Last Names A - C
Adams, John Wayne
March 28, 1945, Germany
Born in Redlands, Calif., Jan. 13, 1913, Adams later lived in Sprague River where he was employed at the Crater Lake Lumber and Box Company. He was inducted into the Army May 10, 1942, receiving his training at Fort Knox, Ky., and Fort Benning, Ga. Adams served as a radio technician with the 489th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, and had been overseas for one year before his death at the age of 31.
He was survived by his wife, Violet, and their 20-month-old son, Richard Wayne. Adams was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart and is buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands.
Adkins, Marvin
Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor
Entering the service from Arizona, Adkins served as a gunner’s mate, third class, in the U.S. Navy. He died Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor on the battleship U.S.S. Oklahoma. Adkins was among 429 officers, sailors and Marines that died that day on the Oklahoma. His father, Harold R. Adkins, formerly of Klamath Falls, was informed of his son’s death. Adkins was awarded the Purple Heart and his name is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ambrogetti, Walter
Sept. 17, 1944, Europe
Born in Klamath Falls on March 5, 1923, Ambrogetti attended city schools here. He was a lumber handler at Sprague River before entering the service on Sept. 24, 1943. He was a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress with the 614th Bomber Squadron, 401st Bomber Group, heavy, at the time of his death at the age of 20.
Abrogetti was awarded the Purple Heart, and is buried at the Cambridge American Cemetery in Cambridge, England.
His wife, Florene Ambrogetti, mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Pedersen, and a brother, Frank Pedersen were notified of his death.
Anderson, Clarence
July 8, 1944, Eniwetok Island
Born and educated in Cass Cou County, Illinois, Anderson came to Oregon with his family in 1939. Before entering the Army in 1941, he was employed by Kesterson Lumber Co. in Klamath Falls. He received his basic training at Camp Roberts, Calif., and was then sent to the Hawaiian islands. After taking part in the invasion of Makin Island he served on Oahu as a jungle fighting instructor. He was fatally wounded during battle at Eniwetock. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Anderson of Klamath Falls were informed of his death.
Andrews, Oscar
July 2, 1944, Saipan
A resident of Klamath Falls, Andrews was serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific when he was reported as wounded in a list of naval casualties. He was 22 at the time of his death. He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Andrews’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mose Andrews of 421 Homedale Road, were informed y the War Department of their son’s death.
Andrews , Raymond G.
March 10, 1942, Ellington Field, Texas
Born in 1920, Andrews, a resident of Klamath County, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on July 29, 1941.
He was a member of the 70th School Squadron and was killed in an accident at Ellington Field, Texas. He was 21 years old.
Andrews’ father, Mose Andrews of Klamath Falls, was informed of his son’s death.
Arnold, John
Jan. 11, 1945, France
Born in Minnesota in 1925, Arnold was employed locally as a truck driver for C.A. Dunn Construction company. He was inducted into the Army from Portland, Ore., on Nov. 10, 1943, and was trained at Camp Shelby, Miss., and was later transferred to Camp Phillips in Kansas. He received his overseas orders and served for five months with Company E, 324th Infantry, before his death at age 19.
Arnold’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Arnold of Klamath Falls, and sister, Mrs. Blanche Engelking, were notified of his death.
Baker, Harvey
May 2, 1945, Okinawa
Born in Oklahoma in 1922, Baker attended both grade and high schools in Klamath Falls. Prior to his enlistment June 10, 1943, he was employed at Swan Island shipyards in Portland. He received his training at Camp Roberts, Calif., reporting for overseas duty, in November that same year. Baker took part in several major battles, including Saipan and Okinawa. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for action on Saipan. He was 22 at the time of his death.
His mother, Mrs. Ted Knopp of Klamath Falls, was notified of his death. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, Calif.
Baldwin, Floyd
Sept. 19, 1944, Palau Islands
Born and raised in Klamath Falls, Baldwin, also known as “Tom,” graduated from Klamath Union High School with the class of 1940. He enlisted with the Marines from here on June 30, 1942.
His mother, Mrs. Laura Baldwin of Klamath Falls, was informed of his death. In addition to his mother, he was survived by two sisters, Mrs. Arliene Coffelt of Watsonville, Calif., and Mrs. Nellie Williams of Klamath Falls. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles R. Baldwin.
Baldwin was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He was 23 at the time of his death.
Barnes , Lloyd C.
July 26, 1943, North Africa
Formerly of the Henley area, Barnes served with the Army in the North Africa region. His wife, living in Grants Pass, was informed of his death.
Basler, Roy
April 27, 1945, Okinawa
Originally from Kansas, Basler came to Oregon in September of 1935.He was employed by the Klamath Machine and Locomotive company, and the Pacific Fruit and Produce company prior to his induction Jan. 20, 1944. Basler trained at Camp Croft, S.C., and reported for overseas duty eight months before his death. He was 31 years old.
Basler’s wife, Mrs. Gladys L. Basler, and 6-year-old son, Larry Gail, both of Klamath Falls, were informed by a telegram from the War Department of his death. He was also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Basler of Erie, Kansas, six sisters and five brothers.
Beck, Leo
May 20, 1943, Lancaster, Calif.
