Letters From WW II Pocahontas Soldiers

 

Based on the letters in the sources, the daily concerns and experiences of soldiers serving overseas during World War II encompassed a wide range of issues, from basic living conditions to the emotional toll of separation and the dangers of combat.

Living Conditions and Environment:

• Soldiers frequently wrote about the climate of their overseas locations. Sanford in Australia noted that winter comes in June, July, and August, while another letter from Australia in May mentions it being pretty hot and dry. Similarly, a soldier in India described the heat as reaching 110 to 120 degrees.
• Living arrangements varied, and soldiers often had to adapt to basic conditions. One soldier in North Africa mentioned not having to sleep on the ground anymore. Another in the Pacific described living in tents.
• The landscape was also a point of observation. A soldier in Australia wrote about kangaroos and another described New Guinea, noting it was "pretty fine but we did not know where we were going" and they arrived to find it the fall and winter season.
• Hygiene and pests were also concerns. Mosquitoes in Australia were reported to be bad, and a soldier in India mentioned sleeping under nets because of mosquitoes.

Food and Supplies:

• Letters often touched upon the availability and quality of food. One soldier in North Africa expressed gratitude for three good meals a day. In contrast, a soldier in the Pacific noted that "life over there was pretty tough and it sure feels great to be back in the States again...All we had over there was just the bare necessities of life. We were lucky to even get a bar of candy once in a while".
• Mail and packages from home were highly valued. A soldier in India was glad to receive a package and appreciated it very much. Another mentioned getting letters from home and trying to write back as often as possible.

Health and Safety:

• The ever-present danger of combat was a major concern. A letter from North Africa mentioned a soldier's jeep striking a land mine. Another soldier serving in the Pacific recounted being in two big air raids and close to heavy mortar shelling, considering himself lucky to be alive.
• Injuries and the experience of being wounded were also part of their reality. Eugene McClintic was reported to have been wounded in action in the African theater and was in a hospital. Another soldier wrote about a "mere scratch on the arm by a tiny piece of shrapnel from a mortar shell".
• Training and preparation for combat were significant aspects of their service. A soldier at Keesler Field, Biloxi, described a six-week course at the Hospital Corps School involving anatomy, physiology, hygiene, first aid, and transportation of casualties. Another at "Fort Liberator" spent eight days working on aircraft and taking up battle positions against mock attacks.

Emotional and Social Well-being:

• Homesickness and longing for family were recurring themes. Soldiers frequently inquired about their loved ones and expressed their desire to return home. One soldier wrote, "I would love to hear from anyone back home so if you can find room in a corner of your paper you might place my address there".
• Maintaining morale and finding ways to cope with the difficulties were important. A soldier in England enjoyed swimming and felt like he was in a good town. Another in India mentioned reading and trying to get things to get his mind off things.
• Interactions with fellow soldiers formed a crucial part of their daily lives. A soldier in New Guinea mentioned that their camp was made up of men from all walks of life and all over the United States.

Work and Duties:

• Soldiers were engaged in a variety of tasks depending on their roles. Some were involved in aircraft maintenance, while others served as gunners on bombers. One soldier was training in Aviation Ordnance. Another was handling pack mules for a pack train unit.
• Physical demands and the routine of military life were evident. A letter from a soldier in training mentioned marching and training as being tiresome. Another in Australia wrote about having to carry all their stuff when moving in the Army.

These excerpts from letters provide a glimpse into the daily realities faced by soldiers serving overseas during World War II, highlighting their concerns about their environment, safety, well-being, and their deep connection to home.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 William Killeen Moore was at the United States Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois, where he graduated from the Hospital Corps School on November 2nd. The article notes that he would then continue to train at another Naval hospital before being sent to duty at sea or at other shore stations.

 According to the sources, Ellis G. Dean married Miss Martha J. Sevey. The source also states that Miss Martha J. Sevey preceded him in death by six years.

 The documents provide several pieces of evidence suggesting that the war effort significantly impacted daily life for civilians in Pocahontas County. Here are two examples:

1. The promotion and encouragement of War Bond purchases: The newspaper frequently features content related to War Bonds. There is an advertisement explicitly stating "Buy War Bonds Every Payday!". Another section mentions, "Every person who is not in the armed forces of the United States should buy all the War Bonds they possibly can" and lists the reasons why, including supporting the troops and ensuring their victory. Furthermore, an article announces that a "Motorized group of United States Army troops, with light battle equipment, will be at Marlinton...for 15 minutes...The idea is attract attention to the opening of the Third War Loan campaign". These instances indicate a concerted effort to involve civilians in financing the war through the purchase of War Bonds, suggesting that this was a regular and emphasized aspect of daily life on the home front.

