World War II Biographical Sketches

The information for these bios was compiled by Annie Elizabeth Sloan (1911-2004)
 

Airhart, Albert Edward “Bert”: Son of Morton Wesley Airhart of Plains, Montana, enlisted in the Navy in December 1940.  At the time of his disappearance he was a seaman 2nd class serving on the USS Houston 6th Division Asiatic Station.  The War Department reported him missing with the sinking of the USS Houston in the battle of the Java Sea.  But obituary Thursday 15 August 1957 reported he passed away in Detroit, Michigan the previous Saturday.  Brother: Martin W. Airhart.
 
Atkins, Richard “Dick”: Son of Richard Love Atkins and Nellie J. Smith of Lonepine, Montana.  He was a sergeant in the Marine Corps having entered the service in the early 1940’s.  “He stood a ‘human marker’ on the first day of the Battle of Tarawa, November 20, 1943.  He voluntarily pressed forward and conducted a reconnaissance within enemy lines, pointing out targets which could not have been detected within the tanks and continued his courageous efforts until killed by hostile fire.  He was awarded the Silver Medal posthumously – the China Service Medal, the American Defense Medal with base claps and the Asiatic/Pacific campaign.”  He left sisters, Mrs. Howard Guenther of Lonepine and Miss Margaret Atkins.
 
Baldwin, George S.: from newspaper: George S. Baldwin, from Plains, Montana was reported killed or missing in action Dec. 16, 1944 while serving in the Army Air Corps.  He was from Plains, Montana and leaves a wife, June Donlon.
 
Bauer, Wilmar “Buddy”: Son of J. J. Bauer formerly of Camas Prairie, Montana buried 8 March 1947 in Kalispell, Montana.  The Plainsman, Thursday March 6, 1947 – News has been received of the death of Wilmar(Buddy) Bauer, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Bauer, at one time residents of this community, and later of Columbia Falls.  The young man was serving in the Untied States Navy, and was 25 years old.  His death occurred at Honolulu, and the body is being shipped to Kalispell for burial.  His parents who now live in Portland, are in Kalispell awaiting the arrival of the body.
 
Borders, Eldon “Ed”: Son of Frank Borders and Elizabeth.  Born at Lonepine, Montana 11 May 1916.  Enlisted in the service 17 March 1942 while attending Park College in Missouri.  After basic training he was put in a special forces unit that trained especially for sudden attacks.  It was during one of these raids in Italy that he was killed 6 December 1943 in Italy.  He had achieved the rank of Captain.  He left a wife, Betty Jo Holland and a son, Eldon Jr. of Spokane, Washington.  His mother had remarried Harvey Burke and passed away about 1941.  He also left siblings, Mrs. W. R. Perkins, Spokane, Arthur in the Army in Texas, James, a civilian engineer in Alaska, and Delmar, who was reported missing in action in August.
He was the first white man to make the 1600 mile trek over the route of the Al-Can highway from January 21 to April 2, 1941.  He traveled on skis and snowshoes, alone except for his dog, Butch.  He took moving pictures of the entire trip which he later used in a lecture series to promote the Al-Can highway.   The dog, Butch, is in the Army at Camp Rimini, Montana.
 
Borders, Herbert Delmar: Son of Frank Borders and Elizabeth of Lonepine, Montana.  Elizabeth later married Harvey Burke and passed away about 1941.  Achieved rank of Staff Sergeant in the Northwest American Strategic Air Force and served as bombardier by the time of his death 14 May 1943 in Naples, Italy.  He also served in Northwest Africa.  Letter to sister, Elizabeth Perkins of Spokane: Word has just been received from the War Department that by direction of the President, the Air Medal decoration with three Oak-Leaf Clusters has been posthumously awarded by the Commanding General, Northwest African Strategic Air Force, to your brother, Staff Sergeant Herbert D. Border, Air Corps, who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of his county.
 
Brown, Clinton J.: Son of Clinton Brown and Armor Harris, born 18 March 1927 in Billings, Montana.  Enlisted in the Navy, 1 March 1945.  Died in auto accident in San Diego, California, 24 August 1945.  Buried in Whitepine Cemetery.  He was survived by his father and mother, brother, George, also in the Navy; grandfather and grandmother, the Wm. Harris, and other relatives.
 
