McNiff Post #389
Never Forget ~ Ever Honor
Frank McNiff
Francis Joseph “Frank” McNiff was born May 10, 1889 in Battle Creek, Iowa, the son of John and Mary Ann (Lynn) McNiff. He grew up near Battle Creek until he was about 3, and then the family moved to near Danbury, Iowa. In July 1911, Frank and his brother, James, purchased the drug store in Anthon from Bert Hart, and ran it as “McNiff Bros.” Frank went to serve in World War I, in Regiment 351 of the 313th Sanitary Train (88th Division). He was employed in the medical dispensary department. While in Toul, France, he died of bronchial pneumonia on December 15, 1918. He was the first war casualty of Anthon. He was survived by his mother; one brother, James; one sister, Mary Skahill, and fiancee, Maude Ely. (Maude lived to be nearly 100 years old - She never got over the loss of Frank and never married.) Frank was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, John and Thomas. On September 21, 1920, McNiff Post #389 American Legion was chartered. Frank was originally buried at the American cemetery on the banks of the Meuse at Gondrecourt, France and was brought home and re-buried on May 29, 1921 at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Danbury.
McNiff Post Commanders and Adjutants
McNiff Post #389 Celebrated their 95th Anniversary on Sept 19th, 2015
Memorial Day 2014
Meetings ~
Meetings are the first Monday of the month at 7:00 P.M. at the Legion Hall
American Flags ~
Legion Hall Rental ~
Military ~
If you have photos and/or short bios you would like to include on one who has served or is currently serving, please email to: [email protected]
James Orvel Adams, son of James A. and Mona (Waldo) Adams, was born in Anthon on September 2, 1910. He enlisted in the United States army in February 1940 and spent the next 10 years in service during which he saw action in the Pacific theater during WWII. He served two years in the army of occupation in Germany. In June 1950 he was sent to Korea. He was a member of the Company H, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while his regiment was delaying the Chinese forces to permit the rest of his division to withdraw along the road from Kunu-ri to Sunchon, North Korea on November 30, 1950. For his leadership and valor, Corporal Adams was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. James is buried at Oak Hall Cemetery at Anthon. Fold3 Memorial Page
Charles "Edward" Ashley was born Nov. 21, 1934, in Leeds, Iowa, the first son of Marvin and Dorothy (Court) Ashley. He grew up in Anthon and attended Anthon High School. He graduated from Anthon High School on May 20, 1953. He served from 1957 to 1959 with the U.S. Army in Anchorage, Alaska. He was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves in 1963. He was united in marriage to Connie Lewis on Jan. 15, 1961. Their three children are: JoLynne, Tim and Tom.
Dale "Tony" Bolles: I went to the Army February 20, 1952. I went to Fort Lee, Virginia for my basic training and I went to cook school. I left to go overseas December 27, 1952. I was attached to the Air Force and I went to Kadena Air Base on Okinawa and worked in a Mess Hall. I got back to the U.S.A. on February 1, 1954 and was released from active duty February 10, 1954 and was in the inactive reserves for 6 years when I got my discharge. (Written by Dale in the Fall 2012 for the Anthon 125th History Book.)
WWII Veteran, Sgt. Dean Clark, U.S. Marine Corps 1942-1946. Rifleman and attended radio school, amphibious tank school; Sent overseas and became a telephone man, stringing wire in New Caledonia, Russell Island, Is. Of Palau, Guadalcanal; Took part in invasion of Peleliu and then to Saipan; “After three years I was ready to come home.”
MM3 Cletus Hugh Dixon, son of John and Vera Dixon, was born April 20, 1917 near Neola, Iowa. He grew up in Anthon and graduated from high school there in 1934. He enlisted in the Navy in 1941. Cletus was an original member of the crew of the Dehaven, a 2,100 ton destroyer, that sank on February 1, 1943. He was a fireman first-class on the destroyer. It was attacked off the Guadalcanal Island during the Solomon Island battle of January 29 - February 4, 1943.
Fold 3 Memorial Page
Cletus has two Memorial pages on findagrave.com:
Mt. St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Anthon
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
Mt. St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Anthon
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
PVT James K. Drossel, son of James & Friedarieka Christina (Ronnau) Drossel, was born March 4, 1922. He enlisted May 4, 1944. He was assigned to Company B, 378th Infantry of the 95th Division. James was killed at Metz, France while serving under General George Patton. He had served less than seven months. He died November 30, 1944 and was awarded the Purple Heart. James is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery at Anthon.
