Lt. Robert W. Shaw
Courier Tribune
16 Apr 1942
page 1
List Men Soon to Go
Part had Finals
Took Pre-Induction Exams; Others Yet To Take Last Physicals
Names of 32 men who are in line for early induction into service, were obtained yesterday at the draft office.
Some 18 or 20 of these men have had pre-induction exams and will go directly into the army. They are the last of those so examined under the old pre-induction plan.
The rest will have their final physicals at Ft. Leavenworth and if they pass, will be taken immediately into the army, which is the plan now effective.
The men about to go are:
Charles McMahon, Goff
Albert Kreutzman, Baileyville
Wm. Arthur Hoffman, Centralia
Alvin Francis Huber, Bern
Paul Ehlers, Sabetha
George Hunninghake, Baileyville
Robert Mitchell, Axtell
Ross Edgar George, Wetmore
Donald Winkler, Seneca
Eugene Milne, Oneida
Robert Shaw, Seneca
Lloyd Smith, Centralia
Albert Herneteh, Goff
Walter Wichman, Seneca
Marcellus Boeding, Seneca
LeRoy Myers, Sabetha
Russell Coe, Corning
Andrew Grollmes, Goff
Aloysius Kongs, Centralia
Paul Hiltibrand, Corning
Leland Strahm, Sabetha
Leonard Oenbring, Baileyville
Harry Tryon, Robinson, reg. Sabetha.
Leo Schmelzle, Seneca
Wm. H. Miller, Corning
Albert Moynagh, Seneca
Fred Stuke, Seneca
Lawrence Dalsing, Oneida
Gale Althouse, Sabetha
Vernon Schneider, Seneca
Raymond McKee, Seneca
John Niehues, Goff
Courier Tribune
20 Apr 1942
page 1
AND MORE
TO ARMY
23 LEFT YESTERDAY
The Nemaha County Quotas Heavy for Month of April
The army is really taking young men from Nemaha county. Yesterday saw the second-quota of the month leave, 23 men taking bus at Seneca for Ft. Leavenworth. Of these, 22 were men who had registered in Nemaha county, one was a transfer.
Transfer was Geo. Crane, former Senecan, who had registered at Avoca, Iowa, but wanted to leave from here. The county has transferred one man out of the county, so breaks even. Harry Tryon, Robinson, who registered at Sabetha, was transferred to Brown county for induction.
Vincent Tangeman, who was to have been called yesterday, has enlisted in the navy:
Joy Meyer, Oneida, who waș in the last call but had mumps, was able to leave; with the group yesterday.
The men were Donald Winkler, Robert Shaw, Walter. Wichman, Marcellus Boeding, Seneca, and George Crane, the former Senecan; Charles McMahon, Andrew H. Grollmes and Albert Hermesch, Goff; Albert Kruetzman, Leonard Oenbring and George Bernard Huniinghake, Baileyville; William Arthur Hoffman, Lloyd Smith, Aloysius Kongs, Centralia; Robert John Mitchell, Axtell; Alvin Huber, Bern; Paul Ehlers, LeRoy Glen Myers and Leland Strahm, Sabetha; Ross Edgar George, Wetmore; Eugene Milne and Joy Meyer, Oneida; Russell Albert Coe, Corning.
Gेeorge Hunninghake of Baileyville and Leland Strahm, Sabetha, were the third in each of their families to join the service.
A farewell was given at the city hall weather not being favorable for an outdoor gathering. The hall was thronged. The band played, introductions, were made by R. M. Emery, Jr., and an inspirational talk was given by Father Matthew Hall, O. S. B.
Courier Tribune
28 May 1942
page 1
Private Robert Shaw, Seneca inductee, has this address: Battery C, 28th Battalion, 7th Training regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Courier Tribune
14 Dec 1942
page 3
Pvt. Bob Shaw, Ft. Sill, Okla., visited his mother, Mrs. Milton Hawley and other relatives, Saturday and Sunday. Bob hopes to be transferred to the air corps for training.