Brust, Kenneth: Son of Mrs. August DeBus of Plains, Montana.  The Plainsman, Thusday 25 January 1945 --  Mrs. A. DeBus Received Word of Sons Death Caused from Wounds – Word that Private First Class Kenneth Brustdied December 31, 1944, of wounds sustained in combat in Germany was received late FMonday by his mother, Mrs. August DeBus of Plains.  The message was from the War Department.  Young Burst was with General Patton’s army in the field artillery of the infantry (21st Armored Infantry Battalion) He had been oberseas only since November.  Before entering the service he had graduated from Kalispell High School.
 
Butler, George Dwight: Son of Mary Eva Courser, enlisted in the Navy November 9, 1939 and served on the USS Canopus (Sub Tender) as a ship fitter.  He died in an enemy prison.  The Plainsman, Thursday 25 June 1942 – The name of George Butler, son of Walter Courser, was among those listed as missing in action in a Navy report made public this week. 
George Butler had been stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma at the outbreak of hostilities.  His job was ship fitter.  His boat was one of those reported in action in the initial encounter with the Japs. 
The Plainsman, Thursday 5 July 1945 – Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Courser received word that their son, George D. Butler, aged 25, did not survive the sinking of the Jap ship on which he was a prisoner, October 24, 1944.
 
Carter, James “Jimmy” Kane: Son of Lester Jimmie Carter and Beulah G. Johnson of Plains, Montana.  Achieved rank of Staff Sergeant assigned to the 8th Air Force.  Graduated from aerial school at Las Vegas, Nevadaand received his wings as Top Turret Gunner on a P17.  Awarded the Air Medal  for “exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating  in sustained bombing combat operations over enemy occupied Continental Europe.”  Took part on more than 10 bombing missions over Germany and occupied countries.
Went down with plane in English Channel and reported officially dead by War Department.  Leaves brother, Duane, a Lt. in the Navy.
 
Cline, Ernest Perle: Son of John M. Cline and Mary Elsie Frazier.  Fought in Bataan and Corregedor.  Died 15 September 1942 of amebic dysentery at Bilibid Prison in Manila.  Achieved rank of Corporal.  Buried Thompson Falls Fraternal Cemetery.
 
Cluzen, Bernard Sherman “Barney”: Son of Alfred Cluzen of Lonepine, Montana.  Attended Montana State College in Bozeman, Montana.  Enlisted in May of 1941 in the Marine Corps and trained as a pilot.  Served mostly in the Pacific Ocean theater and attained rank of Major.  Picture appeared on front cover of New York Times Magazine October 4, 1942.  Served on Saipan  the Admiralities and other islands.  Disappeared while serving in the Marshall Islands as an engineering officer of a Marine aircraft wing unit.  He went down in bad weather while leading a flight home from enemy territory.  Sisters: Goldie Cluzen, serving as WAC, and Mrs. G.F. Nelson of Missoula, Montana.
 
Corn, Harvey Frances Jr.: Son of Harvey Frances Corn and Wilma Reagles, born in Rockford, Illinois.  Enlisted while living in Noxon, Montana, 8 December 1941.  After basic training assigned to the 10th Mountain Division Company F.  Reached rank of Sergeant and served in Sitka, Alaska and Italy. Wounded “while leading a squad in action against the enemy on March 3, 1945 in Northern Italy.  He and his comrades were defending their positions while under German artillery fire. One shell burst close to Harvey, wounding him.  He was given medical treatment and removed to a hospital in Northern Italywhere he died on March 5, 1945. “(Letter from Chaplain Thomas B. Cannon to family)
 Family had moved to Dishman, Washington by 1945.  Buried in Military cemetery in Florence, Italy.  Stepmother: Julia Ann Sullivan.
 
Davis, Lowell A.: From Sanders County, died a Private.
 
Deffibaugh, Lawrence Alfred: Son of Howard Deffibaugh and Mary Louise, born in Sandpoint, Idaho, but grew up in Plains, Montana.  Enlisted in Army in 1940.  Reenlisted in April 1943.  Achieved rank of Corporal. 
Newspaper: “Corporal Lawrence Alfred Deffibaugh of Eureka, operator of tank buster guns whith the U. S. Army, was killed in action on Attu, Alaska, May 29, according to information received today from the War Department at Washington by Howard deffibaugh, the boy’s father.  His mother, Louise Deffibaugh, now lives in Spokane.  He had been in Alaska only a few weeks.”  Medals: Gold Star, Purple Heart.
 