Born in 1918, Beck enlisted in the Army from Klamath Falls on Sept. 16, 1940. He served with the 14th Army Air Force Flying Training Detachment at War Eagle Field in Lancaster, Calif., where he died during a basic training crash. His father, Leo Beck of Klamath Falls, was informed of his death.
Bedord, William
April 20, 1942, Australia
Enlisting from Fort Lewis, Wash., on Oct. 11, 1941, Bedord, a resident of Klamath County, served with the Army Air Corps. After previously being reported as missing, Bedord was found to have died in a plane crash in Australia. His mother, Mrs. Stella Bedord of Klamath Falls, was informed of his death.
Bell, Hillard
April 2, 1945, Zamami Island
Born in Klamath Falls Sept. 28, 1924, Bell graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1943. He was employed by the Southern Pacific railroad before his induction Aug. 25, 1943.
After receiving his overseas orders, Bell was sent to Pearl Harbor where he transferred from the infantry to the engineers. He was mortally wounded when a Japanese bomber crashed into the bridge of his ship.
Company C, of which Bell was a member, named its company street “Bell’s Row” in his honor. He was 20 at the time of his death.
His wife LaRayne Bell, parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert A. Bell, two brothers and a sister were notified of his death. His brother, Virgil Bell, was killed in action on New Guinea September 1943.
Bell, Virgil A.
Sept. 8, 1943, New Guinea
Born in 1913 in Oregon, Bell, a resident of Klamath County, enlisted with the Army on Oct. 17, 1941. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Bell of Klamath Falls were informed of his death. On the year anniversary of their son’s death, the Bells received a letter from Heather Jenkinson of Australia, which included the following poem: “Memories are a golden chain, That bind us ’til we meet again.” Bell’s brothers, Calvin and Hillard, were also in the service. Hillard died during battle in 1945.
Benson, Gordon
Jan. 7, 1945, Philippines
Benson, a graduate of the University of Oregon, trained as a pilot with the newly formed U.S. Army Air Corps. His squadron, at Iba Field on Luzon, was attacked Dec. 7, 1941. Benson was one of the few pilots to get a plane off the ground during the attack. He was taken as a prisoner of war a few months later.
On the evening of July 23, 1945, Benson‘s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Benson of Klamath Falls, received a telegram from the War Department stating he was killed while being transported aboard a Japanese vessel. He was among 1,619 prisoners of war reported killed aboard a ship which was bombed and sunk in Subic Bay, the Philippines.
Bergquist, Arthur
July 26, 1944, France
An employee of Bly’s Crane Mills and Ivory Pine Co., Bergquist, a native of Sweden, was inducted into the Army on Nov. 10, 1942. His mother and brother, of Vansbro, Sweden, were informed of his death. Bergquist was 37 years old.
Bosworth, Clifford
Sept. 10, 1944, France
Born Aug. 20, 1920, in Brockway, Ore., Bosworth came to the Spring Lake area of Klamath County following his graduation from Roseburg High School. He farmed with James Bunnell for three years, until his enlistment Nov. 10, 1943.
While stationed in England he underwent a major operation and could not leave with his division which took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. He rejoined his division only a short time before his death at the age of 24.
His mother, Mrs. John Walker of Roseburg, was informed of his death.
Brooks, John
Feb. 20, 1944, Eniwetok Atoll
Enlisting with the U.S. Marine Corps from Klamath Falls in August, 1942, Brooks was assigned overseas in November, 1943.
His wife, Mrs. Mildred Brooks, of Pleasanton, Calif., was informed of her husband’s death by the War Department on Feb. 20, 1944. He was 25 years old.
Brown, Dale
Jan. 15, 1943, Kansas
Born in 1919 in South Dakota, Brown, a resident of Klamath County, enlisted in the Army from Portland on March 26, 1942. He served with the 375th Bomber Squadron with the Army Air Force and died in a plane crash in California. His father, C.C. Brown of Dairy, and mother, Mrs. Belle Brown of Bonanza, were informed of his death.
Brown, Melvin
July 8, 1944, Saipan
Born in 1918, Brown was employed by the J.B. Casey Ranch in Beatty. He was inducted into the Army May 21, 1943, serving with the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division on Saipan. His wife, Mrs. Estelle M. Brown of Beatty, and his mother, Mrs. Mabel Lopez of Smith River, Calif., were informed he had been seriously wounded in action and later died of his wounds. Brown was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Buick, Walter A.
June 6, 1944, Normandy
Born in Lake County in 1922, Buick attended school in Klamath Falls, graduating from Klamath Union High School in 1940. He enlisted in the Army March 17, 1943.
Buick was originally reported as wounded during the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Normandy. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. K.O. Buick, of Klamath Falls, received word of his death in September, 1944.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, which was sent to his parents, and was buried in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur Mer, France.
Bunnell, Robert
Oct. 9, 1944, Germany
Born in Branson, Colo., Bunnell moved to Klamath Falls with his family in 1943. Bunnell graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1936, received a scholarship to Linfield College where he attended one year before transferring to Oregon State University where he received his degree. He entered the Army in 1942 and was sent overseas six weeks before his death at the age of 25.