Courier Tribune
8 Nov 1943
page 1
With the Armed Forces
Flight Officer Bob Shaw is visiting his mother, Mrs. Milton Hawley, and other relatives this week. Bob recently graduated from pilot school at Luke field, Phoenix, Ariz. and is the pilot of a single motor fighter plane. HE will return to Luke field next Sunday.
Courier Tribune
24 April 1944
page 2
Corp. Max B Murphy, on leave in England, met Bob Shaw, son of Mrs. Milton Hawley, Seneca. Bob told Max that he was the first Seneca boy he had met overseas. Max’s APO number is changed to 557. Bob Shaw is a warrant officer in the air corps.
Courier Tribune
May 1, 1944
page 2
Lt. Bob Shaw is flight officer in his unit, camped in England. He is also a pilot receiving his wings and commission at Luke Field, Arizona.
Courier Tribune
20 Jul 1944
page 6
Sgt. Bob Shaw and Pfc. Jack Akers form the same camp, who are being transferred to Camp Howze where they will be with the Combat Engineers.
Courier Tribune
9 Oct 1944
page 1
A Seneca Flier Reported Missing
Lt. Robert Shaw Lost in Flight over Germany
Mrs. Milton Hawley received word Sunday, October 8, that her only son, Second Lieutenant Robert Shaw, is missing in action over Germany since September 18. The Lt. Shaw has been in service Lt. Shaw has been in service general, with the assurance that if further information was learned, immediate word would be sent relatives.
Lt. Shaw has been in service about two and one-half years. He, graduated from Luke Field, Ariz., Nov. 5, 1943, was home on short leave and went overseas the last of November last year. He was then a flight officer; believed to be on a bomber and was promoted to second lieutenant in August this year. The nature of his work is not known to his family. The last letter his mother received was written September 13.
Bob -is 24 years-old, attended Seneca High School. Members of his family and his many friends are hopeful of receiving good news in regard to his safety, soon.
Courier Tribune
1 Mar 1945
page 2
Believe Lt. Bob Shaw May Be a Prisoner
Mrs. Ellạ Hawley received a letter from the War Department of the U. S. Government last week with news concerning the mission on-which her son Lt. Robert Shaw was reported missing. The letter stated that Bob, pilot of a transport plane, was within two, miles of his objective when the plane was hit and crippled by anti-aircraft fire.
Four crew members were seen to have bailed out before the plane crashed but no other information could be given: the mission was in the vicinity of “Grosbeak, Holland on September 18. This is the first word of encouragement Mrs. Hawley has received and leads her to believe Bob may be a prisoner of the Germans. She hopes with the advancement of Allied armies and the liberation of some American internment camps she may receive word her son is safe and well.
Courier Tribune
19 Jul 1945
page 2
Division, A. P. 0.450, U. S. Army — Second Lieutenant George O. Shaw, 0-540658, Infantry, Co. D., 343d Infantry Regiment, U. S. Army, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in connection with the military operations against the enemy in Germany from April 10, 1945 to April 28, 1945. At Dunschede, Germany, 2nd Lt. Shaw courageously led his men in the elimination of enemy positions so that Company A could proceed upon its mission. When his company commander was pinned down by the hostile fire at Humburg, Germany, Lieut. Shaw, without regard for his safety moved forward, selected gun positions and delivered heavy fire upon the enemy so that his commander could continue the advance. Later was given the mission of sending one section of his heavy machine guns with reconnaissance troops. Accompanying a section of his heavy machine guns with reconnaissance troops, Lieut. Shaw was subjected to the murderous machine gun and rifle fire as he approached a small village. He advanced ‘unhesitatingly- under the fire, directed ‘his guns into position and forced the enemy to surrender. His courage, initiative and leadership reflect great credit to himself and the armed forces of the United States. He entered military service from South Carolina.
