Hosted by RootsWeb, 
the oldest & largest FREE genealogical site. 
Click here to visit RootsWeb.
COMANCHE COUNTY, KANSAS: HISTORY & GENEALOGY
Bibliography     Biography     Cemeteries     Churches    Cities & Towns     Clubs     Contributors     Diamond Jubilee    Events     FAQ     Genealogy     Guest Book - Sign     Guest Book - View     History     Links     Maps     News Articles     Newspapers     Opry     Photos     Poetry     Queries     Records     Resources    Satellite Images     Schools     Search     Veterans     HOME
Civil War Veterans   Gravestones of Veterans   Heritage Park Memorial   Home Front   Memorial Rose Garden   Photos of Veterans   Research Sources   Spanish-American War   World War I   World War I Casualties   World War II   World War II Casualties   Undeclared Wars: Korean, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars  

Photographs of Veterans, Comanche County, Kansas


This webpage is a secondary source of information. While every effort is being made to present information accurately, be aware that typographical errors or errors of fact in the original primary or secondary sources of information may be reproduced here. If you find an error, please notify me and advise me of the source of information which convinces you that it is an error. I'll make corrections promptly.

If you don't find informations about certain veterans from the county on this and other pages on this site devoted to these people, it is just because I don't have the information (or haven't yet added all the information I've received from Bobbi Huck and Shirley Brier). The point of these pages, and this website, is to honor everyone connected with this county. No one is intentionally slighted or omitted. I'm building the pages as quickly as I can, trying to "catch up" with the wealth of information volunteers have provided for inclusion on this site, so please keep checking back to find new information.

The images you see on this webpage are the best available to me. If you have a better photo of someone than what you see here, I'd be delighted to have a copy of it to replace the one now online.

Please send scans of photos of Comanche County veterans for publication on this page. They'll be added promptly. My email address is jdf@theriver.com.

Thanks! -- Jerry Ferrin


Pfc. Aletha Alder, U.S. Army, Korean War. Pfc. Aletha A. Alder, U.S. Army, Korean War.

Pfc. Althea Alder Advances in Rank -- The Western Star, February 20, 1953.
 

Lloyd Alder, Sr., U.S. Army.

Lloyd Alder, Sr., U.S. Army.

ALDER, Lloyd Lewis : July 26, 1891 - October 16, 1963
Husband of Margaret Mae "Maggie" Alder.
See Comanche County History, p. 211.

View Larger Image.

Lloyd L. Alder, Sr. was Bea (Alder) Odell's father. Thanks to Marvin and Bea (Alder) O'Dell for providing this photo, and to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending it for use on this web page.


 

Lloyd Lewis Alder, Jr., Sgt., U.S. Army. ALDER, Lloyd L., Jr.: February 5, 1929 - June 2, 1951 : KANSAS Sgt 98 AF AIR Base GP : WORLD WAR II.

His gravestone is a grey flat military stone with a cross on it: Lloyd Lewis Alder, Jr. was the son of Maggie and Lloyd L. Alder, Sr. Lloyd, Jr. drowned while in service. He and some friends were off duty and went fishing and their boat capsized, killing all 5 of them. Lloyd was married to Evelyn Chartey. Lloyd's nickname was Jargie. Prounced "Jar-ge".

See Comanche County History, p. 211.

Buried in Wilmore cemetery, Lot #134.

SGT. LLOYD ALDER JR. FUNERAL HELD JUNE 22, The Western Star, July 6, 1951.

Lloyd L. Alder, Jr. was Bea Odell's brother and Marvin Odell, Sr.'s brother-in-law. Thanks to Marvin and Bea (Alder) O'Dell for providing this photo, and to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending it for use on this web page.

View Larger Image.


 

Donald Frank BetzerDonald F. Betzer

"Donald F. Betzer, well known Coldwater pilot and flight instructor in Wichita, died about 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 1943, about an hour and a half after the plane in which he was instructing an Army student pilot, collided with another plane at the Municipal Airport in Wichita." -- DONALD BETZER A CRASH VICTIM - Dies in Wichita Following Collision of Planes in Midair, The Western Star, June 11, 1943.
 

Donald Bliss, PFC, USAAF, WWII.Pfc. Donald M. Bliss, U.S. Army Air Force.

Stateside service, 1942-1943. Medical Discharge.

