THE THOMASVILLE PRESS, THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1945, FRONT PAGE
FLIGHT OFFICER HARRY LETCHAS IS MISSING IN ACTION
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Letchas Tuesday morning received word from War Department to the effect that their youngest son, Flight Officer Harry S. Letchas, is now reported as missing in action.
According to the War Department he has been missing since April 20, and was over French-Indo-China at the time.
This sad intelligence will be learned with sincere regret by many warm friends of this former popular Thomasville boy and his family.
A native and life long resident of Thomasville he attended and was graduated from the Thomasville High school in the class of 1942. He lacked just a few days being 22 years of age. He has an older brother, Billy Letchas, who is in the armed services and stationed in North Carolina and one sister, Miss Anthea Letchas. Mr. Roy "Shorty" Letchas and Mr. George Letchas of this city are uncles.
A young man of excellent character and fine physique he was during his school years an outstanding member of the Thomasville High school football team and took a leading part in the various athletic and other affairs at the school. He was held in highest respect and admiration by his fellow students and by everyone who knew him. He was recognized as an outstanding young man.
Many friends are hopeful that he may yet be found and be able to return safely to his family here. Meantime sincere sympathy is offered the anxious parents and members of his family on the occasion of his reported loss.
THE THOMASVILLE PRESS, THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1946, PAGE FOUR
DEATH OF FLIGHT OFFICER HARRY S. LETCHAS CONFIRMED
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Letchas of this city, yesterday afternoon received final confirmation of the death of their son, Flight Officer Harry Letchas, from the War Department in Washington.
He had been reported missing in action since April 20th, last year, and hope had been held by his family and friends that he might be found, safe and well, as had been true in a number of cases. Unfortunately this was not to be the case, and now it is stated definitely that he was killed in action over French-Indo-China on the 20th of April last year.
The telegram dated Feb. 28, 1946, is as follows: "The Secretary of War has asked me to express his deep regret that your son, Flight Officer Harry S. Letchas, was killed in action over French-Indo-China 20 April 1945. He was previously reported missing in action. I regret that unavoidable circumstances made necessary the unusual lapse of time in reporting your son's death to you. Confirming letter follows: EDWARD F. WITSELL, The Adjutant General of the Army."
Many friends sympathize deeply with Mr. and Mrs. Letchas in the loss of this fine young man, who was born and reared in this city and attended and was graduated from the Thomasville High School. He was a most capable and courteous young man, possessed of many excellent traits of character, and in the service he distinguished himself in many ways in the Air Corps, and rose rapidly to the rank of Flight Officer.
He was assigned to the Indo-China area and engaged in the hostilities there at a time when they were at a peak. His contribution to the defeat of the Japs was a notable one and his sacrifice the supreme one.
Submitted by
Eric Ackerman
------------------------------------------------------------
USAAF WORLD WAR II
Co Pilot Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas MIA/KIA
Hometown: Thomasville Georgia
Squadron: 531st 380th Bomb Group
Service# T-063634
Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart Medal
James F. O'Brien Pilot POW/KIA
Target:Shipping, Saigon
Mission Date: 20-Apr-45
Serial Number: # 42-73474
Aircraft Model B-24J
Aircraft Letter:
Aircraft Name: "Patches"
Location: Never Found
Cause: Ditched, Engine Failure,
Based in the Philippines, "Patches" was shot down over Indochina. O'Brien was captured, possibly at sea, tortured and killed by the Japanese. The ship was lost on the way to the target for a bombing mission against Saigon. Last known position was over South China Sea with last reported position at 10deg 15min N lat and 110deg 15min E long. The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Presumed dead by War Department in March 1946. The entire crew (except O'Brien) are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at the Manila American Cemetery.
Flt/Of. Letchas appears Tablets of the Missing Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila National Capital Philippines. He also has a cenotaph memorial Laurel Hill Cemetery Thomasville Thomas County Georgia his body was never recovered.
"Patches" Crew
James F. O'Brien Pilot POW/KIA
Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas Co Pilot MIA/KIA
Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas Co Pilot MIA/KIA
Robert T. Graham Navigator MIA/KIA
William L. Brueggeman Bombardier MIA/KIA
Corp Newell W. McClay Jr. Engineer MIA/KIA
Corp Junius D. Jenkins Radio Op. MIA/KIA
Corp Junius D. Jenkins Radio Op. MIA/KIA
Corp. John J. Barrow Gunner MIA/KIA
Corp Kile Bingham Gunner MIA/KIA
Corp Max A. Brown Gunner MIA/KIA
Pvt. Joseph F. Hanish Gunner MIA/KIA
FLIGHT OFFICER HARRY LETCHAS IS MISSING IN ACTION
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Letchas Tuesday morning received word from War Department to the effect that their youngest son, Flight Officer Harry S. Letchas, is now reported as missing in action.