Alvin Davis Eckert, son of Fred & Ida (Davis) Eckert, was born February 3, 1920. On May 22, 1942 he married Frances Koger. On July 4, 1942, he was killed during a routine training flight off the coast of California. Alvin is buried at Peiro-Bethel Cemetery.
From the Anthon Herald, 8 July 1942: Alvin Eckert Dies as Plane Falls in Ocean. News of the accidental death of Ensign Alvin D. Eckert, 22, in an airplane crash off the shores of San Diego, Calif, received in Anthon Sunday morning cast a pill of sorrow over the community, suffering its first casualty of the second World war. Young Eckert, second oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Eckert of west of Anthon, met his death while flying in formation about a half mile from shore and crashed in the Pacific Ocean. The tragedy occurred about 2 p.m. Friday, July Fourth, California time.
While definite information is not available, it is believed that the wings of Eckert’s plane locked with those of a plane piloted by Ensign Herbert Candiff and both crashed into the ocean during a training flight. His bride of six weeks, who had joined him in California about two weeks ago after having open employed in Florida, sent a telegram to relatives in Sioux City, who in turn drove to the Eckert home and notified the family early Sunday morning. A message from the navy department, confirming the sad news, was received by the Eckerts Sunday. At that time the body had not been recovered.
It was only the latter part of May that Alvin was home on a furlough with his bride. Although he attended high school at Climbing Hill, where he starred in athletics, Alvin played on the Anthon Legion junior baseball team as a youth and made the best of friends here because of his likeable personality.
Ensign Alvin Davis Eckert was born in Sioux City on February 3, 1920, and attended grade school west of Anthon. A student at East Junior High school one year, he was graduated from the Climbing Hill High School in 1937.
While a student at Nebraska State Teachers College at Wayne, Nebraska, Alvin took civilian pilot training. He enlisted in the Navy Air Corps a year ago, taking his preliminary training at Corpus Christi, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida. He married Frances Kroger of Jacksonville, Florida, three days after receiving his wings at Miami, Florida, and the newlyweds visited relatives at Anthon and Sioux City on their honeymoon. His wife returned to Florida when Alvin departed for San Diego, where he had been stationed, but joined her husband there two weeks ago.
Surviving are the parents; four brothers, Ensign Fred L. Eckert, Jr, at Pearl Harbor when last heard from, Robert and William employed at the Douglas aircraft factory in Santa Monica, California, and John of Anthon; a sister Mary of Anthon, and his grandparents, Mrs. And Mrs. I. Davis of Sioux City.
The community extends heartfelt sympathy to the Eckerts in their great sorrow.
From the Anthon Herald, 8 July 1942: Alvin Eckert Dies as Plane Falls in Ocean. News of the accidental death of Ensign Alvin D. Eckert, 22, in an airplane crash off the shores of San Diego, Calif, received in Anthon Sunday morning cast a pill of sorrow over the community, suffering its first casualty of the second World war. Young Eckert, second oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Eckert of west of Anthon, met his death while flying in formation about a half mile from shore and crashed in the Pacific Ocean. The tragedy occurred about 2 p.m. Friday, July Fourth, California time.
While definite information is not available, it is believed that the wings of Eckert’s plane locked with those of a plane piloted by Ensign Herbert Candiff and both crashed into the ocean during a training flight. His bride of six weeks, who had joined him in California about two weeks ago after having open employed in Florida, sent a telegram to relatives in Sioux City, who in turn drove to the Eckert home and notified the family early Sunday morning. A message from the navy department, confirming the sad news, was received by the Eckerts Sunday. At that time the body had not been recovered.
It was only the latter part of May that Alvin was home on a furlough with his bride. Although he attended high school at Climbing Hill, where he starred in athletics, Alvin played on the Anthon Legion junior baseball team as a youth and made the best of friends here because of his likeable personality.
Ensign Alvin Davis Eckert was born in Sioux City on February 3, 1920, and attended grade school west of Anthon. A student at East Junior High school one year, he was graduated from the Climbing Hill High School in 1937.