View Larger Image.

Donald Monroe Bliss, Obituary, The Western Star, December 17, 1981.

Donald is the brother of Roberta (Mrs. Lloyd) Malone. Thanks, Roberta, for this image, and to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending it.


 

Lorin D. Bliss, Pfc., U.S. Army. Lorin D. Bliss, Pfc., U.S. Army. Infantry Rifleman.

"Pfc. Bliss saw three years service in the AUS, two of them spent in the European Theater of Operations. He is the wearer of the ETO ribbon, good conduct ribbon, combat infantry badge, three battle stars, Purple Heart and the Silver Star. He served with the Engineers. He has re-enlisted with the Engineers and has chosen to serve in the European Theater." --The Western Star, March 29, 1946."

He was also awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge. Honorably Discharged.

Lorin Bliss is Roberta (Mrs. Lloyd) Malone's brother. Thanks, Roberta, for this photo, and to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending it.

View Larger Image.


 

Staff Sergeant Jack Bliss, U.S. Army.Jack C. Bliss, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army.

Miltary Policeman. 4.5 years served. Honorable Discharge.

Jack Bliss is Roberta (Mrs. Lloyd) Malone's brother. Thanks, Roberta, for providing this photo for use on the website, and to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending it.

View Larger Image.


 

Kenneth "Bud" Bliss, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army. Infantry.

Served: 1944-1966. Served in WWII and Korea. Honorable Discharge.

Kenneth Bliss is a brother of Roberta (Mrs. Lloyd) Malone. Thanks, Roberta, for this photo, and thanks to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending it.

View Larger Image.


 

Wayne Bliss, U.S. Army, Ft. Hood, Texas, 1966.  Civilian clothing. Wayne Bliss, Private, U.S. Army.

Truck Driver, Co. B., O2D, Supply and Transportation Battalion. Ft. Hood, Texas. Entered Army: 1966.

Thanks to Roberta (Bliss) Malone for this image, and to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending it.

View Larger Image.


 

Fred Stanley Booth, Tail Gunner on a B-24 Bomber, WWII, photo taken in 1995 at his home in Wilmore, Comanche County, Kansas, by his niece Cathy Anderson. Fred Stanley Booth, Tail Gunner on a B-24 Bomber, WWII, photo taken in 1995 at his home in Wilmore, Comanche County, Kansas, by his niece Cathy Anderson.

Obituary: Fred Stanley BOOTH of Wilmore, Ks.


 

Corporal Robert Booth, Junior, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, XIX Corps, U. S. Army.  Killed in action July 9, 1944. Photo from the collection of Teresa Benz.Robert Booth Jr., Corporal, U.S. Army, 37221755, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. Entered the Service from Kansas. Killed in Action July 9, 1944. Buried at Plot H, Row 6, Grave 26, Normandy American Cemetery, St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France. Awards: Purple Heart.

For more information, see World War II Casualties.
 

William Burke Burnette, USN, MoMM3. William Burke Burnette, USN, MoMM3.
 

Lt. Howard Reason Burnett, U.S.N. Howard Reason Burnett, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, 0-104595, United States Naval Reserve. Entered the service from Kansas. Died: August 5, 1945. Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial , Honolulu, Hawaii. Awards: Silver Star, Air Medal with Gold Star, Purple Heart. (American Battle Monuments Commission)

For more information, see World War II Casualties
 

Sgt. John C. Burt, USAAF. Sgt. John C. Burt, U.S. Army Air Force, 10th Air Force, 443 Troop Carrier Group, 2nd Troop Carrier (sic?); China, Burma, India.

Photo courtesy of John C. Burt. Thanks to Bobbi Huck for scanning and providing this image for this web page.


 

S.Sgt. Richard H. Carter
 

Lieutenant Johnnie CasteelLieutenant Johnnie Casteel, U.S. Army.

For more information, see World War II Casualties
 

Raymond Everett Cline, US Army, WWII.Raymond Everett Cline, US Army, WWII.

"He was in the army for 2 years in World War II, serving 16 months in the medical corps in Germany." -- Photo & comment courtesy of Martin Sizemore.


 

Staff Sergeant Doyle C. Coles, U.S. Army.Staff Sergeant Doyle C. Coles, U.S. Army.

