Walter R. Forrester
Forrester, Walter Reed, Private, U.S. Army Corps, Home address: Wanette, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. Mrs. Martha
Forrester is his mother. He was born on October 8, 1919 and enlisted October 29. 1940. His military decorations
include the Distinguished Unit Bade, Oak Leaf Cluster, Order of the Purple Heart. He graduated from High School
in May 1939 and was a Methodist. He served as an Aerial Gunner on B-24 (Liberator) bomber, the citation with the
Distinguished Unit Bard stating in part: "On July 26th, this group of B-24 Liberator bombers took off as lead
group in wing formation and set course for the target. Attacked by thirty enemy fighters, the gunners threw up
such a curtain of lead that the attack was broken off." Walter died on November 18, 1944 in Mediterranean
area.
Melvin G. Fortune
Fortune, Melvin G., Private, US Army. He was from McLoud, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.
He was born on December 14, 1922. Melvin enlisted on April 25, 1944. His father was A.E.
Fortune, He recieved the Order of the Purple Heart. He died December 24, 1944 in action in
Germany.
Ruben Rivers
Rivers, Ruben was born on October 31, 1919. He attended Dunbar High School in Shawnee,
Oklahoma. His mother was Mrs. Lillian Rivers of Rt 1, Tecumseh, Oklahoma. He was a member
of the Colored Methodist Church. He enlisted into the US Army on January 15, 1942 making the
rank of Staff Sargeant. He served in 761st Tank Battalion, Third Army. He was recommended
for the Presidential Unit Citation for drive to initial objective against enemy taken on November
20, 1944. The Citation with the Silver Star stated in part concerning the attack against the
enemy on November 7, 1944, when a road block was encountered with held up the advance.
"With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Rivers dismounted from his tank
in the face of face of directed enemy fire, attached a cable to the road block, and had it
removed from the road, thur permitting the combat team to proceed." This Commanding
Officer made the following statement in a latter: "He did his duty splendidly and was loved and
admired by all. We will not forget." He died on November 19, 1944 during the attack on
Gnebling, France.
Roy L. Scott
Scott, Roy Lee was born on Marcy 29, 1920. He enlisted into the US Army with the rank of
private on March 19, 1942. His mother was Mrs. Clara Ellen Scott of 407 South Broadway in
Techumseh, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma. He died of wounds received in action in France on
June 11, 1944. He received the Order of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.
Wells, Kenneth Orvil was born February 22, 1918. He enlisted into the US Navy as a Chief
Pharmacist's Mate on February 12, 1937 while living in Shawnee, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma.
His next of kin listed was his wife, Mrs. Doris Horn Wells who was living at 411 West 46th
Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri at the time of his death on July 13, 1943 while in line of duty
aboard the U.S.S. Gavin in Kula Gulf, Pacific area.
Marvin G. Woodworth
Woodworth, Marvin Grady was born on November 18, 1906. He graduated from eighth grade
at Drasco, Arkansas. When he enlisted into the US Army on May 26, 1942 he was living in
Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma with his mother Mrs. Martha M. Woodworth at
528 South Chapman. He sailed for duty overseas in July 1944 with the rank of private first
class serving as Radio Operator in the Field Artillery. He died in the line of duty at Metz,
France on October 21, 1944. His decorations were Good Conduct and Expert Marksmanship.
