~ This history snippet was sent to us by Christopher Waalkes.
The first two photos are from my Grandmother’s brother William “Pete” Ralph Evans (28 Jun 1913 Bement, Piatt, Illinois – 27 Aug 1985 Montague, Siskiyou, California) USN 1927-1950.
He started in the Idaho National Guard. He was on Ford Island during the Japanese attack (Unit VJ-1B Hanger 37 Enlisted ACMM Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate (NAP) Naval Aviation Pilot, retired as a Navy Lieutenant). The family story is that the morning of Pearl Harbor, Pete Evans was up getting a cup of coffee in the mess hall. He was leaning back in his chair when strafing bullets came through the roof and destroyed the table he was sitting at. That was his introduction to the Japanese raid. Later he hopped in a JRS-1 as the co-pilot with only an M1 as a weapon to locate the Japanese fleet.
(24 Nov 1912 Heber Springs, Cleburne, Arkansas – 23 Sep 2007 Twin Falls, Idaho) USA PFC. My grandfather was a father of three when he went to boot camp at Fort Douglas, Utah 29 Aug 1944 (ETO 6 May 1945-18 Jan 1946). Discharged 02 Feb 1946 MOS 641 with the 144th Armored Signals Company, 4th Armored Division that passed through Susice, Sudetenland, Czech.
4th Armored Division Fact Sheet: “After V-E Day, the Division was given an occupational mission at Landshut, Germany until departure for the US and inactivation. Some elements of the Division were redesignated for Constabulary units to remain in Germany as occupation forces.” The photo is labeled as being in Neumarket and elements of the 4th Armored Division were part of the 4th of July Parade.
My Aunt said that grandpa never spoke of shooting anyone but he did have to point his rifle at someone who had climbed up one of his telephone poles, possibly to sabotage the communications.
Cough medicine used to contain codeine and help kids sleep. His joke.
Willys Jeep Life Story – Christopher Waalkes
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That was a great story you shared of your relatives and their pictures. I respect and salute them all ..Who served and never made any excuse for why they didn,t serve.
dear christopher
wonderful story of the bygone real life heroes,wish to see many more willys n men with real wartime stories
best wishes
vivek
Ausumm picture feels me encourage to rebuilt my Jeep