See "Home Town Boy Weds Home Town Girl", The Western Star, September 24, 1943, on the Home Front page.

Photo from Ollie Hackney's Clipping Collection.


 

T/5 Keith Crawford, U.S. ArmyT/5 Keith Crawford, U.S. Army.


The Western Star , January 26, 1945.

MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY

A memorial service for T5 Keith Crawford, husband of Mrs. Evelyn Wall-Crawford of Coldwater, will be held next Sunday afternoon in the Garden City, Kansas Christian church, it is announced. Keith was killed in Belgium on December 23. It was learned last week.


Photo & article contributed by Shirley Brier.

 

John Deewall, speaker at the Crown Hill Cemetery Memorial Day observance, 2003.

View Larger Image.

Photo by Bobbi Huck.
 

Lieutenant Colonel Les Duer,
United States Marine Corps.
1995 Command Photo.

View Larger Image.

Photo courtesy of Lt. Col. Les Duer, USMC.
 

Pvt. Delmer Lee 'Buck' Ferrin, U.S. Army,  with his father, Ernest Leroy Ferrin, at the Ferrin farm, West Powell Township, Comanche County, Kansas, about 1944.  This photo was taken by Wendel Ferrin of this brother and father just before Delmer left for WWII service in Europe. Pvt. Delmer Lee "Buck" Ferrin, U.S. Army, with his father, Ernest Leroy Ferrin, at the Ferrin farm, West Powell Township, Comanche County, Kansas, about 1944. This photo was taken by Wendel Ferrin of his brother and father just before Delmer left for WWII service in Europe.

"Uncle Buck" survived the war and is buried in the Wilmore Cemetery. To understand the context of the moment pictured, read the news from the Home Front.
 

Sergeant Fred Arthur Ferrin of Wilmore, Comanche County, Kansas, while serving in the  American Expeditionary Forces, circa 1918. Sergeant Fred Arthur Ferrin of Wilmore, Comanche County, Kansas, while serving in the American Expeditionary Forces, circa 1918.

A Mother's Day Letter, 1919: from Fred A. Ferrin to Alice (Eyerly) Ferrin
On Mother's Day, May 11th, 1919, six months after the Armistice of World War I was signed, many American soldiers were still with the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Among them was Sgt. Fred Ferrin of Wilmore, Kansas.
 

Lieutenant Clyde Giles, USAAF.Lieutenant Clyde T. Giles, USAAF.
 

Ensign William M. Griffith, USNEnsign William M. Griffith, USN

For more information, see World War II Casualties


 

S.Sgt. Lee H. HechtS.Sgt. Lee H. Hecht, USAAF.

He was a B-24 waist gunner who had been promoted to Flight Engineer. He was awarded the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. His plane was shot down on his 25th mission over Germany, which would have been the last mission he would have been required to fly.

For more information, see World War II Casualties


 

Scotte Hecht, USN.Scotte Hecht, USN.

Scotte Hecht Says Typhoons Are Worst;
Was in Several Invasions In the Southwest Pacific

-- The Protection Post, November 16, 1945.
 

S.Sgt. Bert Hill, U.S. Army. S.Sgt. Bert Hill, U.S. Army.

The Western Star, Feb 25, 1944.
STAFF SGT. BERT HILL HOME AFTER 25 RAIDS
Awarded D. F. C. Air Medal And Three Oak Leaf Clusters.


 

Pvt. Ralph Hoofer, U.S. Army.

Pvt. Ralph Hoofer To Diesel School
The Western Star, June 15, 1951.
 

C.J. Huck, ET3, U.S. Navy, 2003. C.J. Huck, ET3, U.S. Navy, 2003.

U.S.S. Lake Champlain, home base: San Diego, California.

View Larger Image.

Also see: C.J. Huck, U.S. Navy

Photo courtesy of Bobbi (Hackney) Huck.


 

Alfred Leo Hughes - Oldest son of Haden Henry and Bessie Melvina (Hale) Hughes, Protection, Kansas. Alfred served his country in Okinawa during World War II. Uncle Alfred was a mechanic and he helped keep the tanks running. Alfred was the father of two daughters, Mitzi and Judy. This picture was taken with his little niece before he was shipped over seas. Alfred was my Mother's oldest brother. Photo courtesy of Gayle (Petty) Harden. Alfred Leo Hughes - Oldest son of Haden Henry and Bessie Melvina (Hale) Hughes, Protection, Kansas. Alfred served his country in Okinawa during World War II. Uncle Alfred was a mechanic and he helped keep the tanks running. Alfred was the father of two daughters, Mitzi and Judy. This picture was taken with his little niece before he was shipped over seas. Alfred was my Mother's oldest brother.

