WWII Army Air Forces Winterberg, Tech. Sgt. Martin

awarded Air Medal for combat missions as crew member on troop carrier plane flew men, supplies and equipment in New Guinea, New Britain, Admiralty Islands

Source: Rockford Morning Star 8/31/1944

WW II Army – Weiss, Sgt. Howard

of Janesville, wed in Georgia to Hazel Reynolds. He is stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia with a cannon company, recently retired from service in New Guinea. Distinguished Service Cross

Source: Rockford Morning Star 9/9/1944

WWII – Cavalry – KIA Poletto, Pfc. Alexander

member of the famed 5th cavalry regiment that led the assault troops on Philippine beaches, Pvt. Alexander Poletto, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Poletto, 815 South St., was reported killed in action Dec. 23 on Leyte. A member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church had been overseas since July, 1943 served in New Guinea before the Philippines, entered the army June, 1941. Trained at Fort Riley, Kansas before going overseas. Survived by 2 brothers and 3 sisters

PFC Alexander Poletto

Source: Rockford Morning Star 1/30/1945

“Pvt. Poletto Killed in Leyte Battle”

Source: Rockford Register Republic 1/30/1945

WWII – Navy Hughes, Richard

Richard Hughes

enlisted in the Navy in February 1944 trained to be quartermaster for LSTs. LST transported vehicles and troops across oceanic distances. Joined 7th fleet in the New Hebrides, first invasion of New Guinea, Philippines, Biak, Second invasion of Philippines at Luzon Jan 9, 1945 In April, ship was hit by typhoon

Richard Hughes

Source: Northwest Quarterly Magazine Spring 2007

“Veteran Sailor Now Home….” – 1944

Veteran Sailor

Source:  Rockford Morning Star Sept. 17, 1944

“Rockford Reunion Takes Place in New Guinea” – 1944

Rockford Reunion Takes

“These 13 men, all stationed with the army and navy in New Guinea, had a reunion and asked a photographer to take this picture which was sent home to Rockford.”

Source: Rockford Morning Star 9/17/1944

Monohan, Edward John, Jr.

Born April 24, 1920, to Mary Ann and Edward John Monohan, Sr.

Joined the U. S. Army in 1942, served 4 1/2 years, with 2 1/2 years  in South Pacific including New Guinea and South Philippines liberations.

Died May 23, 2014, in his home.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory,  St, Bernadette Catholic Church; Calvary Cemetery.

Source: Rockford Register Star, May 29, 2014