Erie County Military News

Military News
1943-1946

Armed Services by Virginia Glenn

Contributed by Pete Smith

LOUIS XETHOKIS aviation radioman third class in the navy son of John Xethokis, 1121 Poplar St., recently received a citation from Admiral Nimitz, commander -in -chief of the Pacific Fleet. The citation reads: "For meritorious and efficient performance of duty as a gunner in a bombing plane during a strike against Japanese shipping in Rabaul Harbor, Louis Xethokis is awarded this citation. Through out the approach to the target, on Nov.11 1943, the plane on which Xethokis was a crew member was subject to intense anti-aircraft fire and repeated attacks by enemy fighter planes. His excellent defense of the plane materially aided the pilot to complete the bombing attack and to retire from the target area through heavy fighter opposition. Louis is a veteran of eight engagements and returned to this country on leave after completing 14 months of sea duty as a rear seat gunner in a dive bombing squadron aboard an Essex class carrier. He is now on the west coast awaiting reassignment to combat duty.

PVT. MICHEAL F. CERIO son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cerio, 439.16th St., recently spent a short leave in Rome. He visited Vatican City, the Coliseum, and other ancient ruins. "Besides being interesting from an historical point, this town is a great place to buy things," he said." Of course the prices are pretty steep but at least the merchandise is available if you want it badly enough." "I won't forget my audience with the Pope in a hurry either. That was the high point of my visit. It made me quite happy as it was something I'd always wanted to do but never thought it was possible." Pvt. Cerio is a tank destroyer driver in the 849th tank destroyer battalion now fighting with the fifth Army in Italy. Overseas 18 months, he has been awarded two battle participation stars, the Mediterranean theater ribbon and the good conduct medal.

SECOND LIEUT. CHARLES M. McINTOSH the son of Mr. and Mrs. C.W. McIntosh of 3937 W. Ridge rd. recently completed an orientation course in England designed to bridge the gap between training in the states and combat soldiering against the enemy in Germany. At an air service command station, Lieut. McIntosh attended a series of lectures by veterans of this command which included instructions on chemical warfare defense and pertinent tips on staying healthy in a war zone. His next station will

be one from which America's fighting planes cover our advance into Germany. Before entering the Army Air Forces he was a student at Edinboro State Teachers College.

Robert C. Gerston, 267 E. 33rd St., will be graduated from the Chemical warfare School for Officer Candidates Friday; it was announced today by officials at Englewood Arsenal Md. Gerston will be commission a second lieutenant.

Pfc. Raymond S. Wehaw is stationed somewhere in the Middle East, according to a letter received by The Times. During his stay of several months, Wehaw has visited many historical and ancient sites. Cigarettes from the Times' "Keep 'em Smoking" fund have been reaching him regularly, Pfc. Wehaw. reports.

Miss Alica Kendiora, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Teofil Kendiora , 827 E. 21st St. has been appointed a nurse in the United States Navy and will leave there for duty at the naval hospital in Philadelphia on March 23 it was learned today. Miss Kendiora is a graduate of St. Vincent school of nursing and Academy high school. She also attended Villa Maria college before taking up nursing.

Pvt. Edgar Goddard, son of Martha Barnes, 18 Harvey St., is now stationed at Camp Breckenridge, Ky., according to word received here today. A graduate of Lawrence Park high school, Pvt. Goddard was employed by the Mohican Co. before his induction. His address at Camp Breckenridge is Co. L, Training detachment, Barracks 1723-A, 341st Medical Regiment.

Leo W. Marzka, seaman second class, husband of Mrs. Leo W. Marzka, 556 1/2 E. 21 St. St., has been graduated the U. S. Naval Training Station, Sampson N. Y. as a storekeeper.

George E. Wuenschel, son of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Wuenschel, 1136 W. 27th St., is wearing his silver wings and held the rank of second lieutenant after being graduated in advanced

twin - engine pilot training at freeman air Field, Seymour, Ind.

Second Lieutenant Wuenschel will receive further training at a specialized school. The commencement was held the forth at Freeman Field.

Sgt. Lucian H. Hale, formerly of R. D. 1, Asbury rd., has been graduated at the Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery school at Ft. Myers, Fla. sergt. Hale, who has been in the armed Forces for the last six months, also a graduate of the Army Armament school at Denver Colo. Before entering the service, he was employed as polisher of anti- vibration mountings.

Corp. Joseph Fredrychowski son of Mr. and Mrs. Micheal Fredrychowski, 348 e. 11 St., and husband of Treresa Fredrychowski, 1306 mWayne St., who received his basic training at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md. is in the ordance department of the army air corps. Fredrychowski who entered the service in May, 1942 received his promotion to corporal, a month ago. His address is 98th Air Bomb Squadron, Esler Field, La.

