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May 7, 2009
I dont know where to begin. Genealogy has been a hobby of mine for 25 years
now. I have searched and searched every avenue I come across hoping to find something new. Months go by and nothing
new, but I keep searching. Yesterday I went back into the Monroe County Genealogy, Rootsweb. Found your posting,
as I was reading through it, I found my dads cousins name in your list. Joseph E Kerr from Bloomington, Monroe Co, IN
. I have a newspaper clipping about his death but the clipping only said that he was killed in action in the South Pacific.
Where he was buried always puzzled me, until now. I followed your link to your website Indiana Soldiers and Sailors.
As I was reading tears swelled up inside me, not only over the joy but also the sorrow for all the soldiers that have not
returned to their homeland. But also I feel more at ease now knowing they are buried. I am very interested in receiving
a photo copy of Joseph E Kerr’s cross. He died 07/05/1944. I cannot express enough in words how I feel about
you taking your time locating the service members. Thank you so much once again.
Helen
November 15, 2007
Faithful project supporter, Sally Pavia from Sun City, Arizona posted our newscast video that was broadcast during
the Veteran's Day holiday. She received this comment from her traveling companion, Linda.
Thank you, Sally, for posting this link. I've been to the cemetery a
number of times in my youth, and it is such a beautiful and moving
place, even more so than Arlington
to ME. The video made me cry and now
I want to go back to see it again. I hope your posting touches someone else with ties to the cemetery.
Linda
July
12, 2007
Dear
Dave,
My niece Beth Ford has written to you & you were kind enough to send information
on my brother J A. Clouser, she forwarded it to me. There are not enough words to thank you for your info!! For all
these years I thought J was on a mountainside someplace & no one knew where exactly. I am so thankful to finally
know he has a beautiful resting place. I was very young when he died & have such good memories of him & this really
is a wonderful gift to know as it has always bothered me so much! I've always wondered why we could never get more info
on him but it was a real hard time in history so I can't fault anyone. Once again thank you from the bottom of my heart as
I can rest for the first time since he died. My very best to you !
Sincerely Flora (
Liz) Clouser- Freeman
May 22, 2007
Thanks for the consideration & opening of your home to me, it means so much. I doubt that I'll ever make the
trip inasmuch as I don't care for flying. I have the pictures of the memorial & that will suffice. Memories are in the
heart anyway. I have you to thank for the pictures,etc. as I didn't even know the memorial existed until your e-mail,so I
can never tell you how grateful I truly am.
Your friend,Betty Connerly
Sister of Sgt. Wallace Kinder
Bedford, Indiana
April 16, 2007
Donald
H. Spangler is my Uncle and my fathers brother. I would love to have a picture of the place in Manila
if possible to give to my father who just turned 87 years old last Sunday. Any information you may need on Donald, my Dad,
Robert K. Spangler can provide me with to e-mail you.
Thank you. God
Bless,
Kristine
April 13, 2007
Last January you were kind enough to send me some photos of the grave of Lloyd Whitten, a sailor with whom my dad served
during WWII. I thought I'd get back with you and let you know how much my dad and others from the squadron appreciate what
you are doing. In particular, a gentleman named Bob Perrenot, who now lives in Dallas, Texas, was very grateful for the photos. Mr. Perrenot was with Whitten when
he died on board their navy patrol bomber. After 62 years it was very moving for him to see Whitten's grave. Mr. Perrenot
never knew if Whitten had stayed in the Philippines
or whether his remains had been returned home to Texas. Mr. Perrenot asked that I pass on to you his thanks.
My best regards,
Dave Deatherage
Son of Paul Deatherage, VPB119, 1944-1945
November 16, 2006
Louis Raymond Blackburn Family, Monon, Indiana
Thanks for everything! I feel the same way when I look at his picture. What a price to pay.It is such a special thing
you are doing for people. I took your emails and pictures and showed them to my father. It was the first time in his life
he has seen his brother's memorial. Needless to say there were tears in his eyes. My dad is 78 years old. You can imagine
what this meant. Again thanks for all you do. God Bless You!
Sincerely,
Chris Odom
November 10, 2006
Thank you so much for
posting this message and picture. Marion J. Wildridge is my first cousin once removed. I will be forwarding
this information to Marion's 95 year young sister. Again thank
you.
Barbara Hunter
Once Barbara Hunter contacted
us we immediately sent photos to her. This was a great milestone for us and our contributing volunteers. This marked the 150th
family of an Indiana serviceman we have sent photos to. God has truly blessed the work of our contributing volunteers
and our project. We thank you all for your help and support.
Dave
October 16, 2006
Family of Gerald N Megnin
I discovered your website after reading the latest copy of /The Seedling Patch/ - a publication of the Lawrence County
Historical and Genealogical Society. My mother's brother was included in the roster of Lawrence Co servicemen listed
on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery Philippines. We had no idea that such a memorial existed.
As requested in the article, I am including a picture of Gerald Megnin, and a scanned copy of his obituary. The website you
have put together is very impressive. We would be honored to have information on my uncle included. Thank you
for your efforts at preserving and honoring those Hoosiers who have given so much to allow us to live our lives in freedom.
Steve
Browning
Despite the family's notion that Gerald was listed as missing in action we sent three photos of his gravesite at Manila
American Cemetery. Their family was the 148th Indiana family we have been able to locate.
Thanks to you for all the photos and information about my uncle. I was quite surprised to learn that his remains
are buried in the Philippines. My mother had always assumed he was lost at sea, and nothing to the contrary was ever
provided by the military (to the best of her knowledge).