According to the War Department he has been missing since April 20, and was over French-Indo-China at the time.
This sad intelligence will be learned with sincere regret by many warm friends of this former popular Thomasville boy and his family.
A native and life long resident of Thomasville he attended and was graduated from the Thomasville High school in the class of 1942. He lacked just a few days being 22 years of age. He has an older brother, Billy Letchas, who is in the armed services and stationed in North Carolina and one sister, Miss Anthea Letchas. Mr. Roy "Shorty" Letchas and Mr. George Letchas of this city are uncles.
A young man of excellent character and fine physique he was during his school years an outstanding member of the Thomasville High school football team and took a leading part in the various athletic and other affairs at the school. He was held in highest respect and admiration by his fellow students and by everyone who knew him. He was recognized as an outstanding young man.
Many friends are hopeful that he may yet be found and be able to return safely to his family here. Meantime sincere sympathy is offered the anxious parents and members of his family on the occasion of his reported loss.
THE THOMASVILLE PRESS, THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1946, PAGE FOUR
DEATH OF FLIGHT OFFICER HARRY S. LETCHAS CONFIRMED
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Letchas of this city, yesterday afternoon received final confirmation of the death of their son, Flight Officer Harry Letchas, from the War Department in Washington.
He had been reported missing in action since April 20th, last year, and hope had been held by his family and friends that he might be found, safe and well, as had been true in a number of cases. Unfortunately this was not to be the case, and now it is stated definitely that he was killed in action over French-Indo-China on the 20th of April last year.
The telegram dated Feb. 28, 1946, is as follows: "The Secretary of War has asked me to express his deep regret that your son, Flight Officer Harry S. Letchas, was killed in action over French-Indo-China 20 April 1945. He was previously reported missing in action. I regret that unavoidable circumstances made necessary the unusual lapse of time in reporting your son's death to you. Confirming letter follows: EDWARD F. WITSELL, The Adjutant General of the Army."
Many friends sympathize deeply with Mr. and Mrs. Letchas in the loss of this fine young man, who was born and reared in this city and attended and was graduated from the Thomasville High School. He was a most capable and courteous young man, possessed of many excellent traits of character, and in the service he distinguished himself in many ways in the Air Corps, and rose rapidly to the rank of Flight Officer.
He was assigned to the Indo-China area and engaged in the hostilities there at a time when they were at a peak. His contribution to the defeat of the Japs was a notable one and his sacrifice the supreme one.
Submitted by
Eric Ackerman
------------------------------------------------------------
USAAF WORLD WAR II
Co Pilot Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas MIA/KIA
Hometown: Thomasville Georgia
Squadron: 531st 380th Bomb Group
Service# T-063634
Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart Medal
James F. O'Brien Pilot POW/KIA
Target:Shipping, Saigon
Mission Date: 20-Apr-45
Serial Number: # 42-73474
Aircraft Model B-24J
Aircraft Letter:
Aircraft Name: "Patches"
Location: Never Found
Cause: Ditched, Engine Failure,
Based in the Philippines, "Patches" was shot down over Indochina. O'Brien was captured, possibly at sea, tortured and killed by the Japanese. The ship was lost on the way to the target for a bombing mission against Saigon. Last known position was over South China Sea with last reported position at 10deg 15min N lat and 110deg 15min E long. The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Presumed dead by War Department in March 1946. The entire crew (except O'Brien) are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at the Manila American Cemetery.
Flt/Of. Letchas appears Tablets of the Missing Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila National Capital Philippines. He also has a cenotaph memorial Laurel Hill Cemetery Thomasville Thomas County Georgia his body was never recovered.
"Patches" Crew
James F. O'Brien Pilot POW/KIA
Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas Co Pilot MIA/KIA
Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas Co Pilot MIA/KIA
Robert T. Graham Navigator MIA/KIA
William L. Brueggeman Bombardier MIA/KIA
Corp Newell W. McClay Jr. Engineer MIA/KIA
Corp Junius D. Jenkins Radio Op. MIA/KIA
Corp Junius D. Jenkins Radio Op. MIA/KIA
Corp. John J. Barrow Gunner MIA/KIA
Corp Kile Bingham Gunner MIA/KIA
Corp Max A. Brown Gunner MIA/KIA
Pvt. Joseph F. Hanish Gunner MIA/KIA
THE THOMASVILLE PRESS, THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1945, FRONT PAGE
FLIGHT OFFICER HARRY LETCHAS IS MISSING IN ACTION
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Letchas Tuesday morning received word from War Department to the effect that their youngest son, Flight Officer Harry S. Letchas, is now reported as missing in action.