While a student at Nebraska State Teachers College at Wayne, Nebraska, Alvin took civilian pilot training. He enlisted in the Navy Air Corps a year ago, taking his preliminary training at Corpus Christi, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida. He married Frances Kroger of Jacksonville, Florida, three days after receiving his wings at Miami, Florida, and the newlyweds visited relatives at Anthon and Sioux City on their honeymoon. His wife returned to Florida when Alvin departed for San Diego, where he had been stationed, but joined her husband there two weeks ago.
Surviving are the parents; four brothers, Ensign Fred L. Eckert, Jr, at Pearl Harbor when last heard from, Robert and William employed at the Douglas aircraft factory in Santa Monica, California, and John of Anthon; a sister Mary of Anthon, and his grandparents, Mrs. And Mrs. I. Davis of Sioux City.
The community extends heartfelt sympathy to the Eckerts in their great sorrow.
S-Sgt. Cletus Eisenmenger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. and Eleanor (Coyne) Eisenmenger, was born at Anthon on September 10, 1922. He attended St. Joseph’s Parochial school at Anthon, until the age of 11 when he moved to Cherokee with his parents. He then entered Immaculate Conception school which he attended until he graduated with the class of 1941.
He was inducted into the army on November 25, 1941, and reported for active service December 2, 1942. He was sent to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, where he took his basic training and received the rank of sergeant. He was transferred to Camp Howe, Texas, where he was promoted to staff sergeant. In the latter part of December 1944 he was transferred to an embarkation camp in New York state. He arrived in France and fought with the 103rd division of the Seventh army, for three months in the front lines before losing his life in service of God and his country.
His older brother, Joseph, entered service the same day and accompanied Cletus through army life, seeing him for the last time on December 20, 1944. His chaplain stated, in a letter to his parents, that he was buried in a United States military cemetery in France.
He was reported killed in action on January 25, 1945. Cletus had three sisters: Mrs. Delores Mullin, Mrs. Mercedes French, and Mrs. Bernadette Stevenson; and six brothers: S 1/c Alfred J., T.Sgt. Joseph, Paul, Edmund, Leonard and Mike. Photo and article on the left are from the Cherokee Daily Times, Feb. 24, 1945 ed.
(From the Anthon Herald, February 14, 1945 ed.)
Cletus Eisenmenger Killed in Action
Anthon relatives were informed last week that S/Sgt. Cletus J. Eisenmenger, 22 years old, had been killed in action in France.
Following is the message received by Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Eisenmenger of Cherokee: the secretary of war desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Staff Sergeant Cletus J. Eisenmenger, was killed in action January 25, 1945, in France. Confirming letter follows. (signed) The Adjutant General.
Cletus' early youth was spent around Anthon until the family moved to Cherokee ten years ago. He was inducted into the service at Camp Dodge, Iowa, December 3, 1942, and received his basic training at Camp Claiborne, La. After further training at Camp Howze, Texas, he was sent overseas in October 1944. He landed in France in November 1944 where he served in an infantry division as part of the 7th Army.
Teresa Eisenmenger, an aunt of the youthful victim, has received a letter from his brother, S/Sgt. Joseph Eisenmenger, also stationed in France, in which he refers to his brother's death. The two lads were inducted together, received their training at the same camps and were sent overseas at the same time.
Cletus was buried in a US military cemetery in France. In April 1948, he was brought home and is at his final resting place at Mount Calvary Cemetery at Cherokee, Iowa.
He was inducted into the army on November 25, 1941, and reported for active service December 2, 1942. He was sent to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, where he took his basic training and received the rank of sergeant. He was transferred to Camp Howe, Texas, where he was promoted to staff sergeant. In the latter part of December 1944 he was transferred to an embarkation camp in New York state. He arrived in France and fought with the 103rd division of the Seventh army, for three months in the front lines before losing his life in service of God and his country.
His older brother, Joseph, entered service the same day and accompanied Cletus through army life, seeing him for the last time on December 20, 1944. His chaplain stated, in a letter to his parents, that he was buried in a United States military cemetery in France.