September 4, 2006
Family of Walter Copeland
Thank You so much for sending me these photo's. I actually was able to see my father this weekend and showed him a "little"
of what I've been working on about Uncle Walt. He was flabbergasted to say the least. He was going to call the remaining brother
that's alive in South Bend. Thank You so Much for all the pictures I actually cried when I saw them, and Thank You for truly
being good people in today's society! Forever Grateful,
Angela Copeland-Story
August 22, 2006
Family of Robert Lamb
Bless
your heart Mr. Dwiggins. I will send these to the rest of the family...I am so glad I ran across this information site..Bless
you again...Bobby has special meaning to my immediate family because my Mother was pregnant when he left for service and he
asked her to name the baby Bobby if it was a boy....so in April she had a boy and he is named Robert for my cousin Bobby...I
can not tell you how much I appreciate this information about him. His family has all passed away except for 2 sisters
and a brother who live away from the home place. I will see that they get copies of this and the other pictures...He was a
cousin; but in our family "cousins" were more like "extra" brothers and sisters....Thank you, Alice Long
July 29, 2006
Family of Robert E Bilz
First of all, thank you VERY much for your
kindness & generosity in providing this information & all the wonderful photographs. Wow. Robert's brother, Lewis, was killed
Jan. 6, 1945, in France, & Robert enlisted in response to that, in honor of his brother. They both were very young—I believe only 18-19 when they died....both were from Elkhart. Dad says, in 1945, when the
family was first notified that the ship had gone down, my Uncle tried to get answers about what had happened to Robert, but
government agencies would not respond—no one would talk about it—& after a while he just gave up. Since Robert & Lewis were their only sons, my Dad & his brother became "sons" to my (great) Aunt
& Uncle...but they were never the same. Always broken-hearted.
So, it WAS really incredible to see Robert's name on the Memorial. Really
amazing. No one in my family had any idea about this. And, no, we did not have
the dog-tag information—we have most of it, but not his service number. This
will be extremely helpful in obtaining Robert's records (difficult to do w/out this number).
Dad has a little vinyl record Robert made in one of those old-fashioned recording booths in San Francisco the night before he shipped out, & it had his info written on the cover,
but the service number was unreadable. Thanks for providing that. Thank you again, & I'll make sure you receive some info on Robert.
Susan Tossman
California
May 29, 2006
My very best to you as well as my thanks for your photos and the care and
concern that went into providing them. Together, the photo of Cecil's grave
and the wide-angle shot of the Memorial give a good idea of where he has been buried (or, at least, remembered by two grateful
nations). Thank you very much for sending these along with the scans of the 2006 Memorial Service and the photo of veteran
Wenceslao Rodriguez. What these men endured in service to their countries is something that we can only poorly imagine.
In a world that so easily awards the sobriquet "hero", these men were truly that. I have passed these photos to my cousins who are more closely related to Cecil in the knowledge that they will be appreciated.
Thank you once again.
Jim Boyce
Family of Cecil L. Ensley; Illinois
Farges, France
May 29, 2006
Hey there Dave, I
could not believe my eyes when I opened up the Sunday paper, the news dispatch may 28, 2006. On the front page, in color,
for the first time, I saw a picture and location of my grandfather’s brother’s grave. Wow! What a trip. I am Jeff
Granacki Son of William Granacki Jr., his father William. Sr. is George’s brother. How do we get more info on George
and what info would you like from the family. I don't think anyone has ever known or seen his final resting place. Thank you.
I can't frigin' believe it. I called my dad, like right now, he can't frigin' believe either. If possible, please send an
E-photo of the grave sight to me.
With kindest regards,
Jeffrey A. Granacki.
May 29, 2006
I cannot tell you the joy these pictures brought me.I cried when I saw them. The pictures are absolutely perfect.
I have sent them on to the families who have computers. My uncle is 84 this year, he remembers Uncle Allen. He
is probably the only one who remembers him. He will be thrilled, also. May you and yours have many blessings heaped
upon your lives for the joy you bring to others by doing this. God bless you and keep you safe.
With great regard,
Barbara
McGirr
Family of Allen M. Pratt
Dave,
Your project and response has brought back memories to my two sisters
and me. We have the pictures that was in his (Gareld Spencer) billfold that he carried all through the service and was returned
to his parents at his death. One of those was of us three girls. My middle sister will get those items from storage/safe keeping
within the last of the week and we will make sure you get a picture of him. In the meantime, I will check the local papers
for an obit. We even have the purple heart that was presented to his parents at his death. His father; Andrew Spencer died
in 1966 and his mother, Jannie, died in 1969. Gareld had no siblings. But my sister remembers that Andy had been married before
and had a son that had children. We will check this, too. Also notice the spelling of his given name. I tried to see
if his stone spelled his name as "Gerald" or Gareld but could not see well enough to determine the spelling. His given
name was spelled Gareld even in the letters we have written by him. Thanks for your response.
Evelyn Harper Jackson
Depauw, Indiana
Formerly from Marengo, IN, Crawford County who grew up on State Road
#66 across from the Spencers.
February 21, 2006
Thank you so so much. You all are surely a blessing to us. I am sure
to keep a look out on the site for more names and photos. What you all do is totally wonderful. Now may I ask you all if I
can list your link on my family history group so that others from here in Indiana and Jackson County Indiana can see if their
family names are here and maybe post your address there too? I know they would be very happy to have the link. TYVM, Ruth
February 14, 2006
I have just seen your site and it is beautiful.
Although I am not a Hoosier I am close by in Ohio, (Buckeye State). I have an uncle that is buried in the National
Cemetery and we have never seen the grave site. His name is Paul William
Jackson. Although Dad is no longer living, these 2 were inseparable. I do have an uncle (bro to Paul) that is still living.
