Four Remembered and Honored from Clinton County, World War II

By Christopher Miller

On Water Street across from the Clinton County Courthouse sits a monument. This monument reads as follows: “Through this portal lie the names of the gallant and courageous men and women of Clinton County that served their country during the 2nd World War (Dec. 7, 1941 – Sept. 2, 1945). This veterans memorial was duplicated from the original of 1968, modified and dedicated August 15, 2005, completed Oct. 2010 in tribute of their loyal and honorable service and in recognition of the “heroes” of this war as denoted by a Gold Star or Purple Heart.”

This structure not only names those who went to war from Clinton County, but also lists those who did not come home. Memorial Day recognizes those who gave their life for our country. These brave peoples names are eternally written on the walls of this memorial on Water Street.

For this week’s tribute to our fallen heroes, I chose 4 names at random from the Honor Roll and researched their lives and sacrifice for the freedoms we have today
.We remember S/Sgt. William C. Ammon

The news rang out in local newspapers in early-May, 1945. “S/Sgt. William C. Ammon, son of Daniel C. Ammon of Renovo, died July 17, 1942 at Camp Cabanatuan, Philippine Islands, while a prisoner of the Japanese, and is buried in Luzon” (an island in the Philippines). “This information was conveyed in a letter received by Mr. Ammon from the General Headquarters of the USAAF in the Pacific, dated Aug. 31, and signed by Major C. W. MacEllven…Mr. Ammon had learned earlier of Sgt. Ammon’s death, but did not know where he died, or where he was buried.”

Another local newspaper reported more detail related to Ammon, “A letter conveying the information, signed by General MacArthur said: “I have lost a gallant comrade and mourn with you.” It went on to mention that Ammon enlisted in the Army on December 17, 1939, serving in the 28th Bombing Squadron of the Air Corps while he was stationed at Clark Field in the Philippines. “When the Japanese overran Corregidor and Bataan, Ammon was taken prisoner. The formal report as of May 7, 1942, was that he was missing in action, though each year since a “missing in action” report has been the only information the father has received about his son.”

William Ammon who was thought to be missing in action in 1942 had died in a Japanese camp. Local reports make it sound like it was unknown what happened to Ammon until 1945 when the official news of his death was released.

In 1949 a newspaper article surfaced with the title of “S/Sgt. Ammon to be returned for burial.” William C. Ammon was coming home to Clinton County. “The body of S/Sgt. William C. Ammon of the Air Force has been returned to the United States for burial…his remains were among those of 425 Americans who gave their lives in World War II which were returned from the Pacific area aboard the transport Private Joseph F. Merrill.”

We remember Second Lt. Edward P. McKeague

Local newspapers reported the headline of Second Lieutenant Edward P. McKeague’s passing in August, 1944. “Second Lieutenant Edward P. McKeague died as a result of injuries in action over France, according to an announcement by the War Department…McKeague, a fortress pilot, bailed out of his blazing plane into the English Channel after taking part in an invasion supported bombing attack. He died in an English hospital.”

Other newspaper reports also mention that, “McKeague leaves behind a widow and two children; 20 months and 6 months of age.” Remarkably, “the day before, Lt. McKeague bailed out, he and his brother S./Sgt. Albert J. McKeague who is flying as a heavy bomber gunner from another English base, met and were photographed together…it was their first reunion since August, 1942, when Lt. McKeague entered the AAF.”

We remember Pvt. Paul E. Wertz

Private Paul E. Wertz was 18 years old when he went to war. The Renovo Record reported his passing in May, 1945, about 3 weeks after he died.

“Pvt. Paul E. Wertz, 18, son of Mrs. Emma Shank of Farrandsville, was killed in action in Germany on April 16, according to word received by his mother.” “An infantryman, he went overseas last Fall…he attended Lock Haven High School, and was employed at the Renovo Shops before entering the army.”

We remember Pfc. Alvin D. Smith

The Renovo Record ran an article on July 17, 1944 that Pfc Alvin Smith was killed in battle. The date of his death was June 6, 1944. To those familiar with this date, it was the D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history. More than 160,000 Allied forces landed along a 50 mile stretch of French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France.

“A Lock Haven boy who was killed in action was Alvin Smith, on June 6 in France.” “Rumors were current in Renovo today that several more local servicemen were either wounded or killed, but up to present time there was no confirmation.”

It was reported that in October, 1944, “Mr. and Mrs. William J. Smith have received the Purple Heart awarded posthumously to their son, Pfc. Alvin D. Smith, who was killed in the invasion of France June 6.”

Three other sons are in the service; Pvt. Louis B. Smith, 20, who was slightly wounded in France is now recovering in the U.S. Army Hospital Plant in New York, the oldest Theodore, 30, is an electrician’s mate 1/c in the SeaBees, serving in the Pacific area, the third son, Pfc. Gerald, 22, is in Belgium with the Army Engineers.”

Please remember and honor the fallen.