The 23 year old son of Major and Mrs. John C. Shaw of Goff, of the 86 th infantry division, whose average age was 22 years, is now in the states of a a 30 day furlough enroute to the Pacific area.
Courier Tribune
24 Sep 1945
page 2
Mrs. Hawley Learns
Son Survived Crash
Mrs. Milton Hawley, mother of Bob Shaw, who was reported missing after action in Europe, September 18 of last year, received a letter recently from a Lt. Ralph L. McClintock, who gave her information about her son. The letter read: “Enclosed is Bob’s wallet which the Germans gave me when we were captured. They took everything out of it when they searched us except the things still in it. I never knew why they gave me his things but they did and so will send them on to you.
I have waited so long in writing you in hopes I would have some word to pass on. Since I haven’t heard any, I feel I’ve waited long enough, so will write you what I know and the same thing I’ve told the Army. On our mission, the second day of the Arnheim, Holland Drive, we were towing gliders when our plane became unmanageable due to intense ground fire. I told the fellows to get out which we all did, Sgt. Callahan,
Column 3
first, I think, then Christal, Bob and myself later. I lit by myself, was captured and taken to a farm house and put in a barn under guard. About 10 minutes later, Bob and Christal were brought in. They wouldn’t let us talk but I learned that neither was hurt. They told me so and nothing was apparently wrong.
I was only with them a few minutes when the Germans took me into the house. They started raising Ned, most of which 1 didn’t understand and didn’t make any difference anyhow as I wasn’t answering what I did understand. They tired after a while and to me into another room, then brought Bob and Christal in. After they were taken out, I was brought in again and was given their few things like their wallets, pen knives and so forth. These were taken from me in later searches except the wallets.
I was then put under guard of three Germans and put in a small truck to be taken away. I immediately asked where my crew was and was given to understand they would be coming later or had already gone on and that as I was pilot, I was being taken to be questioned. It sounded reasonable so I was satisfied.
All through the different-camps I kept asking for Bob and Christal but could get no word of them anywhere. I even had a letter written to the Red Cross at Genera, Switzerland, but they could give me no word.
I am sorry that all I can tell you is that the last I saw them in the barn, they were both O.K., said they were and looked alright. I have done everything I can think of to locate them but I haven’t heard a word, I sincerely hope that you have”
Courier Tribune
27 Sep 1945
page 1
Government Declares Bob Shaw Dead
Mrs. Ella Hawley received word Monday, Sept. 24, from the United States Government, that her son, Second Lieut. Robert Shaw, glider pilot, is now declared officially dead. He was missing since Sept. 18, 1944, when he flew a volunteer mission over Arnheim, Holland. A letter published in Monday’s Courier-Tribune, was information received by Mrs. Hawley from Lieut. McClintock, who was with Bob on his last mission, and is the last and most definite information she has had about her son.
Bob was born in January, 1920, in Seneca, and spent all his life here until he entered service. He first trained with the US Light Artillery at Ft. Sill, Okla., and was later transferred to aviation. He was home about two years ago and went overseas in December, 1943. He served in Africa, Italy, Sicily and at the time he was reported lost, was based in England.
Bob was the only son of Mrs. Hawley and those who knew him, feel that in making the supreme sacrifice for his country, Bob did it with strong convictions as to his duty and belief in right and justice.
Courier Tribune
23 Jul 1959
page 1
Still a Veil of Mystery
FROM DAYS OF THE WAR
Remains Established as Those
of Lt. Robert Shaw, Seneca,
and of Fellow Flier, Are
Recovered From Farm on
German-Holland Border
Tragedies of World War II are still being reviewed.
An unusual story in regard to a Nemaha County service man who gave his life, Lieutenant Robert WW. Shaw of Seneca, has come to light at the present time.
Bob Shaw grew up in Seneca, was one of our boys. His mother, Mrs. Shaw, widowed, married Mil- ton Hawley. The mother is now deceased, and the information that can be learned about Bob Shaw comes to Mr. Hawley, who kindly letter he has received from the Army Quartermaster Department. Mr Hawley says that as well as new information, it reviews all that the family had learned before.
