Remembrance Honor Roll Call - Part 4

The last and fourth part of this year's Remembrance Day project. It took me the longest to prepare it (considering all four parts) as it was rather difficult to find the information on some of the men depicted in the post. Anyway, here they are.

As many men as many stories.

Aviation Radioman 2nd Class 

Chester Ervay Evans 

The son of Mr. Sidney G Evans and Ms. Effie May Brown, born on 12 April 1923 in Eckert Community, Gillespie County, TX (1). He attended the country school there.

Chester joined the Navy on 26 October 1942. He completed the training in California: San Diego, San Fransisco, Memphis, Pensacola, and North Island.  The man was transferred overseas on 12 April 1944.

Chester E Evans was a radioman and gunner on a career-based Hellcat fighter/bomber. His aircraft unit stationed on USS Lexington. On 17 January 1945, the plane took off with a long-distance search mission in South China Sea. Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, radio contact with the crew became impossible. They were supposed to land in Lingayen, The Philippines, however, the bomber never reached the place. Presumably, they ran out of fuel and attempted to land on water in the Lingayen Gulf Area.

ARM 2nd/C Chester Ervay Evans was announced missing in action and presumed dead (2). His name is memorialized on the walls of Missing at the Manila American Cemetery. The Memorial certificate dedicated to Chester is available here.

Awarded: the Air Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

Memorial plaque, The Nimitz Museum, Fredericksburg, TX

 

Technical Sergeant Thomas Wilburn Miller

Thomas W Miller was born in Kendall County on 23 February 1913. His parents were John Thomas Miller and Amanda Kuebel. In 1920 the family still lived in Kendall Co., Mr. Miller was a farmer (3)

By 1930, they had all moved to Gillespie county, Thomas Miller, Wilburn's father worked as a truck driver (4).

Thomas W Miller was inducted into the Army on 14 April 1942 in San Antonio. The man was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps. The record informs that Thomas W Miller had completed grammar school (5).

T/Sgt was in a car crash which occurred on Highway # 21, not far from Crockett, TX, in the afternoon on 17 November 1945. The man died when he was transported to a nearby hospital. He was 32 years, 8 months and 8 days (6).

Awarded: the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation and the Army Good Conduct Medal

 

Master Sergeant Frank Chauncey French Jr. 

Frank C French was born in Utah on 11 August 1913 to parents Frank Chauncey Sr. and Theodore C Plamback. 

The man enlisted in the Army Air Forces on 29 April 1939.  In the registration record, he appears as a widower residing in Colorado. At that time he was employed at a leather manufacturing business (7).

On 24 June 1941, in Kimball, Kimball County, Nebraska,  Frank Jr. married Miss Emma Thekla Wilke of Gillespie County, TX (8).

Master Sergeant Frank C French Jr. served on "Miss Carriage", a B-17 plane, 43rd Bomber Group, Heavy 64th Bomber Squadron. On 1 December 1942, the crew of his plane was on a reconnaissance mission in the Buna and Gasmata area. They were reported "missing in action" when "Miss Carriage" did not return to the base. 

On 7 January 1946, Frank C French Jr. was declared dead. His name is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery (9).

Awarded: the Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 

 

Staff Sergeant Alberto August Henry Arhelger

 

Alberto came to this world on 29 July 1920 in the family of  Mr. Alfred Ahrelger and Ms. Bertha Koenig (10, 11). He was a direct descendant of the German pioneer Johann Jacob Arhelger. 

Mr. Alfred, his wife, and children lived in Justice Precinct #1, Gillespie County. Alfred, Alberto's father, was a foreman at the local Granite Quarry (12). Alberto completed the local grammar school and some time after that joined the Army.

