U.S. Army Veterans

Taken prisoner during the "Battle of the Bulge". Was already a hero before he left the states when he saved the lives of several soldiers after "springing a mine" in a foxhole at Camp Blanding, Florida. He was hospitalized several months with a concussion and a temporary paralysis.

Captured by the Germans on 5 December 1944 and remained a Prisoner of War until 13 April 1945. He reported, "suffering mental and physical torture with his buddies, marching 800 miles in 45 days, living on a piece of bread and cup of coffee each 24 hours, and waiting for Red Cross packages - some of which they never received."

He was in Oran, Africa when Rommel invaded; later in Marseilles, France. He returned to the United States on the Queen Mary.

Was commander of Arcola VFW Post 7862 several times and served other offices there as well as was commander and in other offices in the Arcola American Legion.

Some place in Africa
February 1, 1943

Dear Folks:
It seems strange as this is the first letter I have written in a month.

We had a nice trip over here. I wasn't sick at any time. Our meals are o.k., better than I expected. In fact, I've gained 10 pounds on the trip. We have been here a week. I feel all right.

We are camped along the coast in Africa. This country is a lot different than the United States. There isn't much to say besides our mail is censored, too.

How is dad and Joe. I bet sis isn't in Ohio by the time you get this. Keep Joe around home as much as possible.

We have a new address so be sure to write soon. How is grandma and the rest. O.K. I guess. Tell dad to take care of himself, also the rest of you. So long and good luck.

Love,
Paul

First Arcola WW-II soldier whose remains were returned for burial in Arcola. By proclamation of Dr. J.V. Fishel, mayor of Arcola, all places of businesses were closed and all flags in the community were flown at half-mast.

The end of the war was punctuated with an article in a Miami, Florida paper for Billy Murphy who had been sent there after an accident in Italy. He was flown to Miami to have a leg amputated. "Bill was on the first Allied train to go into Rome after its evacuation by the Nazis. He visited the Vatican and met the Pope who gave him a crucifix with his blessing." He had collected several souvenirs and two of his buddies gathered them together and sent them to his parents. He is smiling in the picture that appeared in the Daily News. The caption titled "Courage" reads as follows: "The right leg of PFC. Bill Murphy of Arcola, Ill. is missing but not his smile. He is shown above being lifted into an ambulance for transportation to a plane which took him to Atlanta. He will get an artificial leg at Lawson General Hospital."

"Buzzed" Arcola (with Robert C. Coombe as bombardier). Dropped a birthday package for Carol Pullen

During the Battle of the Bulge, averted capture by the Nazi Army but was trapped behind enemy lines for six days. His unit debated whether to surrender or to try to get back to allied lines. Half of the unit decided to surrender. His group did not. The other group went over a snow covered hill to surrender and not too long afterwards Don's group heard several shots. The other group had all been killed.

He got back to allied lines on Christmas Day 1944 and was sent to a hospital in Paris, France to recuperate from frozen feet, then to England. In a letter home he felt, "I am lucky to be alive," and admonished his parents and family not to worry about him.

Started VFW post in Arcola after returning

Passing under the Golden Gate Bridge enroute to Korea when World War II ended.