2. The prominent coverage of local service members and war-related news: A recurring section in the newspaper is titled "Our Army and Navy Boys". This section provides updates on local men and women serving in the armed forces, including their stations, furloughs, promotions, and unfortunately, also reports of those wounded or killed in service. For example, it mentions Lieutenant Elizabeth Hook of Marlinton stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and reports on Pershing Arbogast of Durbin being home on furlough after receiving the Purple Heart for a wound received in action in the South Pacific. Additionally, letters from soldiers overseas are published, offering personal accounts of the war and their experiences. The inclusion of such extensive and personal war-related news within the local paper demonstrates that the war and the experiences of local service members were a significant focus of community attention and likely a frequent topic of discussion and concern in daily life.

   The documents provide several pieces of evidence suggesting that the war effort significantly impacted daily life for civilians in Pocahontas County. Here are two examples:

3. The promotion and encouragement of War Bond purchases: The newspaper frequently features content related to War Bonds. There is an advertisement explicitly stating "Buy War Bonds Every Payday!". Another section mentions, "Every person who is not in the armed forces of the United States should buy all the War Bonds they possibly can" and lists the reasons why, including supporting the troops and ensuring their victory. Furthermore, an article announces that a "Motorized group of United States Army troops, with light battle equipment, will be at Marlinton...for 15 minutes...The idea is attract attention to the opening of the Third War Loan campaign". These instances indicate a concerted effort to involve civilians in financing the war through the purchase of War Bonds, suggesting that this was a regular and emphasized aspect of daily life on the home front.

4. The prominent coverage of local service members and war-related news: A recurring section in the newspaper is titled "Our Army and Navy Boys". This section provides updates on local men and women serving in the armed forces, including their stations, furloughs, promotions, and unfortunately, also reports of those wounded or killed in service. For example, it mentions Lieutenant Elizabeth Hook of Marlinton stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and reports on Pershing Arbogast of Durbin being home on furlough after receiving the Purple Heart for a wound received in action in the South Pacific. Additionally, letters from soldiers overseas are published, offering personal accounts of the war and their experiences. The inclusion of such extensive and personal war-related news within the local paper demonstrates that the war and the experiences of local service members were a significant focus of community attention and likely a frequent topic of discussion and concern in daily life.

Based on the sources, The Glades in Pocahontas County are home to several botanical curiosities. These include:

• The rare Buckbean: This plant is particularly noteworthy as it is found in The Glades but is normally distributed from Alaska and Labrador down to Pennsylvania. Its presence in West Virginia, seemingly outside its typical range, makes it a botanical curiosity.

• An unusual round plant, the Sundew: This plant is described as having leaves that secrete a dew-like fluid that captures insects. Its insectivorous nature is a unique botanical adaptation that classifies it as a curiosity.

• Three varieties of wild orchids: The Glades are home to three different types of wild orchids. These are noted for being smaller and of less showy appearance than the cultivated orchids typically used for corsages. The presence of multiple wild orchid varieties in a specific location can be considered a botanical point of interest.

Other plants mentioned in The Glades include swamp grass (growing as high as one's knees), Phlox, Tiger Lilies, and cranberries. While these contribute to the flora of the area, the Buckbean with its unusual distribution and the Sundew with its carnivorous behavior are highlighted as particularly striking botanical features. The variety of wild orchids, although described as less conspicuous, also adds to the botanical diversity of The Glades.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The announcements in the sources regarding individuals killed in service during World War II typically include several key details. These notices often reveal a community deeply connected to its service members and significantly impacted by the war.

Typical details included in the announcements of service members killed in action:

• Full Name and Rank: The announcement clearly states the full name and military rank of the deceased. For example, "Lieutenant Samuel B. Hannah" and "Private First Class George W. Ray".
• Age: The age of the deceased is usually provided, highlighting the youth of those lost. Lieutenant Samuel B. Hannah was 25 years old, and Private First Class George W. Ray was 19 years old.
• Branch of Service: The branch of the military in which the individual served is mentioned, such as "Army Airplanes" for Lieutenant Samuel B. Hannah and "Army" for Private First Class George W. Ray. Corporal Elmer Buzzard was with the "United States Army, Air Corps". Sergeant Earl W. (Barney) Slavin was serving in "France".
• Date and Place of Death: The date and location where the service member died are often included, when known. Lieutenant Samuel B. Hannah met death in the wreck of an airplane near Newton, New Jersey, on Thursday, June 17, 1943. William Ross Gay was killed in an accident at Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, June 26, 1943. Corporal Elmer Buzzard was "accidentally shot at Orlando, Florida". Sergeant Earl W. (Barney) Slavin was reported as "missing in action, Barney was previously wounded while serving in North Africa" and was in "France".
• Circumstances of Death: Sometimes, brief details about how the death occurred are given, such as "met death in the wreck of an airplane" or "accidentally shot". In the case of Sergeant Slavin, he was initially reported "missing in action".
• Family Information: The names of the parents, spouse, and other surviving relatives are typically listed. Lieutenant Hannah was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George V. Hannah. Private First Class George W. Ray was the son of the late George and Levia Kennedy Ray and is survived by his mother and siblings. William Ross Gay's parents are not explicitly named in the provided excerpt. Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Slavin received a telegram about their son.
• Funeral Arrangements: Information regarding funeral services, including the date, time, and location, as well as the officiating pastor and place of interment, is often provided. The funeral service for Lieutenant Hannah was conducted at his home and interment was in the Arbovale Cemetery.

What these notices reveal about the community's response to the war:

• Deep Sense of Loss and Connection: The detailed reporting of these deaths indicates a strong connection between the community and its service members. The inclusion of personal details like age and family relationships emphasizes the individual loss felt within the community.
• Public Acknowledgment and Respect: These announcements serve as a public acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by these individuals. By publishing these notices prominently, the local newspaper ensures that the community is aware of and can mourn the loss of their own.
• Shared Wartime Experience: The frequent appearance of such announcements highlights the pervasive impact of the war on the local community. It underscores the reality that the war overseas had direct and tragic consequences for families and neighbors in Pocahontas County.
• Community Mourning and Support: The inclusion of funeral arrangements suggests a community that comes together to mourn and support the bereaved families. The public nature of these announcements likely fostered a sense of shared grief and collective remembrance.
• Transparency of Information (within wartime restrictions): While details about the specific battles or circumstances might be limited by wartime censorship, the community was kept informed about the ultimate sacrifice made by their sons and brothers. This level of detail, where permissible, likely helped the community understand the gravity of the war.

Overall, these death notices in the local newspaper provide poignant evidence of a community deeply invested in the war effort and profoundly affected by the loss of its young men and women serving overseas. They reveal a community that valued its service members and shared in the sorrow of their deaths.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 According to the "Notice to Taxpayers" in the sources, the listed rates for unpaid tax tickets were as follows:

• For the first half of the tax year 1942, unpaid tax tickets drew penalty interest at the rate of 9 percent per annum since Dec. 1, 1942.
• For the last half of said unpaid tax tickets, they were drawing interest at the same rate since June 1st.

Therefore, the interest rate for both the first and last halves of the unpaid tax tickets for the year 1942 was 9 percent per annum.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The sources indicate that rationing was in effect in Pocahontas County during World War II. The "Rationing at a Glance" section specifies which items were being rationed and the validity of the corresponding stamps.

The following items were being rationed:

• Processed Foods: Blue D, E, F stamps were good only through April 30. Blue A, B, C stamps were void. Blue G, H, J stamps were good from April 24 through May 31.
• Meats, Fats, Cheese, Butter, Canned Fish: Red A, B, C, D stamps were good through April 25. Stamp E validity was announced later.
• Coffee: Stamp 23 was good for 1 pound beginning Monday, April 26.
• Sugar: Stamp 12 was good for 5 pounds through May 31.
• Rationed Shoes: Stamp 17 was good for one pair through June 15.
• Rubber Boots and Rubber Work Shoes: All men's and boys' rubber boots and rubber work shoes below Size 6 in solid olive drab, clay, or khaki color (above the knee boots) were not rationed, beginning on April 21.
• Fuel Oil: Coupon 4 was good for 10 gallons through Sept. 30, and must last for both heat and water. Fuel oil consumers were advised to save stubs of ration sheets pending issuance of rations for the next heating season starting Oct. 1, 1943.
• Gasoline: While not explicitly under the "Rationing at a Glance" section, an article mentions the "age of gasoline and crowds of farmers at Pocahontas county garages daily", implying restrictions or shortages that would necessitate careful management. Another article discusses how "How gasoline rationing affects your car".