His wife, Maybelle Bunnell, parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Bunnell, all of Sandy, Ore., were informed of his death. He was also survived by a sister, Mrs. Lucille Ogden of Branson, Colo., and an uncle, Robert Ross, of Klamath Falls.
Burgess, Bob Roy
Jan. 24, 1945, Philippines
Born in Klamath Falls Sept. 19, 1924, Burgess graduated in 1943 from Klamath Union High School. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of Troop 9. Before entering the Navy in August of 1943, Burgess was employed by J.C. Penney and Western Union.
He attended boot camp at Farragut, Idaho, and was later sent to the Navy’s radio school at the University of Idaho, Moscow. Burgess was originally reported as missing in mid-March of 1945, but word of his death was received that same month by his mother, Mrs. William J. Burgess of Wocus. He was 20 years old.
Burgess was also survived by his father, William Burgess of Sacramento, and a brother and sister, both of Klamath Falls.
Burgess, Lawrence
April 7, 1945, Germany
Born in Kansas in 1922, Burgess moved to Klamath Falls with his mother, Mrs. Molly Burgess, in 1939. He graduated in 1940 from Klamath Union High School and was employed with the U.S. Forest Service before entering the Army on June 10, 1943.
He was serving in radio communications with General Patton’s Third Army at the time of his death at the age of 22.
His mother received his Purple Heart medal from the War Department with a letter of condolence from his commanding officer. Burgess was also survived by his father, L.G. Burgess of Kansas, and one brother, Bill Burgess, who was stationed overseas.
Burns, James
1945, Pacific Theater
Born in Oklahoma in 1920, James Burns enlisted in the Army on July 24, 1943, from Phoenix, Ariz.
Burns served in the Pacific theater of operations.
His mother, Mrs. Lela Burns of Klamath Falls, was informed of her son’s death.
Burrell, Howard Findholt
July 27, 1945
Burrell’s mother, Mrs. M.P. Crowder, of the Pelican City area, was informed of her son’s death. He was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Cameron, Robert Keith
Aug. 7, 1942, Solomon Islands
Well known in the Henley district, Cameron played on the Hornets’ football team as a sophomore in 1939. In 1940 he moved to Grants Pass and joined the Navy there before completing his high school work.
While stationed overseas, Cameron took part in an offensive on the Solomon Islands. He was killed at 5:45 a.m. on the first day of the attack, according to news reports, just an hour and forty-five minutes after the offensive began. Cameron served as both a radio operator and gunner. He was 18 at the time of his death.
His father, of Grants Pass, and sister, Mrs. Otis Johnson of the Henley area, were informed of his death. Cameron’s name is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery, in Manila, Philippines.
Campbell, Hugh B. Jr.
Oct. 5, 1942, Mather Field, Calif.
Born in 1916 in Washington, Campbell, a resident of Klamath County, enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Corps on April 25, 1942, in Portland. His father, Hugh B. Campbell of the Pacific Terrace area, was informed of his death at Mather Field, Calif.
Carmichael, Orville T.
March 2, 1944, England
Born in 1916, Carmichael, came to Klamath County with his family from Indianola, Neb. A former employee of the Huffman Ranch at Willow Creek, Calif., he enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Forces March 11, 1942, at the Presidio of Monterey in California. Carmichael was stationed at Shepard Field, Texas, then Las Vegas where he received most of his training and was moved to Idaho before being sent overseas.
While serving with the 566th Bomber Squadron, 389th Heavy Bomber Group, Carmichael was killed somewhere over England. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Carmichael, and sister, Carol Carmichael, formerly of Malin, were informed of his death. Carmichael’s brother Dale, was serving with the Seabees.
Carnes, George
Jan. 20, 1945, Belgium
Living in Klamath Falls at the time of his induction into the Army, Carnes was a former Bonanza resident. He was serving in the 290th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division at the time of his death.
Previously reported as missing in action, his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Carnes, of Klamath Falls, was later informed by the War Department of her son’s death. Burgess was also survived by three brothers, Orland, Raymond and Hester, who were serving overseas with the military. Burgess was awarded the Purple Heart and was buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium.
Carter, Paxton
December 1941, Pearl Harbor
Entering the service from Mississippi, Carter died aboard the battleship USS Arizona while serving as Acting Pay Clerk with the U.S. Navy. Carter was listed among 1,177 casualties aboard the Arizona, which was attacked by Japanese forces at Pearl Harbor. His wife of Bell, Calif., and father, T.C. Carter of Klamath Falls, were informed of his death. Carter’s name is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Chaney, Adrian
Oct. 18, 1944, Palau Islands
Born on July 27, 1920, in Ashland, Chaney , also known as “Bill,” attended Klamath Union High School before enlisting in the Army on June 19, 1942. He trained in Alabama, Tennessee, Arizona and at Camp San Luis Obispo in California, where he married his wife, Barbara Lee.
