot of news a orrow t nerally have t b ing m o T . Bill Stahl, who has lived in Columbus for almost 40 s s Tietz’ poor. We ge at. We are go t gives u . a b u l years and retired from Cummins Inc. two years ago, h g l oc persona we are going t are they gettin rs. But guess w . served for four years aboard the USS Ajax AR6, an , s Tonight cook out. Boy n to hamburge the hamburger auxiliary repair ship patrolling the coasts of Japan a having have come dowas to help cook ce? and Vietnam. i but they . Besides dad h ain got in serv “We sometimes went into areas like the Cam C Maro t n any way ch longer has w o Ranh Bay (Vietnam), and ships would just pull up ? oing d operated u o g m k i m h w a c o t I i H alongside to be repaired,” Stahl said. “Sometimes onday, e right. is being marry M Did he pelled her nam e a busy one. M a friend who they’d be stacked up behind one another.” und h s b t o i I o h t w e y l p a g a r o n t i i G He was stationed on the Ajax for four years, H o the hosp eek is g ark on a going to P l l i which increased the anxiety level of his loved M Next w he is going to Spring ay we will be S o . t s t g e n r i ones in Indiana. ga h is go d then Saturd c r u h c t a “I think that when she wrote this letter (in an on. t our club one all day – s. u k o y c b a i a d D s 1969), she was just anxious to know when I s e g o Tu lippin oing t ill be g c g w e e r h d t a n t I a e would be coming home.” Bus, d and ? Did you g a D t a h . t s Illinois I know after from the state s As far a get much news on. Do you disaster? estigati hen you can. Sasebo. v n i e n n a a ng to te w the pl ow havi se for now wri u to get back n e r a y r yo clo The ll I will ery anxious fo i B l l e v W Yoko is I guess ove L Lots of d Dad Mom an
T
Lee Shipman
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
31
COLD WAR Navy
Art of letter-writing grew during Cold War
R
uth Shipman is adept at writing short and concise letters. It is a skill the Columbus schoolteacher developed out of necessity brought about by the Cold War in the second half of the 20th century. In order to communicate with her husband, Lee, while he was on one of a series of periodic cruises with the U.S. Navy, she had to limit her letters to 40 words. What’s more, she could send no more than eight of those 40-word messages during time spans that were usually several months in length. At the time in the early 1980s, Lee Shipman was assigned to the USS Benjamin Franklin, a nuclear submarine attached to the Atlantic Fleet. “Our patrols usually lasted for months,” remembered Lee, who now works at Cummins Inc. “For almost that entire time we would be in a run silentrun deep mode.” In other words, he and his crew were deep underwater and about as out of touch with the rest of the world as you can get. Needless to say, traditional mail delivery was not part of the cruise. Familygrams, however, were. Familygrams were Navy-speak for telegrams but minus the stops. Messages from loved ones to service members aboard the subs were delivered electronically, and traffic was extremely limited. “Each crew member was allowed to receive eight familygrams on a typical patrol, and Lee was fortunate that one of his friends was single,” Ruth said. “He said that it was more important for Lee to get messages from me, so he in effect turned his allotment of eight messages to us.”
It wasn’t exactly what the Navy had in mind. Ruth addressed the eight borrowed familygrams to her husband’s friend, Wade Kukie. “I was able to share more with Lee this way, but the friend did ask one favor,” Ruth said. “He was a big college basketball fan and wanted to keep up on things like scores and rankings.” In one familygram for Lee but addressed to Wade, Ruth mixed reports of a friend giving birth and the running condition of their car with a listing of the top 20 college basketball teams. “You really had to be creative in getting a lot of information in the message,” Ruth said. “I developed this method of running words together and putting them in a space that was to be used only for one word.” The couple also developed their own private codes in order to get material past at least three naval officers assigned to read all messages sent to submarines. “They urged everybody to avoid risqué messages and limited the kind of information they wanted the crew member to receive while on patrol,” Lee said. “One factor was that there was nothing private about these familygrams. They were not only read in advance by officers and the individuals transmiting and recording the messages, but every one of them was sent to every submarine on patrol in the Atlantic Fleet.” For instance, family members couldn’t announce in a familygram that the crew member had just become a father. On the other hand, birth announcements for their relatives or friends were acceptable. Families also couldn’t use them to
A Veteran’s Salute
deliver bad news such as the death of a close friend or family member. Such news could be devastating to the morale of a submariner who had to live in extremely crowded quarters. Even minor injuries or illnesses could be reported only when the patient was fully recovered. There were means of alerting the crew member to a tragedy, but it had to be through the Red Cross and a complicated chain of command that eventually delivered the information to the submarine commander who was better equipped to tell the service member. Lee was discharged from the Navy in 1983. The couple moved to Columbus in 1995. Lee still has his old familygrams — reminders of a time when run-on words and sentences were more a blessing than a grammatical error.
