News from Nemaha County Servicemen – August 1941
As the United States edged closer to full-scale involvement in World War II, young men from Nemaha County, Kansas, were already stepping up to serve in various branches of the military. The August 4, 1941 issue of the Courier Tribune featured updates on local men reporting for army induction, training, and assignments, offering the community a glimpse into the journeys of their sons, brothers, and friends.
Among the latest inductees were Leander Feldkamp, John Kreutzman, and Lawrence Sigmund, who departed from Seneca to report for duty at Fort Leavenworth. Meanwhile, Wilbur Moore, who had registered for selective service in Kansas but was living in Wisconsin, had his induction transferred to Oconomowoc, aligning him with a new group of recruits. The Nemaha County draft board also announced that more men would be called for service later in the month.
In addition to new recruits, local soldiers in training were making the most of their time on the East Coast. Joseph Hunninghake and Henry Holthaus, stationed at the Engineer Training Replacement Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, were preparing for a special visit to Washington, D.C., where they hoped to see the President of the United States.
These updates provided families and friends with vital information on the movements and milestones of their loved ones in uniform. As the world stood on the brink of war, these brief newspaper reports helped keep the spirit of community and patriotism alive in small-town America.
U. S. Service News
Three to Army From—Seneca Last Friday
Leander Feldkamp, Vermillion address, John Kreutzman of Baileyville and Lawrence Sigmund, Wetmore, left Seneca by bus Friday to report for army induction at Ft. Leavenworth.
Wilbur Moore, who registered for selective service in this county and now is in Wisconsin, has been transferred to Oconomowoc for induction. This means he will go with the next group inducted from the local board in his area. He may already be called for induction.
The Nemaha draft board has advance information that five more men are to be called for the 25th of the month. The official call has not been received.
Joseph Hunninghake and Henry Holthaus, in Engineer training replacement center at Fort Belvoir, Va., expected to go to Washington, D.C. Sunday and see the President. Fort Belvoir is 15 miles from Washington.