Mazeppa Area Historical Happenings
Compiled by Helen Reiland and Mike Holtorf
The Mazeppa Journal, Phillips Publishing
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February 2, 1945
In the Service:
The Journal was very happy to receive a letter this week from Pvt. Robert J. Tri of Camp Roberts, Calif. The envelope was gaily decorated in green ink with a picture of a doughboy whistling merrily along his way, which Robert drew. The letter is as follows:
Dear Editor: I thought I would drop you a few lines on how we are making out here in Camp Roberts. It really is a tough place and a good place to train soldiers because of the hills. There sure are a lot of soldiers here from Minnesota and Iowa. I met Russell Berg of Pine Island and Alfred Peterson of Zumbrota at Fort Snelling and in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; we were together all the time. When we reached Camp Roberts I lost them, but I went to the information building and asked where they both were. I got in touch with them and we were glad to see each other.
We have five weeks of training in and 10 weeks left. Last week we had our rifle shooting for record and I made sharpshooter and so did Alfred Peterson. I talked to Alfred about Mazeppa and he received a letter from his brother-in-law, Nick Feipel.
Here we get up at 4 o’clock and go the field before daylight. We get back sometimes at 11 o’clock at night. Boy, we put in some days—19 hours.
Well, I guess it is nearly time for bed—hope I don’t fall out of my upper bunk. Well, Good Luck to everybody.
More in the Service:
Vernon Wright, who recently was discharged from the army, has returned from California and is at the Mrs. Jane Caswell home.
Paratrooper Vernon Miller was wounded in Belgium recently, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. John Steichen. He had been wounded several times previously.
Zumbro Falls Pilot Missing in Action: Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Drinkwalter of Zumbro Falls were informed by the war department that their son, Second Lieut. Roger W. Drinkwalter, is missing in action. They were informed that Lieut. Drinkwalter, 22 year old 8th Air Force pilot, has been missing in action over Germany since Jan. 2. Drinkwalter was reported previously to have seen action in a large scale attack on oil plants at Mersburg, Germany, piloting his Flying Fortress through heavy enemy fire, reaching the objective and returning the plane to its base.
Red Bridge: The twenty-one pupils of the Red Bridge School and their teacher, Miss Laura Reeve, were entertained at a skating and sliding party Friday afternoon after school at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Halling. Lecil Whipple took the group with a team and bob-sleigh. A delicious lunch was served and all reported a very good time.
South Mazeppa News: Betty Anne and Jimmy Halling gave a skating and sliding party at their home Friday afternoon for their schoolmates and teacher, Miss Laura Reeve. After playing games, Mrs. Halling furnished them with a fine cafeteria luncheon. All enjoyed a good time.
February 16, 1945
In the Service:
     James Redding Loses Both Legs in Action: Mrs. Maude Redding received the following letter from John T. Bouchard, Catholic Chaplain:
Dear Mrs. Redding: This letter is to inform you that your son, S/Sgt. James w. Redding is as of Jan. 23a patient of the hospital and on the seriously ill list. I am happy to add that his chance of recovery is very good and is responding splendidly to treatment.
The serious nature of the wounds he received in action necessitated a second amputation of his remaining leg due to a gas gangrene beyond control.
I do understand that the loss of both legs is a grievous blow to you and yours. Your son’s splendid spirit has helped greatly to the quick response to treatment we have observed. You can be very proud of Sgt. Redding.
Knowing from long experience the high caliber of our hospital personnel and the enviable record it has attained here in England, I can assure you that nothing will be neglected, both in treatment and personal devotion. I can also assure you that all spiritual administrations and any other service which priestly and fatherly interest can inspire are his at all times.
Severe as this blow is to you and yours, I firmly hope that your troubled heart will turn to God in Thanksgiving for loved son’s life spared and in fervent and confident prayers of a kinder future for him. In fact, when his condition permits it, his return to the states will come in due course and there his country will do all in its power to rehabilitate him for a useful life in the not too distant future. Devine Providence too will take a hand in the remaking of noble life which has given so much in supreme sacrifice for God and country.
Continued – In the Service:
Ensign Lewis Judd, who has been at Norfolk, Virginia, has been transferred to Pittsburgh, where he will await a ship.
Miss Anna Palzer has joined the Navy Nurse Corps and is waiting to be called.
Signalman 2/c Edward Redding visited his mother, Mrs. Maude Redding the first of the week. He was on a ten day furlough and had just returned from a convoy trip to England.
Wayne J. Lewis, son of Mrs. Clayton Pfeiffer, Mazeppa, was graduated recently from the Naval Training School (Radio), Naval Armory, Indianapolis, Ind.
Gervas Jostock received word Wednesday that his brother, Sgt. Aloysius Jostock, was killed in an accident that day at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Sgt. and Mrs. Lawrence Hofschulte and daughter, Dolores, arrived from Battle Creek, Michigan Saturday. Sgt. Hofschulte expects to go overseas soon.
Death: Chas. Mickow of Lake City fell dead Wednesday of last week while shoveling snow, from a heart attack. Mr. Mickow was married to Minnie Siems, who passed away 25 years ago. He is survived by two daughters and four sons, one of whom Lawrence is a prisoner of war.
Mazeppa LiveWires: Two new members enrolled are Margaret Tri and Ellen Smith. Excellent sheep project material was related by an illustrated talk given by Vernetta Smith and Richard Raasch.

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