Barber County Kansas

The Barber County Index, June 24, 1943.

Harold Albright Killed in Action May 29

Believed To Have Died On Attu Island

The ever increasing list of World War II casualties now contains the name of another popular Barber County young man, Sgt. Harold Albright, 32, who was killed in action May 29, according to notification received last last Wednesday afternoon by his sister, Mrs. Clarence Frieden of Hardtner.

Sgt. Albright was the son of the late John Albright, former sheriff of Barber county for two terms. During his father's term of office he made his home in Medicine Lodge and was well and favorably known here in addition to having a wide acquaintance over other parts of the county, before joining the army he had lived in the Hardtner neighborhood.

The telegram telling of Sgt. Albright's death received by Mrs. Frieden read as follows: "The secretary of war desires that I tender his deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your brother, Sergeant Jonathan H. Albright. Report just received states that he was killed in action on May 29 in North American area. Letter follows." The letter was received Tuesday which merely confirmed the wire and no other details of the tragedy were given.

The young soldier also resided here with Mr. and Mrs. Frieden when Clarence served as sheriff for two terms and the Friedens have many friends here who extend their deepest sympathy in their bereavement.

Sgt. Albright was back in Barber county more than a year ago as he was released for being over 28 years old. However, he was recalled in May of 1942.

Sgt. Albright was believed to have been on Attu island at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, who lives in California. The couple had no children.

A brother, Charles Albright, lives in Alva, Okla.

The Barber County Index, September 2, 1943.

OFFICERS WRITE TO RELATIVES OF HAROLD ALBRIGHT

The following letters, testifying to the esteem in which Harold Albright, was held by his officers and fellow soldiers, have been received by his wife at Santa Ana, Calif., and forwarded to his sister, Mrs. Clarence Frieden of Hardtner. Harold who was killed in action, was well known in Medicine Lodge and he made his home here for several years.

Head quarters 17th Infantry
APO- 726
Seattle, Washington

Mrs. Roxie Mae Albright,
1808 Jefferson Place
Santa Anna, California.

Dear Mrs. Albright:

I regret very much the death of your husband, Jonathan H. Albright, 39000444, Co. "I", 17th Infantry who was killed on the field of battle, May 29, 1943.

Jonathan was fighting bravely for his country at the time he met his death. The fighting spirit and his everlasting devotion to duty will never be forgotten by the members of his organization.

His loss will be deeply felt by his many friends and comrades in the service.

In behalf of the members of the Regiment, I extend to you the heart-felt sympathy for you and his many friends.

It will be comforting for you to know that Jonathan received a Protestant burial and is buried in the military cemetery at this station.

Very sincerely yours,
Wayne C. Zimmerman,
Colonel, 17th Infantry.
Commanding.

Headquarters 17th Infantry
Office of the Chaplain
APO 726, C/O Postmaster

Mrs. J. H. Albright,
1898 Jefferson Pl.,
Santa Ana, Calif.

Dear Mrs. Albright:

You have, no doubt, received the sad news that Jonathan gave hs life on the battlefields. I am sure that human sympathy cannot erase your deep sorrow, and that nothing will take away the loneliness that is in your heart and home, but I want you to know that your Chaplain shares your sorrow at the passing of your noble husband.

I was with Jonathan both in garrison and on the battlefield, and can assure you that everything possible was done to minister to him. You will be comforted to know that religious services were conducted appropriate to his faith, and that he sleeps with his comrades on a beautiful hillside. You may have his body removed to your family cemetery, or to a National Cemetery nearer you, after the war.

Be assured of my desire to serve you in any possible way.

May you take consolation in the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our afflictions" - (2 Cor. 1:3,4.) and await in blessed anticipation of the resurrection when "God himself shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

And now, may the blessings of God, bright as the light when morning dawneth, and gracious as the dew when eventide cometh, be granted unto you to guide you, and comfort you, today, tomorrow and beyond forevermore.

Very respectively yours,
Clarence J. Merriman,
Chaplain (1st Lt.) 17th Inf.

Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

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