JOEL PHILIPPSEN | THE REPUBLIC
Ruth and Lee Shipman stand at the Bartholomew County War Memorial.
Got landscaping projects?
Go to Got Rocks! DYED BLACK MULCH DYED RED MULCH CEDAR MULCH BEST PRICES IN TOWN
from Silver Oaks Health Campus Compassionately Committed to Excellence in Customer Service!
SERVICES INCLUDE Assisted Living • Memory Care Long Term Care • Transitional Care Adult Day Services • Respite Care
2011 Chapa Drive, Columbus 373-0787 www.trilogyhs.com
QUALITY MULCH AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
North State Road 11 • 812-372-7508 7:30-4:30 Mon.-Fri. • 8:00-1:00 Saturday
www.nugentsand.com
32
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Bartholomew County War Memorial
JOEL PHILIPPSEN | THE REPUBLIC
Bartholomew County War Memorial columns reach skyward.
The county’s war dead whose names appear on the Bartholomew County War Memorial: DONALD D. ALVIS JOSEPH ANDERSON JOHN ARRINGTON DAVID ASKEW JESSE BAKER RUFUS BAKER RAYMOND BARBOUR ROBERT D. BARKES JOHN A. BARLOW CLARENCE BELL EDWARD BLAIR HOWARD BOXMAN GLENN BOWERS, JR. JAMES E. BREWER
RONDAL C. BROWN WILLIAM BROWN ELBERT BUMBALOUGH FORREST BURNS STEVEN BURTON ALBERT CAMPFIELD THOMAS CARMICHAEL T. DELMONTE CARPENTER GARNETT CAVENDER DENNIS CHOMEL DONALD G. CLARK HARLEY CLARK MERLE CLARK HUGO CLAYCAMP JESSE COCHRAN ROBERT CODY EARL COLTER JOHN COX BEN CROUCH
JOHN CRUMP PETER DAUM RALPH L. DENNY JERRY DOWNS FRANKLIN DULONG JACK DURBIN GERALD ECKELMAN HERSCHEL ECKELMAN CARL ECKELMAN STEVEN C. EPPERSON AARON ESSEX ROBERT FERRENBURG DONALD FIELDS CURTIS FINDLEY WILLIAM FISHER JOHN FUEL FRANK GASTON WALTER GOLDEN JEFFREY GOSSETT
FREDRICK GRAHAM LEONARD GRAHAM AVERY GREEN DELMAR GREEN WILBUR GUTHRIE GORDON HAGGARD WILLIAM HALE EARL HALL ERNEST HALL RANDALL HARRIS DONALD HARRISON ROBERT HAYES CARL HEAGY RUSSELL HENDERSON RALPH HILL WAYNE HILL JACK HOGAN GEORGE W. HORTON See MEMORIAL on Page 33
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
33
MEMORIAL Continued from Page 32
JOHN HOVIS JACKIE HULSE JAMES ROBERT HUNT ARTHUR HUNTER GEORGE IRWIN JESSE JENKINS EDGAR JONES DAMON JUDD LOWELL KANOUSE ARTHUR KELLER FREDERICK KELLER GROVER KINNEY CHESTER LANE ROBERT W. LANGWELL JAMES LARKIN CHARLES LEMING ROBERT LIND HUBERT W. LOESCH HARLEY LONG WILLIAM LUCAS CARL MCMILLAN CHESTER MCNEALY
JEREMY MCQUEARY JOSEPH MACY WILLIAM MADDOCK LOWELL MAHONEY CASSIUS N. MARLIN JONATHAN MENKE ERVEN MEYER MARTIN MILLER ROBERT MILLER MARVIN MONROE DONALD LEE MOORE MAX MOUSER ORVILLE MOYER PAUL NADING KARL NEUERT HERBERT NEWBY MILLARD NEWSOM FLOYD NOE NEAL NOLAND JEANNE LEWELLEN NORBECK VICTOR NYSEWANDER
JOHN F. OSTICK WALTER OTT, JR. GARY PACE CLARENCE PALMER HARRY PATRICK VIRGIL PHILLIPS LEO PLUNKETT WILLIAM PUMPHREY ALAN RANDALL HOMER REEDY MILTON REEVES RICHARD REGAN HOWARD RENO SHERMAN RHUDE MELVIN RICHESON FLOYD ROBERTSON FRANCIS ROBERTSON MAX ROBERTSON BERNARD ROSS JULIUS ROUPP FRANK SACHLABEN FRANCIS SCHEIDT
DAVID SCHLEHUSER JOSEPH SCHWARTZKOPF RAYMOND SCROGHINES EMMETT SHACKELFORD EDWIN SHARP RUSSELL SHEPHERD DONALD SHOAF CHARLES SMILEY REED L. SMITH, JR. ROBERT L. SMITH ROBERT SPICER JOHN STEARNS WILBUR STEINKAMP CHARLES STILLABOWER WALTER STILLABOWER JAMES STOUT JAMES STRINGER JOSEPH STROUP JOSEPH STUCKEY LOUIS TABOR GLEN TATEM WILLIAM THOMPSON
MAURICE THORNBURG ERNEST TRIMPE OSKAR TRIMPE JOHN TROTTER LOREN VOILES KENT VOYLES EVERETT WAGNER WILLIAM WEALES GREGORY WEISNER ELDON WHITIS FRANK WILCOXSON JOHN WILLIAMS REED WILLIAMS SAMPSON WILLOUGHBY CARL WILSON GEORGE W. WILSON ALVA WOODRUFF, JR. BENJAMIN WOEHRMAN LESLIE WOODS DON WRIGHT