According to the note posted in the Harper herald after Alberto's death, the man had served in the Army for 7 years, and at the Pacific war theater during 1945. S/Sgt. Alberto Arhelger was honorably discharged on 3 January 1946 and reenlisted on the same day. That is the only enlistment record regarding the soldier's service which I have managed to find. On 3 January Alberto was reenlisted in Fort Sam Houston for Hawaiian Department/ the Air Corps. His civilian occupation is given as "skilled in the manufacture of electrical machinery and accessories". Possibly, Alberto had served in the National Guard/Federal Service (13).

After the reenlistment Staff Sergeant Alberto Arhelger came back home for a short furlough. Tragically, he lost his life in a car crash which happened on 15 January 1946. He was buried in Fredericksburg, TX 3 days later (14).

Awarded: the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

 

Seaman Second Class Arron Charles Roeder (L)

Seaman Second Class Allen Willie Roeder (R)

 

The twins Arron and Allen (15) were born in San Antonio, Bexar County in October 1925. Allen's birth record (16) and the note published in the Boerne Star (17) say it was 10 October 1925, however, Arron's birth record informs he was born on 1 October (18). The boys' parents were Louis Peter Roeder and Olga Frantzen.

 

In 1930, Allen and Arron, their parents and step-siblings Harry and Lela, still lived in San Antonio. The father of the family worked as a carpenter (19). In 1933 the family moved to Boerne where the boys attended the local Balcones grade school and later, the Boerne High School which they completed in June 1944. During their school years, the boys were active in sports - Arron was a co-captain of the high school football team, Allen was an excellent pitcher of the baseball team.

 

After the graduation, the twins joined the US Navy (US Naval Reserve). They spent 7 weeks at the training camp in San Diego after which they came back home for a furlough. Subsequently, Arron and Allen Roeder received their assignment. The boys had asked not to be separated, the two of them were assigned to the service on the USS Bismarck Sea, an escort carrier.

 

The Roeder boys experienced the war front during the invasion of Layte, Luzon, and finally, Iwo Jima. On 21 February 1945, the USS Bismark Sea, with the escort carrier Task Group which included 5 other US crafts, was performing a routine mission on the Pacific Ocean. A kamikaze Japanese plane hit Bismarck Sea - the brohters Arron and Allen Roeder, and all the crew of their naval craft perished (20, 21).

 

The names of Seamen 2 Class Arron Charles Roeder and Allen Willie Roeder are memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. The Memorial Certificated dedicated to Allen Roeder is available here. Arron's Memorial Certificate is here.

Arron C Roeder was awarded: the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

Allen W Roeder was awarded: the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

 

First Lieutenant Victor H Haag

born on 9 December 1917, La Moure County North Dakota, to the family of Theodore M and Hildegarde A Haag. Three years later, the parents, Victor and his baby brother Francis EM still lived in LaMoure, ND. Mr. Theodore Haag was a clergyman (22). By 1930, the family had moved to Elgin, Bastrop, Texas where Victor's father served as a Lutheran pastor (23).

Young Victor Haag was a student of the Elgin High School. Later, when the Haags relocated to Fredericksburg, he continued his education in the local high school. Later, Victor attended the Lutheran college in Seguin. In 1940, he was registered with his family, the parents and 3 siblings (brothers, Francis and Kermit, and a sister, Adeline) during the Census. At that time, they lived in Fredericksburg, Justice Precinct #1, Gillespie, TX (24). In the same year Victor H Haag graduated from the Texas University with the bachelor's degree in pharmacy.

On 23 April 1941, the man married Miss Edna Irne Sandstorm (25). They lived at 608 Texas Avenue, Austin,  and Victor worked as a pharmacist at the Kelly Field Air Force Base.

Victor H Haag enrolled in the Air Force service in 1943. Soon, he became a pilot of a C-46 plane and was sent overseas to the China-India-Burma war theater in November 1944. 

First Lt. Victor Haag perished in a plane crash. It happened in Burma on 13 August 1945. Besides, the wife, Victor was survived by a 10-month-old daughter, his parents, and siblings.