Dungen, William A. “Billy”: Orphaned at an early age he and his sister were raised by grandparents Joseph and Frances Denslinger Helterline.  Assigned to Troop B 8th Cavalry sent to Southwest Pacific as Private First Class.  Letter from General Douglas MacArthur: “Dear Mrs. Raynor (sister to Billy): in the death of your brother, Private First class William A. Dungen, I have lost a gallant comrade-in-arms, and I cannot express to you the poignancy of my regret.  His service under me in the Southwest Pacific was characterized by his complete devotion to our beloved country and by his death in our crusade for freedom and liberty he is enshrined in imperishable glory.”
Attended High School in Plains.    Lived in Idaho at the time of his enlistment.
 
Farrell, Glen S.: Born to Mrs. T. J. Perkins.  Graduated from Thompson Falls High School.  Achieved rank of Staff Sergeant and pilot for the Army Air Force before losing his life in a plane crash at Camp Bowie Field, Brownwood, Texas, January 27, 1943.  Had recently married Audrey Uschold of Brooklyn.  Had two brothers in the military and one sister.  Mother resided in St. Ignatius, Montana.
 
Frolin, Thomas H. “Tom”: Resided in Niarada,  Montana at time of enlistment.  Drowned at Leavenworth, Kansas July 8, 1943.  Buried at Murray Cemetery, Lonepine, Montana.  Brother Nels Frolin.  Survived by mother, father, brother and two sisters.
 
Geer, Ford L : Son of Viola C. of Plains.  Inducted into the Army January 1944.  Assigned to 338th Infantry.  Sent to Italy October 21, 1944 and died during the invasion.  Had a sister: Effanbee.
 
Grant, William Ward: Son of Alexander William Grant and Alta F. of Thompson Falls, Montana was born November 28, 1918 in Stevensville, Montana.  Assigned to the USS Savannah.  Achieved rank of Electricians Mate 3-C in the Navy.  His ship was sent to Sicily and from there to Salerno, Italy where he died September 11, 1943 when his ship was hit by a bomb.  Buried at sea.  Survived by parents, brother, Dave, stationed with the medical corps in New Guineaand a sister, Mrs. Robert Saint of Thompson Falls.  Purple Heart awarded.
 
Hans, Norbert: The Plainsman, Thursday August 3, 1944—Mrs. Virgil Pitt’s cousin, Norbert Hans of the U. S. Army Air Corp in England, has been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.  Sergeant Hans was wounded on fourteenth mission and grounded for a month, but is now in active duty again and has completed his eighteenth mission.
The Plainsman, Thursday December 28, 1944 – Sergeant Norbert Hans of the Army Air Corp was killed, December 8 on his fifty-second mission over Germany.  Norbert was a graduate of 1940 from the Hot Springs High School and is remembered for his athletic achievements, especially in basketball.
 
Hill, Howard James: Inducted into the U. S. Army at Trout Creek the week of May 2, 1945.  He was the son of Birdsell Judson Hill and Sarah Maude Winslow, and was born August 16, 1924 Fredrick, South Dakota.
He was killed during a boxing match at Camp Walters, Texas six weeks after his induction.  Buried at Lebanon, Oregon.  Had a brother, Wayne.
 
Hinote, Charles A.: Sanders County Ledger, September 22, 1943 – Charles Hinote, naval hero of combat action in the Pacific is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Hinote (Anaconda)  He has citations for participating in four battles in the Pacific area including a presidential citation;  four battles in the South Pacific and the American Defense medal.  He is a first-class seaman in the Navy and has seen active duty for 14 months. 
Newspaper – Charles A. Hinote, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hinote, Anaconda, died Wednesday in the Navy Hospital at Long Beach, California following an illness of two months.  The young man was a photographer for the U. S. Navy and had been in action in the Pacific before he returned to the States for medial reasons.  He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1940.
 
