Funeral Held For Soldier
Binghamton Press Bureau
NORWICH-Funeral services for Pvt. Roland Nelson G. McPherson were held in Christ Church, Guilford, yesterday. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Private McPherson was killed in action in Italy, Oct. 17, 1943, while serving with the 5th Army. His body was returned to Oxford Monday.
Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Esta V. McPherson of Guilford and a sister, Mrs. L. E. Anthony of New Berlin.
Published in the Binghamton Press Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1948∼Son of
Esta V. McPherson and
Gillis (Giles) J. McPherson
Brother of Mrs. Patricia Anthony
Grandson of
Roland B. Wosley
Immigrated from Canada to the United States in 1923 along with his parents and sister.
Attended (Bainbridge) Guilford Central School
Religious affiliation: Christ Church, Guilford, NY
Military Timeline:
*February 25, 1943: Entered the US Army, assigned to 5th Army,
"Pioneers Branch"
*Winter/Spring 1943: Trained at Camp Wheeler, Georgia
*July 8, 1943: Visited his parents in NY during his first and only furlough
*September of 1943: Went overseas
*November 18, 1943: parents receive word of his arrival to Italy
*October 17, 1943: Killed In Action (6 months after entering the service), in Italy
* November 29, 1948: His remains arrived in Oxford, NY by train, accompanied by a military escort, five years after he was KIA.
Roland was the very first soldier from the village of Bainbridge, NY to die in World War II, as per newspaper articles
=======================
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
=======================
Source: Bainbridge News & Republican, November 25, 1943
Roland McPherson Killed in Action
War, with all its grim realities and bitterness, was brought closest to us since Pearl Harbor, when the death of Pvt. Roland McPherson was officially announced by the War Department, in a telegram received by his parents on Monday, Nov. 15.
A Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] boy, who had spent many years of his life here with his parents, who operated a farm in our community, received his education in our schools and graduated and chose his work here at the Moses Crank Co., before being inducted. He was known, loved and respected by all in our village. He is the first World War No. 2 casualty from our village, who was known by everyone.
The message to the bereaved parents read as follows: "This serves to notify you of the death of your son, Pvt. Roland McPherson, who was killed in action on Oct. 16, letter follows," signed by the adjutant general. This was received one month later. The parents had a letter from their son, which was dated Oct. 8, a short time before he met death. and reached them on Nov. 1.
Pvt. McPherson was stationed at Wheeler, Ga., and was in a branch of the service known as the "Pioneers." The Pioneers precede the engineers in Army tactics. He was inducted in the early spring. Born in Canada he would have been 27 years of age on Dec. 4. Only a few Sundays ago, a service flag was dedicated at Christ church, Guilford, and one of the 10 stars on the flag belonged to Roland McPherson, who was a member of the church. The mother and sister attended the service.
His first thought has always been of his parents. At the time he entered the service his father's health was very feeble. Due to his condition growing weaker, and the approaching winter, they moved from their farm off from the main highway between Guilford and Oxford, into their daughter's and her husband's apartment in New Berlin, the latter also having been inducted. Here he knew his parents would be comfortable, close to the doctor in New Berlin who attended him daily, and with modern conveniences to assist his mother in the growing daily care of his father. Thus he entered the service with a lighter heart. Up to his death he had received no mail from home. Christmas and birthday gifts mailed to him, he will never know their contents. The daughter, Mrs. Lewis Anthony, of Norwich, was made aware of the contents of the telegram and hastened through the storm of Monday night to New Berlin, to be with them when the crushing blow reached them the following day. The parents both were completely broken hearted, the mother is also confined to her bed, and both under the care of Dr. Elliott.
To extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to them is all we can do. The one question we can ask of ourselves is, "Are we making ourselves worthy of the supreme sacrifice Roland McPherson and thousands of American boys have already made, and more will make, as the war continues? Are we denying ourselves to buy bonds, assist in all War Fund drives, or are we just going our usual way saying "Nothing like this will come to us." A similar message can come to any of us mothers who have sons in service at any time. We understand things are underway, already to bring the body of their son home, when the war is over.
======================
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
======================
Source: Bainbridge News & Republican , January 20, 1944
Letter Received by Mrs. McPherson on the Loss of Her Son
Below is a copy of the letter received by Mrs. Giles McPherson from the Secretary of War, Henry Stimson:
Dear Mrs. McPherson,
At the request of the President I write to inform you, that the Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to your son, Private Roland McPherson, Infantry, who sacrificed his life, in defense of his country.