Chaney was a member of the “Wildcats,” 81st Infantry Division which followed the Marines into the Palau Islands. He was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded comrade during action on Leleliu Island. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. The citation accompanying the medal read: “While participating in an attack against enemy caves and emplacements located in the inland ridges of Peleliu, Sgt. Chaney observed a comrade fall wounded to enemy fire. Without considering his personal safety in the face of enemy machine gun fire, he moved to the side of the wounded man and had just completed rendering emergency first aid when he received mortal wounds. His heroic act of self-sacrifice inspired everyone who witnessed it.”
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.O. Chaney, and brother, James, of Klamath Falls, received last written word of their son and brother in a letter dated Oct. 12, 1944, when he was stationed on Kanga Island in the South Pacific. Chaney was 24 at the time of his death.
Cheyne, Rollo
July 30, 1944
Attending Henley and Klamath Union high schools, Cheyne was a member of the schools’ football and basketball teams. He entered the National Guard in 1940, receiving an honorable discharge in May, 1941. He then enlisted with the Marine paratroops, going overseas in March 1943.
Cheyne had participated in eight major battle campaigns in a little more than a year of service in the South Pacific at the time of his death at the age of 21.
His mother, Mrs. Fannie Cheyne of the Merrill area, received word of his death. Cheyne’s youngest brother, Dale, was serving with the Marine Corps paratroops at the time of his brother’s death..
Cogdill, William
March 7, 1945, Iwo Jima
Enlisting in the Marine Corps in December of 1941, Cogdill trained at San Diego, Calif. He served for seven months in New Zealand, and was later deployed to participate in the battles of Bougainville, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. He was 21 years old at the time of his death in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Cogdill Sr. of Klamath Falls, were informed by a telegram from the War Department of their son’s death.
Cogdill was also survived by one brother, Joe Cogdill, who was also serving overseas, three sisters, Mrs. Donna Turner, and Patricia and Dorothea Cogdill, all of Klamath Falls.
Coleman, Ira M.
March 7, 1941, Fort Stevens, Oregon
Born in Kansas, Coleman, was a resident of Klamath County. He enlisted with Oregon’s Coast Artillery Corps on Sept. 16, 1940, from Klamath Falls. He was 49 years old at the time.
Coleman’s unit was serving at Fort Stevens when he died suddenly the following March. Memorial services were held at the Elks Temple in Klamath Falls. He was survived by his wife, Louise.
Colvin, Jack
April 1, 1945, Unimak, Alaska
A graduate of Klamath Union High School, Colvin served with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves at the Scotch Cap Lighthouse at Unimak Alaska, on the Aleutian Islands.
A tsunami destroyed the lighthouse on April 1, 1946, killing Colvin and four other Coast Guardsmen in the five-story reinforced concrete building located atop a 115-foot-tall cliff.
His parents, Carl Colvin of Klamath Falls, and Ethel Colvin of Juneau, Alaska, were informed of his death.
Cox, Carl
Feb. 1, 1945, Luzon
Born in Wisconsin in 1921, Cox enlisted with the Army July 3, 1942. He trained at Camp White in Medford, and camps Claiborne and Livingston in Louisiana. He shipped to Honolulu in July of 1944, serving with the 152nd Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division. He was then sent to New Guinea, where his father, James Cox, serving with the Seabees, visited him for a week from his base in the Admiralties.
Cox was serving in the Philippines for two or three months prior to his death during the Luzon campaign.
His mother, along with his father, who had returned to Klamath Falls for 30 days’ leave, were informed of their son’s death. Cox’s younger brother, Robert, with the Marine Corps, was recovering in San Diego from wounds received on Saipan.
Cox was awarded the Purple Heart.
Cress, Frank
Sept. 26, 1944, Holland
Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on July 12, 1921, Cress moved to Klamath Falls with his family in 1923. He attended Altamont Elementary School, and graduated in 1940 from Klamath Union High School. He was employed by the post office and Ewauna Box company before enlisting on July 24, 1942. He trained at Fort Benning, Ga., and was deployed overseas in September, 1943. He wrote this to his mother regarding the D-Day invasion of Normandy:
“Mom, you keep asking me what I did in the invasion. Well, that is hard to write about. We, the outfit, did what we were supposed to and then some. We can now wear a small star in the middle of our wings and also on our ETO ribbon. What I’m proud of though is the Presidential Citation and the expert combat infantry medal. Don’t you think that is enough for one trip?”
His mother, Mrs. Gladys Cress of Klamath Falls, was informed by the War Department of his death, and received the Purple Heart posthumously awarded to her son. Cress, 23 at the time of his death, was also survived by a brother, Harmon Cress, serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps in Italy, a sister, Mrs. Ida Loper of California, and a half-brother, Eldon Cress, of Portland.
Crews, Howard Eugene
Jan. 5, 1945, Luxembourg
Crews came to Klamath Falls from Southern California, where he had been employed for 13 years with the Union Pacific. During his residence here, Crews made his home at 336 Broad. He is survived by three children living in California.
Born in Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 1911, Crews moved from Southern California to Klamath Falls to work as a fireman with the Southern Pacific railroad. He had been employed with the railroad for 13 years before coming to Klamath Falls, and was employed here for one year before he was inducted in the U.S. Army on May 9, 1943.
