USS Oklahoma's Unknowns: Gerald "Gerry" Clayton and Grant C. Cook, Jr.

From November 22, 2019.

As the government continues the process of identifying those among the 429 who died on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor.

**  GERALD "GERRY" CLAYTON:

Storekeeper 2nd Class.  His parents, Lee and Grace Clayton were first contacted by the U.S. government on December  20, 1941, saying that their son was missing in action.  Then, on Jan. 3, 1942, they received another telegram saying that he had survived with apologies for the first notification.  They received nothing after that.  It wasn't until March  12, 1942 that they received a letter saying their son had perished.

This past July family members held a ceremony  at the Central City Cemetery where he was buried with full military honors.

**  GRANT C. COOK, JR.

Fireman 1st Class.  His remains were identified earlier this year and buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Oahu.  Cook was from Cozad, Nebraska.  A book on his life has been given to the Cozad Library.

-GreGen

A New Supply of Surgical Dressings in Malta in 1944

From the February 20, 2019, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1944, 75 Years Ago.

"Mrs. Hallie  Elliott of Malta has received a new supply of surgical dressings to be folded for the Red Cross.  The classes, which have not met for the past few sessions will meet again at the Malta Township Library."

--GreGen

Shoe Rationing and Books for the Men in 1944

From the April 17, 2019, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1944, 75 Years Ago.

"Shoe retailers may temporarily sell children's shoes ration-free in ranges from size  eight and one half through twelve, and misses' and little boys' shoes in sizes twelve and one-half through three.  These shoes may be sold to consumers ration free from May  1 through May 20, at a maximum price of $1.60 per pair."

****************

"Mrs. Leta Best Muller, Sycamore librarian, who is putting forth an extra effort to secure books for the men in service, reports that of late, a greater interest is being shown in the work and she expects to be able to send out a large shipment before many days pass."

--GreGen

Library Converting From Fuel Oil to Coal Because of Fuel Oil Shortage

From the April 26, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1943, 75 Years Ago.

"Members of the library board are elated over the arrival of the coal stoker for installation in the Sycamore Public Library, the plan being to convert the heating system from fuel oil to coal.

"This action was decided last year when the fuel oil shortage became acute here and the library could not be properly heated seven days a week with the supply provided by the rationing board."

More Shortages Hit the Home Front.  --GreGen

The Victory Book Collection and the Normandie

From the March 6, 2017, Roanoke (Va.) Times :"Looking Back."

1942, 100 Years Ago.

**  "The victory book collection in Roanoke has brought in some 1,800 volumes donated for the libraries of service camps, forts, and posts, it was said yesterday by Miss Pearl Hinesley, city public librarian and chairman of the drive here."

**  "R. Powell Black, of Roanoke, yeoman, 3rd class, United States Navy was one of the seamen who aided in the rescue of men aboard the USS Lafayette, formerly the French liner Normandie, and fought the flames on the huge ship when she burned in New York harbor February 9."

--GreGen

DeKalb Library Closes On Sundays Because of Fuel Rationing

From the November 19, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1942, 75 Years Ago.

"The Haish Memorial Library (DeKalb) which has been open each Sunday afternoon for reading purposes in the past will be closed on Sundays in the future.

"The closing is made necessary due to the situation created by the fuel rationing."

No Reading For You!!  --GreGen

World War II Made George Patton a Hero, But the 'Great War' Made Him a Commander

From the March 10, 2017, Washington Post by Michael E. Ruane.

In April, the Library of Congress opens a new exhibit on World War I that touches on the role it played in his life.

In World War I. Patton became the first soldier assigned to the new tank corps which he helped create.  He also built the Army's first tank school and develop the tank corps' original triangular, tricolor shoulder patch.

Patton was wounded at the biggest battle in U.S. military history, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, when 26,000 American soldiers were killed.

--GreGen