Photo and caption courtesy of Gayle (Petty) Harden.


 

Haden Henry Hughes Jr - Youngest son of Haden Henry and Bessie Melvina (Hale) Hughes, Protection, Kansas, holding his niece, Rita Petty. Photo courtesy of Gayle (Petty) Harden.

CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE Haden Henry Hughes Jr - Youngest son of Haden Henry and Bessie Melvina (Hale) Hughes, Protection, Kansas. Haden served his country in Italy during World War II. Our Uncle Haden didn't talk much about the war. He wasn't of age to enlist but he enlisted anyway, so Grandma wasn't to happy with him about that. When he was at training camp before he went over seas he wrote home saying he had gone to see the best picture show ever, it was MY FRIEND FLICKA. This picture was taken of him in 1945 when he got home safe and sound, he is holding his new baby niece who was born when he was in Italy. In letters home he wanted to get home fast so he could see Bus and Tootie's new baby. Haden was my Mother's youngest brother. Haden was the father of two daughters, Renee and Lynette. Photo and caption courtesy of Gayle (Petty) Harden.

View Larger Image.
 

John D. Jenkins, Motor Mechanics Mate 2nd Class, U. S. Navy, lost in the USS Pompano. John D. Jenkins, Motor Mechanics Mate 2nd Class, U. S. Navy, lost in the USS Pompano.

The Western Star, November 19, 1943:
JOHN JENKINS IS MISSING IN ACTION:
Is Thought to Be on Overdue Sub in Pacific.

 

Pfc. Lloyd JohnsonPfc. Lloyd L. Johnson, U.S. Army, Anti-Tank Company, 351st Infantry, 1942-1945, US and Europe.

View Larger Image.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Malone; thanks to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending this photo for use on this web page.
 

Roger M. Johnson, USN, Vietnam. HMI Roger M. Johnson, USN, Medical Corpsman.

Entered service: January 1959.
Served in the United States and Vietnam
Honorable Discharge: February 1979

View Larger Image.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Malone; thanks to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending this photo for use on this web page.
 

 Tech. Sgt. Wilbur R. Lytle, U.S. Army. Technical Sgt. Wilbur R. Lytle, U.S. Army

The Western Star, January 26, 1945.
T. SGT. WILBUR R. LYTLE HAS SILVER STAR AWARD.
Kills Several Germans And Captures Seven Alone.

 

 Pvt. Jay Malone, U.S. Army. Photo courtesy of Roberta Malone. Pvt. Jay Malone, U.S. Army, Hq. 137th Infantry, 1941-1942. Stateside. Honorable Discharge. Brother of Lloyd and Floyd.

View Larger Image.

Photo courtesy of Roberta (Mrs. Lloyd) Malone.


 

Lloyd and Floyd Malone, twin brothers, U.S. Army, WWII.  Photo courtesy of Roberta Malone.Lloyd and Floyd Malone, twin brothers, U.S. Army, WWII.

At left: Pfc. Floyd Malone, 9th Cavalry Division, 1942-1945. Europe, D-Day June 6, 1944.

At right: Pfc. Lloyd Malone, 9th Cavalry Division, 1942-1945. Europe, D-Day June 6, 1944. Good Conduct Medal, EAME Ribbon with 3 bronze stars .

Photo courtesy of Roberta (Mrs. Lloyd) Malone. Thanks to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending this image.

View Larger Image.

 

Private Martin B. McMillen, U.S. Army. Martin B. McMillen , Private, U.S. Army, 37236480, Died Not Battle.

For more information, see World War II Casualties
 

Pfc. Hugh Melrose.

For more information, see World War II Casualties
 

Harrison Metzker, American Expeditionary Forces, 89th Division as a member of Co. L. 353rd Infantry, the A1 1-Kansas Regiment. At left: Harrison Metzker, American Expeditionary Forces, 89th Division as a member of Co. L. 353rd Infantry, the A1 1-Kansas Regiment.