Crews was survived by three children living in California, and is buried at Luxembourg American Cemetery in Luxembourg. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
March 28, 1945, Germany
Born in Redlands, Calif., Jan. 13, 1913, Adams later lived in Sprague River where he was employed at the Crater Lake Lumber and Box Company. He was inducted into the Army May 10, 1942, receiving his training at Fort Knox, Ky., and Fort Benning, Ga. Adams served as a radio technician with the 489th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, and had been overseas for one year before his death at the age of 31.
He was survived by his wife, Violet, and their 20-month-old son, Richard Wayne. Adams was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart and is buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands.
Adkins, Marvin
Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor
Entering the service from Arizona, Adkins served as a gunner’s mate, third class, in the U.S. Navy. He died Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor on the battleship U.S.S. Oklahoma. Adkins was among 429 officers, sailors and Marines that died that day on the Oklahoma. His father, Harold R. Adkins, formerly of Klamath Falls, was informed of his son’s death. Adkins was awarded the Purple Heart and his name is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ambrogetti, Walter
Sept. 17, 1944, Europe
Born in Klamath Falls on March 5, 1923, Ambrogetti attended city schools here. He was a lumber handler at Sprague River before entering the service on Sept. 24, 1943. He was a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress with the 614th Bomber Squadron, 401st Bomber Group, heavy, at the time of his death at the age of 20.
Abrogetti was awarded the Purple Heart, and is buried at the Cambridge American Cemetery in Cambridge, England.
His wife, Florene Ambrogetti, mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Pedersen, and a brother, Frank Pedersen were notified of his death.
Anderson, Clarence
July 8, 1944, Eniwetok Island
Born and educated in Cass Cou County, Illinois, Anderson came to Oregon with his family in 1939. Before entering the Army in 1941, he was employed by Kesterson Lumber Co. in Klamath Falls. He received his basic training at Camp Roberts, Calif., and was then sent to the Hawaiian islands. After taking part in the invasion of Makin Island he served on Oahu as a jungle fighting instructor. He was fatally wounded during battle at Eniwetock. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Anderson of Klamath Falls were informed of his death.
Andrews, Oscar
July 2, 1944, Saipan
A resident of Klamath Falls, Andrews was serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific when he was reported as wounded in a list of naval casualties. He was 22 at the time of his death. He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Andrews’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mose Andrews of 421 Homedale Road, were informed y the War Department of their son’s death.
Andrews , Raymond G.
March 10, 1942, Ellington Field, Texas
Born in 1920, Andrews, a resident of Klamath County, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on July 29, 1941.
He was a member of the 70th School Squadron and was killed in an accident at Ellington Field, Texas. He was 21 years old.
Andrews’ father, Mose Andrews of Klamath Falls, was informed of his son’s death.
Arnold, John
Jan. 11, 1945, France
Born in Minnesota in 1925, Arnold was employed locally as a truck driver for C.A. Dunn Construction company. He was inducted into the Army from Portland, Ore., on Nov. 10, 1943, and was trained at Camp Shelby, Miss., and was later transferred to Camp Phillips in Kansas. He received his overseas orders and served for five months with Company E, 324th Infantry, before his death at age 19.
Arnold’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Arnold of Klamath Falls, and sister, Mrs. Blanche Engelking, were notified of his death.
Baker, Harvey
May 2, 1945, Okinawa
Born in Oklahoma in 1922, Baker attended both grade and high schools in Klamath Falls. Prior to his enlistment June 10, 1943, he was employed at Swan Island shipyards in Portland. He received his training at Camp Roberts, Calif., reporting for overseas duty, in November that same year. Baker took part in several major battles, including Saipan and Okinawa. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for action on Saipan. He was 22 at the time of his death.
His mother, Mrs. Ted Knopp of Klamath Falls, was notified of his death. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, Calif.
Baldwin, Floyd
Sept. 19, 1944, Palau Islands
Born and raised in Klamath Falls, Baldwin, also known as “Tom,” graduated from Klamath Union High School with the class of 1940. He enlisted with the Marines from here on June 30, 1942.
His mother, Mrs. Laura Baldwin of Klamath Falls, was informed of his death. In addition to his mother, he was survived by two sisters, Mrs. Arliene Coffelt of Watsonville, Calif., and Mrs. Nellie Williams of Klamath Falls. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles R. Baldwin.
Baldwin was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He was 23 at the time of his death.
Barnes , Lloyd C.
July 26, 1943, North Africa
Formerly of the Henley area, Barnes served with the Army in the North Africa region. His wife, living in Grants Pass, was informed of his death.
Basler, Roy
April 27, 1945, Okinawa
Originally from Kansas, Basler came to Oregon in September of 1935.He was employed by the Klamath Machine and Locomotive company, and the Pacific Fruit and Produce company prior to his induction Jan. 20, 1944. Basler trained at Camp Croft, S.C., and reported for overseas duty eight months before his death. He was 31 years old.
Basler’s wife, Mrs. Gladys L. Basler, and 6-year-old son, Larry Gail, both of Klamath Falls, were informed by a telegram from the War Department of his death. He was also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Basler of Erie, Kansas, six sisters and five brothers.
Beck, Leo
May 20, 1943, Lancaster, Calif.
