Captain Vincent Rethman’s Rise in Military Service
As the United States prepared for its growing role in World War II, many young men from Nemaha County, Kansas, answered the call to serve. Among them was Vincent C. Rethman, whose dedication and training led to his recent promotion to Captain at Georgia Aero-Tech, as reported in the August 4, 1941 issue of the Courier Tribune.
Captain Rethman’s journey to leadership began with military training during his education, particularly in chemical warfare. After graduating from Kansas University, he worked as a chemical engineer in New York City before enlisting in the U.S. Air Corps. His training took him to Lakeland, Florida, and later to Augusta, Georgia, where he logged 45 hours of flight time, mastering night, instrument, and cross-country flying.
Meanwhile, another Seneca native, Wilfrid Kramer, was assigned to the Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, after being accepted at Ft. Leavenworth. With a strong interest in radio work, he hoped to continue specialized training in that field.
As these local men advanced in their military careers, their stories reflected the growing contributions of small-town America to the wartime effort, offering a glimpse into the dedication, sacrifice, and ambition of those who served.
Vincent Rethman Advanced to Rank of Captain
Augusta, Georgia – The appointment of cadet officers at Georgia Aero-Tech was announced Monday. Cadet F. W. Monford has been named battalion major, with Captain V. C. Rethman as adjutant.
Wilfrid Kramer, a Seneca boy who was recently accepted at Ft. Leavenworth, has been assigned to the Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and was to leave for the East last week. Wilfrid has been interested in radio work and hopes for continued training in that field.
Captain Rethman took military training while attending school, at that time particularly studying chemical warfare. After graduating from Kansas University, he began work as a chemical engineer for the National Starch Co. in New York City. He left employment last March to join the U.S. Air Corps. He took part of his training at Lakeland, Florida.
He has had 45 hours of flight time in the air at Augusta, including night, instrument, and cross-country flying. He will complete his course at the Georgia school in two weeks and will be transferred to an advanced flying school. The transfer may allow time for a visit with his sisters and mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Rethman.