The implementation of rationing indicates that resource management was a significant concern during the war. Rationing is a system designed to distribute scarce resources fairly among the civilian population when demand exceeds supply. Several factors likely contributed to the need for rationing:

• Military Needs: A large portion of national production, including food, fuel, rubber, and other materials, was diverted to support the military effort overseas. This created shortages for domestic consumption.
• Supporting Allies: The United States was also providing aid and supplies to its allies, further straining domestic resources.
• Preventing Inflation and Hoarding: Rationing helped to control inflation by setting limits on purchases and discouraged hoarding, ensuring that essential goods were available to everyone. The call to "Buy War Bonds Every Payday!" and the encouragement for every non-military person to "buy all the War Bonds they possibly can" also highlight the economic aspects of wartime resource management.

The detailed nature of the rationing regulations, specifying stamp validity periods and quantities, underscores the government's active role in managing the distribution of essential goods on the home front. This impacted the daily lives of civilians in Pocahontas County, requiring them to carefully plan their purchases and make do with limited quantities of various items. The mention of saving fuel oil ration stubs for the next heating season further illustrates the long-term planning and conservation efforts required of civilians during wartime.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The newspaper features correspondence on various topics not directly related to the war. For example, a letter addressed to "Dear Mr. Price" in the excerpts discusses everyday life and observations in a new location.

In this letter, the sender informs Mr. Price of a change of address. The writer mentions enjoying reading the paper, particularly the "Field Notes," and feeling homesick. The letter then goes on to describe the local geography and flora, noting that it is a "beautiful country" where one "hardly see[s] a hardwood tree" and instead sees "mostly spruce" with large diameters. The sender also mentions that "some of the boys go fishing in the evenings," catching carp that weigh around 7 or 8 pounds. Finally, the writer states they will be boarding a new aircraft carrier soon and express pride in their work to keep it afloat.

This letter focuses on personal updates, observations about the natural environment, and leisure activities, none of which are directly related to the ongoing war effort, providing a glimpse into the everyday experiences of individuals away from home.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The newspaper does feature correspondence on topics unrelated to the immediate concerns of the war, highlighting the community's continued interest in local history and cultural identity. The discussion surrounding the nicknames "Tarheel" and "Watauga" is a prime example of this.

In a letter to "Dear Cal" (likely Calvin W. Price, the editor), the writer expresses curiosity about the origin of the nickname "Tarheel". The writer mentions being under the impression that it was related to "tar products produced in the state".

Calvin responds to this query in a subsequent column. He explains that the "ancient Tarheel name soon spread and stuck to every native of North Carolina". He humorously advises "Charley" not to get stuck with the name "Cohee," which didn't last, before the "ancient and honorable name of Snake was applied to our men of the mountains". Calvin then connects the "Snake" nickname to the "Minute Men" of New England who went into the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars with a rattlesnake rampant flag. He notes that in New England, they took the "Minute Men" name and were then dubbed "Snakes".

Calvin then addresses the name "Watauga," stating that it is "Indian, Cherokee, origin". He clarifies that the Watauga River is in the part of North Carolina that was cut off to make Tennessee. He mentions the short-lived State of Franklin and speculates whether the Watauga sub-tribe of Cherokees took their name from the river or vice versa, guessing they took the name of their place of residence. Calvin notes he has heard that "Watauga means starry waters—that is, waters which reflect the light of the stars".

Calvin further elaborates on how local names came to be, mentioning a mutual friend, the late W. A. Ross, who named new railroad stations for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad based on historical significance, such as "Greenbrier Valley" as a former hunting ground of the Cherokee Nations.

This exchange demonstrates an interest in the etymology and history of local and regional names, showcasing a connection to the area's past and cultural heritage even amidst the backdrop of a global war. It reveals that the community, through its newspaper, engaged in discussions that fostered a sense of local identity and historical awareness, providing a contrast to the immediate concerns of the war effort.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 In May 1943, Sanford wrote two letters from Australia that were featured in the newspaper. In these letters, he described several aspects of his experience there:

• He mentioned that the Australian language is the same as ours, but their money was hard to get used to at first, as they used pounds, shillings, and pence, with one pound being equal to about $3.20 in American money.
• He noted that they drive on the left-hand side of the road, which he found wasn't as hard to get used to as one might think.
• He observed that they still use the narrow gauge railroad and think their trains travel pretty fast, which he thought would scare Americans to death.
• Sanford reported seeing a few kangaroos and that the mosquitoes were bad and would bite him when he first arrived if he didn't pay much attention to them.
• He stated that they were having their fall there, with winter coming in June, July, and August.
• He also mentioned that he had traveled quite a ways since his last letter and that the trip over to Australia was the worst because he had bad seasickness. He remarked that everyone on the trip gave credit for being sick, and even though he thought he had been seasick before, this was quite an experience. However, he was glad to get back to the United States.
• In his later letter dated May 29, 1943, Sanford mentioned that he receives some mail and following mail calls, he often reads there first. He also noted that he has not seen Major Snedden for a couple of weeks and that he is no longer a Major, having been promoted.
• Sanford indicated that he gets a 24-hour pass once in a while, but when he is off duty, he mainly goes to the Red Cross Club somewhere. He found the pheasants over there "real tame and too pretty to shoot". He also mentioned going out a few evenings ago and counting 22 bicycles leaning against the fence at a little pub (beer joint), observing that everybody rides bicycles, and there are lots of transports moving through.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Ward Hudson, as the Sheriff of Pocahontas County, was publishing a delinquent list because the law required that all unpaid tax tickets be listed as delinquent as of June 1st. Furthermore, this list, encompassing both personal and real estate, was mandated to be published after July 1, 1943.

The "Notice to Taxpayers" clearly states these legal obligations, indicating that the publication of the delinquent list was not discretionary but a statutory requirement for the county sheriff. This was likely done to inform taxpayers of their outstanding tax obligations and to provide public notice regarding delinquent properties.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The local newspaper played a crucial role in maintaining community morale and connection in Pocahontas County during World War II by serving as a central source of information, a platform for personal connection, and a promoter of local identity and the war effort.

Maintaining Connection with Those Serving Abroad:

The newspaper served as a vital link between the home front and the men and women serving in the armed forces. The regular inclusion of letters from servicemen like Sanford from Australia, Private Hubert Rose from North Africa, and others stationed in various locations provided firsthand accounts of their experiences and reassured the community about their well-being. For instance, Sanford's letters described the Australian currency, driving customs, and even the wildlife, offering a glimpse into his new environment. Private Hubert Rose's brief letter to his mother conveyed that he was "well and getting along just fine". These personal touches helped keep the servicemen connected to home and allowed the community to feel connected to their loved ones serving overseas.

The "Our Army and Navy Boys" section [2, 44, 46, etc.] regularly featured news about local individuals in the service, including promotions, transfers, furloughs, and even news of those wounded or killed in action. This section ensured that the community remained informed about the sacrifices and contributions of their neighbors and friends, fostering a sense of shared experience and pride. The inclusion of names on the "Honor Roll" further publicly acknowledged their service and contribution to the war effort.

Sustaining Community Morale on the Home Front:

Even though focused on the war, the newspaper also included content that helped maintain morale on the home front by providing a sense of normalcy and community spirit.

• Local News and Personal Notes: The "Personal Notes" sections and other similar items reported on local happenings, visitors, and brief personal updates. These helped maintain the fabric of community life by keeping residents informed about each other's lives, even with the backdrop of the war.
• Engagement with Local History and Culture: The discussion about the origins of nicknames like "Tarheel" and "Watauga" demonstrates a continued interest in local history and cultural identity. This type of content provided a sense of continuity and rootedness during a time of great upheaval. Calvin Price's detailed explanation of these names shows the newspaper actively engaging with and educating its readership on local heritage.
• Coverage of Everyday Life: Letters like the one to "Dear Mr. Price" discussing observations of a new location, including geography and fishing activities, offered a break from direct war-related news and highlighted the continuation of everyday life, albeit in different contexts.
• Advertisements and Notices: Even advertisements for local businesses and notices about community events, like the meeting of the W. C. T. U., indicated that life in Pocahontas County continued, providing a sense of stability. The announcements regarding rationing and tax notices kept the community informed about important local matters related to the war effort and civic duties.
• Promoting Patriotism and the War Effort: The encouragement to "Buy Your War Stamps and Bonds Here" in the advertisements for the Alpine Theatre and the general call to "Buy War Bonds Every Payday!" throughout the paper actively promoted citizen participation in financing the war, bolstering a sense of collective contribution and purpose.

In conclusion, the local newspaper in Pocahontas County during World War II served as a multifaceted tool for maintaining community morale and connection. It kept the home front connected with those serving overseas, sustained community spirit by reporting local news and history, and actively promoted participation in the war effort. By providing information, fostering personal connections, and reinforcing local identity, the newspaper played an essential role in supporting the community through a challenging period.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The sources contain a reference to V-Mail in a letter dated August 4, 1943. The writer, who is stationed at the same A.P.O., mentions sending a letter via V-Mail to notify the recipient of a new address.