Hopkins, George P. “Bud”: Son of George R. Hopkins, Seattle, Washington.  Enlisted in November 1941.  Achieved Captain in the Army Air Force.  As a pilot he served mainly in the South Pacific.  He was one of five men killed July 7th when a P-51 fighter plane he was flying crashed in a storm over Texas.  He was returning to his squadron in Esler Field, Louisiana from a training flight to California.  He participated in attacks over Rabaul, Guadalcanal, the Philippines and Bouganville.  Capt. Hopkins was a graduate of Plains High School and attended the University of Washington before enlisting.  Married to Lorna Chalmers.
Jameson, Chester Theodore: Son of R. L. Jameson of Thompson River, Montana and Esther Jameson Hanson of Paradise, Montana, was born October 18, 1924 in Dixon, Montana.  Enlisted in the Marine Corps July 1, 1943 and assigned to the 5th Division 28th Regiment.  Attended Montana State University at Missoula in the Fall of 1942.  He was killed in action February 19, 1945 on Iwo Jima.  He was buried in the Plains Cemetery, Plains, Montana.  His brother, Roy L. Jameson has been a prisoner of the Germans since April 4, 1943.  Maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Lafe Crossley; Paternal grandmother Mrs. Emma Jameson; uncles Elijah and Herbert.
 
Jewett, Herbert John: Born in Twin Falls, Idaho to John Jewett and Christine Schwartz.  Enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 26, 1942 while living at Noxon, Montana.  He died May 28, 1944 while flying over the India-Burma area flying as navigator.  Achieved rank of First Lieutenant in a medium bombardment squadron.  He was buried in a common grave at Kansas City military cemetery.
“With more than 35 trips over enemy-occupied territory, Jewett currently has better than 130 combat hours to his credit.  Aside from flying duties Jewett is Special Service officer and looks after the entertainment of both officers and enlisted men.  He arranges movies, sight seeing trips and all sorts of athletic activities.”
 
Johnson, Ernest Claude: Son of Aaron Johnson, Plains, Montana, enlisted in the Navy December 8, 1941 at Missoula, Montana.  He was serving as a Seaman 2-C on the Neosha (an oil tanker) when it sank in the Coral Sea.  Brothers Maynard, Gilbert and John had already enlisted.
 
Keirn, Keith: Son of Carl Edward Keirn and a resident of Camas Prairie, Montana when he enlisted in the Navy, 1939.  Attained rank of Motor Machinist Mate 3-C at the time of his death July 4, 1944.  He was on the submarine USS28 when it went down on a routine run.
 
Knaggs, James G.: Son of Fred Knaggs of Burke, Idaho.  April 9, 1945 he died as PFC in the Army in a battle on Luzon, Philippines.  Surviving are parents and sister, Betty.  Second battle casualty from ThompsonFalls High School. 
 
Massey, Earl John “Jack”: Son of Madeline Grace Smith and Guy Earl Massey of Hot Springs, Montana was born October 28, 1918 in Butte, Montana.  He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September 1940.  He was captured in May 1942.  After over a year as a prisoner October 1944 he was placed on a Japanese ship to be sent to Japan.  Sometime during their trip to Japan the ship was sunk killing all aboard. His brother, Henon, was stationed in Italy.  Grandmother was Stella Massey.
 
McCann, William Frank “Bill”: Son of Alexander William McCann and Edna Gladys Cox.  Raised in Trout Creek, Montana and married Joan DeSmet in Thompson Falls 12 October 1943 shortly before he left for Italy.  Sergeant Bill McCann served in the Army Tank Corps at the time of his death September 12, 1944 in Italy.  He enlisted as soon as he graduated from Thompson Falls High School in 1940.  His wife resided in Walla Walla, Washington at the time of his death.  One brother Staff Sgt. J. J. McCann was stationed at Denver with the Air Corps.  Received Purple Heart for wounds received in a machine gun fracas for which he was hospitalized prior to being sent to Italy
 
McCrea, Charles Fredrick: Born 23 May 1926 in Roundup, Montana to Thomas Carol McCrea of Plains, Montana.  Inducted into the Army infantry September 19, 1944.  He was engaged in the mopping up operations on the island of Masbate, Philippines.  It was on patrol into enemy territory that Charles was struck by enemy fire and killed instantly 30 April 1945.  He was buried in Fort McKinley, U.S. Military Cemetery. Manila, Philippines.
 
McNeil, Murrill O.: Born 28 March 1925 in Heron, Montana to James Edward McNeil and Mary Culberson.  Resident of Heron, Montana when enlisted into the Army in 1944.  After basic training he was assigned to the 132nd Infantry and sent to the Philippines.  On 30 March 1945 he was killed in a battle on Cebu Island, Philippines.
 