He was reported killed in action on January 25, 1945. Cletus had three sisters: Mrs. Delores Mullin, Mrs. Mercedes French, and Mrs. Bernadette Stevenson; and six brothers: S 1/c Alfred J., T.Sgt. Joseph, Paul, Edmund, Leonard and Mike. Photo and article on the left are from the Cherokee Daily Times, Feb. 24, 1945 ed.
(From the Anthon Herald, February 14, 1945 ed.)
Cletus Eisenmenger Killed in Action
Anthon relatives were informed last week that S/Sgt. Cletus J. Eisenmenger, 22 years old, had been killed in action in France.
Following is the message received by Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Eisenmenger of Cherokee: the secretary of war desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Staff Sergeant Cletus J. Eisenmenger, was killed in action January 25, 1945, in France. Confirming letter follows. (signed) The Adjutant General.
Cletus' early youth was spent around Anthon until the family moved to Cherokee ten years ago. He was inducted into the service at Camp Dodge, Iowa, December 3, 1942, and received his basic training at Camp Claiborne, La. After further training at Camp Howze, Texas, he was sent overseas in October 1944. He landed in France in November 1944 where he served in an infantry division as part of the 7th Army.
Teresa Eisenmenger, an aunt of the youthful victim, has received a letter from his brother, S/Sgt. Joseph Eisenmenger, also stationed in France, in which he refers to his brother's death. The two lads were inducted together, received their training at the same camps and were sent overseas at the same time.
Cletus was buried in a US military cemetery in France. In April 1948, he was brought home and is at his final resting place at Mount Calvary Cemetery at Cherokee, Iowa.
Ross Lee Feddersen, son of Herman & Helene (Janssen) Feddersen, was born in Battle Creek, Iowa, on July 22, 1926. He entered the Marine Corps on April 4, 1944 from Correctionville, Iowa. Completed recruit training 4th Recruit Training Battalion MCB San Diego. After training assigned MOS 636 (Intelligence Marine) overseas to Camp Tarawa Hawaii. Assigned 5th Recon Company Headquarters Battlion 5th Marine Division. January 1945 left Pearl Harbor for Iwo Jima. He participated in the assault and capture of Iwo Jima and the Volcano Islands with the 5th Marine Division from February 19, 1945 to March 21, 1945. He was killed in action by a sniper at Iwo Jima on March 21, 1945. Ross is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.
MM3 Warren Frandsen, son of Rasmus and Marie (Weathers) Frandsen, was born June 28, 1923. He graduated from the Anthon Public High School. Warren enlisted in the Seabees, construction division of the U.S. Navy, on July 29, 1943. He left Sioux City on September 5 and went to Camp Peary, Virginia for his boot training. He also took a special course in first aid that qualified him as an instructor. Warren left New York on January 2, 1944. He had attained the rating of fireman first class. His ship went to Cuba and Panama, and later to New Guinea and Australia. Warren lost his life in the South Pacific on April 11, 1944. He was buried with full military honors at a US cemetery on Los Negros Island. Six of his shipmates acted as pallbearers. Chaplain Alley of the 40th Construction Battalion read the service. After the war was over, Warren's body was brought home and he is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery at Anthon.
Anthon Herald, April 19, 1944 ed. :
Anthon Suffers New War Casualty; Warren Frandsen Loses Life in South Pacific
Youthful Seabee Is Killed in Performance of His Duties
The tragedy of war again came home to the Anthon community last Thursday morning, when Mr. and Mrs. Rasmus Frandsen received a telegram from the navy department informing them that their only son, Warren Frandsen, stationed with the Seabees in the South Pacific, was killed “while in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country.”
Enlisting in the Seabees, construction division of the U.S. navy, July 29, 1943, Warren left from Sioux City Sept. 5 for Omaha. The following day he was sent from Omaha to Camp Peary, Va., where he had his boot training and took a special course in first aid that qualified him as an instructor. On Oct. 10 he left Virginia and went to Camp Endicott, Davisville, R.I. for advanced training, and on Dec. 1 he was shifted to Camp Thomas, also at Davisville, for final instructions before being sent to sea.
Leaving New York Jan. 2, 1944, Warren, who had the rating of fireman first-class but worked as a ship carpenter and mechanic, according to letters received by his parents, was sent to Cuba and Panama. Later, he moved to New Guinea and Australia, and the last letter from him, written March 1 and received March 13, came from Australia.