He flew 50 missions in Europe and has just celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary, his
94th birthday and his wife’s 97th birthday this past week. They both are of sound mind and get along pretty good. If
I could get a picture of this I would give it to this uncle. If you could possibly help me with this we all would be ever
so grateful to you and your wife.
We were pleased to be able to quickly send the photos of Paul William Jackson's name as it appears on the Tablets of
the Missing.
February 9, 2006
I am Edward J Girman's nephew. My mother, Dorothy (Girman) Tully
is Edward's younger sister. She and Ed were two of nine siblings all born and raised in Whiting Indiana. Dorothy is the last
surviving sister. I would appreciate receiving any information you might have.
Floyd Hollandbeck has been onboard with us from the start of the project as we searched for information regarding family
member Ralph M. Hollanbeck. Ralph was a commando and was killed by a sniper in the Philippines a year and a half before MacArthur's
return to the islands. Most of the servicemen that died during this time their remains were never found. Fortunately Ralph
is buried in one of the graves at the memorial and we sent photos to the family long ago. We thank you for being a part of
our project Floyd, and we thank our special volunteers for contributing to its success.
February 7, 2006
Hey Dave,
You are doing a tremendous job in collecting and preserving information! I can't thank you enough
for your efforts. My humble thanks to your project. Ralph was a great Hollandbeck!
Floyd Hollandbeck
Ralph Hollandbeck Family
February
7, 2006
Thank
you so much for your efforts, I deeply touched. I had no idea the cemetery even
existed and it was quite moving to be able to see my uncle's name on the wall. The photos are amazing! Again, you have no idea of how moving it is. I am mulling over how to share these photos with my family. I want it to be a very special moment for them as well. Again, our heart felt thanks.
Mona
Konopka
Family
of LT. Walter K. Brenneman
louandmo@msn.com
You will want to know that I have found a brother of the late Sam Calabria Jr. I
just got through talking to Sam's brother Frank Calabria here in Anderson, Indiana and they are thrilled to death. Frank is 91 years old.
Phyllis Leedom
Genealogist
Anderson, Indiana; Madison Co
Good Morning, Dave........ I just visited your web site and all I can say is........ "Wow! You are a God
send to many people." I don't have anyone buried there but for those who do you are doing a great service. I think
it's wonderful that you would take the time to take the pictures and do the research to find the families of these men.
I know that if I did have someone over there I would never be able to visit their grave and pictures would be a blessing
to have.
You've restored my faith in the fact that there might still be some people out there who are willing to give to others
without expecting something in return.
Thanks,
Janice
Paul Thomas "Tommy" Brown was my 1st cousin. I never knew him, but have known of him. You and your volunteers are doing
a wonderful thing by posting the information. I have just visited your website and was overwhelmed by what I saw. I had a
tear in my eye as I viewed the pictures and comments, knowing that these men and women are finally being recognized and honored.
I can imagine the joy of the close family members of these soldiers and sailors when they see the tribute to their people.
Betsy Wildes is my 1st cousin once removed, and we have been working together on the Brown family history for some
time now. She has shared the information and pictures with me. This is a wonderful addition to our family history. We knew
very little about our "Tommy" Thank you for all you are doing. May God bless you all.
Arlene Brown Allen
Dear Dave,
You don't know how I thank you for visiting the grave site of my Uncle Richard L. Fisher yesterday,
the photo's are absolute beautiful, what an incredible project you and Apple have accomplished. All the time, effort
and love you have put into this is so wonderful. It is so appreciated. I can't thank the two
of you for the devotion to this. It is really a sight to see and the crosses at the graves.
Thank you so for e-mailing my Uncles names on the walls etc. God
bless the two of you, you have brought closure to my Uncle's death.
Carol J. Lawson
Niece of Richard Lewis Fisher
Lost on the Lagarto
Dear Dave,
I am overwhelmed by the photos and surely with the speed in which you sent them. Thank you is such a small
word when it comes to our gratitude. My father, Charles' brother, is dying of cancer now, and has very few good days. This
will mean a lot to him. I will forward a photo of Charles to you in the next day or so.
Kind regards and thanks,
Sheila
Spencer Lein
Charles LaRoy Spencer Family; State of Washington
USS Houston
November 18, 2005
Hello Dave, my mother has received all you
pictures and info that you sent with them, I am printing everything
out so Max Wicklander’s brother (my grandfather) can treat his eyes to this most beautiful place of rest for his long
lost brother. There are no words we can find
that are special enough to say what we all feel in our hearts towards you and you wife. Thank you just doesn't seem fitting, but of course thank you from all of us to you both.
When my mother first saw this awesome cemetery she could not
believe her eyes. It is the prettiest and biggest
one that I have ever seen. The memorial wall is breath
taking, as with every picture you sent. You speak very kind words
and are helping people feel so much at peace and in touch with Max and all the men that are resting at Manila
American Cemetery. Again thank you so very much for all you have done and God Bless you.
Always,
Vickie Morgan of Washington and
The Family of Max M Wicklander
Crew Member on the USS Lagarto Lost near Thailand
I returned a message to the family of Max Wicklander expressing our appreciation
for the kind words and emphasized that the success of the project has not come because of me alone. Thanks for all the volunteer
help, it is bringing blessings to many folks.
I've already sent my thanks by e-mail but wish to thank you publicly. After many years, Glen's remaining family now know
where he rests and information on how he died. I send all of my family's thanks along to you.
Tracey Donahue
Family of Glen E. Halstead
of Lynn, Indiana
Thank you, Dave and Everyone,
Your generosity and kindness is overwhelming. My father, William T. Mabin,
SM1, died on the Lagarto. This discovery has brought our family both peace and new life. I have been deeply involved
in finding Lagarto families and have communicated with all of them. They are thrilled to finally know what happened!