Born in 1918, Beck enlisted in the Army from Klamath Falls on Sept. 16, 1940. He served with the 14th Army Air Force Flying Training Detachment at War Eagle Field in Lancaster, Calif., where he died during a basic training crash. His father, Leo Beck of Klamath Falls, was informed of his death.
Bedord, William
April 20, 1942, Australia
Enlisting from Fort Lewis, Wash., on Oct. 11, 1941, Bedord, a resident of Klamath County, served with the Army Air Corps. After previously being reported as missing, Bedord was found to have died in a plane crash in Australia. His mother, Mrs. Stella Bedord of Klamath Falls, was informed of his death.
Bell, Hillard
April 2, 1945, Zamami Island
Born in Klamath Falls Sept. 28, 1924, Bell graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1943. He was employed by the Southern Pacific railroad before his induction Aug. 25, 1943.
After receiving his overseas orders, Bell was sent to Pearl Harbor where he transferred from the infantry to the engineers. He was mortally wounded when a Japanese bomber crashed into the bridge of his ship.
Company C, of which Bell was a member, named its company street “Bell’s Row” in his honor. He was 20 at the time of his death.
His wife LaRayne Bell, parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert A. Bell, two brothers and a sister were notified of his death. His brother, Virgil Bell, was killed in action on New Guinea September 1943.
Bell, Virgil A.
Sept. 8, 1943, New Guinea
Born in 1913 in Oregon, Bell, a resident of Klamath County, enlisted with the Army on Oct. 17, 1941. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Bell of Klamath Falls were informed of his death. On the year anniversary of their son’s death, the Bells received a letter from Heather Jenkinson of Australia, which included the following poem: “Memories are a golden chain, That bind us ’til we meet again.” Bell’s brothers, Calvin and Hillard, were also in the service. Hillard died during battle in 1945.
Benson, Gordon
Jan. 7, 1945, Philippines
Benson, a graduate of the University of Oregon, trained as a pilot with the newly formed U.S. Army Air Corps. His squadron, at Iba Field on Luzon, was attacked Dec. 7, 1941. Benson was one of the few pilots to get a plane off the ground during the attack. He was taken as a prisoner of war a few months later.
On the evening of July 23, 1945, Benson‘s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Benson of Klamath Falls, received a telegram from the War Department stating he was killed while being transported aboard a Japanese vessel. He was among 1,619 prisoners of war reported killed aboard a ship which was bombed and sunk in Subic Bay, the Philippines.
Bergquist, Arthur
July 26, 1944, France
An employee of Bly’s Crane Mills and Ivory Pine Co., Bergquist, a native of Sweden, was inducted into the Army on Nov. 10, 1942. His mother and brother, of Vansbro, Sweden, were informed of his death. Bergquist was 37 years old.
Bosworth, Clifford
Sept. 10, 1944, France
Born Aug. 20, 1920, in Brockway, Ore., Bosworth came to the Spring Lake area of Klamath County following his graduation from Roseburg High School. He farmed with James Bunnell for three years, until his enlistment Nov. 10, 1943.
While stationed in England he underwent a major operation and could not leave with his division which took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. He rejoined his division only a short time before his death at the age of 24.
His mother, Mrs. John Walker of Roseburg, was informed of his death.
Brooks, John
Feb. 20, 1944, Eniwetok Atoll
Enlisting with the U.S. Marine Corps from Klamath Falls in August, 1942, Brooks was assigned overseas in November, 1943.
His wife, Mrs. Mildred Brooks, of Pleasanton, Calif., was informed of her husband’s death by the War Department on Feb. 20, 1944. He was 25 years old.
Brown, Dale
Jan. 15, 1943, Kansas
Born in 1919 in South Dakota, Brown, a resident of Klamath County, enlisted in the Army from Portland on March 26, 1942. He served with the 375th Bomber Squadron with the Army Air Force and died in a plane crash in California. His father, C.C. Brown of Dairy, and mother, Mrs. Belle Brown of Bonanza, were informed of his death.
Brown, Melvin
July 8, 1944, Saipan
Born in 1918, Brown was employed by the J.B. Casey Ranch in Beatty. He was inducted into the Army May 21, 1943, serving with the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division on Saipan. His wife, Mrs. Estelle M. Brown of Beatty, and his mother, Mrs. Mabel Lopez of Smith River, Calif., were informed he had been seriously wounded in action and later died of his wounds. Brown was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Buick, Walter A.
June 6, 1944, Normandy
Born in Lake County in 1922, Buick attended school in Klamath Falls, graduating from Klamath Union High School in 1940. He enlisted in the Army March 17, 1943.
Buick was originally reported as wounded during the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Normandy. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. K.O. Buick, of Klamath Falls, received word of his death in September, 1944.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, which was sent to his parents, and was buried in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur Mer, France.
Bunnell, Robert
Oct. 9, 1944, Germany
Born in Branson, Colo., Bunnell moved to Klamath Falls with his family in 1943. Bunnell graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1936, received a scholarship to Linfield College where he attended one year before transferring to Oregon State University where he received his degree. He entered the Army in 1942 and was sent overseas six weeks before his death at the age of 25.