Awarded: the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and the Army Good Conduct Medal

 GLORY TO THE FALLEN HEROES

Other parts of my Remembrance Day project:

 

Honor Roll Call - Part 1 

Honor Roll Call - Part 2

Honor Roll Call - Part 3

Resources:

1. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6P9-8MZ : 13 February 2020), Chester Ervay Evans, 1923.

2. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26481161/fredericksburg-standard/ 

3. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCSW-W9X : accessed 23 December 2020), Wilburn Miller in household of Tom J Miller, Kendall, Texas, United States; citing , sheet , line , family , NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll ; FHL microfilm.

4. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HYS4-7T2 : accessed 23 December 2020), Wilburn Miller in household of Tom Miller, Precinct 1, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 3, sheet 4B, line 87, family 109, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2335; FHL microfilm 2,342,069.  

5. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KMXM-X92 : 5 December 2014), Thomas W Miller, enlisted 14 Apr 1942, San Antonio, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

6. https://sites.rootsweb.com/~txgilles/MillerThomasWbio.html

7. Find a grave

8. "Nebraska Marriages, 1855-1995," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZP-J5Q2 : 28 November 2018), Frank Chauncey French and Emma Thekla Wilke, 24 Jun 1941; citing Marriage, Kimball, Kimball, Nebraska, United States, Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln; FHL microfilm 2,079,155.

9. HonorStates.org 

10. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6P9-C4F : 13 February 2020), Alberto August Henry Arhelger, 1920. 

11. "Texas Deaths and Burials, 1903-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6TD-3GQ : 13 February 2020), Alberto A.h. Arhelger S/sgt., 1946.

12. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HYM4-FPZ : accessed 22 December 2020), Alfred Arhelger, Precinct 1, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 3, sheet 10B, line 56, family 253, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2335; FHL microfilm 2,342,069.  

13. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8LC-775 : 5 December 2014), Alberto A H Arhelger, enlisted 03 Jan 1946, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland. 

14. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 31, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, January 25, 1946, newspaper, January 25, 1946; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135315/: accessed December 22, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

15. Clipping - Davis, Jack R. The Boerne Star (Boerne, Tex.), Vol. 40, No. 16, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 29, 1945, newspaper, March 29, 1945; Boerne, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth856362/: accessed December 28, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Patrick Heath Public Library. 

16. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VDSH-3DD : 5 December 2014), Allin Roeder, 10 Oct 1925; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.  

17. Davis, Jack R. The Boerne Star (Boerne, Tex.), Vol. 40, No. 18, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 12, 1945, newspaper, April 12, 1945; Boerne, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth856312/: accessed December 28, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Patrick Heath Public Library. 

18. "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V8ZZ-FFV : 1 January 2015), Aaron Roeder, 01 Oct 1925; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services.

19. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HPZ6-1MM : accessed 28 December 2020), Louis Roeder, San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 7, sheet 21A, line 11, family 363, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2291; FHL microfilm 2,342,025.

20. Findagrave.com 

21. Davis, Jack R. The Boerne Star (Boerne, Tex.), Vol. 40, No. 18, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 12, 1945, newspaper, April 12, 1945; Boerne, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth856312/: accessed December 28, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Patrick Heath Public Library. 

22. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC8T-LXP : accessed 18 December 2020), T M Haag, LaMoure, North Dakota, United States; citing ED 149, sheet 3A, line 23, family 49, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 1335; FHL microfilm 1,821,335.

23. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HP9T-R6Z : accessed 18 December 2020), Theodore M Haag, Elgin, Bastrop, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 11, sheet 12A, line 18, family 288, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2290; FHL microfilm 2,342,024.  

24. "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWV2-DL3 : 29 February 2020), Theo Haag, Fredericksburg, Justice Precinct 1, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 86-1A, sheet 3B, line 48, family 66, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 4040.

25. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXSD-X5Z : 22 January 2020), Victor H. Hoag, 1941.

26. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19513666/austin-american-statesman/

HonorStates.org

 

Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr

The book I am currently reading, "The English Texans" by T. Cutrer, includes some interesting information about the English who came to Texas. Many came back to England but not everybody. Among the ones, who enjoyed their life in Texas was Amelia E Barr, the author of "Remember the Alamo".

Amelia Edith Huddleston, the daughter of a Methodist preacher Rev. William Huddleston and Mary Singleton, was born on 29...

Posted by Gone To Texas on Saturday, December 12, 2020

Remembrance Honor Roll Call 3

The third part of my Remembrance Day project dedicated to the men and women of Gillespie County who perished during their WW2 service.

As many men, as many stories. 

 

Lt. Junior Grade Karl Kappus

 
Born on 2 October 1917 in Fredericksburg to the family of Adolph Chas Cappus and Hedwig Eberle (1).

 

Karl received his education in the town schools. He completed the Fredericksburg High School in 1936. In spring of 1942, he graduated with honors from San Antonio St. Mary's University with the Bachelor's degree in science. During his studies, Karl Kappus was a member of Delta Epsilon Sigma and Phi Chi fraternities. 

 

Karl joined the US Navy in the autumn, 1942. The man started his active sea duty in March 1943, he participated in the fights during the Wake, Saipan, Marchall, and Mariana Islands operations.

At the time of his death, Lt. Junior Grade Karl Kappus was the damage control officer on the USS Hull (3rd Fleet off Samar ). According, to the initial reports, the craft capsized in the waters of the Pacific, near the Philippines, during a typhoon, on 18 December 1944. Karl was reported missing.

 

His name was placed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery. The memorial certificate dedicated to Lt. Junior Grade Karl Kappus is available here. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal (2,3,4,5), Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

Private First Class Bruno Walter Wunderlich

 

Bruno was born at Morris Ranch on 23 April 1918. His parents were Otto Wunderlich and Minnie Priess (6). The family lived in the Wolf Creek community. The baby boy was baptized in the Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. When Bruno graduated from the community school, he assisted his parents at the family farm.

When he was 24, the man was enlisted in fort Sam Houston on 22 June 1942 (7). After that, Bruno trained with the Air Forces at Sheppard Field, Salt Lake City, Utah; Topeka, Kansas: Fairmont, Nebraska. At first, the soldier served with the Air Force Military Police, when in Nebraska, PFC Bruno W Wunderlich was reassigned to the 157 Infantry. After the training time in Texas, Bruno visited his family during a five-day furlough.

Bruno Walter Wunderlich died of wounds received in combat in Germany on 27 March 1945. His body was transferred and laid at the American Cemetery in France. Memorial services for the perished soldier were also held at the Holy Ghost Lutheran Church on Sunday morning, 14 April, with the assistance of the American legion members.

While in service, Private First Class Bruno Walter Wunderlich was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, and Army Presidential Unit Citation (8).

 

Technician 5th Grade Harry T Klein

 

Harry Theodore was born on 1 July 1914 to parents Christian Klein and Emma Mosel (9). The boy was the fifth child in the family. He received his education at the Tivydale primary school. In 1920, the Klein family was registered at the time of the census. They lived in Justice Precinct #8, Gillespie County. Mr. Christian Klein, the father, was a farmer. Will had four older siblings - a sister, Meta, and brothers, Chester, Harvey, and Eugene. Mabel and Elizabeth were his baby sisters (10).

 

When school days ended, Harry helped his parents at the family farm. Mrs. Emma Klein, the boy's mother, passed on 29 May 1939. Harry Theodore was about 25 then (11).

 

At the age of 28, Harry got married to Miss Rita Clara Roeder. It happened on 7 February 1942 (12).

A few months later, on 11 November, Harry T Klein enlisted in the Army. He received his training in Camp Wallace, Fort Bliss, TX; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Finally, in February 1945, the soldier and his Coast Artillery Coast were deployed overseas.

T 5/G H Klein saw the battlefields in many European countries including England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, and Germany. He served as a cook of the coast artillery anti-craft unit.