INDUCT 67 ERIE MEN FOR ARMY SERVICE
MOST OF GROUP FROM 5TH WARD ;
GET 14 DAY FURLOUGH

(note this article was published by the Erie Daily Times , Thursday, Nov. 19th 1944 )

Continuing it's draft of Erie men to meet manpower requirements of the ever growing military force , the U. S. Army on Wendsday inducted sixty - nine more Erie men for sevice.

Those inducted yesterday passed the physical examinations at the Pennsylvania State Armory , 6th and Parade sts. Erie , and then were place on furlough to dispose of personal matters before entraining for New Cumberland Pa.

The greatest numbers of those accepted Wendsday were from the city's fifth ward , while a scattered few were from the third and forth wards.

A complete list follows :

John F. Offner Jr. , 114 E. 21st st. ; Robert F. Wuenchel , 2705 Reed st. ; Donald E. Longstreet , 3926 Pine ave. ; Peter P. Plavcan , 223 E. 23rd st. ; George L. Wilson , 301 W. 5th st. ; Max L. Kaminski Jr. , 1824 Ash st. ; Earl E. Knittel , 946 E. 22nd st. ; James Rittenger , 7 Horton st. ; Harry A. Krotoszynski , 3319 East ave. ; Jack L. Freed , 123 E. 33rd st. ; Clarance P. Markey , 1834 Linwood ave. ; Vincent F. Trocki , 633 E. 22nd st.

Edward G. Lattimore , 2632 Glenwood ave. ; Joseph G. Kitza , 236 E. 23rd st. ; Rayford C. Saylor Jr. , 116 W. 33rd st. ; Otto Mayer , 250 e. 33rd st. ; John B. Symanski , 264 E. 33rd st.; Ebert W. Herman , 11450 E. 27th st.; Joseph P. Planch , 239 W. 11th st. ; William F. Berchtold , 3058 Glenwood Park ave. ; robert W. Allen , 225 Maiden Lane ; Richard M. Fox , 4028 Gennesee ave. ;   Leo W. Slomski , 502 E. 27th st. ; Raymond W. Vogt , 431 E. 24th st. ; Sherman C. Kindle , 732 E. 23rd st. ; Andrew Thiel , 137 E. 24th st. ; Chester J. Sarbak , 702 E. 22nd st. ; John S. Gerbik , 540 E. 19th st. ; Charles G. Lindenberg , 325 E. 21st st. ; Raymond A. Rutkowski , 755 E. 23rd st. ; Carl E. Niethamer , 1167 E. 33rd st. ; Carl R. Perkins , 626 E. 21st st. ; John H. Davis , 657 E. 31st st.

Louis W. Dryer , 122 E. 25th st. ; Clifford C. Adnemann , 236 E. 26th st. ; John J Homan , 109 E. 26th st. ; Lloyd B. Sybrant , 1123 E. 34th st. ; Ralph B. Kilburn , 757 E. 23rd st. ; Aloysius T. Guzkowski , 545 E. 15th st. ; Joseph Baginski , 708 E 15th st. ; Melvin P. McGraw , 142 E. 19th st. ; Kenneth E. Daub , 331 E. 23rd st. ; William E. Wehan , 2704 Jackson ave. ; Andrew G. Brinker , 1939 Linwood ave.

Charles Hake , 1038 E. 26th st. ; Russell G. Mullen , 842 E. 23rd st. ; Thomas J. Schultz , 3204 Parade st. ; Richard M. Bates , 1102 E. 25th st. ; Donald C. Comstock , 3132 Marvin ave. ; Edward W. Klienhanz , 130 E. 22nd st. ; Joseph L. Monkowski , 737 E. 29th st. ; Peter J. Corapi , 744 E. 26th st. ; Sylvester J. Gaczkowski , 1809 Parade st. ; Carl Langer , 1248 E. 22nd  st. ; James E. Walter , 1239 E. 23rd. st. ; Edmund M. Mather , 155 E. 18th st.

Robert B. Pierce , 2215 Buffalo rd. ; Anthony F. Umpirowicz , 2817 Pear st. ; Leo I. Davis , 2166 E. 24th st. ; Leo J. Sarbak , 702 E. 22nd st. ; Louis H. Eller , 910 1/2 E. 20thy st. ;  Harold C. Adams , 245 E. 24th st. ; Harry D. Palmer , 1031 E. 38th st. ; Leo A. Batiewicz , 533 E. 18th st. ; John J. Oszcipinski , 1812 Reed st. ; William A. Kastner , 2618 Van Buren ave. ; Norbert V. Niethamer , 1164 E. 38th st. ; Merl M. Bly , 1821 French st. ; Norbert Schneider , 2328 Holloand st.