According to the War Department he has been missing since April 20, and was over French-Indo-China at the time.
This sad intelligence will be learned with sincere regret by many warm friends of this former popular Thomasville boy and his family.
A native and life long resident of Thomasville he attended and was graduated from the Thomasville High school in the class of 1942. He lacked just a few days being 22 years of age. He has an older brother, Billy Letchas, who is in the armed services and stationed in North Carolina and one sister, Miss Anthea Letchas. Mr. Roy "Shorty" Letchas and Mr. George Letchas of this city are uncles.
A young man of excellent character and fine physique he was during his school years an outstanding member of the Thomasville High school football team and took a leading part in the various athletic and other affairs at the school. He was held in highest respect and admiration by his fellow students and by everyone who knew him. He was recognized as an outstanding young man.
Many friends are hopeful that he may yet be found and be able to return safely to his family here. Meantime sincere sympathy is offered the anxious parents and members of his family on the occasion of his reported loss.
THE THOMASVILLE PRESS, THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1946, PAGE FOUR
DEATH OF FLIGHT OFFICER HARRY S. LETCHAS CONFIRMED
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Letchas of this city, yesterday afternoon received final confirmation of the death of their son, Flight Officer Harry Letchas, from the War Department in Washington.
He had been reported missing in action since April 20th, last year, and hope had been held by his family and friends that he might be found, safe and well, as had been true in a number of cases. Unfortunately this was not to be the case, and now it is stated definitely that he was killed in action over French-Indo-China on the 20th of April last year.
The telegram dated Feb. 28, 1946, is as follows: "The Secretary of War has asked me to express his deep regret that your son, Flight Officer Harry S. Letchas, was killed in action over French-Indo-China 20 April 1945. He was previously reported missing in action. I regret that unavoidable circumstances made necessary the unusual lapse of time in reporting your son's death to you. Confirming letter follows: EDWARD F. WITSELL, The Adjutant General of the Army."
Many friends sympathize deeply with Mr. and Mrs. Letchas in the loss of this fine young man, who was born and reared in this city and attended and was graduated from the Thomasville High School. He was a most capable and courteous young man, possessed of many excellent traits of character, and in the service he distinguished himself in many ways in the Air Corps, and rose rapidly to the rank of Flight Officer.
He was assigned to the Indo-China area and engaged in the hostilities there at a time when they were at a peak. His contribution to the defeat of the Japs was a notable one and his sacrifice the supreme one.
Submitted by
Eric Ackerman
------------------------------------------------------------
USAAF WORLD WAR II
Co Pilot Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas MIA/KIA
Hometown: Thomasville Georgia
Squadron: 531st 380th Bomb Group
Service# T-063634
Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart Medal
James F. O'Brien Pilot POW/KIA
Target:Shipping, Saigon
Mission Date: 20-Apr-45
Serial Number: # 42-73474
Aircraft Model B-24J
Aircraft Letter:
Aircraft Name: "Patches"
Location: Never Found
Cause: Ditched, Engine Failure,
Based in the Philippines, "Patches" was shot down over Indochina. O'Brien was captured, possibly at sea, tortured and killed by the Japanese. The ship was lost on the way to the target for a bombing mission against Saigon. Last known position was over South China Sea with last reported position at 10deg 15min N lat and 110deg 15min E long. The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Presumed dead by War Department in March 1946. The entire crew (except O'Brien) are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at the Manila American Cemetery.
Flt/Of. Letchas appears Tablets of the Missing Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila National Capital Philippines. He also has a cenotaph memorial Laurel Hill Cemetery Thomasville Thomas County Georgia his body was never recovered.
"Patches" Crew
James F. O'Brien Pilot POW/KIA
Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas Co Pilot MIA/KIA
Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas Co Pilot MIA/KIA
Robert T. Graham Navigator MIA/KIA
William L. Brueggeman Bombardier MIA/KIA
Corp Newell W. McClay Jr. Engineer MIA/KIA
Corp Junius D. Jenkins Radio Op. MIA/KIA
Corp Junius D. Jenkins Radio Op. MIA/KIA
Corp. John J. Barrow Gunner MIA/KIA
Corp Kile Bingham Gunner MIA/KIA
Corp Max A. Brown Gunner MIA/KIA
Pvt. Joseph F. Hanish Gunner MIA/KIA
FLIGHT OFFICER HARRY LETCHAS IS MISSING IN ACTION
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Letchas Tuesday morning received word from War Department to the effect that their youngest son, Flight Officer Harry S. Letchas, is now reported as missing in action.