There is little that we can do or say to console you for the death of your loved one. We profoundly appreciate the greatness of your loss for in a very real sense the loss suffered by any of us in this battle for our country, is a loss suffered by all of us. When the medal, which you will shortly receive, reaches you, I want you to know that with it goes our sincerest sympathy and the hope that the Victory of our cause, will finally lighten the burden of grief.
Sincerely your,
Henry L. Stimson
Pvt. Roland McPherson met death in Sicily only a few weeks ago. Only recently, Mrs. McPherson suffered a further loss, her husband passed away two weeks ago.
==========================
What is a Pioneer soldier?
==========================
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_(military)
"A pioneer is a soldier employed to perform engineering and construction tasks. The term is in principle similar to sapper or combat engineer.
Pioneers were originally part of the artillery branch of European armies. Subsequently, they formed part of the engineering branch, the logistic branch, part of the infantry, or even comprised a branch in their own right.
During World War II, pioneer units were used extensively by all major forces, both on the front line and in supporting roles".
Binghamton Press Bureau
NORWICH-Funeral services for Pvt. Roland Nelson G. McPherson were held in Christ Church, Guilford, yesterday. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Private McPherson was killed in action in Italy, Oct. 17, 1943, while serving with the 5th Army. His body was returned to Oxford Monday.
Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Esta V. McPherson of Guilford and a sister, Mrs. L. E. Anthony of New Berlin.
Published in the Binghamton Press Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1948∼Son of
Esta V. McPherson and
Gillis (Giles) J. McPherson
Brother of Mrs. Patricia Anthony
Grandson of
Roland B. Wosley
Immigrated from Canada to the United States in 1923 along with his parents and sister.
Attended (Bainbridge) Guilford Central School
Religious affiliation: Christ Church, Guilford, NY
Military Timeline:
*February 25, 1943: Entered the US Army, assigned to 5th Army,
"Pioneers Branch"
*Winter/Spring 1943: Trained at Camp Wheeler, Georgia
*July 8, 1943: Visited his parents in NY during his first and only furlough
*September of 1943: Went overseas
*November 18, 1943: parents receive word of his arrival to Italy
*October 17, 1943: Killed In Action (6 months after entering the service), in Italy
* November 29, 1948: His remains arrived in Oxford, NY by train, accompanied by a military escort, five years after he was KIA.
Roland was the very first soldier from the village of Bainbridge, NY to die in World War II, as per newspaper articles
=======================
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
=======================
Source: Bainbridge News & Republican, November 25, 1943
Roland McPherson Killed in Action
War, with all its grim realities and bitterness, was brought closest to us since Pearl Harbor, when the death of Pvt. Roland McPherson was officially announced by the War Department, in a telegram received by his parents on Monday, Nov. 15.
A Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] boy, who had spent many years of his life here with his parents, who operated a farm in our community, received his education in our schools and graduated and chose his work here at the Moses Crank Co., before being inducted. He was known, loved and respected by all in our village. He is the first World War No. 2 casualty from our village, who was known by everyone.
The message to the bereaved parents read as follows: "This serves to notify you of the death of your son, Pvt. Roland McPherson, who was killed in action on Oct. 16, letter follows," signed by the adjutant general. This was received one month later. The parents had a letter from their son, which was dated Oct. 8, a short time before he met death. and reached them on Nov. 1.
Pvt. McPherson was stationed at Wheeler, Ga., and was in a branch of the service known as the "Pioneers." The Pioneers precede the engineers in Army tactics. He was inducted in the early spring. Born in Canada he would have been 27 years of age on Dec. 4. Only a few Sundays ago, a service flag was dedicated at Christ church, Guilford, and one of the 10 stars on the flag belonged to Roland McPherson, who was a member of the church. The mother and sister attended the service.
His first thought has always been of his parents. At the time he entered the service his father's health was very feeble. Due to his condition growing weaker, and the approaching winter, they moved from their farm off from the main highway between Guilford and Oxford, into their daughter's and her husband's apartment in New Berlin, the latter also having been inducted. Here he knew his parents would be comfortable, close to the doctor in New Berlin who attended him daily, and with modern conveniences to assist his mother in the growing daily care of his father. Thus he entered the service with a lighter heart. Up to his death he had received no mail from home. Christmas and birthday gifts mailed to him, he will never know their contents. The daughter, Mrs. Lewis Anthony, of Norwich, was made aware of the contents of the telegram and hastened through the storm of Monday night to New Berlin, to be with them when the crushing blow reached them the following day. The parents both were completely broken hearted, the mother is also confined to her bed, and both under the care of Dr. Elliott.
To extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to them is all we can do. The one question we can ask of ourselves is, "Are we making ourselves worthy of the supreme sacrifice Roland McPherson and thousands of American boys have already made, and more will make, as the war continues? Are we denying ourselves to buy bonds, assist in all War Fund drives, or are we just going our usual way saying "Nothing like this will come to us." A similar message can come to any of us mothers who have sons in service at any time. We understand things are underway, already to bring the body of their son home, when the war is over.
======================
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
======================
Source: Bainbridge News & Republican , January 20, 1944
Letter Received by Mrs. McPherson on the Loss of Her Son
Below is a copy of the letter received by Mrs. Giles McPherson from the Secretary of War, Henry Stimson:
Dear Mrs. McPherson,
At the request of the President I write to inform you, that the Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to your son, Private Roland McPherson, Infantry, who sacrificed his life, in defense of his country.
There is little that we can do or say to console you for the death of your loved one. We profoundly appreciate the greatness of your loss for in a very real sense the loss suffered by any of us in this battle for our country, is a loss suffered by all of us. When the medal, which you will shortly receive, reaches you, I want you to know that with it goes our sincerest sympathy and the hope that the Victory of our cause, will finally lighten the burden of grief.
Sincerely your,
Henry L. Stimson
Pvt. Roland McPherson met death in Sicily only a few weeks ago. Only recently, Mrs. McPherson suffered a further loss, her husband passed away two weeks ago.
==========================
What is a Pioneer soldier?
==========================
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_(military)
"A pioneer is a soldier employed to perform engineering and construction tasks. The term is in principle similar to sapper or combat engineer.
Pioneers were originally part of the artillery branch of European armies. Subsequently, they formed part of the engineering branch, the logistic branch, part of the infantry, or even comprised a branch in their own right.
During World War II, pioneer units were used extensively by all major forces, both on the front line and in supporting roles".
Funeral Held For Soldier
Binghamton Press Bureau
NORWICH-Funeral services for Pvt. Roland Nelson G. McPherson were held in Christ Church, Guilford, yesterday. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Private McPherson was killed in action in Italy, Oct. 17, 1943, while serving with the 5th Army. His body was returned to Oxford Monday.
Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Esta V. McPherson of Guilford and a sister, Mrs. L. E. Anthony of New Berlin.
Published in the Binghamton Press Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1948∼Son of
Esta V. McPherson and
Gillis (Giles) J. McPherson
Brother of Mrs. Patricia Anthony
Grandson of
Roland B. Wosley
Immigrated from Canada to the United States in 1923 along with his parents and sister.
Attended (Bainbridge) Guilford Central School
Religious affiliation: Christ Church, Guilford, NY
Military Timeline:
*February 25, 1943: Entered the US Army, assigned to 5th Army,
"Pioneers Branch"
*Winter/Spring 1943: Trained at Camp Wheeler, Georgia
*July 8, 1943: Visited his parents in NY during his first and only furlough
*September of 1943: Went overseas
*November 18, 1943: parents receive word of his arrival to Italy
*October 17, 1943: Killed In Action (6 months after entering the service), in Italy
* November 29, 1948: His remains arrived in Oxford, NY by train, accompanied by a military escort, five years after he was KIA.
Roland was the very first soldier from the village of Bainbridge, NY to die in World War II, as per newspaper articles
=======================
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
=======================
Source: Bainbridge News & Republican, November 25, 1943
Roland McPherson Killed in Action
War, with all its grim realities and bitterness, was brought closest to us since Pearl Harbor, when the death of Pvt. Roland McPherson was officially announced by the War Department, in a telegram received by his parents on Monday, Nov. 15.
A Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] boy, who had spent many years of his life here with his parents, who operated a farm in our community, received his education in our schools and graduated and chose his work here at the Moses Crank Co., before being inducted. He was known, loved and respected by all in our village. He is the first World War No. 2 casualty from our village, who was known by everyone.