Harry died of wounds received in combat action which took place in Germany on 18 April 1945. He was 30 years 9 months and 13 days (13).

Technician 5th Grade Harry T Klein was awarded Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and Navy Expeditionary Medal.

Private First Class Will G Bird

 

He was the son of William Gip Bird and Maude May Sullivan, born in Eckert, Gillespie County on 12 March 1913 (14).

Will's parents owned a hotel. William Gip, the father, died two months before the boy's 13th birthday. After his passing, the mother was registered during the census as the hotel proprietor. Maude may Sullivan lived with her four children in Precinct #3 of Gillespie County then.

Will Bird graduated from Fredericksburg High School. The young man was a talented musician, he was a member of various dance bands including The Gillespie County dance band in which he played the piano and bass violin.

Will G Bird joined the US Marine Corps on 5 December 1942 in Dallas. After the initial training at the camp at San Diego, CA, he was sent to the US Naval Station situated at Whidbey Island, Washington. Next, PFC Bird was transferred to Guadalcanal where he fought in the Pacific battles.

During the service, the man's musical talent was appreciated as well. Will played in the 1st Marine Division "Swing Band".

Private First Class Will G Bird perished in action on 2 May 1945, while performing his military duties on Okinawa (15). He was 22 years old.

Will came back to Texas - he found his resting place at the Fort Sam Houston National cemetery.

Private Alvin W Moldenhauer

was born in Blanco County to William Moldenhauer and Alma Herbort on 8 February 1910 (16).

Alvin joined the Army in 1936, he served with the 59th Coast Artillery. In February 1940 he spent a furlough at the family home (17). 

On the 28th day of the month, the soldier came back to his base. A few months later, on 9 April, he was recorded during the 1940 census. Alvin was stationed at Sausalito Judicial Township, Marin California (18).

Not long after that, he was sent to the Philippines. Private Moldenhauer was taken prisoner after the fall of Corregidor. In September 1943, his parents, who lived in Cain City, received a card written by Alvin from the Philippine Military Prison No.4 (19).

Alvin Moldenhauer lost his life in camp Bilibid, the Phillippines on 19 January 1945 (20).

He was buried in Fredericksburg on 3 November 1948 (21). 

PVT  Moldenhauer was awarded World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Private First Class Willie Johanson

 

Willie was born in Willow City on 9 May 1920 to parents Pete Johanson and Emma White (22). He received his education at the local community school. When Willie was about 9, his father died. Sometime later, Mrs. Emma White remarried. 

 

In 1938, young Willie voluntarily joined the US Marine Corps. After the military training in San Diego, CA, private Johanson was stationed at the Marine Corps base.

 

On 27 March 1940, Willie was transferred to Shanghai, China, and later to the Philippines. 

After the fall of Manila, Pfc Willie Johanson was taken prisoner by the Japanese and kept in a POW camp in the Philippine Islands. The Johanson family received the last letter from Willie in November 1941.

 

On 24 October 1944, Willie was on a Japanese boat with other prisoners who had been removed from the camp. The boat was sunk near the Philippines (en-route to Japan). 22-year-old Willie Johanson drowned (23).

 

Private First Class Eugene Louis Klein

was born on 9 April 1912 in Gillespie, Texas. His parents were Mr. Christian Klein and Miss Emma Mosel (24) of Tivydale community. 

Eugene enlisted in the Army in Fort El Bliss, El Paso on 3 March 1942. Before that, the man had worked in farming, and taking care of livestock (25). The soldier completed the training in California and in January 1945 was sent to Europe.

Pfc Eugene L Klein served with Company E, 397 Infantry, 100 Division. He was a member of the Military Police. The man was killed in Germany while performing his duties on 10 June 1945, after the war in Europe had officially ended.

Memorial services dedicated to Eugene Louis Klein took place at the Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg at 11 am on Saturday, 11 August 1945 (26, 27, 28).