Authorized Distributor
THANK YOU...
We remember all who have given
their lives to protect our country. SIMPLY
The Best!
to all men and women who have served our country.
INSTALL
STERLING
GARAGE DOORS Columbus
WE REPAIR ALL MAKES & MODELS
Corner of State St. & Behren Ct. in Columbus, Indiana
812.376.9868
24-Hour Emergency Service! Parts • Garage Doors • Openers
Honor Your Veteran
AMBULANCE
Flags, Flag Poles, Flag Cases & Accessories Now offering monuments
24 Hour Emergency Service
Fisher’s Flower Basket
WWW.STATAMBULANCE.COM
662 N. Gladstone Ave. • Columbus, IN P:812-372-6688 • F: 812-372-6897 fishersflowers@sbcglobal.net
Columbus (812) 379-9111 Toll Free (888) 650-9111
34
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wars of the Middle East, Asia
Korean War (1950-1953)
The Korean War was a military conflict between the Republic of Korea, supported by the United Nations; and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and People’s Republic of China, with air support from the Soviet Union. The war began on June 25, 1950, and an armistice was signed on July 27,1953. The war was a result of the political division of Korea by agreement of the victorious Allies at the conclusion of World War II. The United Nations, particularly the United States, came to the aid of the South Koreans in repelling the invasion; the People’s Republic of China came to the aid of Communist North. An armistice restored the border between the Koreas at the 38th Parallel and created the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, the Vietnam Conflict or the American War, was a Cold War military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from Nov. 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975, when Saigon fell. This war was fought between the communist North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist nations. The United States entered the war to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam. Operations spanned borders, with Laos and Cambodia heavily bombed. Involvement peaked in 1968 at the time of the Tet Offensive. The capture of Saigon by the North Vietnamese army in April 1975 marked the end of the war.
The war exacted a huge human cost in terms of fatalities, including 3 to 4 million Vietnamese from both sides, 1.5 to 2 million Laotians and Cambodians, and 58,159 U.S. soldiers.
Desert Storm (1990-1991)
Commonly referred to as the Gulf War, also known as the First Gulf War and commonly as Desert Storm for the military response, was the final conflict, which was initiated with United Nations authorization, by a coalition force from 34 nations against Iraq, with the expressed purpose of expelling Iraqi forces from Kuwait after its invasion and annexation on Aug. 2, 1990. The invasion of Kuwait was met with international condemnation, and brought immediate economic sanctions against Iraq by members of the U.N. Security Council. U.S. President George H. W. Bush deployed American forces to Saudi Arabia and urged other countries to send their own forces to the scene. The initial conflict to expel Iraqi troops from Kuwait began with an aerial bombardment on Jan. 17, 1991. This was followed by a ground assault on Feb. 23. Coalition forces liberated Kuwait and advanced into Iraqi territory. The coalition ceased its advance, and declared a cease-fire 100 hours after the ground campaign started.