Based on this excerpt and the provided definition, we can understand that during World War II, even personal correspondence like address changes could be sent using the V-Mail system. This system was implemented to reduce the volume of mail [V-Mail definition from user] being sent to and from soldiers. The process involved photographing letters onto microfilm and then reprinting them at their destination [V-Mail definition from user].

The inclusion of this V-Mail letter in the local newspaper demonstrates its role as a means of communication for soldiers serving overseas and their families back home. While the content of this specific V-Mail is simply an address change, its presence in the newspaper highlights the use of this official system for even routine personal updates during the war. This would have contributed to the efficiency of mail delivery to servicemen during a time of immense logistical challenges.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

The term Ordnance, referring to military weapons, ammunition, combat vehicles, and maintenance tools, appears several times in the provided excerpts.

• Roy E. Keirn is mentioned as being in Aviation Ordnance School in Jacksonville, Florida. He later became an instructor in the Aerial Gunnery School there. This indicates training related to the armament of aircraft.
• Wilbur Vir, after graduating from the Hospital Corps School, was mentioned as serving the "Ordnance". However, based on the context of the Hospital Corps, this is likely a transcription error, and it's improbable that someone in that role would be directly involved with ordnance.
• The newspaper features a piece titled "THE TANK DESTROYER," which discusses these vehicles as being organized to combat tanks and being important for the army.
• O. K. Thorne was inducted into the Ordnance at Camp Lee, Virginia. This suggests service within an ordnance unit or performing ordnance-related duties.
• Another individual "entered the Ordnance Prov. Co., Aberdeen Proving Ground, Ma.". This likely refers to a provisional ordnance company stationed at a significant ordnance testing facility.
• Lee Preston McLaughlin is identified as an Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class in the U.S.N.R.. This is a specific Navy rating dealing with the handling and maintenance of aircraft weaponry.
• Before enlisting in the Navy, Fred W. Trainer was employed as a guard at the Ordnance Plant, Radford, Virginia. This highlights the presence of ordnance manufacturing facilities in the region.

These examples collectively illustrate the presence of ordnance in various aspects of World War II as reflected in the local newspaper, including training, specific military units and roles, and even manufacturing within the community's broader region.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Based on the sources, we can see that the local newspaper in Pocahontas County during World War II reported on various Theaters of War by mentioning the locations where servicemen from the community were stationed and where military actions were taking place.

Several specific geographical areas where military operations were being conducted are mentioned:

• Australia: Sanford wrote letters from Australia, describing his experiences there. While not directly describing combat, his presence indicates that Australia was a region involved in the war effort, potentially as a base or support area. Captain Odie G. Cooke also refers to a rest camp in Australia.
• North Africa: Private Hubert Rose wrote a letter from North Africa. This clearly identifies North Africa as a Theater of War, as evidenced by Eugene McClintic being wounded in action in the African theatre of war and a United States Army citation for gallantry and heroism in Allied operations in North Africa. The newspaper also mentions that the shooting was over for a while for ground forces in North Africa.
• Europe: Herman A. Brown was promoted to Staff Sergeant on the Army front in Italy. Sergeant Cecil T. Sheets received a Presidential Citation in Italy for his unit's actions, which included bombing high priority targets in Nazi-held Europe and the Balkans. These references place Italy and Nazi-held Europe firmly within the European Theater of War.
• Pacific: Pershing Arbogast received the Purple Heart for a wound received in action in the South Pacific. Lee Preston McLaughlin served as an Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class in the U.S.N.R., likely involved in the Pacific Theater. A letter mentions being ready to "make the Japs remember Pearl Harbor", a key event in the Pacific Theater. There's also a mention of battling the Japs in the Pacific.
• New Guinea: One letter mentions making several moves, including to the Battle Front in New Guinea, explicitly identifying it as a combat zone.
• Georgia Island: A letter describes being involved in the invasion of Georgia Island on June 30th, placing it within a Theater of War.
• Sicily: A letter mentions news of the attack on Sicily causing excitement, indicating it as an area of active military engagement.
• Holland and Belgium: A pilot reported that the civilian population of Holland and Belgium were overjoyed to see the Americans, implying these were areas liberated from German occupation and thus part of the European Theater of War.

The newspaper's coverage, particularly through the "Our Army and Navy Boys" section [3, 44, 46, etc.], keeps the local community connected to individuals serving in these various Theaters of War, providing snippets of information about their experiences and the progress of the war in different parts of the world.