There are many stories of families reunited, healing old wounds, and getting a better understanding of what our loved ones
on the Lagarto went through. We are proud to know that they went down fighting to the very end. The Lagarto story is
important because it represents the valor that all our military experience in war. If you can help us find the families
of any more crew, it would be tremendous.
Sincerely,
Nancy Mabin Kenney
Daughter of Signalman, William T. Madin; Illinois
701 South French Road
Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
(231) 256-9342
If you have any information regarding the family of the crew members of the USS Lagarto please contact Nancy at the above
email address or her partner in efforts
Karen Duvalle
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
75 Maritime Drive
Manitowoc, WI 54220
We also welcome your information here at our INDIANA SOLDIERS & SAILORS website and we will send free photographs
of each crew members name as it appears on the "Tablets of the Missing" at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines,
to each of the families found. We do not charge for our photographs; they are meant to comfort the families of Indiana and
American servicemen.
September 22, 2005
I and my entire family thank you for sending the photos. We really do appreciate the time you have given to show
our family this lovely memorial.
Thank you very much!
Laurence V. Pash
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
September 16, 2005
We have just heard from Karen Duvalle of the Manitowoc Museum
about the tablets at the cemetery with names of service people that have been lost in the wars. Our brother was on the
USS Lagarto when it was lost during the WW II, and we would appreciate it if you could send us a photo of his name which is
listed with his comrades on that ship. His name was C. Richard Byrer, F1/C. It is so good to know that someone
has been taking care of our lost men and women. We have been so relieved to hear that the Largarto has been found, and
it has brought such a comfort for us. My husband is the last of that family, and it has meant so much to him to know
that Dick has been found. Thank you for your help.
Violet
and Ben Byrer
We sent the photos
of the memorial to their family then received this reply.
Dear Dave:
We thank you for sending the beautiful photos of the memorial to the service men. We did find C. Richard Byrer's
name and rank on the wall. It was so good to see all you sent. However, the many crosses makes us both so sad.
Defending our country and independence takes a mighty toll on our country's population. Thank God we all realize what
is sacrificed by so many.
Again, thank you, thank you.
Violet and Ben Byrer
September 14, 2005
In May of 2005, the submarine USS Lagarto was found on the bottom of the South China Sea just off the coast of Thailand.
It had sunk May 3, 1945 in battle with a Japanese minelayer. A private wreck-diver from Britain found the sub to be in tact
and sealed. The Lagarto will remain a sealed tomb and thee are no plans to retrieve the remains. The letter below is a note
from the daughter, Nancy Keeney, of signalman William T. Mabin of Illinois. Nancy has spearheaded efforts to find the
families of the other crew members along with Karen Duvalle of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc where the submarine
was built. We are working closely with them to send photographs to the other families.
Dear Dave,
This is wonderful! Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Some great things have certainly
come my way since this all started, and one of them is you. My mother has always wondered about his monument; said with
a sigh, some years ago, "Well, we'll probably never see it." Now I'll print this out and take it to the hospital
with me. You are an angel.
Nancy Keeney
Daughter of:
Signalman William T. Mabin
USS Lagarto
September 7, 2005
I just wanted to let you know how much Ed and I appreciate the pictures that you took the time to send us. Ed was only
five years old when his father was lost at sea and therefore has no real memories since his parents were divorced by then.
He doesn't have a lot of memoeto's so these mean a great deal to him. I am going to send you a photograph of Thomas Jewell,
Chief Signalman, United States Navy of Washington. I thought you might like one for your files and photo alburms.
Ed and Carolyn Jewell
Bonney Lake
Washington
Hello Dave, I can't thank you enough for the pictures. I am having copies made for the family
and they thank you too. I will be sending you a picture of Gene in his uniform along with other information about him. No
one in our family ever saw his grave and this is so gratifying to finally see it. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God has a special place for you in his heart.
Lois Kerr-Heffel
Brooksville, Florida
Eugene A. Stinetorf Family
Thank you so much for responding so quickly. I have learned more in the past hour than I have known all my life. I think I understand now why the family did not speak of him, because of his passing. That is, I think I
understand. The wall is clear and his name stands out like as if it were meant for all to see.
I will keep you informed of any more information I can add.
Again, thank you and God bless you both.
Catherine Homco-McKnight
Lake Co Indiana
Aug 25, 2005
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the photos of the "Tablets of the Missing" and the cemetery in Manila. They
are wonderful. Tonight, I was able to tell Harold's brothers and sister that I came across your site and about how you were
going to send me pictures of his name (Harold H. Elfreich) on the memorial. This comes at a time when my family is grieving
the loss of Harold's mother, my great-grandmother. She was 99 and died on Monday. Her funeral is tomorrow.
Harold had two brothers and a sister, all of which are still alive. Harold's older brother, my grandfather Donald Elfreich,
served in WWII and was stationed in Italy. Harold was not old enough to join the service. He was determined to
join, so his father signed papers so he could enter the service. I believe he was 17 when he entered. He was a
tail-gunner. Harold lived in Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Evansville was his hometown, but they lived in the county
only a mile from the county line. His name appears on a plaque outside the old Vanderburgh County Court House as a Vanderburgh
County resident killed in action in WWII. Thank you from the entire Elfreich family for helping us make this connection.
We were all unaware of the memorial in Manila and that his name was listed there. I can't wait to share these photos
with my family tomorrow. I will take my laptop with me and share the photos after the funeral. Thank you, thank
you, thank you!
With my sincerest thanks,
Audrey
Aug 26 (the next day)
Our day was a celebration of a long life. I know that finding your site was my great-grandmother's way of letting
me know she was with her son, Harold. Again, thank you so much for giving your time and energy to make sure the families
of those lost in the Pacific can have some closure and sense of peace knowing their loved ones are not forgotten.