He was awarded Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Private First Class Elgin A Scharnhorst

 

Elgin was the son of Mr. Edwin Scharnhorst and Miss Selma Immel. He was born in Blanco County (near Hye) on 3 October 1924 (29). The boy was christened at the Albert Lutheran Church on 2 November 1924 and confirmed on 16 April 1939.

 

When he finished his education at a local community school, Elgin worked with his parents on the family farm.

 

Elgin A Scharnhorst joined the Army in Fort Sam Houston on 27 June 1944 (30). Then, he trained at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. Afterward, the soldier was granted a furlough which he spent with his relatives at the family home. Elgin was next transferred to Fort Ord in California. In December 1944, the man was sent to the Philippines where he experienced combat action, and later was relocated with Company A 305th Infantry to Okinawa.

PFC Elgin A Scharnhorst was lethally wounded in a battle on Okinawa on 11 May 1945. He was 21 years, 7 months, and 8 days.

Memorial services dedicated to the fallen soldier were held at the Albert Lutheran Church at 3 pm on Sunday, 1 July 1945 (31).

PFC Elgin A Scharnhorst was awarded Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Good Conduct Medal.

 

Sergeant Elgin Julius Luckenbach

 

was born on 14 January 1941 in Fredericksburg to Benno B Luckenbach and Alma Braeutigam (32). Elgin started his primary education at the country school in Luckenbach.  In 1930, the boy, his parents, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers lived in Precinct No. 3, Gillespie, TX. Mr. Benno B was a farmer (33). Young Elgin graduated from High School in 1938. Then, the young man attended Drauhgouns Business College in San Antonio and later worked at Duncan Field.

Elgin J Luckenbach joined the Air Force and was enlisted to the Army on 9 June 1942 (34). He did his training at Fort Sam Houston, Sheppard Field, Santa Monica, CA; Las Vegas, Nevada and Greenville, SC.

Next, he left Hamilton field, CA on 22 July 1943 for the overseas service. After a few-day stop in Hawaii, he sailed to Australia and then the Nedzab in New Guinea.

In 1943 young Elgin served at 22nd Bombardment Group Medium. Later (1943-44), he was part of the 408th Bombardment Squadron.

Staff Sergeant Elgin J. Luckenbach was an engineer and a gunner. He had completed at least 35 successful missions before his last flight came on B-24J Liberator (35).

After the bombing mission at Hollandia (New Guinea), the crew of the plane flew toward the base at Nadzab Airport. Soon, due to bad weather, their Liberator crashed. Lucky and other crew members were reported missing on 16 April 1944. 

 

The crew members of the B-24J Liberator were declared dead on 26 Feb. 1946 (36). 
Their names are listed on tablets at Manila American Cemetery. Elgin's name is also memorialized at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Here you can see Elgin's honorable death certificate.

Sergeant Luckenbach was awarded Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

 

Flight Officer James Matthew Pyka

 

James Matthew was the son of Valentine Blasius Pyka and Theresa Knopp. He was born on 22 January 1922 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX (37). In 1930, the Census recorded the Pyka family which consisted of the parents, two sons, James and Robert, and a daughter, Bernice. James' father worked as a  clerk in the Fredericksburg general store (38).

James graduated from St. Mary's School in 1940. He had been a successful player of the Fredericksburg Giants. 

On 17 September 1942, James M Pyka was inducted into the Army in Fort Sam Houston, Texas (39).

The soldier trained to become a B-52 pilot in Lubbock. 

 

James married Miss Roberta Mines of Lincoln, Nebraska on 17 June 1944. The marriage ceremony took place in Garden city, Missouri.

 

In June 1945, he was sent overseas to the China-India-Burma region. Flight Officer James M Pyka and his crew were doing a reconnaissance flight over China on 19 June 1945. They did not come back to the base. The man was reported missing in action on the very same day.

Jams M Pyka is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery (40).  