Following is the telegram sent to the parents from Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs, chief of naval personnel, at Washington, D.C.: “The navy department deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Warren Frandsen, machinist mate third class, U.S.N.R., was killed while in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country. The department extends to you its sincere sympathy in your great loss. On account of existing conditions the body if recovered cannot be returned at present. If further details are received you will be informed. To prevent possible aid to the enemy, please do not divulge the name of his ship or station.”
Warren Frandsen was born June 28, 1923, at Anthon and his entire life up to the time he entered the service was spent in this community with the exception of a number of months when he was employed in the Sioux Honey Association plant at Sioux City. Following his graduation from the Anthon High School in 1942, he helped his father with caring for bees and doing carpenter work until winter set in, when he went to Sioux City to be employed by the Sioux Honey Association, of which he was a member. In the spring of 1943 he returned to Anthon to assist his father, and he had 70 colonies of his own bees to care for as well.
Due to the short honey crop last summer, he worked at the Sioux Honey offices in Sioux City until he reported for duty in the Seabees early in September. Like his father, he was proficient as a carpenter, and this ability resulted in his being moved along rapidly in the Seabees. Unfortunately, however, he did not get the opportunity to come home on a furlough.
As a boy Warren was deeply interested in scouting and won several score merit badges in that line. He attained the rank of a Life Scout and had only a few more tests to pass before he would have become an Eagle Scout, the highest possible rating in scouting. While attending the citizens military training camp at Fort Crook, Neb., during the summer of 1941 he won honors for machine gun shooting, rifle shooting, member of best platoon, and member of the _ack squad.
Surviving are his parents and two sisters, Mrs. Wilbur (Caroline) Parkill of San Francisco, Calif, and Doris Frandsen of Moville.
The news of Warren’s death so soon after he entered the service was a great blow to his parents and sister. The community extends its most sincerest sympathy to the Frandsen family in their bereavement.
Anthon Herald, April 19, 1944 ed. :
Anthon Suffers New War Casualty; Warren Frandsen Loses Life in South Pacific
Youthful Seabee Is Killed in Performance of His Duties
The tragedy of war again came home to the Anthon community last Thursday morning, when Mr. and Mrs. Rasmus Frandsen received a telegram from the navy department informing them that their only son, Warren Frandsen, stationed with the Seabees in the South Pacific, was killed “while in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country.”
Enlisting in the Seabees, construction division of the U.S. navy, July 29, 1943, Warren left from Sioux City Sept. 5 for Omaha. The following day he was sent from Omaha to Camp Peary, Va., where he had his boot training and took a special course in first aid that qualified him as an instructor. On Oct. 10 he left Virginia and went to Camp Endicott, Davisville, R.I. for advanced training, and on Dec. 1 he was shifted to Camp Thomas, also at Davisville, for final instructions before being sent to sea.
Leaving New York Jan. 2, 1944, Warren, who had the rating of fireman first-class but worked as a ship carpenter and mechanic, according to letters received by his parents, was sent to Cuba and Panama. Later, he moved to New Guinea and Australia, and the last letter from him, written March 1 and received March 13, came from Australia.
Following is the telegram sent to the parents from Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs, chief of naval personnel, at Washington, D.C.: “The navy department deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Warren Frandsen, machinist mate third class, U.S.N.R., was killed while in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country. The department extends to you its sincere sympathy in your great loss. On account of existing conditions the body if recovered cannot be returned at present. If further details are received you will be informed. To prevent possible aid to the enemy, please do not divulge the name of his ship or station.”
Warren Frandsen was born June 28, 1923, at Anthon and his entire life up to the time he entered the service was spent in this community with the exception of a number of months when he was employed in the Sioux Honey Association plant at Sioux City. Following his graduation from the Anthon High School in 1942, he helped his father with caring for bees and doing carpenter work until winter set in, when he went to Sioux City to be employed by the Sioux Honey Association, of which he was a member. In the spring of 1943 he returned to Anthon to assist his father, and he had 70 colonies of his own bees to care for as well.
Due to the short honey crop last summer, he worked at the Sioux Honey offices in Sioux City until he reported for duty in the Seabees early in September. Like his father, he was proficient as a carpenter, and this ability resulted in his being moved along rapidly in the Seabees. Unfortunately, however, he did not get the opportunity to come home on a furlough.