Iraq War
(2003-present) The Iraq War, also known as the Occupation of Iraq, The Second Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn is an ongoing military campaign which began on March 20, 2003, with the invasion of Iraq by a multinational force led by troops from the United States and the
United Kingdom. Prior to the war, the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom claimed that Iraq’s alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to their security and that of their coalition/regional allies. No such weapons were ever found. The invasion of Iraq led to an occupation and the eventual capture of President Saddam Hussein, who was later tried in an Iraqi court of law and executed by the new Iraqi government. In late February 2009, President Barack Obama announced an 18-month withdrawal window for combat forces.
Afghan War
(2001-present) The War in Afghanistan is an ongoing coalition conflict, as the
U.S. military’s Operation Enduring Freedom that was launched, along with the British military, in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S. U.S. and coalition forces, working with the Afghan opposition forces of the Northern Alliance, quickly ousted the Taliban regime. The character of the war later shifted to an effort aimed at smothering insurgency, in which the insurgents preferred not to directly confront the International Security Assistance Force troops, but blended into the local population and mainly used improvised explosive devices and suicide bombings. The stated aim of the invasion was to find Osama bin Laden and other high-ranking Al-Qaeda members to be put on trial, to destroy the whole organization of Al-Qaeda, and to remove the Taliban regime which supported and gave safe harbor to Al-Qaeda.
THANK YOU VETERANS from Window World
We support the Veterans Airlift Program. It provides flight service to injured members of the service and their families as needed.
www.veteransairlift.org
1636 State St., Suite G • 812-372-0008 1-800-NEXT-WINDOW • www.windowworldinc.com
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Mark Pillar
DESERT STORM Air Force Reserve
R
etired Maj. Gen. Mark Pillar, U.S. Air Force Reserve, flew combat missions in Vietnam and later in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm. The Columbus resident closed out his military career as mobilization assistant for the Air Force with offices in the Pentagon. During Desert Storm he was part of the crew flying a KC-135 Stratotanker that refueled coalition planes in the air. His plane was in the air when the attack was launched to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces. In this letter he wrote of his experiences in the Middle East to his wife, Linda.
Mark Pillar, right, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force in the early 1990s when this photo was shot, flew refueling missions over the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
35
0
, 199 Jan. 17
son The rea the . s l l e m all ce s this pla ter to irrigate da, y n i a L w r e a wa De s th on’t mis they use sewer t odor. e d e r u s I n than I’v a se s s u k a a e e c e l e p w b is ta wo it stinks d trees. It is no ore tennis in t has been pretty n m r plants a obably played s. The weathe r r uld a p I’ve en it wo st 10 ye eek. h a l w e d h t e r w u n in played e the rain last pretty much fig had it right o e c m e n v good si r the news. We ct, I would ha 4 hours for so Now fo a matter of fa pushed it back m for an 8:30 & As ey 6p kick off. n except that th alled at about rather somber ike c s L o the butt nyway, we got on the bus wa fessionalism. d o n g A r reason. ime. The feelin ng feeling of p t it over with, a t r o e i r g g e t briefin here was a s et’s go do it, as left with th l e.T serious a job to do so us, everyone w ission and pr b m e v “we ha safely.” On the prepare for the the day before ut k get bac ghts on how to e had found o gether to u W to we got s we would own tho the job ahead. o s s u th tic pare for ld be in cell wi iques and tac ul. Our n u pf h who wo rocedures, tec t was very hel 1st bombs I p e discuss the day came. n the 17th. Th the refuelo n o use whe off at 2:40 am e on our way t F-111’s E r k e cell too at 3 am. We w d. We refueled trike e S dropped when it happen ing and F-15E acks r t ing area e used for jamm The refueling there r d s. which a hich hit target the border an f w Eagles enough south o r were fa