HARRISON METZKER MEMORIAL SERVICES.
-- The Western Star, March 21 and March 28, 1919.

From Our Soldiers and Sailor Boys : Harrison and George Metzker
"Mr. and Mrs. Frank Metzker of this county have two sons in France, Harrison and George. We are permitted to quote as follows from letters received recently from the boys who are on active service with the American Expeditionary Forces." -- The Western Star, October 18, 1918.
 

Sgt. Donald L. Nicholas
 

Sgt. H.D. "Bill" Nicholas
 

Harold Park, US Army paratrooper, 17th Airborne.  Photo courtesy of Angela Jaquette.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A LARGER IMAGE.Harold Park of Protection, Kansas,
US Army paratrooper, 17th Airborne.
Photo courtesy of Angela Jaquette.
Click here for larger image.
 

Pfc. Melvin Verl ParkPfc. Melvin Verl Park, U.S. Army.

PROTECTION SOLDIER KILLED in FRANCE.
Pfc. Melvin Verl Park Died in Battle of Cherbourg.
-- The Western Star , September 8, 1944.
 

Frances Parker, 1st Lieutenant, U.S.  Army Nurse Corps. Frances Parker, 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army Nurse Corps.

Service Dates: January 5, 1943 - January 26, 1946.

European Theater: Started in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; went overseas to Europe on the "Queen Elizabeth" with the 48th General Hospital. Set up DDay Hospital near Winchester, England, June 5, 1944. On August 11, 1944, went to 46th Field Hospital. Head Nurse when her Unit moved to Paris Hospital 'Hospital Larborsiae'. Worked at an evacuation hospital during Battle of the Bulge. Signed up again and was assigned to the 229th General Hospital at Marseilles, France. Then left for the Pacific on the maiden voyage of the USS General Aultman; Went to Phillipines, at which point she'd acquired enough "points" to come home.

Thanks to Francis (Parker) Butcher for this photo and account of her military service; and to Bobbi Huck for providing the material for this web page.

View Larger Image.
 

Pfc. Warren PettyPfc. Warren Petty, U.S. Army

Infantry, member of reconnaissance, combat and scout patrols which penetrated behind enemy lines, killed in action in Germany during World War II.
 

Winston Ramey, World War I. Dr. Winston Ramey

Dr. Ramey was born in 1891 in Kentucky. He earned his medical degree there. He married Lula Mae Nolte in 1910. They came to Protection, Kansas and he practiced medicine.

He entered WWI in 1917, enlisting with the medical corps and was commissioned. After the war he returned to Protection to practice. Dr. Ramey then sold his general practice equipment and went back to school to learn ear, nose and throat treatments. In 1928 he returned to Protection. He was a very well respected country doctor.

Comanche County History, page 199.

Courtesy of Bobbi Huck.
 

T/5 Carl RedfieldT/5 Carl Redfield
 

Bill Robbins, Pvt., U.S. Army. Bill Robbins, Pvt., U.S. Army.

The Western Star, August 4, 1944.
BILL ROBBINS is MISSING in ACTION.
County's Only Paratrooper Is Unaccounted For Since D Day.

The Western Star, June 22, 1945.
PVT. BILL ROBBINS INTERNEE, NOW HOME.
Coldwater Paratrooper Had Been Missing Since D Day.

 

Grover Ed SandersGrover Ed Sanders, USN.

The Western Star, November 19, 1943.
Sanders Brothers See Many Months of Service:
Ensign Nelson Sanders Wounded in Santa Cruz Battle, Grover Gets Advanced Schooling and Ralph Sees Action in South Pacific.
 

Ensign Nelson Sanders, USN Ensign Nelson Sanders, USN.

The Western Star, November 19, 1943.
Sanders Brothers See Many Months of Service:
Ensign Nelson Sanders Wounded in Santa Cruz Battle, Grover Gets Advanced Schooling and Ralph Sees Action in South Pacific.
 

T5 Ralph Sanders.T/5 Ralph Sanders.

The Western Star, November 19, 1943.
Sanders Brothers See Many Months of Service:
Ensign Nelson Sanders Wounded in Santa Cruz Battle, Grover Gets Advanced Schooling and Ralph Sees Action in South Pacific.
 

Robert Richard Sanders, U.S. Navy, WWII.

Photo from microfilmed copy of newspaper, courtesy of Shirley Brier. Robert Richard Sanders, U.S. Navy, World War II.