His wife, Maybelle Bunnell, parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Bunnell, all of Sandy, Ore., were informed of his death. He was also survived by a sister, Mrs. Lucille Ogden of Branson, Colo., and an uncle, Robert Ross, of Klamath Falls.
Burgess, Bob Roy
Jan. 24, 1945, Philippines
Born in Klamath Falls Sept. 19, 1924, Burgess graduated in 1943 from Klamath Union High School. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of Troop 9. Before entering the Navy in August of 1943, Burgess was employed by J.C. Penney and Western Union.
He attended boot camp at Farragut, Idaho, and was later sent to the Navy’s radio school at the University of Idaho, Moscow. Burgess was originally reported as missing in mid-March of 1945, but word of his death was received that same month by his mother, Mrs. William J. Burgess of Wocus. He was 20 years old.
Burgess was also survived by his father, William Burgess of Sacramento, and a brother and sister, both of Klamath Falls.
Burgess, Lawrence
April 7, 1945, Germany
Born in Kansas in 1922, Burgess moved to Klamath Falls with his mother, Mrs. Molly Burgess, in 1939. He graduated in 1940 from Klamath Union High School and was employed with the U.S. Forest Service before entering the Army on June 10, 1943.
He was serving in radio communications with General Patton’s Third Army at the time of his death at the age of 22.
His mother received his Purple Heart medal from the War Department with a letter of condolence from his commanding officer. Burgess was also survived by his father, L.G. Burgess of Kansas, and one brother, Bill Burgess, who was stationed overseas.
Burns, James
1945, Pacific Theater
Born in Oklahoma in 1920, James Burns enlisted in the Army on July 24, 1943, from Phoenix, Ariz.
Burns served in the Pacific theater of operations.
His mother, Mrs. Lela Burns of Klamath Falls, was informed of her son’s death.
Burrell, Howard Findholt
July 27, 1945
Burrell’s mother, Mrs. M.P. Crowder, of the Pelican City area, was informed of her son’s death. He was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Cameron, Robert Keith
Aug. 7, 1942, Solomon Islands
Well known in the Henley district, Cameron played on the Hornets’ football team as a sophomore in 1939. In 1940 he moved to Grants Pass and joined the Navy there before completing his high school work.
While stationed overseas, Cameron took part in an offensive on the Solomon Islands. He was killed at 5:45 a.m. on the first day of the attack, according to news reports, just an hour and forty-five minutes after the offensive began. Cameron served as both a radio operator and gunner. He was 18 at the time of his death.
His father, of Grants Pass, and sister, Mrs. Otis Johnson of the Henley area, were informed of his death. Cameron’s name is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery, in Manila, Philippines.
Campbell, Hugh B. Jr.
Oct. 5, 1942, Mather Field, Calif.
Born in 1916 in Washington, Campbell, a resident of Klamath County, enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Corps on April 25, 1942, in Portland. His father, Hugh B. Campbell of the Pacific Terrace area, was informed of his death at Mather Field, Calif.
Carmichael, Orville T.
March 2, 1944, England
Born in 1916, Carmichael, came to Klamath County with his family from Indianola, Neb. A former employee of the Huffman Ranch at Willow Creek, Calif., he enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Forces March 11, 1942, at the Presidio of Monterey in California. Carmichael was stationed at Shepard Field, Texas, then Las Vegas where he received most of his training and was moved to Idaho before being sent overseas.
While serving with the 566th Bomber Squadron, 389th Heavy Bomber Group, Carmichael was killed somewhere over England. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Carmichael, and sister, Carol Carmichael, formerly of Malin, were informed of his death. Carmichael’s brother Dale, was serving with the Seabees.
Carnes, George
Jan. 20, 1945, Belgium
Living in Klamath Falls at the time of his induction into the Army, Carnes was a former Bonanza resident. He was serving in the 290th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division at the time of his death.
Previously reported as missing in action, his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Carnes, of Klamath Falls, was later informed by the War Department of her son’s death. Burgess was also survived by three brothers, Orland, Raymond and Hester, who were serving overseas with the military. Burgess was awarded the Purple Heart and was buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium.
Carter, Paxton
December 1941, Pearl Harbor
Entering the service from Mississippi, Carter died aboard the battleship USS Arizona while serving as Acting Pay Clerk with the U.S. Navy. Carter was listed among 1,177 casualties aboard the Arizona, which was attacked by Japanese forces at Pearl Harbor. His wife of Bell, Calif., and father, T.C. Carter of Klamath Falls, were informed of his death. Carter’s name is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Chaney, Adrian
Oct. 18, 1944, Palau Islands
Born on July 27, 1920, in Ashland, Chaney , also known as “Bill,” attended Klamath Union High School before enlisting in the Army on June 19, 1942. He trained in Alabama, Tennessee, Arizona and at Camp San Luis Obispo in California, where he married his wife, Barbara Lee.
Chaney was a member of the “Wildcats,” 81st Infantry Division which followed the Marines into the Palau Islands. He was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded comrade during action on Leleliu Island. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. The citation accompanying the medal read: “While participating in an attack against enemy caves and emplacements located in the inland ridges of Peleliu, Sgt. Chaney observed a comrade fall wounded to enemy fire. Without considering his personal safety in the face of enemy machine gun fire, he moved to the side of the wounded man and had just completed rendering emergency first aid when he received mortal wounds. His heroic act of self-sacrifice inspired everyone who witnessed it.”