The message to the bereaved parents read as follows: "This serves to notify you of the death of your son, Pvt. Roland McPherson, who was killed in action on Oct. 16, letter follows," signed by the adjutant general. This was received one month later. The parents had a letter from their son, which was dated Oct. 8, a short time before he met death. and reached them on Nov. 1.
Pvt. McPherson was stationed at Wheeler, Ga., and was in a branch of the service known as the "Pioneers." The Pioneers precede the engineers in Army tactics. He was inducted in the early spring. Born in Canada he would have been 27 years of age on Dec. 4. Only a few Sundays ago, a service flag was dedicated at Christ church, Guilford, and one of the 10 stars on the flag belonged to Roland McPherson, who was a member of the church. The mother and sister attended the service.
His first thought has always been of his parents. At the time he entered the service his father's health was very feeble. Due to his condition growing weaker, and the approaching winter, they moved from their farm off from the main highway between Guilford and Oxford, into their daughter's and her husband's apartment in New Berlin, the latter also having been inducted. Here he knew his parents would be comfortable, close to the doctor in New Berlin who attended him daily, and with modern conveniences to assist his mother in the growing daily care of his father. Thus he entered the service with a lighter heart. Up to his death he had received no mail from home. Christmas and birthday gifts mailed to him, he will never know their contents. The daughter, Mrs. Lewis Anthony, of Norwich, was made aware of the contents of the telegram and hastened through the storm of Monday night to New Berlin, to be with them when the crushing blow reached them the following day. The parents both were completely broken hearted, the mother is also confined to her bed, and both under the care of Dr. Elliott.
To extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to them is all we can do. The one question we can ask of ourselves is, "Are we making ourselves worthy of the supreme sacrifice Roland McPherson and thousands of American boys have already made, and more will make, as the war continues? Are we denying ourselves to buy bonds, assist in all War Fund drives, or are we just going our usual way saying "Nothing like this will come to us." A similar message can come to any of us mothers who have sons in service at any time. We understand things are underway, already to bring the body of their son home, when the war is over.
======================
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
======================
Source: Bainbridge News & Republican , January 20, 1944
Letter Received by Mrs. McPherson on the Loss of Her Son
Below is a copy of the letter received by Mrs. Giles McPherson from the Secretary of War, Henry Stimson:
Dear Mrs. McPherson,
At the request of the President I write to inform you, that the Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to your son, Private Roland McPherson, Infantry, who sacrificed his life, in defense of his country.
There is little that we can do or say to console you for the death of your loved one. We profoundly appreciate the greatness of your loss for in a very real sense the loss suffered by any of us in this battle for our country, is a loss suffered by all of us. When the medal, which you will shortly receive, reaches you, I want you to know that with it goes our sincerest sympathy and the hope that the Victory of our cause, will finally lighten the burden of grief.
Sincerely your,
Henry L. Stimson
Pvt. Roland McPherson met death in Sicily only a few weeks ago. Only recently, Mrs. McPherson suffered a further loss, her husband passed away two weeks ago.
==========================
What is a Pioneer soldier?
==========================
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_(military)
"A pioneer is a soldier employed to perform engineering and construction tasks. The term is in principle similar to sapper or combat engineer.
Pioneers were originally part of the artillery branch of European armies. Subsequently, they formed part of the engineering branch, the logistic branch, part of the infantry, or even comprised a branch in their own right.
During World War II, pioneer units were used extensively by all major forces, both on the front line and in supporting roles".
Binghamton Press Bureau
NORWICH-Funeral services for Pvt. Roland Nelson G. McPherson were held in Christ Church, Guilford, yesterday. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Private McPherson was killed in action in Italy, Oct. 17, 1943, while serving with the 5th Army. His body was returned to Oxford Monday.
Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Esta V. McPherson of Guilford and a sister, Mrs. L. E. Anthony of New Berlin.
Published in the Binghamton Press Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1948∼Son of
Esta V. McPherson and
Gillis (Giles) J. McPherson
Brother of Mrs. Patricia Anthony
Grandson of
Roland B. Wosley
Immigrated from Canada to the United States in 1923 along with his parents and sister.
Attended (Bainbridge) Guilford Central School
Religious affiliation: Christ Church, Guilford, NY
Military Timeline:
*February 25, 1943: Entered the US Army, assigned to 5th Army,
"Pioneers Branch"
*Winter/Spring 1943: Trained at Camp Wheeler, Georgia
*July 8, 1943: Visited his parents in NY during his first and only furlough
*September of 1943: Went overseas
*November 18, 1943: parents receive word of his arrival to Italy
*October 17, 1943: Killed In Action (6 months after entering the service), in Italy
* November 29, 1948: His remains arrived in Oxford, NY by train, accompanied by a military escort, five years after he was KIA.