"Robert Richard Sanders was born November 5, 1925, in Comanche county, Kansas. He attended the Coldwater schools and at the age of 17 he left school to join the armed forces. He served his country for four years in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He served aboard a destroyer in the Pacific area during the heaviest fighting." -- Services for Robert Sanders held Friday -- Was Victim of Truck-Train Crash at Haviland January 19, The Western Star, January 30, 1959.
 

Pfc. Carl H. SchenkPfc. Carl H. Schenk

STILL SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS WOUND
Pfc. Carl H. Schenk in Hospital With Total Disability

-- The Western Star, September 20, 1946.
 

Pvt. Calvin Schmidt, U.S. Army Pvt. Calvin Schmidt, U.S. Army.

Pvt. Calvin Schmidt In Armored Division
-- The Western Star, June 15, 1951.
 

Private D. Virgil Schrock, US Army. At left: Private D. Virgil Schrock, US Army.

SCHROCK BROTHERS UNITED AFTER 4 YEARS.
John Severely Wounded And Has Purple Heart Award.

--The Western Star, September 15, 1944.
 

EM2 John D. Schrock, US Navy. At left: EM2 John D. Schrock, US Navy.

SCHROCK BROTHERS UNITED AFTER 4 YEARS.
John Severely Wounded And Has Purple Heart Award.

--The Western Star, September 15, 1944.
 

EM2c Alfred SeidelEM2c Alfred Seidel

Alfred Glenn "Bus" Seidel, a C. P. O. electrician's mate, and all other members of the crew of the S. S. Houston, were reported lost following a sea battle with the Japanese forces. He died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.


 

Ensign Herbert L. Seyfrit, 3 Dec 1916 to 31 Oct 1942, Aviation Cadet, United States Naval Reserves, interred in  Crown Hill Cemetery near Coldwater, Comanche County, Kansas. Photograph courtesy of his sister, Morene Potter.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE LARGER IMAGE.Ensign Herbert L. Seyfrit, 3 Dec 1916 to 31 Oct 1942, Aviation Cadet, United States Naval Reserves, interred in Crown Hill Cemetery near Coldwater, Comanche County, Kansas.

Photograph courtesy of his sister, Morene (Seyfrit) Potter.

"The people of this county were stunned Sunday morning when news came that Cadet Herbert L. Seyfrit, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Seyfrit, was killed instantly about dusk last Saturday evening when two navy air trainer planes collided 100 feet off the ground as they were landing at the Gardner air base near Olathe, Kans. Herbert was making a perfect landing along the runway when Cadet Thomas J. Storey, 21, of Chargin Falls, Ohio, came in the from the side without seeing Seyfrit's plane, clipping the tail and all controls off the latter's aircraft which plunged to the ground." -- The Western Star, November 6, 1942.
 

Calvert Sims, U.S. Navy.Calvert Sims, U.S. Navy.

View Larger Image.

Photo courtesy of Calvert Sims. Thanks to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending this photo.

"Calvert was graduated from Coldwater High School in 1934. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years, and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. He and his wife Pauline have four children: Michael Eric (1944), Marcia Gayle (1946), Marilyn Doris (1947), and Stephen Elliot (1951)." -- Estill Pioneer Ranch, Comanche County History, pages 365 - 366.
 

Staff Sergeant Eric A. Sims, U.S. Army, Died of Wounds.  Son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Sims of Coldwater, Comanche County, Kansas. Eric A. Sims, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Died Of Wounds.

S.Sgt. Eric A. Sims, US Army, DOW, December 9, 1941.

Estill Pioneer Ranch, Comanche County History, pages 365 - 366.
 

Sgt. Eugene D. Smith, US Air Force
6 Feb 1943 - 30 Jan 1946
Honorable Discharge
American Theater, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal
CLICK HERE to view larger image.Sgt. Eugene D. Smith, US Air Force

6 Feb 1943 - 30 Jan 1946
Honorable Discharge
American Theater, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal.

View Larger Image

Photo courtesy of Marty and Shari Koehn.
 