were at l were th east 2 layers o f er about a e to defend us F-15’s between s threat b what to ut at the o we weren’t r us and Iraq wh ea e i sion act xpect so there same time, we lly concerned ch was a c really d ually. I e i t each ot her. We hink our great rtain amount o dn’t know est conc launche f appreh non rad er d a e recover r environment a large numbe n was running nr of airc ing in a flying in into ra st there in v the refu eady stream. W ery close prox ft into a erything imity an eling ar e could e d n largest went extremely a but we did se ’t see a lot up si e as we th ngle air strike well. They told a few strikes. E in histo u ought it ry. It wa s that this wa vthan a t w o u l d st b ra s flew our ining mission e. As a matter n’t nearly as h he o ec o f trying t mission, and c ver here becau fact it was ea tic am o si s grounde get clearances e back and la e we just took er o n d f the sky. all civilian tr rom Saudi con ded instead of ff, affic so trollers Anyway .T we ,t ment wh en it wa here was a gre were the only hey also & watc h CNN s all over. We w at feeling of ac aircraft in to see w c Please hat had ere all anxious omplishd o n ’ t happen worry a to get b left of h ed ack b is of the s Air Force or m out me. There’ . kies s ha iss It was g and plenty of iles. We have c rdly anything surprise reat to talk to fighter protec omplete cont tio rol d y bors. It’ with the respo ou this mornin n. s n g one is l heartwarming se from all ou . I’m genuinel ooking r out for and comfortin friends and n y you whi e g le I’m g to know that ighsomeone.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM PILLAR, PAGE 36
36
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
, Jan. 18
1990
a phone o t o g e nda: ent t tter, w Dear Li writing the le orning so I w ed m s h As I wa y early in the leep. We launc tfl s o s ea call to g t about 3 hour response to th first, o e bed. I g mass gaggle in ly as big as th aining r r m a anothe srael. Not ne ing for the re t was I k r tack on of fighters loo Again, our pa -18’s t . but a lo sile launchers unch of Navy F ffloads o b i scud m We refueled a e gills. We’ve h routine. ere loaded to t t part . which w of a lot of gas nt to a differen were e ll ed a he he flight, we w eled. While we buildAfter t ort to get refu the security ery of irp ev of the a we went inside di guards wer us r u , waiting t down. The Sa ey made tea fo . When i h ing to s and cordial. T r as we chatted e had e friendly rank it togeth rrive, I knew w ’t want d n a and we food start to stay but I did lly e o a I saw th ave. I wanted t itality. They re plane, better le e on their hosp taxied our air ifferent e s d to impo y nice. After w ther one to a ack to o b r n e were v tuck taxiing a t the 5 pm bus 13 hr s we got spot. We caugh for a very long to bed. parking ound. It made e letter and go onding h p b the com ow I’ll finish t h of this male e fen day. So d about enoug ready for som ly great I’ve ha lifetime. I’m ave been real . fun sh st a .... to la ding. The guy ve had a lot of n ’ male bo ong with & we l to get a
We at Elite Curb thank our Veterans for their dedication.
Buster out for said somethin 3 g If you s weeks. We al about no mai l e l one pac nd a package I hope that’s no in or t ket of D would w true. battery u tester o ra-cell AA ba ant my watch , tt n the pa Pre-swe ckage, 3 eries with the e t e n e d of Anto Cherry large c n K cigars. io & Cleopatr ool-Aid and 2 ans of a I There’s got those at K Grenadeer Da boxes -M no rk I should t much else I c art in Fayettev an thin ille. add t around here & hat security ha k of. gassed w by the b e’re too far a s picked up way to astards That’s get . ting tog about all I ha v e cards fr ther a news-le e for now. Spu d o t funny w m the Edge of ter for the unit is put,“ ith Re I got a h mostly inside ality.” It’s pret Postty who com aircut the ot jokes. h e e needing s to your hou r day from a Fil se an Hope a other for quite to do it. I won ipino talking ll is going we some time. ’t be t l one oth o everyone Sun l, I look forewa e of jeans r thing I need. day & just tho rd to u sual sla or even better Send me either ght of c t pair & ks that I wear hose blue cotto a pair the aro n I love y light blue pair und. I have th caou all a e . nd miss Send the blue gray . you ver P.S. We y much. have Bu ffs here Love, M now. ark
Were Proud To Serve You... 1602 State St. Columbus 376-6386
Rick Caldwell Sat. 14 Oct. 2006 I have always had a goal in my military career to reach 30 years of service and to make Sergeant Major rank. I have been fortunate to do both. I have one of the most important jobs in the military. I must express leading, caring, training, and retaining in my day to day dealing with soldiers. I must always set the example. We have 7 Army values that are instilled in my mind until I retire from the service. I must have loyalty, fulfill my duty, show respect, have selfless service, live up to my honor, have above all integrity, and never lose my personal courage. When I found out my unit would be deployed … I embraced the opportunity. It’s true that I am older than the average soldier, but I know that I can still make a difference in a person’s life. I am reminded of a thought: “The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and their destination.” I am deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Our mission has now turned into “Operation Enduring Freedom.” Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated with it than Iraq. I know I can still make a difference in my life for someone, somewhere, somehow. Friendship is my only true gift to others. When we began this adventure called Life, we had no idea of the incredible joys and sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need