As a boy Warren was deeply interested in scouting and won several score merit badges in that line. He attained the rank of a Life Scout and had only a few more tests to pass before he would have become an Eagle Scout, the highest possible rating in scouting. While attending the citizens military training camp at Fort Crook, Neb., during the summer of 1941 he won honors for machine gun shooting, rifle shooting, member of best platoon, and member of the _ack squad.
Surviving are his parents and two sisters, Mrs. Wilbur (Caroline) Parkill of San Francisco, Calif, and Doris Frandsen of Moville.
The news of Warren’s death so soon after he entered the service was a great blow to his parents and sister. The community extends its most sincerest sympathy to the Frandsen family in their bereavement.
In Memory of U.S. Navy Chief Motor Machinists Mate 1st Class Glen Gordon Griffith
Volga, Brookings County, South Dakota
November 9, 1920 - January 1, 1945
Killed in Action in San Jose, Mindora, Philippine Islands
Glen Gordon Griffith was born in Anthon, Iowa, to Percy and Lila Griffith. His siblings are James, Dean, Royce, and Frank. He grew up in Volga, South Dakota, where he worked for his father on the farm. Some other interests he had were baseball and boxing. He graduated from Volga High School in 1937.
Griffith entered the service in March, 1939. He trained in Norfolk, Virginia, and in Cleveland, Ohio. He was at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attacks on December 7, 1941. He was then sent overseas to the Philippine Islands. There he was ranked Chief Motor Machinist Mate 1st Class. He was in thirteen battles while he was in the service for 71 months.
On January 1, 1945, Glen Griffith died in action at San Jose, Mindora, Philippine Islands. Griffith earned the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart. He was buried in the Philippine Islands but was later moved to Anthon, Iowa, where he remains today. (Oak Hill Cemetery)
Griffith is remembered for sending most of the money he earned to his mother. Glen G. Griffith was a brave soldier. He fought in a war and died respectfully for his country.
(From South Dakota WWII Memorial webpage) This entry was respectfully submitted by Jacob Wampler, Jeff Oja, and Jared McLaughin, 8th Grade, Brandon Valley Middle School, Brandon, South Dakota, April 12, 2002. Information for this entry was provided by Frank Griffith, brother to Glen, Huron, South Dakota.
Glen is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery at Anthon.
Volga, Brookings County, South Dakota
November 9, 1920 - January 1, 1945
Killed in Action in San Jose, Mindora, Philippine Islands
Glen Gordon Griffith was born in Anthon, Iowa, to Percy and Lila Griffith. His siblings are James, Dean, Royce, and Frank. He grew up in Volga, South Dakota, where he worked for his father on the farm. Some other interests he had were baseball and boxing. He graduated from Volga High School in 1937.
Griffith entered the service in March, 1939. He trained in Norfolk, Virginia, and in Cleveland, Ohio. He was at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attacks on December 7, 1941. He was then sent overseas to the Philippine Islands. There he was ranked Chief Motor Machinist Mate 1st Class. He was in thirteen battles while he was in the service for 71 months.
On January 1, 1945, Glen Griffith died in action at San Jose, Mindora, Philippine Islands. Griffith earned the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart. He was buried in the Philippine Islands but was later moved to Anthon, Iowa, where he remains today. (Oak Hill Cemetery)
Griffith is remembered for sending most of the money he earned to his mother. Glen G. Griffith was a brave soldier. He fought in a war and died respectfully for his country.
(From South Dakota WWII Memorial webpage) This entry was respectfully submitted by Jacob Wampler, Jeff Oja, and Jared McLaughin, 8th Grade, Brandon Valley Middle School, Brandon, South Dakota, April 12, 2002. Information for this entry was provided by Frank Griffith, brother to Glen, Huron, South Dakota.
Glen is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery at Anthon.
Alfred Hamann, son of Hans and Hattie (Zellmer) Hamann, was born January 5, 1920 on a farm east of Anthon. He married Roberta Lewis on September 14, 1941. They had one daughter, Janice Elaine. He entered the Army on February 12, 1942 - to Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas. He was injured and spent a year in the hospital at Hot Springs, Arkansas. He then went to France, Belgium and Germany. He was killed in service on October 24, 1944 at Aachen, Germany. Alfred is buried in Midway Cemetery.