According to the War Department he has been missing since April 20, and was over French-Indo-China at the time.
This sad intelligence will be learned with sincere regret by many warm friends of this former popular Thomasville boy and his family.
A native and life long resident of Thomasville he attended and was graduated from the Thomasville High school in the class of 1942. He lacked just a few days being 22 years of age. He has an older brother, Billy Letchas, who is in the armed services and stationed in North Carolina and one sister, Miss Anthea Letchas. Mr. Roy "Shorty" Letchas and Mr. George Letchas of this city are uncles.
A young man of excellent character and fine physique he was during his school years an outstanding member of the Thomasville High school football team and took a leading part in the various athletic and other affairs at the school. He was held in highest respect and admiration by his fellow students and by everyone who knew him. He was recognized as an outstanding young man.
Many friends are hopeful that he may yet be found and be able to return safely to his family here. Meantime sincere sympathy is offered the anxious parents and members of his family on the occasion of his reported loss.
THE THOMASVILLE PRESS, THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1946, PAGE FOUR
DEATH OF FLIGHT OFFICER HARRY S. LETCHAS CONFIRMED
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Letchas of this city, yesterday afternoon received final confirmation of the death of their son, Flight Officer Harry Letchas, from the War Department in Washington.
He had been reported missing in action since April 20th, last year, and hope had been held by his family and friends that he might be found, safe and well, as had been true in a number of cases. Unfortunately this was not to be the case, and now it is stated definitely that he was killed in action over French-Indo-China on the 20th of April last year.
The telegram dated Feb. 28, 1946, is as follows: "The Secretary of War has asked me to express his deep regret that your son, Flight Officer Harry S. Letchas, was killed in action over French-Indo-China 20 April 1945. He was previously reported missing in action. I regret that unavoidable circumstances made necessary the unusual lapse of time in reporting your son's death to you. Confirming letter follows: EDWARD F. WITSELL, The Adjutant General of the Army."
Many friends sympathize deeply with Mr. and Mrs. Letchas in the loss of this fine young man, who was born and reared in this city and attended and was graduated from the Thomasville High School. He was a most capable and courteous young man, possessed of many excellent traits of character, and in the service he distinguished himself in many ways in the Air Corps, and rose rapidly to the rank of Flight Officer.
He was assigned to the Indo-China area and engaged in the hostilities there at a time when they were at a peak. His contribution to the defeat of the Japs was a notable one and his sacrifice the supreme one.
Submitted by
Eric Ackerman
------------------------------------------------------------
USAAF WORLD WAR II
Co Pilot Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas MIA/KIA
Hometown: Thomasville Georgia
Squadron: 531st 380th Bomb Group
Service# T-063634
Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart Medal
James F. O'Brien Pilot POW/KIA
Target:Shipping, Saigon
Mission Date: 20-Apr-45
Serial Number: # 42-73474
Aircraft Model B-24J
Aircraft Letter:
Aircraft Name: "Patches"
Location: Never Found
Cause: Ditched, Engine Failure,
Based in the Philippines, "Patches" was shot down over Indochina. O'Brien was captured, possibly at sea, tortured and killed by the Japanese. The ship was lost on the way to the target for a bombing mission against Saigon. Last known position was over South China Sea with last reported position at 10deg 15min N lat and 110deg 15min E long. The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Presumed dead by War Department in March 1946. The entire crew (except O'Brien) are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at the Manila American Cemetery.
Flt/Of. Letchas appears Tablets of the Missing Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila National Capital Philippines. He also has a cenotaph memorial Laurel Hill Cemetery Thomasville Thomas County Georgia his body was never recovered.
"Patches" Crew
James F. O'Brien Pilot POW/KIA
Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas Co Pilot MIA/KIA
Flt/Of. Harry S. Letchas Co Pilot MIA/KIA
Robert T. Graham Navigator MIA/KIA
William L. Brueggeman Bombardier MIA/KIA
Corp Newell W. McClay Jr. Engineer MIA/KIA
Corp Junius D. Jenkins Radio Op. MIA/KIA
Corp Junius D. Jenkins Radio Op. MIA/KIA
Corp. John J. Barrow Gunner MIA/KIA
Corp Kile Bingham Gunner MIA/KIA
Corp Max A. Brown Gunner MIA/KIA
Pvt. Joseph F. Hanish Gunner MIA/KIA
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Georgia.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
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