Briefly, Lieutenant Bob Shaw was a co-pilot shot down over the German-Holland border in 1944 , on a volunteer mission in which his plane was towing glider troops for an attack.
It was known that he parachuted safely and was captured by the war as a prisoner, but that Bob had disappeared.
Now, at last, remains that are established as those of Lt. Shaw and a fellow flier have been found on the farm near which he was shot down, and are being returned to the national cemetery at Fort Leavenworth, where the military burial service will be held on the morning of August 17.
A mystery remains of what happened after Lt Shaw was captured. Whether he tried to escape, put up a fight, was slain without mercy, was the victim of an attack on his captors just, what happened will probably never be learned.
Mr. Hawley said that for some years Bob’s mother thought he might have been transferred by the Germans to the Russians and imprisoned in concentration camps. As the years passed, there could not be much hope he had lived. The reaction of the family seems to be something of relief, that after the long years something definite has been established and that his remains will rest in the soil of his homeland
It is a long, but interesting story, and we believe told best in the from Lieutenant-Colonel Donald L. Warde of the Quartermaster Corps:
Dear Mr. Hawley:
This letter is in reference to your ton, Second Lieutenant Robert W. Shaw, who lost his life in Europe during World War II. son and one of his comrades were recovered from a culvert on a farm in Germany. Because of the place of burial and the effects: of the elements, which caused certain portions of the remains to be lost, it was not possible to identify these two men individually. They have therefore, been established as a group burial, the only recoverable remains of your son and Seargeant First Class Allen Christal. Because of this situation I should like to give you a resume of the lengthy investigation an effort to resolve this case. On 18 September 1944, your son And Sergeant First Class Allen Christal, both on the 54rd TC Squadron, 61st TC group, were
members of a four man crew aboard a Douglas C−47 aircraft No., 42−2406 (Skytrain) which departed Barkston-Heath, England, on a glider tow mission to Groesbeek, Holland, during the Arnheim-Nijmegen campaign. The aircraft was hit by enemy flak and was seen to crash about one mile southeast of. Groesbeek, at approximately 2:30 p. m. of the same day; however, all of the crew members parachuted and landed safely. The crew members were your son, Lt. Robert W. Shaw, Co-pilot, CFC Allen Christal, Crew Chief, 1/Lt Ralph L. McClintock, pilot, and S/Sgt Robert E. Callahan, radio operator.
Records further disclose that S/Sgt Callahan was rescued by Dutch civilians and later returned to duty. The pilot, 1/ Lt McClintock, was captured by the Germans as were Lt. Shaw and SFC Christal. The following is a condensed version of a detailed statement by Lt McClintock, concerning the loss of the plane, his capture and the circumstance in which he last saw his crew mates.
Within 20-30 minutes after his, plane was shot down McClintock; was captured, taken to a farm yard close by and put into a barn. A subsequent investigation revealed that the farm was the Kruezhof farm near Kranenburg, Germany. Shortly thereafter, Shaw and Christal were brought, in and seated beside him. Through conversation, he learned that neither of his crew members were injured. The Germans interrogated each man separately, with the pilot being the first in order. When McClintock was called back into the interrogation room, he and was made to understand that Shaw and Christal had gone ahead or were to follow. At this time, the German gave him Shaw’s and Christal’s wallets, knives, etc., tied up in individual bundles using their handkerchiefs as a wrapper. From that time, he never saw or heard of them again. Lt. McClintock related further that when he protested being set from the farm without his crew mates, he was led to believe that they would follow him, and that the separation was necessary since he was the pilot and would be subjected to further interrogation. Later, while confined to a Prisoner of War camp, Lt. McClintock caused a letter to be written to the International Red Cross at Geneva, Switzerland, in an effort to learn the fate of these two members of his crew but no further information was uncovered at that time.
According to captured Germany records a Douglas C-47 cargo plane of the 53rd TC Group, 61st TC Squadron was shot down in the Arnheim area at noon on 18 September 1944. The rank, surname, and position of four crew members are listed. A translated copy of the same report reflects of the four crew members and the serial numbers of two.
From October 1946 to March 1949 many searches and investigations were conducted by United States Army personnel in an effort to learn the fate of these two men. The investigations brought negative results, however, and none of the remains recovered from the general area could be associated with your son Robert and his companion. At the conclusion of the investigations it was determined that their remains were nonrecoverable.
In April 1958, The British Imperial War Graves Commission advised United States Army officials that they had certain remains in their possession which they believe-
ed to be those of United States Army personnel. According to the commission, the remains were recovered from the “Kruezhof” farm (where your son was last seen alive) and temporarily interred in the British Reichswald cemetery. Preliminary examination revealed the intermingled remains of two decedents, remnants of a military shirt and shoes of United States manufacture.
At a later date the remains were processed through our scientifically equipped laboratories in Frankfurt, Germany. Proceeding on the theory that the remains, were those of United States Army Air Force personnel who died during the opening phases of the Arnheim-Nijmegen campaign, or other, military operation in the same general area, it was necessary to screen an undetermined number of files for World War II casualties lost in the pertinent geographical area as well as many other historical and organizational records. After a careful consideration of the circumstances of your son’s death, laboratory findings, place of recovery, and military effects recovered with the remains, and the fact that evidence of the recovery confirmed statements made by Lt McClintock, the identification of the only recoverable, remains of your son and SFC Christal was established.
The remains have been casketed and will be returned to the United States for interment in Fort Leavenworth National cemetery, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on 17 August 1959 at 11:00 a. m. This cemetery is the nearest national cemetery to the homes of both decedents.’ –
(from this point the letter concludes with transportation arrangements that can be made for their next of kin, noting however, that the number of persons who may attend the services is not limited.
Courier Tribune
20 Aug 1959
page 1
Attend the Service for Lieut. Robert Shaw
Military honors, with burial in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, were paid Monday morning to Second Lieutenant Robert Shaw Seneca young man who gave his life in World War II.
Attending the service were close relatives, and friends of the family. Bob’s three sisters, came from California: Mrs. Rosella Hollinger of Tulare, Mrs. Evelyn Richard of Crescent City, Calif., and the former Olive Shaw, recently married, of Crescent City, California. They were guests here Sunday night at the Milton Hawley home and attended the service with Mr. Hawley. Mrs. Kenneth Stager, the former Betty Hawley, half-sister of Bob Shaw, and her husband came from Congerville, Illinois for the service. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Foltz, Mrs. George Sausser and Miss Elizabeth Troughton were among the Senecans attending.
The remains of Lieutenant Shaw and of Sergeant First Class Allen Christal were honored in a group burial at the National cemetery.
This was a final chapter of a sad and long drawn story of the war, reviewed in a July issue of this paper. It was on September 18, 1944, that Lieutenant Shaw and Sfc. Christal were members of a crew of plane towing glider troops preparing for an attack. The plane was shot down near the German-Holland border, but members of the crew parachuted safely to earth. One was saved by Dutch people. Lieutenant Shaw and Sfc. Christal were captured, as well as the pilot, by the Germans. The pilot was interrogated, kept in prison camp. He was separated at the farm where they were captured, from his two other crewmen, and they, were never heard from again, though there was long search and investigation. Last, year, an English war Graves commission which had worked the battle areas reported, it had discovered remains at a culvert on the farm and provided temporary burial in a British cemetery for two men believed Americans. Again there was detailed research the check of the other men lost in the area, study of the military effects ,etc. until, it was established with definiteness that these were the lost crewmen.
The picture of Lieutenant Shaw is one that was in the ‘files’ of the paper, from an issue following the war that featured those who had sacrificed their lives for their country.