Audrey Gower
Thank you so much for the photos of Leslie E. Klinefelter's ( State of Vermont) name on the Tablets of the Missing in
Manila. Your efforts are so meaningful to the families and to the memories of these brave American servicemen who lost
their lives so long ago. Although I never knew Leslie, he was part of my family and as such, I wanted to know as much
about him and his sacrifice as possible. One of the aspects of your work that touches me so much is that these boys died so
very far from home and their names are inscribed on walls so far from home too, but when you make this wonderful effort to
bring us the photos of their names, it somehow brings them closer to us. Once again, God bless you for your work.
Valri
Darling
I really appreciate the photos of my cousin, Sgt Edward L Stewart of Evansville. I am still trying to find out more about
him. I know my mother had a snapshot of him in his uniform, without his shirt, in a very casual position. I hope I can locate
this photo. Again, thanks. I sent money to the Monument commission to put flowers on his grave Veterans day and the anniversary
of his death. I am most certain that no one in his family put flowers on his grave. I would be surprised if they did. Must
go. Thanks for all your help. God Bless! Bonnie Peckinpaugh; Mississippi
Thank You so much. I found your message on a board at RootsWeb.com and was totally shocked to see my uncle's name
there. Wilbert Emery Goldsby was my dad's brother. There was a total of thirteen children, the first two children
died in infancy. Wilbert was known as Emery by everyone here. He and my dad had a small grocery store before Emery
joined the Army. He didn't marry before he left, but he had two good prospects. Both girls wrote to him while
he was gone. My dad and his family received many letters from him but they were all very general and usually talking
about things at home. The only thing I have learned about his time during the war was there was always beautiful women
and lots of beer around somewhere! Emery died before I was born so I really know very little about him. I do know,
however that he really enjoyed roller skating. I hope you don't mind, but I am sending a picture of Emery so at least
you will have a face to go with the tombstone. And I do not think I have ever seen such a beautiful cemetery.
Thank you again. We really appriciate it.
Sincerely,
Susan Goldsby Jenkins
Bedford, IN 47421
My name is Steve Rhodes. I am a special projects photojournalist/producer at WTHR-TV in
Indianapolis. While researching veteran related stories I stumbled across the story of your
efforts in the Philippines. We would maybe be interested in pursuing a story
about this -- especially if an Indiana family comes to visit the site because of info you have turned up. This is an emotional issue for many hoosier families and I think it could an opportunity to tell an important
story. Please let me know if you think this is a possibility. I look forward to hearing
from you.
Steve Rhodes
Photojournalist
WTHR -TV
Indianapolis, IN
I just wanted to drop you a note to thank for what you are doing in locating family members of
those that died in the South Pacific. From what messages of yours that I've read, it certainly sounds like you are doing
some good work!
My father served in the Phillippines during WWII and he came home, married, and raised a family
and now retired and pushing 80 years of age. He never talks of his war years, but from what I've gathered from TV documentaries
onThe History Channel, it was a hard life. With all of the recognition the vets get now, he really doesn't understand
it. He just scowls and says, "I went because I had to." I appreciate the fact that HE DID serve to help preserve
our way of life.
Your efforts are keeping alive the memories of those fallen heroes, and my hat is off to you!
Feel free to post on the St. Joseph Message Board anytime, and thank you for informing us of your work.
Sincerely;
Rick Berkheiser
Message Board Administrator for St. Joseph Co., IN
List Administrator for INSTJOSE
Thanks for the picture of wall with Arthur Bryan's name on it. I will make sure a copy gets to the genealogy office
and our local Museum of the Soldier, which is just for Jay County servicemen. You did send a couple of overviews of
the tombstones and a couple of overviews of the Memorial area earlier. Kathy Selman - Jay Co Genealogy
Thanks for the service you are providing the families of this tragedy. When I find Harrod's military picture, I
will get you a copy. Thomas Harrod Downard was born and raised in Danville, Indiana. As a matter of
fact, his ancestor, James Downard, was a judge that contributed some of his assets to have the county court house built in
Danville. Thanks again, Susan Downard
The gravesite photos for Harry E. White came through great. Thanks so very much, the family will enjoy having these in
their possession. His sister will especially enjoy seeing them. Please send photos of the memorial if it's different from
his gravestone. We have not seen another memorial. Thanks, again! John Van Zandt; Mississippi
I am the niece of Dwayne Elmer Bergstrom. He was the only sibling of my father.
Dwayne was born 21 Sept 1920-02 April, 1945. I can send newspaper articles and photos. I just happened to stumbled
onto this web site. What wonderful work you are doing. Peggy
We thanked Peggy for being a contact of our Indiana hero Dwayne Bergstrom and sent the family photographs of his grave
site here in the Philippines, (closeup and wide angle), plus photos of the scenes at different points of the
memorial. We expressed to her that our work is being done by a team of volunteers mostly from Indiana and some from around
America. We thank you all.
Although this is not an email it was a very kind posting about our website and a wonderful credit to the work of you
as our team members. A friend sent a note to me recently about this posting by Sally at Ancestry.com. This truly is a blessing
to all of us working so hard on the project to bring success and joy to the families. It needed to be shared with everyone.
Thanks again from Dave.
There is another World War II website worthy of mention: "Indiana Soldiers & Sailors" ( http://fizkid.tripod.com/). The photographs of the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines on this site are breathtaking. And, while the site's
owner is concentrating on Indiana, he graciously located and photographed the name of my uncle (New York state) on the Tablets
of the Missing. That photograph brought closure for my ninety-four-year-old mother who for many years had clung to the
hope that her brother would come home some day.