THE REPUBLIC FILE PHOTO
2007 Ethnic Expo parade marshal Rick Caldwell gives the thumbs up.
each other. We have many experienced and trained reserve soldiers, that have been converted into dedicated and committed, professional, active duty soldiers. Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which they have overcome while trying to succeed. When I arrived in country, I was assigned as the NCOIC and Sheriff of Camp Liberty, which is the biggest land mass for life support of soldiers, that are based within the Camp Victory base complex. We housed over
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
37
DESERT STORM, IRAQ Army National Guard 20,000 troops within our three areas of operations. I oversaw the safety of the military and civilians housed on Camp Liberty. I made it a routine to make on the spot correction for the welfare of all personnel both military and civilian to include local nationals hired to support the Iraq cause. I liked the editorial cartoon of the old soldiers with the walker, saying old men are deployed to Iraq. I’m sure that I did not quote it right, but it was sent to me because of my hip replacement. We do not stop playing because we are old, we grow old because we stop playing. We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. I am not the young soldier that I used to be, but I can still be happy, continue to achieve success, laugh and find humor everyday. I still have a dream to be all I can be in the Army. I have always had a personal belief — if it is to be, it is up to me. You asked about the soldiers and what they feel about being here. They are proud to serve to help support the cause of freedom. They are scared like all of us because of the continuous mortars we receive routinely. Those who go outside the wire are subject to all the improvised explosive devices that had caused so many injuries and deaths to our forces. The cost of freedom can be high as so many have given the ultimate sacrifice. We know that we are making history with the new government of Iraq. So many future live are depending on us. I am very happy, that in this stage of my life and my military career, that I am able to provide good direction and enhance my commitment, to do
In this e-mail to a friend back in Columbus, Army Sgt. Maj. Rick Caldwell spoke in 2006 of the elements that motivated him and his fellow soldiers during the conflict in Iraq. Caldwell, who is the director of the city Department of Risk Management, was one of the older soldiers called to active duty in the war zone when his Indiana National Guard unit was activated. In his mid-50s he was old enough to be the grandfather of many of those who served with him. The tour in Iraq, during which he was an administrator over two base camps, was his second in the Middle East. He had earlier been assigned to a unit that was called to active duty for Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s. He retired from the military in 2007 after 32 years of service. my best for whatever my mission is, while I am here in Iraq. All the many soldiers I have met, all have the same common interest, to help the Iraqi people establish a new freedom in their country for everyone. Only a few insurgents are making the task take longer than anticipated. I know that I probably rambled on and maybe did not even get to what you were asking for. I am just so darn proud to be able to defend freedom no matter where it may call me. I am so thankful for all my many friends and family that have given me support and the many prayers while I am here. Respectfully, SGM Caldwell, Richard Al Faw Palace NCOIC Baghdad, Iraq
38
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
Jeremy McQueary January
AFGHANISTAN WAR Marine Corps
9, 2010 d
sion an day mis
M
arine Sgt. Jeremy McQueary was killed in action by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, Feb. 18, 2010. The following letter from the Columbus East graduate, who enlisted in the Marine Corps under a delayed entry program in his senior year of high school, was the last he would write to his mother, Deborah Kleinschmidt. In the letter he spoke of a post-war career that would be shared with his wife, Rae, and son, Hadley. Hadley was born in Columbus approximately a month before McQueary was deployed to Afghanistan for what turned out to be his final tour of duty. McQueary’s father was the late Dallas McQueary.
