Hellcat News, (Seward, Neb.), Vol. 45, No. 9, Ed. 1, May 1992 Page: 4 of 28
28 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this newspaper.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Page 4
HELLCAT NEWS
May 1992
~ **-**
A couple of good lookin' swingers. Charles and Frances Gan-
non A/17 at home in Tenn. Pic from Gannon A/17
the division and gave up. A few months ago he saw an article
about service reunions so here he is. How about a "hip hip
hooray" for buddy Charles and his wife Frances.
Charles spent 34 years with Textron Aerostructures in Nash-
ville. He became a Hellcat, A/17, in December of 1944 or Janu-
ary 1945 after being sent to France after basic training. After
leaving the Hellcats in August '45 he went to Oklahoma for a
time before being discharged at Camp Campbell in May of
1946. You might not believe this next part. He then spent three
years in the Air Force in Germany (note the pic.). So what does
he do now that he doesn't build airplane wings? Fishes, gar-
dens, and travels. Charles and Frances attended their first
reunion with the "Smoky Mountain Boys" in April. I don't like
his reason for missing the party in Louisville. The Gannons will
be in Florida about that time. Maybe together we can persuade
him to make some changes in his travel plans. Florida will be
there longer than our 50th will be in Kentucky.
A note from the Butler household, William and Gloria, in-
forms us they are in very good health but will not be able to
make it to Louisville. Gloria retired in January and says she
"was lost in another world" for a time trying to become a
housewife. This month will mark their 60th anniversary. That
deserves a drumroll and a blast of trumpets. Congratulations
from the 17th you two newly-weds.
Some notes are not as welcome as the just cited. Mary Jean
Walker just let us know Herbert Walker, B/17, died on
December 4, 1991. I have no other particulars at this time.
Some information about Virgil Mathison, who died March 2,
came from Jim and Hazel LaFond. Jim and Virgil were bunk-
mates in the stalag in Germany. He was born in Coon,
Wisconsin in 1917, entered service in 1942. He spent his life
farming and was a school bus driver for 25 years. He was very
active in agriculture related organizations and was a member of
the American Legion and V.F.W. He and Vivian had three
daughters, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Our best to Vivian from the 12th. Time marches on.
I talked to George Hatt last week and his surgery went fine
but he developed a blood clot in his leg and was hopping around
with the help of a crutch. Knock off that kind of business,
George.
More sick call business. "Rantin Ray" Collier has had a bout
with the "roofers friend." In other words, the shingles. I know
nothing about that affliction but from what I hear, I don't
want to.
Your hard working committee in the Lone Star state is still
going strong putting together a wonderful dedication celebra-
tion in Abilene. The printing of the program came to me this
week and it looks wonderful. Why did George Hatt give himself
one hour to speak and just gave Sonny Montgomery only five
minutes? Just kidding, men. Put down that bee hive, George.
That committee, Collier, Drum, Glover, Hatt, King, and Left-
wich, deserve our everlasting gratitude for the hours, days, and
even years of work they have done for us. Now then compatriots
let's back them with our presence in Abilene in November.
Hello to you from Ted and Vic Zawaki. They have been busy
helping their son turn a one family house into a two family
abode. Ted is happy that in the fall he cut five cords of wood but
only used two cords. Now he can loaf around next fall and get in
Vic's way. They have decided against buying a place in Florida.
Too many bugs. Now you have done it, Ted. Those Florida folks
are going to get you good. Vicki likes where they live because of
the lakes and they are only four miles from Pa. and 12 miles
from N.Y. and (here is the real reason) there are a lot of malls
close by. If you stick around long enough, the real truth will
come out.
A bit more on the history of Vern Hanson. He spent time in
New Guinea, and also spent time on a tug boat as a radio
operator. He and three gunners were the only GIs among a
crew of civilians from all over the world. He also spent some
time in Japan after towing a concrete refrigeration barge to that
country. Vern returned to his home in Ludington, MI. He
graduated as a civil engineer and went to work for the city of
Milwaukee. He and his bride have been married 41 years and
have two daughters and a son. Vern worked for Dow Chemical
until he retired in 1981. The Hansons live in Mi. in the summer
and Green Valley, Arizona, in the winter. Vern is a ham opera-
tor under the call WB8PSF. I don't know how many hams we
have in the 17th (not that kind of hams - the radio type) who
might try contacting this buddy.
David Wells sent along a nice letter with his dues and tells us
his doctor says he is doing great. David says he has never been
81 before and Virginia has to keep him on the straight and
narrow. He mentions that he and Virginia hope to be in
Louisville in Sept. to meet with Chic Willians and many more.
After the reunion they plan to go on to the east coast to visit
relatives. I think you will agree David Wells is one of the most
distinguished looking Hellcats in the 17th. Virginia has "raised
him up well."
You want hot news—I'll give you hot news! This just came
over the phone five minutes ago. Old Gorgeous George Hatt is
all better now. In a few weeks he will be on top of the world and
he and Jacque plan to go to Emporia for all the fun at the Mid-
Continent. How about some more of you guys showing up there
to give organizer Ken Bradstreet a fit.
I won't say much this month about the reunion in Louisville
except to urge you to get on the ball with plans to attend the
"Mother of them all," and take part in a few days of frivolity. I
do expect, if early reports mean anything, there will be a won-
derful group with several first-timers crowding into the CP and
the bath room. Why the bath room you ask? That is where the
beer is, you forgetful yardbirds.
Now that you have finished reading the HCN you have my
permission to go back to gardening, fishing, chasing your wife
or whatever gives you pleasure.
IT'S GREAT TO BE A HELLCAT.
A Hellcat with "fly
boys?" Charles Gan-
non A/17 with air-force
friends in Europe. Gan-
non is standing on the
right.
Pic from Gannon
A/17
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
Twelfth Armored Division Association (U.S.). Hellcat News, (Seward, Neb.), Vol. 45, No. 9, Ed. 1, May 1992, newspaper, May 1992; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth410426/m1/4/: accessed June 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.