Roland was the very first soldier from the village of Bainbridge, NY to die in World War II, as per newspaper articles
=======================
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
=======================
Source: Bainbridge News & Republican, November 25, 1943
Roland McPherson Killed in Action
War, with all its grim realities and bitterness, was brought closest to us since Pearl Harbor, when the death of Pvt. Roland McPherson was officially announced by the War Department, in a telegram received by his parents on Monday, Nov. 15.
A Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] boy, who had spent many years of his life here with his parents, who operated a farm in our community, received his education in our schools and graduated and chose his work here at the Moses Crank Co., before being inducted. He was known, loved and respected by all in our village. He is the first World War No. 2 casualty from our village, who was known by everyone.
The message to the bereaved parents read as follows: "This serves to notify you of the death of your son, Pvt. Roland McPherson, who was killed in action on Oct. 16, letter follows," signed by the adjutant general. This was received one month later. The parents had a letter from their son, which was dated Oct. 8, a short time before he met death. and reached them on Nov. 1.
Pvt. McPherson was stationed at Wheeler, Ga., and was in a branch of the service known as the "Pioneers." The Pioneers precede the engineers in Army tactics. He was inducted in the early spring. Born in Canada he would have been 27 years of age on Dec. 4. Only a few Sundays ago, a service flag was dedicated at Christ church, Guilford, and one of the 10 stars on the flag belonged to Roland McPherson, who was a member of the church. The mother and sister attended the service.
His first thought has always been of his parents. At the time he entered the service his father's health was very feeble. Due to his condition growing weaker, and the approaching winter, they moved from their farm off from the main highway between Guilford and Oxford, into their daughter's and her husband's apartment in New Berlin, the latter also having been inducted. Here he knew his parents would be comfortable, close to the doctor in New Berlin who attended him daily, and with modern conveniences to assist his mother in the growing daily care of his father. Thus he entered the service with a lighter heart. Up to his death he had received no mail from home. Christmas and birthday gifts mailed to him, he will never know their contents. The daughter, Mrs. Lewis Anthony, of Norwich, was made aware of the contents of the telegram and hastened through the storm of Monday night to New Berlin, to be with them when the crushing blow reached them the following day. The parents both were completely broken hearted, the mother is also confined to her bed, and both under the care of Dr. Elliott.
To extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to them is all we can do. The one question we can ask of ourselves is, "Are we making ourselves worthy of the supreme sacrifice Roland McPherson and thousands of American boys have already made, and more will make, as the war continues? Are we denying ourselves to buy bonds, assist in all War Fund drives, or are we just going our usual way saying "Nothing like this will come to us." A similar message can come to any of us mothers who have sons in service at any time. We understand things are underway, already to bring the body of their son home, when the war is over.
======================
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
======================
Source: Bainbridge News & Republican , January 20, 1944
Letter Received by Mrs. McPherson on the Loss of Her Son
Below is a copy of the letter received by Mrs. Giles McPherson from the Secretary of War, Henry Stimson:
Dear Mrs. McPherson,
At the request of the President I write to inform you, that the Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to your son, Private Roland McPherson, Infantry, who sacrificed his life, in defense of his country.
There is little that we can do or say to console you for the death of your loved one. We profoundly appreciate the greatness of your loss for in a very real sense the loss suffered by any of us in this battle for our country, is a loss suffered by all of us. When the medal, which you will shortly receive, reaches you, I want you to know that with it goes our sincerest sympathy and the hope that the Victory of our cause, will finally lighten the burden of grief.
Sincerely your,
Henry L. Stimson
Pvt. Roland McPherson met death in Sicily only a few weeks ago. Only recently, Mrs. McPherson suffered a further loss, her husband passed away two weeks ago.
==========================
What is a Pioneer soldier?
==========================
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_(military)
"A pioneer is a soldier employed to perform engineering and construction tasks. The term is in principle similar to sapper or combat engineer.
Pioneers were originally part of the artillery branch of European armies. Subsequently, they formed part of the engineering branch, the logistic branch, part of the infantry, or even comprised a branch in their own right.
During World War II, pioneer units were used extensively by all major forces, both on the front line and in supporting roles".
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