McSpadden, Donald Robert “Don”: Residence when enlisted: Heron, Montana.  Born November 14, 1922 in Great Falls to Floyd E. McSpadden and Georgia Knott.  Assigned to 345 Infantry Regiment 87 Infantry Division 3rd Battalion Co. K.  Died March 16, 1945 in the Battle of the Bulge, Koslenez, Germany from sniper fire.  Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D. C.. Grandmother: Bessie Knott of Heron.
 
“Awarded Oak-leaf Cluster to the Silver star for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the U. S., during an attack on Coblenz, Germany, pinning his company down by machine gun fire.  Lt. McSpaddencalled for a rocket launcher team and directed fire until they had destroyed the gun and captured eighteen of the enemy.  Among the prisoners was a German officer who disclosed the location of fifteen of the enemy who surrendered to him.   Further location revealed additional enemy troops.  As he was advancing to force their surrender he was mortally wounded by a sniper’s bullet, exemplifying the highest traditions of superb leadership and coolness under fire.”
 
Mikkelson, Melvin: Resided in Heron.  Served in the Navy.
 
Morrison, Gerald: Son the Henry Clay Morrison and Ethel Claire Smith of Dixon, Montana.  Staff Sergeant with Army Air Force.
 
More, Donald William Freeman: Son of Harold More born in Hot Springs.  Private Donald More of the 24th USMCA died March 5, 1945 at Iwo Jima.  Buried in Plains cemetery, Plains, Montana.  Parents moved to Colville, Washington.  Sister, Mrs. Kenneth Fox, lives at Lonepine.
 
Palick, John: From Noxon.  Enlisted in the Navy.  Died on a ship.
 
Regester, Lester L.: Private first class, Army
 
Scott, Richard: From Hot Springs.  He had been a prisoner of war of the Japanese in the Philippines for 37 months.  He died February 8, 1945 soon after his liberation.  Survived by four sons, Howard and Dick of Hot Springs and Kenneth and Donald in the Navy; and a daughter, Mrs. Phyllis Bair.
 
Shepherd, Grover C.: The Plainsman, Thursday January 21, 1943 – Mrs. Grover C. Shepherd, Tacoma, received word recently of the death of her husband, Corporal Grover C. Shepherd on November 20th in Africa.  Corporal Shepherd died of wounds received in battle a few days earlier.  Mrs. Shepherd was Miss Pearl Holden of Plains before her marriage.  A son, Gary Gay, was born to them in Tacoma, January 9.  Corporal Shepherd enlisted in the army two weeks before the outbreak of the war.
 
Shuey, Bert R., Jr. Born in 1922 to Bert R. Shuey.  Enlisted from Trout Creek, Montana in 1943 in the Navy.  Died while serving on Submarine Bullhead as ship’s cook 2-C in the Pacific arena August 12, 1945.  He was survived by two sisters, Mrs. Lee E. Brown of Thompson Falls and Zoe Ladeen Shuey of Trout Creek and one half sister, Edith Marie Shuey also of Trout Creek.
 
Turk, Charles Rodney “Ronnie”: Son of Charles A. Turk and Carrie P. Strodbeck, stepson of Earl H. Davis, was born May 26, 1919 in Plains, Montana.  Killed in action April 30, 1945 in the battle of Okinawa.  He went into the service in August 1944.  He was in the Infantry as Private First Class.  He had a wife living in Clarksfork, Idaho.  His mother, Mrs. Earl Davis lives in Thompson Falls.  Surviving besides his mother are one sister, Margaret Disbrowof Hot Springs and two brothers, Arthur Turk of Thompson Falls and Fred Turk of Whitepine.
 
Whitney, Howard A.: Son of Charles Edwin Whitney.  Resident of Trout Creek.  Sanders County Ledger, January 10, 1945 – Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Whitney of Trout Creek were notified by telegraphic information that their son PFC Howard A. Whitney, was killed in action in Germany in December.  He was with the first army advancing into Germany along the Zeigfred line.  He was 29 years of age.  He was inducted in March 1944, and has been overseas since August.  He graduated from the Red Stone Montana High School in 1935.  His parents farm in the Trout Creek vicinity.  He is survived in addition to his parents by four brothers and a sister.  Awarded Purple Heart.

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