Archives West Finding Aid

This scrapbook records the experiences of one hundred and fifty-three residents of Box Elder County Utah during World War Two. It lists the following casualties: four Killed in Action, three Wounded in Action, and two Prisoners of War, for a casualty rate of 8%.

Three of the KIAs are Pvt Lysle J. Christiansen (KIA 02/10/45), T/Sgt Voy G. Anderson KIA (in New Guinea, no date given), and Pvt Daniel L. Christensen (KIA 10/02/44). Two of the three wounded in action are Pvt Verl J. Iverson (WIA 04/18/45 ), and Bobby D. Barker (WIA 02/01/45). The two POWs are Sgt Carlye J. Gardner (POW 05/29/44-05/02/45) and Sgt Clays Holmgren (POW 11/17/44-05/21/45), both of whom were POWs in Europe.

Of special interest are the following: 1st Lt William C. Reese (KIA 5/21/44), Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Ace with five victories, and posthumous promotion to Captain; MM 1/C Lee R. Zinc (WIA 10/09/43) survivor after twenty hours in the water following the sinking of the U.S.S. Buck (10/09/43) and survivor of a kamikaze attack on the U.S.S Ingraham. In addition to the men who served, the scrapbook lists three women; 1st Lt Afton Garfield USANC, Gayle Holmgren of the Red Cross and Carmen Iverson, a nurse in training during the war.