Fold3 Memorial Page
Joseph William Harbaugh joined the Navy in April 1953 during the Korean War.
I was sent to San Diego, California for boot camp. I then went to Norman, Oklahoma for Aviation Prep school and when that was completed I went to Memphis, Tennessee for Aviation Electronics school.
I was then sent to the VC-6 fleet at North Island, California that flew AJ-2’s that we worked on. We were told that it was on the drawing board to drop the A-bomb but never got it built in time. They had a large bomb bay with 3 crew members that could launch from or land on Aircraft carriers. It had 2 propeller driven engines with a jet assist in the tail. It was referred to in the fleet as “the plane with two turnen’ & one burnen’” They had a detachment in Atsudie, Japan where I was stationed for 6 months.
I spent time aboard the USS Kearsarge, the USS Oriskany, and the USS Hancock during my Sea Duty days.
I was transferred to Naval Air Station in Hutchinson, Kansas to finish out my shore duty time as an Aviation Electronic Tech 3rd Class.
I was sent to San Diego, California for boot camp. I then went to Norman, Oklahoma for Aviation Prep school and when that was completed I went to Memphis, Tennessee for Aviation Electronics school.
I was then sent to the VC-6 fleet at North Island, California that flew AJ-2’s that we worked on. We were told that it was on the drawing board to drop the A-bomb but never got it built in time. They had a large bomb bay with 3 crew members that could launch from or land on Aircraft carriers. It had 2 propeller driven engines with a jet assist in the tail. It was referred to in the fleet as “the plane with two turnen’ & one burnen’” They had a detachment in Atsudie, Japan where I was stationed for 6 months.
I spent time aboard the USS Kearsarge, the USS Oriskany, and the USS Hancock during my Sea Duty days.
I was transferred to Naval Air Station in Hutchinson, Kansas to finish out my shore duty time as an Aviation Electronic Tech 3rd Class.
Ernest W. "Skip" Maier, III, enlisted in the US Navy on June 15, 1969, and served until June 1975.
ET2 US Navy
Vietnam
On June 23, 1918, Bernard F. Meyer was called into service to defend his country in WWI. He was assigned to Company F, 349th Inf, 88th Division out of Camp Dodge, Iowa. After being in Meuse, France a short time, Armistice was declared a few hours before he was to see action in the front line. He received his honorable discharge at Camp Dodge on June 18, 1919. He was a Charter Member of McNiff Post #389, The American Legion, which received its charter on September 21, 1920. He married Lena Deming on July 2, 1927 and they had 5 children: Evelyn, Bernadine, Mary Ann, Joyce & Francis.
Marvin J. Petersen, son of Jens & Luella Strackbein Petersen, was in the Army from 1942-1946. He served six months in the states and three years in the European Theater. He married Roberta Lewis Hamann in 1947, and they had two children, Byron and Rhonda.
PVT Gail Gene Sanderson, the son of Mace C. and Mildred E. (Menefee) Sanderson of Anthon, was born February 10, 1950. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps on April 18 1968 in Omaha NE. He arrived in Vietnam on November 6 1968 where he was assigned for duty with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 13th Marines, 1st MARDVIV (Rein) FMF.
During Operation PIPESTONE CANYON BLT (Battalion Landing Team) 1/26 was under the OPCON (Operational Control) of the 7th Marines with their CP (Command Post) set up in close proximity to Hill 55 in the Dien Ban District of Quang Nam Province. On May 27, 1969, a Barrage of 82 mm mortar rounds and three 175 mm lob rounds hit Hill 55 destroying a 105 mm howitzer, killing three Marines and wounding twenty-nine men during the attack. One of the casualties was PVT Sanderson who was killed from fragmentation wounds by the hostile mortar fire. Gail is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery at Anthon.