This was my uncle on my mother's side. I was born almost 10 years to the day that he was declared dead by the Navy
after his ship the USS Quincy was sunk in the Battle of Savo Island. Any information you can supply me with would be greatly
appreciated.Thank you, Becky Dawson Stone
I was happy to see the article in the Journal Review here in Crawfordsville concerning servicemen killed in the South
Pacific. I knew that my uncle, John N. Miller, had been killed on Luzon, but did not know if his remains had ever
been returned. My Mother was his half sister, and he was her only brother. He has one sister surviving, and I will see
that she receives this information and if possible a picture
of his marker. Thank You for your work and thoughfulness.
Fred Davis; Crawfordsville
You don't know how much
of a blessing it was to see your message posted about William D. Tillotson! He is my great uncle. And he has plenty of family
here in Lake
County, Indiana. William was born in East Chicago, IN
in 1924. I'm not sure of the month/day. He had three younger sisters, Marion, Dorothy and Daisy, all of which are now deceased.
Daisy is my grandmother. She's the last sibling to pass away in that family (December 2004). She never knew much about her
brother’s death. All she remembered was her father (Ulysses) receiving a letter from the military saying William
died. A friend that served with William later told the family a story about the boat he was on capsizing and William
as well as several other soldiers drowned. She was never sure if the body was recovered. And we as a family never knew how
to find out where he was buried. William didn't have any children, nor was he married. When I told my grandfather (Daisy's husband) about your message on the Roots Web message board, he was
really excited. If you would, would you please email me pictures of William Tillotson's gravesite? My family will be forever
grateful! You and your wife's
mission to unite the family of Indiana soldiers with these
photos is truly an amazing one. May God bless you. Sincerely, Kandace DeSadier
My husband, Robert H. Raney is the first cousin, once removed, of the Robert E.
Raney to whom you refer. We have a copy of an undated newspaper notice that Robert E.'s mother, Roxie Raney,
had received a message from the war department that her son had been missing in action over New Guinea since October 9.
He was a radio man on a B-24 Liberator bomber. This notice says Robert graduated from Monon High School in 1943,
and he joined the army in June 1943. We also saw his name on a commemorative plaque in the White County courthouse when we
visited there a couple years ago. I do not believe he had any siblings, but his father, Lewis E. Raney, who
died in 1943, had 9 siblings. Lewis' parents were Thomas Jefferson Raney and Dorcas Hughes Raney, both born in Martin
County, Indiana. We would appreciate any photos you can send, and we will share them with Bob's two brothers, and two
cousins who still live in Indiana. Jeanne - Marie Souvigney
I found your site online, and was hoping you might be able to get a picture of my husbands Uncle Charles W. Hunt's
grave marker if there is one or his name on the Wall. His two sisters are still living and they never knew anything
about this cemetery until last year, when I ran across it on line. His sisters are 83 and 87 and would love to get a look
at it, ( the 83 is my mother in law). I e-mailed the cemetery last year and never got a reply from them. I hope you can
help me, this was their only brother and the Hunt family name ended with him. He never married or had any children, Thank
you,
Diane
My name is Brenda Toney and I would be so appreciative of anything you are willing to send me concerning my father's
brother John F. Casey, Knox County Indiana is listed as his home. John Casey was on board the Arisan Maru as a prisoner of
war. My dad has only in the past few years been able to find facts concerning his brother's death and would be
very touched to actually have a picture of the memorial with his brother's name on it. We sent photographs of the Manila American
Cemetery and the "Tablets of the Missing" to the family of John F. Casey.
I found your website through the Ancestry.com Newsletter. I
wish to commend you and project partners for your diligence and efforts in the project you are doing to help with the closures
of those heroic and honorable servicemen of the United States of America, who lost their lives in the Pacific during WWII
serving their country and are buried at Manilla Cemetery, Manilla, Phillippines. My husband,
Venice U. Rowan, served three years in the South Pacific during WWII, assigned to the 82nd Chemical Btn. He was on most
of the islands that were involved in the War, and told many stories of our troops taking Island by island. He, fortunately,
was a survivor of the Pacific Theater of War. Venice was also involved in the liberation of
Batann, and then seeing those boys come out of the prison camp, emaciated, limping, some being carried saddlepack by other
G.I.'s, they all wept and cheered, especially when General Wainwright walked out unassisted and almost skeletel, but
smiling, as well as the other prisoners who were smiling and cheering. Again, God will
praise you all your days for bringing closure for those surviving families, as well as the surviving servicemen, because
it will prove their efforts were not invain. No serviceman can forget that he has left a buddy or an aquaintence
that cannot be brought home for burial in their own home cemeteries. May God Bless you and
Keep you, Mrs. Venice (Gladys Elizabeth Clark) Rowan; Quincy,
FLorida; June 13, 2005
This is such an incredibly nice thing that you are doing. I do not have anyone who died in the Philippines, but
my Uncle Harold Tiffany survived the Death March. I just finished reading Ghost Soldiers and my heart goes out to all
those involved. The Filipino guerrillas were such a blessing to the rescuers of the camp. My father, Marine
Sgt. Leslie E. Tiffany was on many islands, including yours [36 in all]. He was a reconnaissance swimmer who
would swim from the sub to the island and then back to the sub. He is 84 now, in failing health, but he is just so happy
to be alive. God bless you for the work you are doing. It touches my heart. I'm going to share this information
with other military personnel who might know someone on your list. Sue Tiffany
Thank you so much for sending me the pictures of my Uncle Robert W. Norman's grave site. I am sixty-one years old
and now through the kindness of the both of you I now know that there is a final resting place for him. This is something
that I never knew and am not sure if my father knew about the grave site as he never informed me. What a wonderful service
you have performed for me and I will truly always be grateful to you for being so kind. The pictures are beautiful thank you
so much and may God bless you. Roberta Biggerstaff; Indianapolis, Indiana
Delbert Lowe is my mother's brother. He was
missing in action in New Guinea on April 29 1944.
He has one sister deceased, three sisters living and three brothers living. I found a picture opf Delbert in his uniform,
see attachment. I believe he was in the Engineers. His widow died in April of 2002. She never married. Bruce
Mohler; Peru, IN
Milton T. Kellum, was a great
uncle, he was from Anderson Indiana. The family was a large family of 9 kids, this is the
first I had heard of what happened to him. He had moved from Anderson in the 40’s and was not heard from again. Dana Kellum
My wife is a sister of a Pvt. Patrick Walsh who died in a Japanese prison camp in the Phillipines during WWII.
A Mr. Kevin Koelling of Tell City, In. said that you might have a picture or pictures of the gravesite of Patrick Walsh.
The family of Patrick Walsh, three sisters and a brother, would be most appreciative if you could E-mail that to me. My address
is grampsie1999@netscape.com. Thank you ever so much. Jim Daily; 137 Nashua Drive; Clarksville, IN. 47129
What a wonderful service you are providing! Your posting re: BIXBY caught my attention and I wonder if I could
ask you to do the same for me although I am not from Indiana. My uncle, Second Lieutenant John W. Bixby, Air Corps, was reported missing in action in the Southwest
Pacific Area on 2 December 1942 [this was later revised to 1 December 1942] when his B-17 failed to return to its base. The
American bomber had departed from an advanced base in New Guinea for the purpose of keeping watch on the movements of enemy
destroyers in the area of Buna or Rabaul. John was advanced to First Lieutenant, Air Corps Reserve, posthumously on 3 July
1945. The World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing, State of New York, indicates that John is
memorialized in the Manila American Cemetery. John's three sisters are still living, ages 94, 90, and 80, and would be
thrilled (as would I) to see a photograph of the memorial to John. I do have a photo of him in his uniform if you would
be interested. Thank you so very much, Sally B. Bailey; fbsb@earthlink.net
Thank you so much for all the beautiful photos. At the moment, I am a bit overwhelmed at the enormity of all those
walls of the missing and crosses for the dead. I know my mother and her sisters will be, too, but there is comfort
in seeing that John is indeed remembered. Again, thank you so very much. Sincerely yours, Sally B. Bailey
I'm very honored that you have contacted me. Wallace O. Kinder, my brother, was my mentor. I was the youngest of 7, and
he babysat me. Wallace, or as we all called him (Pud) was the 5th child. I was only 14 when we first heard that he was missing
in action. I have a book written by Millard E. Hileman, 1989, he was aquainted with Pud in the Philippines at Clark Field
where both were stationed. They were in the Bataan Death March and Pud helped him to escape. He, (Hileman) was later
recaptured and never saw Pud again. I have a picture of Pud in uniform, also numerous letters from a family over there
befriended him. Anything I can help you with I would be honored to do so. I'll try to get the picture scanned &
sent as soon as possible. Betty M. Kinder Connerley
Thank you so very much for the picture, which you sent of my brother's marker. After all
of these years, it is comforting to know more about his final resting place. This does, indeed, help to bring a closure.
I only wish that my mother and father could have lived to see this picture. You are doing a great service to those of
us who have loved ones buried in the Philippines. I will send a picture of my brother when
I go to my son's home. ( I do not have a scanner) Again, thank you for the great service
which you are performing. Olive Mosier Copeland; Sister of Elmer
R. Mosier
In 1945 Don Rhoads ship and our ship was anchored near each other! We were able to visit for 2 hours
aboard my ship (USS ADAIR APA91) We were in the same class in high school. Milford Adams; 8011 south 150 east;
Fairount,IN 46928
I received your e-mail address from the Ripley County Historical Society. I am the sister of Leslie E. Miller.
He was in the engineering group in the Phillipines and was captured there. What we know is that he was put on a Japanese
ship that was sunk off the coast and that 120 surived and he was among them. Later he was put on another unmarked ship and
all were held captive in the botton of the ship. It was sank off the Formosa coast and all perished. I hear that
the cemetery is nice and well kept. My parents received only seven post cards from him in 3 1/2 years. They were a pre-printed
list and he could only say a few words on them.
Harold E. Usealman S2C USN was my brother. He was stationed on a submarine somewhere in Australia. They went
out on a run and never came back. We never found out what happened to them. Please send me a photograph and any
information you have regarding the cemetery. I think its incredible to find out about this after so many years.
I just wish my mother was still alive. She would be so thankful, as I am.
The name of my uncle, Victor John Weiss, is included on the Tablets of the Missing. He entered service from Gibson Co
in June 1943 and has aboard USS Hull (destroyer DD-350) that was caught in typhoon and went down in Philippine Sea on
18 Dec 1944. I wasn't sure if your free picture offer included the Tablet of the Missing, but the family has never visited
the cemetery so we much appreciate the cemetery photos. If you could find his name on the wall, hopefully he is
not at the top, we would much appreciate any photos. Also any photos of maps that might include USS Hull information.
I do have photos of Victor and family but need am switching to new computer and don't have scanner installed at the
present but can send photos and more details later. Parents of Victor are Joseph and Katherine Voegel Weiss. Four siblings
are living, 3 in Evansville area and one in Missouri. Two of the living also served in WWII. We still have family reunions
and I will be glad to take copies of anything you send. Thanks for this very fine tribute to our lost family members.
I received your announcement from the Vanderburgh Co RootsWeb mailing list. Joe Weiss in Indianpolis
Thanks for what you are doing. I appreciate Cousin Floyd Hollandbeck sharing what you have sent with me. Several years
ago, Oran Hollandbeck gave a talk about his brother Ralph Hollandbeck, who was killed and buried in the Philippines.
He had a large diagram of the cem. I wish he were alive today to see the photographs you sent. It all looks beautiful,
well kept. Ivan D. Lancaster; Trafalgar, Indiana
I am writing this for a gentleman in Ireland, In 47545-0001. His name is William Rudolph,Jr. He was in Company
I, 152nd Infantry, 38th Division. They were known as the "AVENGERS OF BATAAN". One particular battle
they fought was at Zig-Zag Pass. He is trying to find where the KIA's are buried. After reading an article
in the Evansville Courier & Press, he was wondering is any of his buddies were buried in the Philippines. There
were 34 killed in action. Company I, 152nd, was made up mostly of men from southern Indiana. My wife's uncle was
with Company I, 152 infantry, but he was lucky and got to come home. William would appreciate
any and all information you could find for him. He wants to list the names in the Memorial Service when they hold their
reunions. Sincerely, Ronald Greubel
Thank you for the pictures of John's grave site. We appreciated getting them and have had copies made for his brother,
Eugene and sister Helen, we are all that is still living from our large family. Thank you again, John's brother
Harry Soliday and family
We want to thank you for the information and pictures of Reed L. Smith my husband's brother. He was in Northern
Luzon at Zig Zag Pass. His mission was to free prisohers of war from Japs. My husband Robert was in Southern Luzon at
the time Reed was killed only 35 miles apart but Bob did'nt know it untill his dad wrote him and told him. Bob really
did'nt know where Reed was buried until he read the article in paper Mcrawley wrote in Columbus. The Smiths; Robert and
Betty; Westport Indiana
Thanks so much for the information and photos. My mothers birthday is February 15 she will be 86 years young and my aunt
is 91 both in good health. This will be a great addition to a photo album I am trying get ready about John for her birthday.
We really didn't have much information on John death, and what you have provided is more then we had. I will keep in contact
and let you know how the surprise goes.
(Several Weeks Later)
My mother's birthday was Friday and the album that I put together about John turned out great. She said to tell you thanks
so much. (A lot of tears) I'll copy the photos and add them to the album. Thanks again you made this one of you best birthday
gifts ever. God bless you and yours, Frank Lux & John Mitchell Purvis Family Shelbyville, Indiana
What a wonderful project you have undertaken while in the Phillipines. I am a cousin of Claude S. Creed and live
near Shelbyville, IN, where his wife still lives. He has one daughter who lives in Madison, IN. I don't know whether
or not they have seen Claude grave. I didn't know he was buried abroad. I will send Martha Ann
the pictures and tell her how to contact you by email. Kathy Wright; Shelbyville, Indiana
This is in regard of John Lehman. As a little girl my Grandmother was a neighbor to Mr. &
Mrs. Lehman. I was told he was their only child and that his body was never recovered. He had a Cross erected in
Grant Memorial Cemetery for the fallen Heroes of Grant County from W.W.II. He had good loving parents and they loved him through the years until their deaths. I often felt sad for them that their little boy was
gone. THANK-YOU for putting some of my mind to rest. I never knew when he died, now I have a date to research You
have done the people of Grant county a great service!!! Sincerely, Cindy Lloyd; Grant County, Indiana
My name is Richard C. Johnson and I'm the brother of Robert F. Johnson who was killed and missing in action in
the South Pacific .Robert was a navigator and in battle with enemy aircraft and was also the top turrent gunner on a B-24
Liberator bomber of the 13th Air Force. I am pleased to know about this memorial of him in the Philippines. Richard C
Johnson in behalf of my brother, Robert F. Johnson; Marion, Indiana
I read Sunday's paper about Grant County's lost soldiers. Allen Nose was my Dad's brother and the eldest
of three boys. I do remember my grandmother had a picture of him hanging in her home until she had to come and live with
us. Dad was not in the military and took care of his mother. I can remember someone saying that Allen was burned on board
a ship during an attack ad was supposedly leaving combat when his ship went down. Thank you for what you are doing. I know
you are a blessing to many American veteran's families. Gary Nose and the family of Allen Nose; Marion, Indiana
I am writing in reference to the front page article that appeared in the Marion Chronicle-Tribune Jan 16 regarding soldiers
of WWII. I am Janet Rhoads, the niece of the late Donald Rhoads from Fairmount, Indiana. My uncles name appeared in
your article. I had no idea there was an American cemetery in Manila that honored these fallen men. I would appreciate
any information you might be able to provide me with. Thank you for your help and the article informing people of this
knowledge. Respectfully, Janet Rhoads; Grant Co., Indiana
Thank you so much for the pictures. My wife and mother-in-law really appreciate this information. They never knew where
he was buried. This is a wonderful thing you have done. There will be a special place in heaven for you and your wife.
Please find enclosed the picture of Harry in his uniform. Once again thank you and God bless you....Ed Sperling & the
Harry Houseman Family
Thank you so much for the pictures of Dale E. Poe's grave site. It
is the first time ever anyone in my family has seen his grave. I cried even though I never knew him. She has a picture
of him in uniform I will try to send it if I can . She lives in Ft Wayne. I am so happy I emailed you. I know that Dale
was only 21 when he died and my Grandmother never got over it. She died in 1994. I will be in touch. Thank you! Candy
Little and the Dale Poe Family; Alexandria, Indiana
My father, Paul A. Meyer is inturred at Ft. McKinley military cemetary, Manila, Philippines Islands. I was just a child
when he was killed and recieved this information from a relative. He was inducted into the military from Indiana. Because
of the article that appeared in our local newspaper I was hoping, that this information would enable me to learn more about
his burial site. Thank you, Shirley A. Bender & Paul Meyer Family
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