News of Nemaha Countians in the Military
from the 13 Feb 1941 issue of the Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS)
Page 1
In National Guard: Wants to Be Citizen
Friedrich Herman Dienstbier, 28, Sabetha, was born in Germany, came to this country when he was but 10 years of age. He belongs to the Sabetha National Guard battery, is serving his adopted land by a year’s training with the battery at Camp Joseph Robinson, Ark. Dienstbier some time ago applied for citizenship and will be eligible to take his final hearing in March court. It is not known here whether or not he will make arrangement to leave camp for the hearing.
Page 2
Another Volunteer for The Feb. 24 Contingent
Leonard Morris Talley, Centralia address, who is one of the young men of the county registered for military service, is another who is volunteering to give his year’s service ahead of turn. Talley will be one of the 14 men to go February 24. His order number in the county was 1432.
The Nemaha county men will go to Fort Leavenworth, which is the induction center for this area. After a short stay there, men are transferred to other camps which offer the line of training which is decided for them. This newspaper will be able to follow the Nemaha county box, as regular dispatches are received listing men by towns and telling the camps to which they are sent. In fact, the reception center sends so much publicity it is a little difficult to scan it all. The office has received 23 dispatches since the training program
His Son a Secretary to Admiral of Fleet
Roy Pendergrass, Sabetha, was in town Tuesday, looking well. Roy, it will be recalled, was one of the five Nemaha county men who answered the first call for draftees way back in ’17.. Now Roy has a son, Roy, Jr., who is with the Pacific fleet in Hawaiian waters; has a post as secretary to the Admiral of the squadron. Roy, Jr., enlisted in Topeka a little more than a year ago.
Page 3
To Honor Selectees in Bern February 17
All posts of the American Legion in Nemaha county are being advised that the selectees, who are to report for military service Feb. 24, will be guests of the county Legion at a reception in Bern the night of Monday, Feb. 17. Each post is to bring selectees who live nearest.
Page 6
Sergeant Lehnherr Returns;
Brings News of Battery DSergeant Virgil Lehnherr arrived in Sabetha Tuesday evening from Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Ark., for a visit with his family for the remainder of the week, on furlough from Sabetha’s Battery D. He must report back to duty by Monday midnight. Sgt. Lehnherr was called here by the illness of his wife.
Sgt. Lehnherr reports there have been many promotions and transfers in Battery D since the unit left Sabetha early in January. Recently Lt. Ray Pittenger was transferred to another outfit but on Monday of this week he was returned to his home battery. Lyle Dillaplain has been promoted to
a sergeant: Sgt. Sam Maynard has been transferred to the Troy battery, John Niccum has been promoted to a sergeant and is in charge of the new 50 calibre machine guns which were issued to Battery D recently. In addition to the new machine guns, the Sabetha battery will receive in a few days 13 new trucks, two station wagons and a motor cycleCapt J W. Cavender has been in the camp hospital, ill with influenza
Sgt. Lehnherr reports the food is good and there is plenty for everyone. Battery D has been undergoing some intensive training, This week the unit will receive its first trainees from Fort Leavenworth; all will be Kansas men.
The Red Cross is on hand at Camp Robinson. If a soldier has sick relatives and must return home the Red Cross investigates the case and verifies the report. A pass is secured and if the soldier lacks funds the Red Cross will loan the necessary amount.
Lehnherr says that all members of the Sabetha battery are well and are enjoying camp life They are all gaining weight There has been little sickness in any of the units stationed at Camp Robinson. He believes Battery ID is one of the best units in training there.
