23 March 1944
TWO MEDICINE LODGE SOLDIERS HURT IN ACTION -- Word has been received here that two Medicine Lodge soldiers were recently wounded in action. Mrs. Rosie Kinsey was informed this week that her son, Henry Kinsey, who is with the Army Engineers had been wounded in Italy on February 18 and press dispatches Tuesday morning told of Pvt. Wade V. Phye, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Phye, being wounded. He was stationed in the Mediterranean area. -- Barber County Index, March 23, 1944. (SB)20 April 1944
William Ellison Is Killed In Action -- William D. Ellison received word last week that his grand nephew, Wm. (Billy) Ellison, 21, had been killed at an early hour April 6. He had been a Marine since July, 1941. -- Barber County Index, April 20, 1944.8 June 1944
Two Missing In Action -- The sad news that two more Barber county soldiers are missing in action has been received by relatives. The soldiers are S-Sgt. Ben Von Achen of Medicine Lodge and T-Sgt. Ivan L. Cushenbery of Sharon. Word sent to Mrs. Von Achen states that her husband had been missing since April 28. He was a tail gunner on a flying fortress. He was serving in the Mediterranean area.The news that Sgt. Cushenbery is missing came in a wire to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Cushenbery last Wednesday. The telegram said: "The secretary of war desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Technical Sergeant Ivan L. Cushenbery has been reported missing in action since the 13th of May over Germany. If further details or other information are received you will be promptly notified." Barber County Index, June 8, 1944. (SB)29 June 1944
PFC. CLYDE KIGGINS KILLED IN ACTION ON ITALIAN FRONT -- Miss Wanda Zandle received word last week of the death of Pfc. Clyde Kiggins, who was killed in action in Italy on May 20 after two years of military service. He is the son of Mrs. Wm. Keefer of Uniontown, Pa., but has many friends here in Barber county. -- Barber County Index, June 29, 1944.6 July 1944
With the 37th Infantry division on Bougainvillea - For exemplary conduct in combat, Pfc. Max M. Rickard of Medicine Lodge has been presented the Army's newest award, for infantrymen, the Combat Infantryman Badge. Awarded for exemplary conduct in combat or for combat action in a major operation, the new medal is a silver rifle on a blue field, a silver border, imposed on an elliptical silver wreath. Pvt. Rickard is the husband of Mrs. Mima Rickard of Medicine Lodge. Since starting his tour of duty overseas on January 11, 1944, he has been stationed on New Caledonia and Guadalcanal and is a member of the infantry regiment which repelled the Japanese attack on Hill 700 in four days of historically fighting which saw the annihilation of more than 1,000 of Japan's 6th Imperial division, infamous for the 1938 Rape of Nanking. -- Barber County Index, July 6, 1944.20 July 1944
Sgt. Wilbur B. Watkins was recently authorized by the War department to wear a bronze star on his Aviatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon indicating his participation in the occupation of the Marshall Islands. Sgt. Watkins, 22, who is the son of Willard B. Watkins, enlisted in the armed forces August 26, 1942, and was assigned to overseas duty, October 10, 1943. -- The Barber County Index, July 20, 1944.20 July 1944
T-Sgt. Charles Fair of Sharon, has recently been awarded the distinguished Flying Cross while stationed at a B-17 Flying Fortress Base somewhere in England. The citation accompanying the award reads: "For extraordinary achievement while serving as top turret gunner, of bombardment missions over enemy occupied continental Europe. Displaying great courage and skill, Sgt. Fair, fighting from his gun position, has warded off many enemy attacks and has materially aided in the success of each of these missions. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Sgt. Fair on all three occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the U. S." The Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters had also been awarded the sergeant. His brother is James D. Fair, is residing at 557 Statesman, Salem, Oregon. -- The Barber County Index, July 20, 1944.17 August 1944
CAPT. RICHARDSON IS KILLED IN ACTION IN FRANCE -- Word was received here on Tuesday that Capt. Douglas J. Richardson, grandson of T. H. Richardson had been killed in action in France. Although Capt. Richardson lived in Wichita when he went into the service he has many relatives and acquaintances here. His wife and nine months old son have made their home with her parents in Kansas City, Mo., since Capt. Richardson went overseas in April. -- Barber County Index, August 17, 1944. (SB)24 August 1944
Technician 4th grade David L. Clawson has been awarded the Purple Heart. -- Barber County Index, August 24, 1944. (SB)
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!