an 11 m o r f k c ba t came footlock e. s m a u j r e I o v f a Mom . waiting are you last un sent. I h Hi how s and 3 letters r all you have believe it will ages. fo nd ack oxe had 3 b you very much ne items now a nd any more p ugh Thank od and hygie eed you to se can’t get eno hing eI f fo ’t n nyt er full o e. So I shouldn es. It seems lik ever missed a ith him. n r w v til I lea ease send pictu s him like I’ve ust spend time en’t But pl Hadley. I mis e home and j here. We hav of om ays pictures can’t wait to c e same as alw w. an fight o h I before. hing is about t a few weeks n s killed 7 Talib e and Everyt t any IEDs in re the Marine lling 1 Marin he r hi y ki found o t left an area w retaliated toda se ere. The g them We jus unately they h r e v o llin win k. fort ers. Un g 7 in an attac hink we won’t t is their god te t i n woundi honest I really re and believe . e ery safe ck . h v d s d n u n a To be l t a n s l a from thi s carefu . My tru don’t w people s and repel us se I am alway ith stand a lot back to u u w to fight n’t worry beca very safe and I had to tow it some But do we drive are this time and of water and at lot cks The tru is not running ing through a its fuel. v r ll cold howeve have been dri it has water in e good. It’s sti ed to s r e base. W tely and I think n that things a t, but you get u o I a s rivers la yway, other th ost every nigh ll my blankets m n l a e But a ep outside a nd I hav a s e t l s n e e t t wait to g/ and w ep in 2 man ’ n a c I e k? in it. We sl m. e a truc and my camp m t h g u r y stay wa u hear Rae bo g to be Hadle et Did yo hink it is goin sed to g r o p p t u s I m ca drive it. uck. g and a d to have a 2 ’t n i s u o r t h fishing d up for base e. It is suppose cited and can k I signe edroom hous . I am very ex enough in ran 3b ard gh a NEW nd fenced in y I am finally hi a s garage ove in. I gues es. r all the o f n i a m n g wait to e of the nice o . Thank you a tures please. g n c to get o better get goin id Hi. Send pi the time. I love a ll Well I everyone I s I pray a d n a l l e e f T boxes. worry, I am sa Don’t Jeremy you. soon. u o y e e S
MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 39
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
39
Jeremy McQueary
ANDREW LAKER | THE REPUBLIC
JOEL PHILIPPSEN | THE REPUBLIC
Debbie Kleinschmidt looks to the sky after being presented a flag in honor of her son Sgt. Jeremy R. McQueary during a Feb. 28 memorial service for the fallen Marine at Seasons Lodge in Nashville. At right is McQueary’s widow, Rae, and infant son Hadley.
A carving about Marine Sgt. Jeremy McQueary was made on the Bartholomew County War Memorial.
40
The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Unique Dental Experience Dr. Dipesh Sitaram graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry. Since then, he has enjoyed getting to know each of his patients and providing them with the excellent, gentle care they deserve. Dr. Sitaram knows what a BIG difference a great smile can make in your personal and professional life. It can improve your heath and boost your self-confidence, help you make better impressions on others, and enhance the overall quality of your life and well-being. Dr. Sitaram loves changing lives one smile at a time! Dr. Sitaram also understands that most people’s lives are busy and they have limited budgets. To accommodate you and your family, his practice focuses on convenience, comfort, and affordability. Dr. Sitaram works with your insurance and even files for you! We hope you’ll come in to our office soon to let us change everything you once thought about dental visits... Our beautiful office in Columbus is equipped with the latest in patient amenities for your comfort, as well as leading-edge dental technology for the advanced care you deserve. Dr. Sitaram and our team are friendly and efficient and we respect your busy schedule. PATIENTS of ALL AGES WELCOME • WE LOVE KIDS!
New
COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY • GUM TREATMENT
t f i G t n e i Pat
DENTAL IMPLANTS
FREE * ing Kit
ONE-VISIT CROWNS with CEREC®! 6 MONTH SMILES™ (Straight Teeth in ONLY 6 MONTHS!) TVs & DVDs in TREATMENT ROOMS CONVENIENT HOURS • EMERGENCIES WELCOME
en e WhiINt G, X-RAYS, & EXAM m o H Take ITIAL VISIT OF CLEAN * WITH IN
We look forward to meeting you! CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: