Temple, New Hampshire, in World War II, Part 5

Author: Temple Historical Society, Temple, N.H
Publication date: 1951
Publisher: Temple
Number of Pages: 90


USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Temple > Temple, New Hampshire, in World War II > Part 5


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5


At this time it became permissable for a twenty-eight year old to apply for discharge. On October 28 I happily left camp with a trans- fer to Active Reserve in my pocket.


However, Pearl Harbor changed all that, and on July 10, 1941, I re-entered Fort Devens, to be assigned shortly to the 45th Infantry Division, an Oklahoma outfit stationed temporarily at Camp Devens. As Army life went, I found the Oklahoma division more to my liking than any other training contact. The greeting I received when I arrived at 189 Field Artillery C.P. was certainly out of line with any I had experienced in Army life. Officers and non-coms were downright friendly and more than a little concerned with my comfort and introduction to the battery. In the mess hall that first meal, which was after hours, I was served by a big rough and ready Indian named Tom. Tom was most solicitous and friendly. I don't know what kind of a warrior he might have made, he did not sail with us, but I can say that on this side Tom was in battle most of the time.


My first field training with the 45th was at Camp Edwards; a very rainy week out of the ten days we were there. But, as almost every- one does, I enjoyed the Cape. The week-end was fair and I spent it in a long hike about the countryside. Back at Devens with every week- end at home-the boys insisted that, being so near home, I should not be detained in camp-the time passed quickly. In September we were ordered to Pine Camp at Watertown, New York. During my entire stay in the Army I looked forward to these convoy journeys. They meant, also, nice week-end hikes for me through new territory.


Looking back, I believe Pine Camp gave me the most interesting


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hours in this regard. Even the training, chiefly rifle practice, was interesting. After two weeks, we were back again at Devens, but it was only a short stay. Once more at Pine Camp, I resumed my evening and week-end hikes. This time we fired our rifles for score out at Stony Point. Well do I remember the stormy windy night when we arrived at the Point on the high rock rim of Lake Ontario. After pitching pup tents and getting bed sacks under them, some of us took off to investigate, the wind rumbling, along the cliffs which are quite high at this point. That night rain beat on the canvas, but it is a lullaby for me if proper precautions are taken in diking the water. Unfortunately a hay-fever victim occupied the tent next door. Such accommodations bothered him considerably. This special evening he seemed determined to talk away his affliction, and through his nose.


For three days I roamed along the shores of Lake Ontario almost unmolested by Army duties. This is rich reward as anyone can attest who has been so privileged. New York State in the vicinity of Pine Camp is well endowed by nature in the autumn. Even into November the waters of Lake Ontario seem to hold at bay the cold days of fall. Late flowers bloom abundantly and there was magnificent foliage that year.


After one more trip to Camp Devens, we were to spend most of the winter in Pine Camp. Some of the training was pretty rugged, with the thermometer at forty-two below zero. Frosted noses and toes were common. No one lamented the order to entrain for Camp Pickett, Virginia, in January, 1942.


Some soldiers bewailed their fate at Camp Pickett, but I enjoyed my stay there, even to the training hikes in mud, rain and spring snows. Compensation aplenty came with the blossoming trees, the spring flowers and greensward. Fields of red clover were something to behold, and above all else the flowering dogwood took my eye. Even now, mention Virginia and right away dogwood comes to mind. Here there were many non-training hikes for me about the old farms that were fated to become a part of Camp Pickett Reservation. One day I came upon nine beautiful wild turkeys. It was a surprise to me, and, I guess, to the turkeys for they seemed unafraid as I stood very still to admire them, for the moment trying to decide if they were not after all from some farmer's stock. However my slight movement sent some of them in strong if not graceful-flight over the treetops, while the rest did some fast footwork into the pine forest.


At Camp Pickett, amphibious training took the lead. In Chesa-


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peake Bay we made actual landings on Solomons Island. The dis- comfort of the men was realistic. The following days were most springlike, though I enjoyed the Island.


Early in June we moved to Camp Patrick Henry which meant aboard ship within a very few days .... General Patton had in- spected the 45th Division and thought it good enough to fight for him somewhere in Europe. Anyway, I made the most of the little freedom available at closely confined Camp Patrick Henry, knowing that many days of much closer confinement on shipboard were in the offing. I remember one instance. While walking with a gentleman from Virginia near the high fence separating the camp from civilian liberties, we stumbled upon a large paper bag full of high powered bottled goods. At first, I was for destroying our find, but my friend pointed out the priceless value of the stuff in so closely guarded an area if only the right parties were approached. He was quite in favor of seeing what could be done about it. Knowing my friend, his strong taste and weak resistance, to alcohol, I was a little skeptical of results. However, he assured me that he would keep only one of two square brown bottles, with what looked to me like a piece of candied lemon peel on top. Not knowing the potency of the stuff at the time, it seemed to me like a safe arrangement.


After hiding the several bottles of various shapes and sizes, we returned to camp where my friend made contacts and I retired from the scene. In an unbelivably short time, our find had obviously ar- rived at B. Bat. Barracks. My friend with the little brown bottle was the most intoxicated of them all. He went to some trouble to find me and say that he had taken only one small drink.


A few mornings later, we marched aboard ship while a band played and a few civilian workers at the dock cheered. For twenty-one days we zig-zagged across the Atlantic, a most uncomfortable procedure for me. The arid coast of Africa looked solid and inviting as we came into Oran. Sweet to the ear were the subdued but busy sounds of the harbor and from the shore. Like old lace, light clouds drifted below the mountain tops.


After a practice invasion up the coast a few miles, we did a lot of hiking and obstacle courses for several days. Back to Oran, I was one of the fortunate few to be transferred from the crowded liberty ship to a freighter carrying some of our heavy equipment. Plenty of ice cream, good food and open air sleeping quarters. Our bunks were the solid steel decks.


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As nearly 2,000 ships gathered to form our convoy in the Mediter- ranean, sunny days and a calm sea favored our sail eastward. But a change was to take place just before we reached our destination July 8-9. The sea became rougher and rougher with waves of fifteen to forty feet at the time we unloaded near Scogliti on the island of Sicily; highly dangerous at best. It became impossible to unload heavy guns and trucks. Great 3 inch hawsers in use from the freighter to smaller landing craft, which would normally be strong enough, snapped like twine, with a noise like gunfire. That was the early morning of the 10th of July, 1943. There was action for the next twenty-two days and nights. From Scogliti to Caltanissetta and on to Palermo. Through the mountains to the Mt. Etna region and the east coast. The enemy left the Island at Messina for Italy.


There followed great days of relaxation and leisurely preparation for the next big move, conditioning of the battery mainly. Hikes in the foothills under the hot August sun were a pleasant form of exercise for me. I was amazed to find so much grown on small tracts of land, so great a variety of vegetables and fruit. The narrow donkey and foot paths up through the hills would converge at overflowing springs of cold, sparkling water. And there were luscious grapes aripening. From one of our peacetime camp sites, we had daily dips at the beach. There were old castles high up on the mountain tops that I simply had to see. These mountain tops of Sicily were not so very different from what our local mountain tops were thirty years ago when close cropped by many cattle.


The last day of August General Patton made a speech to the officers and men of the 45th in which he said, "Your Division is one of the best, if not the best, in the history of American Arms."


Soon after we were assigned to the Fifth Army VI Corps, and on September 8 we sailed from Termini. While in the Gulf of Salerno we received news of the unconditional surrender of all Italian armed forces. This caused some to think, or at least hope, that the fighting in Italy would soon be over. A shortlived hope, however.


Salerno, our second amphibious landing, was tough, and for several days not too secure; a fair sample of what we were to face all the way to Cassino, via San Angelo Di Lombard, Benevento, Piedi- monte D'Alife and Venafro. I found Italy a pretty and most inter- esting land although at times it was difficult to concentrate on the natural beauty and scenic pleasures that this country offered. Toma-


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toes, watermelon and other vegetables and fruits, along with the inevitable grape helped to supplement our K-ration.


The season of plenty was to change all too quickly. Cold rains and very muddy conditions were our lot for many weeks, and near Cassino there was considerable snow and cold. There we first learned to build confortable dugouts. Formerly our foxholes were about two feet deep, the overall size of a pup tent. Cold and heavy rains constantly drowned us out. The new super apartments were three to four feet deep, complete with olive-tree log roofs covered with earth, the pup tent doing service as thatch. Built-up bunks of straw, with fleas-, served us, the straw necessitating many excursions to obtain. Such super-dupers were near Cassino and other semi-permanent positions.


Since we had engaged in fighting just north of Paestum, its ancient picturesque ruins held hidden tanks and snipers. September 10th, 1943, there had been 110 days of actual combat of the 121 days fight- ing until January 9th, 1944, when, for us, the Naples-Foggia campaign ended with a commendation from General Clark. In part, he said:


"I desire to commend the officers and enlisted men of the 45th Division on the occasion of your relief from front-line duty, for a period of rest and refitting. For the past seventy-two days the 45th Infantry Division has been engaged in continuous combat against strong enemy forces, and under extremely adverse con- ditions. Subjected to bitter cold, wet, and almost constant artillery and mortar fire. ... "


It is a wonderful thing to be relieved from active front-line duty. Only those who have been under the strain know the momentous surge of new life and hope. With lighter hearts we were soon on the way to a warmer clime near Naples. On valley farms below Mt. Vesuvius green fields of grain, like parlor rugs, belied the glory of battle fields. For fifteen days of glorious adventure along the net- work of farm paths, I rambled the countryside with more or less freedom. Talking with local farmers was enlightening. Only old men and women members of a family remained on the farm. Nearly all who could speak English, a good percentage, had been to America for some years, and mostly to New England.


One farmer was very anxious to get shoes-G. I.'s-to make over for his wife and daughter. Either through a soft-hearted G. I. or a hard- headed business man, he got a pair. Just before we left the area he came to see us off. He was wearing the shoes. Asked for an explana- tion, he said, "Getting warm days now. My women folks don't need shoes."


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Spring flowers were never sweeter and I tried to crowd into those short days all that I could of peaceful things. On January 29th we unloaded at Anzio beach-head to begin 125 days of underground stalemate. February 16-19 the Germans gave us all they had, the "factory area" as their focal point. Some months later I learned that Hervey Davidson of Temple knew about the "factory area," having helped to take and re-take that ground.


My chief diversions that long winter at Anzio were watching the sunsets, sketching house plans, writing letters home and taking short walks. From the exceedingly frosty nights of February and March, the slow spring came along in April and May. I fell in love with the red poppy of Anzio. I shall never forget the red profusion of the poppies on the open plains as, late in May, we moved out toward Rome. Joined by British forces and newly activated American divisions, among their ranks two Temple men, Bill Blood and Albert Quinn, on June 1st the migration to Rome was underway.


On June 5th the 45th drive ended some miles beyond Rome. After a restful day or two in the last position from which we were to fight in Italy, Army life became quite normal again. Many soldiers took off for Rome, with or without leave. However, I received a five-day pass to visit the city. In those five days I did a lot of footwork, there being almost no organized transportation in the city, even G. I. A rest center had been established. With a good bed and food, I was fit for at least twenty-five miles a day should the need arise. Sometime I should like to visit Rome again.


On June 17th by motor convoy, we took the long road down the coast to the place of beginning, Paestum. Here there were more exercises of the old and familiar amphibious nature. One more invasion was on the agenda for the 45th Division. While here, I made a short visit to Naples. At the American Red Cross I located several names on the register which caused me pleasure to learn that guys were still alive and kicking. One, Malcolm Holt from Temple. I also made a day's visit to Pompeii and the famous ruins.


Sometime between August 7th and 12th, 1944, we took our places aboard an invasion fleet once more; this time headed for southern France. Each new invasion is dreaded more than the last. Although a man may be more equal to the task, before him, he is more aware of the pitfalls and the law of averages. But this turned out to be a push- over. From the first, friendly and constant cooperation with civilians was appreciated. Morale soared high, and with a feeling of exhiliration


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GERMANY


ASCHAFFENBURG


KAISERSLAUTERN)


WORMS


CZECHOSLOVAKIA


SARREGUEMINES


WINGEN


DANUBE


DEFINAL


ACHAUTI


MUNICH


VESOUL


AUSTRIA


HUNGARY


BESANÇON


SWITZERLAND


BOURG


YUGOSLAVIA


GRENOBLES


ITALY


ST. MAXIME


0


SPAIN


ROME


· ALAN Q


ANZIO


·VENAFRO


BENEVENTO


EBOLI


PLES


PAESTUM


SALERNO


SARDINIA


TWO YEARS with the 45 th


SSINA


SICILY


-CALTANISSETTA


SICILY


SOUTHERN FRANCESA


NAPLES - FOGGIA


RHINELAND


SCOGLITI


ROME - ARNO


CENTRAL EUROPE


69


BAMBERG


NUREMBURG


FRANCE


we raced from one goal to another. First, down toward Marseille from St. Maxine. Then, north to the mountains of Grenoble. What fine August days that we could not enjoy! On to Meximieux, where, on September 1st one of the first really strong points was encountered. Then north to Villersexel, where the Division was relieved by wild driving French troops; but only to assemble north of Vesoul for the advance on Epinal and the Moselle.


Up to this time we were way ahead of supply points. The last of September our trucks were traveling two hundred and fifty miles one way, and only a few days before as far as four hundred and sixty five miles for supplies. We made good use of captured German supplies.


There was tough going for us from Epinal across the Moselle and on to St. Die, Rambervillers and Grandvillers to gain a toehold in the Vosges Mountains the latter part of October. How we dreaded another winter of fighting! Late in November we met strong re- sistance at Mutzig, but smashed into the Maginot Line and Stras- bourg. Then, on to Saverne, Ingwiller, Bitche and Saarbucken late in December where bitter fighting along the German border forced us on the defensive and we were pushed back to the Moder River. The weather was cold, with snow. A main line of resistance was set up and we dug in for another winter. By this time we were veterans and knew how to make ourselves comfortable and take advantage of every diversion.


After one heavy fall of snow some of the boys went hunting elk and wild boar. These hunts were off the record. Everyone enjoyed fresh meat.


The middle of February we were relieved by the 42nd Division and pulled back to the Luneville area. The next several weeks my home and that of the 189th F.A.Bn. was to be a glass factory storehouse. Those last days of February were cold and dismal, with not even straw for a bed. Much more comfortable were the dugouts on the line. This was in the little town of Portaux, near Charms. Once more I found comfort and entertainment in all-day hikes through the forest or down the valley where I counted the first blades of grass and the earliest wild flowers. In the deep woods there were yet patches of snow growing smaller each day despite cold winds and little sunshine. March brought more grass and flowers and freshly planted vegetable gardens. The French seem to take a special delight in gardening. One day, while walking along a forest path, a wild boar dashed across


70


only a few feet ahead of me, the only one I was to see on my many hikes through their domain.


March 12th we were off again, this time toward Germany and the Siegfried Line, which crumbled in due time. On to Worms and across the Rhine by pontoon bridge near Hamm on March 26, 1945. Early in April, Aschaffenberg was taken after heavy fighting by civilians in its defense. These days it was not uncommon to take several thou- sand prisoners in a single day. We headed easterly to Bruchenau and the industrial city of Bamberg, then west to Nuremberg on April 1st where the Division took four thousand, eight hundred and sixty nine prisoners in one day. However the city held until April 20th. On April 27 we crossed the Danube near Ingolstadt, a gray and muddy river at this time and place.


During the course of April 29th, as the thrust toward Munich continued, our troops seized the ill-famed Dachau Concentration Camp with its thirty two thousand captives, only one American.


Munich, our last assignment, was taken on May 5th. That night 155 mm howitzers were set up directly in front of nice apartment houses. Our Captain assigned us to apartments with the admonition, "If we sleep tonight, it will be in beds." For many of us it was the first night in a real bed in just short of two years.


Even before the announcement of unconditional surrender of all German armed forces, on May 7th, we were already launched on occupation duties. We took the news as a part of the day's work, re- joicing, naturally, but with little celebration.


Following the surrender, one of our jobs was guarding the Road Blocks. This was quite interesting as we met all types of people and transportation, though mostly afoot or on bicycles. Night and day, roving guards covering forty to fifty miles each eight hours, I found interest in barter and trade with the farmers along the route and in the natural scenic beauty of the countryside. On May 30th Memorial Day Services were held in King's Plaza, Munich.


About this time, we first began to hear about the "point system." However we counted points for some weeks before anything happened. I think it was in June when the men with the highest points hopped a plane for the United States. Soon after this, the 45th Division was reorganized and our men were scattered helter-skelter throughout Bavaria; many of us in the vicinity of Altotting, were assigned to the 2nd Armored Division homeward bound. But in the meantime almost continuous guard duty became very monotonous.


71


With one other from B. Battery 189th F.A., I was stationed at Mitters Garching, not far from the Austrian border. This little rail- road town is nicely situated on the Alz in good farming country. From the green fields on clear days the great mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks beckon one from the lowly valley. As the summer progressed, I found means to get away from the battery and about the countryside for longer periods of time. Of never-failing interest, were my shorter hikes of a day or two through pine-forested hills and over great open farmlands where the church steeples in the villages keep faith with the scene.


While on a motor trip through the mountains to Brenner Pass, I spent a day at Garmisch Partenkirchen, site of the World Olympics in 1936. I would gladly have exchanged places with one of the soldiers who were stationed there for the summer. Another time I spent the day atop Mt. Zugspitze making the climb in leisurely fashion by electric cog railway, the last four miles through a tunnel of solid ledge. Also, one day, over the mountains to Innsbruck. No one can fail to appreciate this mountainous scenery.


Not to be forgotten is Berchtesgaden! I regret that only twice could I make the journey. My first arrival there was on foot in the middle of a fine moonlight night. My next visit August 26th-27th, 1945, I made the climb to Hitler's stone house atop a mountain peak, known as the Eagles Nest. About halfway up the mountain, I met four boys of ten or twelve years, with back packs, walking sticks and the inevitable Bavarian leather shorts. They too were making their way to Hitler's "hideaway." So we had a good day together.


On September 1st, 1945, we left Germany by rail, forty and eight cars, for southern France to await ship home. At our camp near Marseille, nicknamed "The Last Resort," I met many of the old 189th F.A. men. About all there was to do there was visit, and of course hike over that arid countryside for me and my old friend the gentle- man from Virginia.


About the middle of September we were happy to leave Camp Victory and southern France to the many G. I.'s who were to come after us; and to board the crowded ship for home.


Boston never looked so good to me as on that morning late in September. Bright red tugs pushed and hauled us gently to Pier 5 near the old Fish Pier. Two days at Camp Miles Standish, then on to Fort Devens where on October 11th, 1945, this G. I.'s ultimate dream came true, a discharge from the United States Army.


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STRONG, ROYAL, Aviation Mechanic, 2nd Class, U. S. Navy. b. September 24, 1923, Temple, New Hampshire. Parents, Helen and Royal Strong. Educated high school, Hudson, New York.


Inducted February 22, 1943, Manchester, New Hampshire. Basic Training: Newport, Rhode Island; 22 weeks, Aviation Mechanical School, Memphis, Tennessee; 2 weeks Radar School; 6 weeks Aerial Gunnery, Yellow Water, Florida; 4 weeks patrol bombing training, Lake City, Florida; 4 weeks same, Beaufort, South Carolina. Trans- ferred, Fleet Air Wing 6, Headquarters, Seattle, Washington; F.A.W. 5, Squadron 135 Patrol Squadron, Whidby Island, off Canadian coast; 6 weeks training at Lockheed Manufacturing Company, Burbank, California.


Boarded Saidor, C. V. E .- 117, as plane director on flight deck of the carrier.


Military Occupational Specialty, aviation mechanic, second class.


Discharged Terminal Island, San Diego, California. Employed, National Airlines.


Married.


SWIFT, ARTHUR CLINTON, Corporal, U. S. Air Force. b. April 27, 1913, New Bedford, Massachusetts. Parents, Ethel W. and A. Clinton Swift. Educated, Middlesex School, Concord, Massachusetts; Columbia High, New York.


Inducted May , 1942, Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Basic Training, Miami Beach, Florida.


Served: May, 1942 to January, 1946, China, Burma, India Theater with U. S. 14th Air Force Ground Crew, which took him over entire China supply route.


Organization, 14th Air Force.


Discharged January, 1946, Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Employed as assistant hotel manager.


Swift, Frederic Washburn, Captain U. S. Air Force. b. March 14, 1910, New Bedford, Massachusetts. Parents, Ethel W. and A. Clinton Swift. Educated, Middlesex School, Concord, Massachusetts; Harvard University; New York University, M.A.


Inducted, March 23, 1942, Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Basic Training, Air Force Intelligence School, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.


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Served: 3 years, China, Burma, India Theater. Flew the Hump several times and covered the entire China theater of the war.


Organization, First Troop Carrier Squadron.


Military Occupational Specialty, Intelligence Officer.


Decoration :


Distinguished Unit Badge with Cluster.


Separated from active duty March 21, 1946.


Civilian Employment, 21/2 years as Chief Analyst Section Junior Survey Branch, Information Services Division, Military Government, Germany.


TYLER, RUSSELL, JR., Private First Class, U. S. Army. b. June 21, 1916, Medford, Massachusetts. Educated high school, Medford, Massachusetts. Business Course, Burdett College, Boston, Massa- chusetts.


Basic Training: Field Artillery Replacement Training Center, Fort Bragg, N. Carolina.


Served: 7 months and 13 days, U. S .; 1 year, 7 months, 8 days, European Theater of Operation.