He was awarded the Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Private First Class James Edgar Schandua

 

 

Born in Fredericksburg on 6 November 1920, the second oldest son of Mr. Alfred Schandua and Miss Emma Doebbler (41).  

James completed the 8th grade of Fredericksburg High School and later, worked at the Tourist Cafe until the day when he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. The man completed his CCC training in Arizona and New Mexico. After that, he returned to Fredericksburg and worked in the Travelers' Cafe. In the summer of 1940, James Edgar started his service at the National Guard in Louisiana (he worked as a cook for the Guard. A few months later, in November, he was enlisted in the Army. He served at Camp Bowie as the 131st Field Artillery cook. Before the unit transfer overseas, Jimmie managed to visit his family during a short furlough. On 11 November 1941, the soldier was deployed to California, and then to Honolulu and the Pacific war-theater bases (42).

 

PFC James E Schandua was taken prisoner by the Japanese during the Java campaign on 24 February 1942 (43). He died in a Japanese Prison Camp in Moulmein, Burma on 14 September 1943 (44). He was almost 22 years old.

Private First Class Schandua was awarded World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and Army Good Conduct Medal.

 

 GLORY TO THE FALLEN HEROES

 

Memorial plaque at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, TX

 

To Be Continued

Other parts of my Remembrance Day project:

 

Honor Roll Call - Part 1 

Honor Roll Call - Part 2

Honor Roll Call - Part 4

Resources:

1. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2JY-ZWL : 4 April 2020), Carl William Kappus, 02 Oct 1917; citing Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate 46254, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,502,190.

2. St. Mary's University (San Antonio, Tex.). The Rattler (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 26, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, April 20, 1945, newspaper, April 20, 1945; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth842252/: accessed November 30, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting St. Mary's University Louis J. Blume Library.  

3. St. Mary's University (San Antonio, Tex.). The Rattler (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 26, No. 5, Ed. 1 Friday, February 16, 1945, newspaper, February 16, 1945; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth842229/: accessed November 30, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting St. Mary's University Louis J. Blume Library. 

4. Clipping and info: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 2, Ed. 1 Friday, January 12, 1945, newspaper, January 12, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1145677/: accessed November 30, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

5. Naval History

6. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2LQ-8YK : 4 April 2020), Bruno Walter Wunderlich, 23 Apr 1918; citing Morris Ranch, Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate 18957, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,508,809.

7. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8P5-MDR : 5 December 2014), Bruno W Wunderlich, enlisted 22 Jun 1942, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland. 

8. Clipping and info: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 15, Ed. 1 Friday, April 13, 1945, newspaper, April 13, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135343/: accessed November 30, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K38S-5VY : 13 March 2018), Harry T Klein, 18 Apr 1945; citing certificate number 3843, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,622. 

10. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC9C-HD4 : accessed 1 December 2020), Emma Klein in household of Christian Klein, Justice Precinct 8, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing ED 109, sheet 3B, line 63, family 37, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 1804; FHL microfilm 1,821,804.

11. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-DD5Q : 10 December 2017), Harry Klein and Rita Clara Roeder, 07 Feb 1942; citing Marriage, citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,764,046.

12. findagrave.com 

13. Clipping and info: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 18, Ed. 1 Friday, May 4, 1945, newspaper, May 4, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135312/: accessed November 28, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library.

14. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLM7-VZ4 : 4 April 2020), Will G Bird, 12 Mar 1913; citing Eckert, Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate 8192, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,139,388.

15. Clipping and info: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 20, Ed. 1 Friday, May 18, 1945, newspaper, May 18, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135662/: accessed November 28, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

16. "Texas Deaths and Burials, 1903-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6TD-H6X : 13 February 2020), Alvin W. Moldenhauer, 1948.  

17. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 28, No. 8, Ed. 1 Friday, February 19, 1943, newspaper, February 19, 1943; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth896820/: accessed December 3, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

18.  "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K9WB-H7L : 12 February 2020), Alvin W Moldenhauer, Sausalito Judicial Township, Marin, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 21-43, sheet 18B, line 44, family , Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 262.

19. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 27, No. 24, Ed. 1 Friday, June 12, 1942, newspaper, June 12, 1942; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth896796/: accessed December 3, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

20. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K38S-27J : 13 March 2018), Alvin W Moldenhauer, 19 Jan 1945; citing certificate number 2945, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,622.

21. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 28, No. 37, Ed. 1 Friday, September 10, 1943, newspaper, September 10, 1943; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth896833/: accessed December 3, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

22. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LKV-K1T2 : 14 February 2020), Willie Johanson, 1920.

23. Clipping and info: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, July 6, 1945, newspaper, July 6, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135818/: accessed November 27, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

24. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6P9-JCM : 13 February 2020), Eugene Louis Klein, 1912.

25. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KMFB-JBH : 5 December 2014), Eugene L Klein, enlisted 03 Mar 1942, Ft Bliss, El Paso, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

26. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 32, Ed. 1 Friday, August 10, 1945, newspaper, August 10, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135813/: accessed November 28, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

27. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, July 6, 1945, newspaper, July 6, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135818/: accessed November 30, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library.

28. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, July 6, 1945, newspaper, July 6, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135818/: accessed November 27, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library.  

29. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K383-MXW : 13 March 2018), Elgin A Scharnhorst, 11 May 1945; citing certificate number 4278, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,622.

30, "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8BS-DJW : 5 December 2014), Elgin A Scharnhorst, enlisted 27 Jun 1944, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

31. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 26, Ed. 1 Friday, June 29, 1945, newspaper, June 29, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135453/: accessed December 3, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

32. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXM7-SW4 : 4 April 2020), Elgin Julius Luckenbach, 14 Jan 1921; citing Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate 2954, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,520,133.

 33. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HY9N-FW2 : accessed 4 December 2020), Elgin Luckenbach in household of Buno Luckenbach, Precinct 3, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 5, sheet 5A, line 35, family 100, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2335; FHL microfilm 2,342,069.

34. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8LH-RZX : 5 December 2014), Elgin J Luckenbach, enlisted 09 Jun 1942, San Antonio, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

35. The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 31, No. 12, Ed. 1 Friday, March 22, 1946, newspaper, March 22, 1946; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135243/: accessed July 30, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library.

36. Clipping and info: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 29, No. 18, Ed. 1 Friday, May 5, 1944, newspaper, May 5, 1944; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135446/: accessed July 30, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library. 

37. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LC4-W7MM : 14 February 2020), James Matthew Pyka.

38. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HT1V-T2M : accessed 27 November 2020), James Pyka in household of Valentine B Pyka, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 1, sheet 6A, line 48, family 156, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2335; FHL microfilm 2,342,069.  

39. "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8PY-XFM : 5 December 2014), James M Pyka, enlisted 17 Sep 1942, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

40. Clipping and info:  The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, July 6, 1945, newspaper, July 6, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135818/: accessed November 27, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library.  

41. "Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2Y2-29Z : 4 April 2020), James Edgar Schandua, 06 Nov 1920; citing Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States, certificate 60744, Texas Department of Health, Austin; FHL microfilm 4,519,148.

 

42.Clipping and info: The Harper Herald (Harper, Tex.), Vol. 30, No. 37, Ed. 1 Friday, September 14, 1945, newspaper, September 14, 1945; Harper, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1135457/: accessed December 3, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Harper Library.

 

43. United States, World War II Prisoners of War, 1941-1945, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q29D-QDXF : 18 February 2016), Edgar J Schandua, 24 Feb 1942; citing Military Service, Japan, NARA NAID 1263907 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).  

 

44. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K384-NXS : 13 March 2018), Edgar James Schandua, 14 Sep 1943; citing certificate number 1729, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,242,483.

 

HonorState.org

 

Veterans of Gillespie County

 

Findagrave.com