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.O. Chaney, and brother, James, of Klamath Falls, received last written word of their son and brother in a letter dated Oct. 12, 1944, when he was stationed on Kanga Island in the South Pacific. Chaney was 24 at the time of his death.
Cheyne, Rollo
July 30, 1944
Attending Henley and Klamath Union high schools, Cheyne was a member of the schools’ football and basketball teams. He entered the National Guard in 1940, receiving an honorable discharge in May, 1941. He then enlisted with the Marine paratroops, going overseas in March 1943.
Cheyne had participated in eight major battle campaigns in a little more than a year of service in the South Pacific at the time of his death at the age of 21.
His mother, Mrs. Fannie Cheyne of the Merrill area, received word of his death. Cheyne’s youngest brother, Dale, was serving with the Marine Corps paratroops at the time of his brother’s death..
Cogdill, William
March 7, 1945, Iwo Jima
Enlisting in the Marine Corps in December of 1941, Cogdill trained at San Diego, Calif. He served for seven months in New Zealand, and was later deployed to participate in the battles of Bougainville, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. He was 21 years old at the time of his death in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Cogdill Sr. of Klamath Falls, were informed by a telegram from the War Department of their son’s death.
Cogdill was also survived by one brother, Joe Cogdill, who was also serving overseas, three sisters, Mrs. Donna Turner, and Patricia and Dorothea Cogdill, all of Klamath Falls.
Coleman, Ira M.
March 7, 1941, Fort Stevens, Oregon
Born in Kansas, Coleman, was a resident of Klamath County. He enlisted with Oregon’s Coast Artillery Corps on Sept. 16, 1940, from Klamath Falls. He was 49 years old at the time.
Coleman’s unit was serving at Fort Stevens when he died suddenly the following March. Memorial services were held at the Elks Temple in Klamath Falls. He was survived by his wife, Louise.
Colvin, Jack
April 1, 1945, Unimak, Alaska
A graduate of Klamath Union High School, Colvin served with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves at the Scotch Cap Lighthouse at Unimak Alaska, on the Aleutian Islands.
A tsunami destroyed the lighthouse on April 1, 1946, killing Colvin and four other Coast Guardsmen in the five-story reinforced concrete building located atop a 115-foot-tall cliff.
His parents, Carl Colvin of Klamath Falls, and Ethel Colvin of Juneau, Alaska, were informed of his death.
Cox, Carl
Feb. 1, 1945, Luzon
Born in Wisconsin in 1921, Cox enlisted with the Army July 3, 1942. He trained at Camp White in Medford, and camps Claiborne and Livingston in Louisiana. He shipped to Honolulu in July of 1944, serving with the 152nd Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division. He was then sent to New Guinea, where his father, James Cox, serving with the Seabees, visited him for a week from his base in the Admiralties.
Cox was serving in the Philippines for two or three months prior to his death during the Luzon campaign.
His mother, along with his father, who had returned to Klamath Falls for 30 days’ leave, were informed of their son’s death. Cox’s younger brother, Robert, with the Marine Corps, was recovering in San Diego from wounds received on Saipan.
Cox was awarded the Purple Heart.
Cress, Frank
Sept. 26, 1944, Holland
Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on July 12, 1921, Cress moved to Klamath Falls with his family in 1923. He attended Altamont Elementary School, and graduated in 1940 from Klamath Union High School. He was employed by the post office and Ewauna Box company before enlisting on July 24, 1942. He trained at Fort Benning, Ga., and was deployed overseas in September, 1943. He wrote this to his mother regarding the D-Day invasion of Normandy:
“Mom, you keep asking me what I did in the invasion. Well, that is hard to write about. We, the outfit, did what we were supposed to and then some. We can now wear a small star in the middle of our wings and also on our ETO ribbon. What I’m proud of though is the Presidential Citation and the expert combat infantry medal. Don’t you think that is enough for one trip?”
His mother, Mrs. Gladys Cress of Klamath Falls, was informed by the War Department of his death, and received the Purple Heart posthumously awarded to her son. Cress, 23 at the time of his death, was also survived by a brother, Harmon Cress, serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps in Italy, a sister, Mrs. Ida Loper of California, and a half-brother, Eldon Cress, of Portland.
Crews, Howard Eugene
Jan. 5, 1945, Luxembourg
Crews came to Klamath Falls from Southern California, where he had been employed for 13 years with the Union Pacific. During his residence here, Crews made his home at 336 Broad. He is survived by three children living in California.
Born in Los Angeles on Aug. 20, 1911, Crews moved from Southern California to Klamath Falls to work as a fireman with the Southern Pacific railroad. He had been employed with the railroad for 13 years before coming to Klamath Falls, and was employed here for one year before he was inducted in the U.S. Army on May 9, 1943.
Crews was survived by three children living in California, and is buried at Luxembourg American Cemetery in Luxembourg. He was awarded the Purple Heart.