Organizations: Battalion A., 319th. Glider Field Artillery Battalion. 82nd Airborne Division.


Military Occupational Specialty, automotive mechanic.


Decorations and Citations:


Good Conduct Medal


European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon


Victory Medal


Distinguished Unit Badge, Airborne Division


Discharged December 23, 1945, Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Employed, Samuel Kidder and Company, Greenville, New Hampshire Married Gerda E. Kemno, April 4, 1941.


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DAY-QUINN-BLOOD POST No. 106 THE AMERICAN LEGION


From the end of World War II until Memorial Day, 1949, there had been some talk of a Veterans' organization in Temple. On that day constructive steps were taken along that line. Two veterans who had had enough talk decided to act. They were Russell Tyler and Albert A. Quinn. A third veteran, Rev. W. B. Downey consented to serve with them. All Temple veterans who were in town that Memor- ial Day agreed that the idea was good. Those who were not in town were contacted by letter.


In July, the first meeting was held and it was unanimously voted that an American Legion Post be formed. The idea of a V.F.W. Post was rejected as that would exclude some of the Veterans; whereas the Legion would include everyone wishing to join and still give national affiliation.


Albert Quinn, acting as general chairman, contacted the New Hampshire Department, American Legion. The Department Adjutant, Frank N. Sawyer, in turn contacted the Commander of District II, Richard White. Arrangements were made for a meeting on August 12, 1949. At that meeting there were 17 veterans present and the Day-Quinn-Blood Post No. 106 American Legion, came into being. An application for a Charter was signed and the following officers were elected :


Commander


Albert A. Quinn


1st V. Commander


Wallace R. Blood


2nd V. Commander


Phillip Quinn


Adjutant


Russell Tyler


Finance Officer


George W. Pajanen


Chaplain


Rev. W. B. Downey


Service Officer


Mrs. Norma Maynard


Historian


J. Donald Marr


Sgt. at Arms


Donald Brown


(later replaced by Howard B. Kullgren)


On September 16, 1949, the Post was instituted and the officers installed. Dept. Commander John High of Swanzey presented the Charter and District Commander Richard White of Antrim, assisted by the District Staff, installed the officers. Also present were Dept. Vice Commander Albert Coll of Jaffrey and Dept. Adjutant Frank N. Sawyer of Weare.


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Since being instituted the Post has been busy in various Dept. and National programs and in its own local activities. In May 1950, the Post assisted by the Auxiliary, held its first annual children's party. The Post furnished a film and refreshments and all the children in town were invited. A money collection was taken among the adults present and the entire sum turned over to the School Projector Fund. It is the desire of the Post to give this financial aid to the student council every year.


Memorial Day Services have been placed in charge of the Post. The members of the Day-Quinn-Blood Post A. L. consider it an honor, a duty and a privilege to pay tribute to their fallen comrades on this day. Nor do they forget the sacrifices of all soldiers and sailors who fought for their country and freedom. The people of Temple voted that an addition be built on the Mansfield Public Library. This addition is called Memorial Hall in memory of the servicemen and women of all wars. The Temple Legion Post gave a sum of money for this building fund. And yet this is but a token payment on that debt we owe those who fought and died, for a better world. As long as free men shall walk this earth they shall strive to pay this debt but it can never be paid in full.


It is perhaps fitting that this short history of the Day-Quinn-Blood Post, American Legion, finish with the words of the preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion. They speak for themselves.


"For God and Country we associate ourselves together for the following Purposes:


To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and in- cidents of our associations during the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, free- dom and democracy; to participate in and to contribute to the accomplishments of the aims and purposes of The American Legion, to consecrate and sanctify our association by our devotion to mutual helpfulness."


ALBERT A. QUINN


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LIST OF MEMBERS TO DATE


Allen, Carroll L.


Blood, Wallace R.


Brown, Donald


Caswell, Winthrop P.


Maynard, C. Taylor


Cornwell, Floyd A.


Maynard, Norma


Davidson, Clayton O.


Mazza, John A.


Davidson, Donald F. Downey, W. B.


Pajanen, George W.


Phillis, Albert H.


Drew, Ralph H.


Quinn, Albert A.


Edwards, Harold V.


Quinn, Phillip


Foster, James Jones, Heman


Kullgren, Harold N. Kullgren, Howard B. Marr, John D.


Rockwood, Norman F. Tyler, Russell


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TRANSCRIPT PRINTING CO., PETERBOROUGH, N. H.





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