From left:  Forrest Smith and Calvin Smith at Ernest & Nellie Ferrin's house east of Wilmore, Comanche County, Kansas, about 1943 or 1944. Photograph from the collection of Wendel Ferrin. Forrest Smith, at left, and Calvin Smith at Ernest & Nellie Ferrin's house east of Wilmore, Comanche County, Kansas, about 1943 or 1944. Photograph from the collection of Wendel Ferrin. A uncropped version of this image may be seen here.
 

Corporal Carl L. Snyder, Junior, United States Marines, 2nd Airdrome Battalion - 17th A.A. Battalion. Served 06 Oct 1942 to 21 August 1945. Expert Rifleman, LAAFC Man. Served in the Pacific Theatre and in the taking of Tinian in the Marianas Islands. Photo courtesy of Rowena and Trish Snyder. SNYDER, Carl L. : April 12, 1917 - October 1, 1996 : VFW
Photo at left: Corporal Carl L. Snyder, Jr., United States Marines, 2nd Airdrome Battalion - 17th A.A. Battalion. Served 06 Oct 1942 to 21 August 1945. Expert Rifleman, LAAFC Man. Served in the Western Pacific and in the taking of Tinian in the Marianas Islands. Photo courtesy of Rowena & Trish Snyder.

See Comanche County History, p. 688.

Carl Snyder was laid to rest in Lot #49, Powell Township Cemetery, Wilmore, Comanche County, Kansas.


 

 First Lieutenant Ralph Joseph Sooter, USAAF.  Photo courtesy of his niece, Loretta (Sooter) Brooks. Ralph Joseph Sooter, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces, 0-727569, 44th Unit, 70th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group. Entered the Service from Kansas. Missing In Action: June 5, 1943. Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines. Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart. (American Battle Monuments Commission)

Photo courtesy of his niece, Loretta (Sooter) Brooks.


 

Tommy ToothakerTommy Toothaker, USN, CM 1c.

COMANCHE SAILOR HAS SAILED THE SEVEN SEAS, The Western Star, June 11, 1943.
 

Sgt. Joseph Wayne 'Joe' Turley, U.S. Army.

CLICK HERE for larger image.Sgt. Joseph Wayne "Joe" Turley, U.S. Army, 2005.

He first enlisted in 2001, has served in Iraq, Kosovo and Germany; in 2005 re-enlisted for 5 more years. He is the son of Tom & Mona (Kindsvater) Turley and grandson of Wayne & Margo Kindsvater.

Photo courtesy of Casey Huck, who received it via email from Sgt. Turley.

View Larger Image
 

T.Sgt. Edward W. Waller.T.Sgt. Edward W. Waller, US Army.

T. SGT. EDW. WALLER AWARDED BRONZE STAR.
Heroic Acts of Bravery Shown in St. Lo Sector.

The Western Star, August 18, 1944.

SGT. EDWARD WALLER WOUNDED IN FRANCE.
The Western Star, September 9, 1944.
 

Russell Eugene Ward, US NavyRussell Eugene Ward, US Navy.

Son Dies in Helicopter Crash, The Western Star, December 23, 1976.
 

Major Urven White, U.S. Army, Chaplain.Major Urven White, U.S. Army, Chaplain.
 

Corporal Vernie White, U.S. Army.Corporal Vernie White, US Army.

Vernie Arden White died on Friday, September 19, 2003, at the Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater, Kansas. He lived to the age of 87 years.

He was born on March 21, 1916, at the Holmes Ranch in Barber County near Aetna, Kansas, the son of Neal and Elizabeth (Alley) White.

(excerpt) -- "Vernie White dies at age of 87", The Protection Press, 25 September 2003.

"Last week brought on some sad news for a lot of us in Comanche County. Vernie moved to his heavenly home. Vernie White was a member of the Wilmore Opry. We not only enjoyed his entertainment on stage, but we all loved Vernie's laugher and jokes. what a good friend he was, and he will be greatly missed. We are sure Vernie is entertaining the angels with his heavenly friends and on that heavenly stage. we all will miss you a lot Vernie!"

-- "Wilmore News" by Dan & Linda Winter, The Protection Press, 25 September 2003.
 

Lieutenant Victor E. WillardLieutenant Victor E. Willard

LIEUT. VICTOR WILLARD BOMBS JAP ISLAND.
Coldwater Bombardier Receives C. O. Commendation.
,
The Western Star, October 27, 1944.
 