PVT Gail Gene Sanderson - the Virtual Wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial
After 45 Years, the friend of a young Marine, killed in Vietnam, finds closure
During Operation PIPESTONE CANYON BLT (Battalion Landing Team) 1/26 was under the OPCON (Operational Control) of the 7th Marines with their CP (Command Post) set up in close proximity to Hill 55 in the Dien Ban District of Quang Nam Province. On May 27, 1969, a Barrage of 82 mm mortar rounds and three 175 mm lob rounds hit Hill 55 destroying a 105 mm howitzer, killing three Marines and wounding twenty-nine men during the attack. One of the casualties was PVT Sanderson who was killed from fragmentation wounds by the hostile mortar fire. Gail is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery at Anthon.
PVT Gail Gene Sanderson - the Virtual Wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial
After 45 Years, the friend of a young Marine, killed in Vietnam, finds closure
On Dec. 13, 1943, at the age of 18, George Sargent was sworn into the U.S. Marine Corps in Omaha. He served his country during World War II until 1946. On April 19, 1952, he married Mae Maurene Fey. They raised five daughters: Connie Ashley, Kathy Hodgdon, Karyl Lyon, Kristin Noreen, and Keri Kranz.
Corp. Cecil Leroy Siefke, son of Johannes "Henry" and Nellie Mae (Chase) Siefke, was born March 31, 1912. He enlisted in the Army in January 1936. On May 29, 1943 he was killed in action, on the island of Attu near Alaska. He is buried in Fairfield Cemetery.
|
PVT Walter J. W. Steffen, son of Martin and Marie (Donath) Steffen, was born December 23, 1924. He was drafted into the Army on April 2, 1944 and took his basic training at Fort Ord, California.
He completed four months of training and came home the month of August on furlough. After his furlough he was stationed at Camp Roberts, California until October 24 at which time he was sent overseas. He served with the 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. He arrived in France on November 18 and on December 4, he was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge. He is buried in Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Liege, Belgium. Fold3 Memorial Page |
Oto, Ia.—Special: Pvt. Walter J. W. Steffen, 20, was killed in action December 4, in Germany, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Steffen of Oto, have been informed by the War Department. The news followed a telegram, stating he was missing action two weeks ago. Pvt. Steffen entered the service April 12, 1944, and took his basic training at Camp Roberts, Cal. He was home on furlough in August, prior to going overseas October 24. Pvt. Steffen received his schooling at Climbing Hill where he was also a member of the Lutheran Church. He is survived by his parents, one brother, Alvin and a sister, Clara, all at home.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, Wednesday, January 17, 1945 |
Larry W. Thompson served in the Iowa National Guard's 2nd Mech 133rd Infantry and 34th ID (Red Bulls), retiring as a Sergeant Major with 30 years of service to the day (1965-1995). During his career in the Army National Guard, Larry served in different locations, including a training stint in Alaska and a year-long assignment in Fort Carson, Colorado, during Vietnam. He also aided the Des Moines community during the Floods of '93. As a Recon Specialist in the 2nd Mech, Larry was the only member in his group to qualify at the expert level for every service weapon. (Submitted by his daughter, Ashley Gideon)
Marvin "Pork" Umbach enlisted in the Army May 8, 1942. He served with the 67th Armd Inf Bn during the Rhineland Campaign and Central Europe Campaign. He was awarded 2 Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and a Good Conduct Medal. He received his honorable discharge on November 22, 1945.
Anthon Veterans' Walls
Iwo Jima Memorial ~ Completed in 2014
Iwo Jima Memorial - located behind the Memorial Wall next to the Legion Hall.
Military Funeral Explanation Program ~ April 25, 2014
American Legion Post #389 White Steel Cross For Vets Project
The American Legion Post #389 of Anthon has completed the “White Steel Cross for Vets” project that was started in 2012. St. Joseph Cemetery was completed last week with 105 crosses. The view from the blacktop road in the mornings is awesome. There are 174 crosses at Oak Hill. If you enter Oak Hill from the west heading toward the flag pole and stop near the “no parking between signs” area there is about 75 crosses in the northeast corner. The best view is in the late afternoon or early evening. There are also 29 crosses as Midway cemetery that are best viewed from the blacktop in the evening. This project has come to completion due to the efforts and generosity of many people that were interested in showing respect to veterans. No tax dollars are given to the legion. May these crosses be a reminder to everyone of the sacrifices that have been made to ensure their freedom can still be enjoyed. (Article from Sioux Valley News, Oct. 9, 2013 edition.)
