75 Years Ago

Herald of July 20, 1944

Clarence Meade Fetter Jr., a Salemville young man, is probably a victim of the invasion made in Normandy, having been reported by the navy as missing. The young man had been a first class fireman on the tug mine sweeper, Partridge, and from other sources the parents have learned that the Partridge went down during the invasion probably during the week of June 20. It was believed most on board was lost, although there is still a possibility that the Cove young man may have been picked up and that he is safe somewhere.

Sergeant Ira Dean Butler, aged 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Butler of Mansard street, West Martinsburg, had a portion of his left hand torn off during the invasion in France where he was serving with the air force of the army. The parents have just received a letter from the young man himself written July 7. He was in a hospital in England at the time he wrote, and that he was suffering from injuries was evident in the writing. He stated he was to undergo an operation in a day or two at the hospital.