Byron Wood, Wilmore, Ks, about 1943. Photograph by Wendel G. Ferrin. Byron Wood, Wilmore, Ks, about 1943. Photo by Wendel Ferrin. A uncropped version of this image may be seen here.
 

1st Sgt. Richard Samuel Wood, USMC, on Guadalcanal, 1944.1st Sgt. Richard Samuel Wood, USMC, on Guadalcanal, 1944.
Photo courtesy of his grand-daughter, Heidi Aiem.

Obituary: Richard Samuel Wood
Feb. 25, 1919 -- March 29, 2004

His ashes were laid to rest beside his parent's graves in Wilmore Cemetery.

View Larger Image.


 

Lieutenant Donald E. WrightLieutenant Donald E. Wright, USAAF.

LT. DONALD E. WRIGHT STILL MISSING IN ACTION.
His Plane Shot Down in Tarawa Battle December 15, 1943
-- The Western Star, December 8, 1944.

LT. DONALD E. WRIGHT NOW DECLARED DEAD -- Was Last Seen Alive December 17, 1943, as Japanese Prisoner. -- The Western Star, February 15, 1946.
 

Pfc. Lawrence York, Jr., US Army.Pfc. Lawrence York, Jr., US Army.

The Western Star, March 24, 1944.
PFC. LAWRENCE YORK WOUNDED IN ACTION
Was Awarded The Purple Heart; Twice Hit by Japs.

The Western Star, July 28, 1944.
LAWRENCE YORK JR. AWARDED BRONZE STAR


 

Water Tender 1st Class Squire Boone Zane, U.S.N., circa 1941.

Photo courtesy of his nephew, Roland Zane Unangst. Water Tender 1st Class Squire Boone Zane, U.S.N., circa 1941.

Photo courtesy of his nephew, Roland Zane Unangst.
 

Sgt. Wade Zeigler, U.S. Army.Sgt. Wade Zeigler, U.S. Army, Company L, 60th Infantry.
Service dates: July 2, 1941 - August 23, 1945.
Military Occupation: Rifle NCO 745. Honorable Discharge Certificate.

Battles:
Normandy GO #33 WD 45
Algeria-French Morocco GO #33 WD 45
Tunisia GO #33 WD 45
Sicily GO #33 WD 45

Decorations:
E.A.M.E. Theatre Ribbon with four battle stars
Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Purple Heart, GO #5, 95th Gen Hosp, 10 July 44.

Wounded by enemy action 25 June 44 in France

View Larger Image.


 

Sgt Wade Zeigler, US Army,
North Africa, June 11, 1943Sgt Wade Zeigler, US Army, North Africa, June 11, 1943.

Thanks to Ernestine Zeigler for providing these two photos of her husband, Wade, for use on this web site, and to Bobbi Huck for scanning and sending them!


 

Pvt. Ervin ZimmermanPvt. Ervin Zimmerman
 


The following RootsWeb Visitors Counter began counting on 09 Feb 2008.


Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding and scanning those of the above images which were originally printed in newspapers. Those images were originally panochomatic photographs, from which half-tone separations were made for publication in the newspaper, which were later microfilmed, and from which microfilms xerox copies were recently made, which were then digitally scanned to make the images you see. Given the number of generations of reproduction processes, these images are the best available for the webpage.

This RootsWeb website is being created by Jerry Ferrin with the able assistance of many Contributors. Your comments, suggestions and contributions of historical information and photographs to this site are welcome. Please sign the Guest Book.

This page was created 1 August 2005 and was last updated 9 Feb 2008.


Hosted by RootsWeb, the oldest & largest FREE genealogical site. Click here to visit RootsWeb.

COMANCHE COUNTY, KANSAS: HISTORY & GENEALOGY
Bibliography     Biography     Cemeteries     Churches    Cities & Towns     Clubs     Contributors     Diamond Jubilee    Events     FAQ     Genealogy     Guest Book - Sign     Guest Book - View     History     Links     Maps     News Articles     Newspapers     Opry     Photos     Poetry     Queries     Records     Resources    Satellite Images     Schools     Search     Veterans     HOME
Civil War Veterans   Gravestones of Veterans   Heritage Park Memorial   Home Front   List of Comanche County Veterans   Memorial Rose Garden   Photos of Veterans   Research Sources   Spanish-American War   World War I   World War I Casualties   World War II   World War II Casualties   Undeclared Wars: Korean, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars