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Harold A. Wicks
 

1921 - 1944

Missing In Action

Mrs. Harold Wicks of Klemme, received a telegram last Thursday from the War Department informing her that her husband , First Lieutenant Harold A. Wicks, is missing in action since Dec. 21, somewhere in the Pacific area. Lt, Wicks was a pilot of a P-38 pursuit plane and his work was that of a photo reconnaissance pilot.

Lt. Wicks enlisted in the Army Air Forces on Nov. 15, 1942 and was presented his silver wings and commissioned a Second Lieutenant at Williams Field, Chandler, Ariz. on Oct. 1, 1943. He was then assigned to a tactical unit and went overseas in April of last year. He was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant on Sept. 28, 1944.

Lt. Wicks is the son of Mrs. Albert Kehl, Klemme, and is a graduate of the Klemme High School. Mrs. Wicks has been living at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed C. Buntenbach, in Klemme. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kehl live on their farm 2 1/2 miles north of Klemme.

 

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 14 Feb 1945, page 1, column 5
 

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Mrs. Harold Wicks received further information from the War Department regarding her husband, Lt. Wicks who was reported missing in action over the Pacific. Lt. Wicks was co-pilot on a B-25 bomber at the time and was not flying alone in a P-38, which had been his previous duty.

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 7 Mar 1945, page 8, column 3
 

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Military Memorial Services Held For Lt. Harold Wicks

Services Held Sunday At Evangelical and Reformed Church

Large Crowd Pays Tribute To Lt. Wicks Lost In Pacific

Full military honors were paid Lieutenant Harold A. Wicks at the Memorial services held Sunday afternoon at the Klemme Evangelical and Reformed Church, which was packed with relatives, friends and comrades of the lost flyer. The main floor and balcony of the church was filled and a public address system had been installed in the basement of the church, which was also filled by people who came to pay tribute to Lt. Wicks.

The Klemme American Legion and Auxiliary attended in a body. Veterans of World War II were out in force and in dress uniform.

As a prelude to the services Mrs. Leonard Kaduce played the Hymn "Finlandia," on the piano. At the conclusion of her number those who were to take part in the sermon took their place behind the alter, in front of which was placed a large floral Silver Wings emblem with baskets of flowers on either side.

The Colors were advanced by the Color Bearer, Kenneth Bell, with Martin Barz and Paul Blank as the Color Guards. The firing Squad then advanced and took their places in front of the Colors. Robert Hartzel was in command of the firing Squad composed of Elmer Langlitz, Melvin Schlei, Duane Josten, Franklin Kluckhohn, Geo. Netland, Joe Blank, Ronald Grosbeck, and Harold Stromer.

Lester Stille represented the American Legion and spoke briefly on the purposes of the gathering, which was followed by a military prayer given by Dr. D. P. Anderson, Chaplain of the Legion.

Special music was provided by a quartette composed of Allan Barz, Harold Swalve, Milvern Barz and Ronald Barz. They sang "This World Is Not My Home" and "Abide With Me." Allan Barz also sang a tenor solo "The Lord's Prayer." Mrs. H. G. Voetberg accompanied the Quartette and Allan on the piano.

Rev. Calvin Grosshuesch gave the memorial address and used as his text taken from Mathew 1-8: "And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus."

As Rev. Grosshuesch was reading the scripture an airplane could be softly heard overhead. The plane was piloted by O. S. Haugland of the Mason City Airport, who flew over to pay his respects to a fallen flyer and a friend.

Near the close of the services, Robert Hartzel, in behalf of the United States Government, presented Mrs. Harold Wicks with a beautiful flag, folded in a triangle, according to military custom.

The services were concluded by the sounding of "Taps" by Francis Sherwood and the echo by Clarence Larsen, Jr., as the Colors were retreated, followed by the Color Guard and the Firing Squad.

Church ushers for the occasion were all veterans of World War II and were Dr. A. H. Dulmes, Lyle Wilcox, Harold Kothenbeautel, Otho Keraus, Franklin Buseman, Elmer Jensen, Graydon Back and Lester Neuberger.

First Lt. Harold A. Wicks, United States Army Air Forces, son of Hans and Neva Wicks, was born September 4, 1921, at Kanawha, Iowa. His father died several months before Harold was born, leaving Mrs. Wicks and her two children, Margie and Harold. In 1927 Neva Wicks was united in marriage to Albert Kehl.

The family moved to a farm near Klemme in 1927 and Harold attended the local school graduating from the high school in 1939. He received his religious instructions at the Evangelical & Reformed Church of which he became a member by confirmation in 1936. He was well liked among the young people for he had a pleasant disposition and was loyal and true to his friends.

He was united in marriage to Lorraine Buntenbach, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Buntenbach of Klemme, at Bakersfield, California on June 5th, 1943.

Harold entered the service of his country on November 15, 1942 and earned his Silver Wings and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant at Williams Field, Chandler, Arizona, October 1, 1943. While serving in the Pacific as a photo reconnaissance pilot of a P-38 he was promoted to the rank of a First Lieutenant.

While participating on a mission as a member of the crew on a B-25 Mitchell bomber, the plane was believed lost in a storm on the morning of December 23, 1944 between Biak Island and Leyte Island.

Extensive searches were conducted by the air forces but no trace could be found of the missing aircraft and on December 24, 1945 the War Department notified the family that Harold, with other members of the crew, were considered officially lost.

Surviving him and mourning his loss are his wife, Lorraine, his parents Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kehl, his sister Mrs. Victor Greiman, and many other relatives and friends.

 

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 16 Jan 1946, page 1, column 1
 

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Wicks, Harold A
0-756070
1LT  [1st Lieutenant]

Finding of Death

source: World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing, State of Iowa, War Dept, Jun 1946, page 12, Hancock County
 

 

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Harold A. Wicks
World War II

Service #: 0-756070
Rank: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces
Unit: 25th Photographic Squadron, 6th Reconnaissance Group
Entered Service From: Iowa
Date of Death: December 23, 1944
Status: Missing In Action
Memorialized: Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, Taguig City, Philippines

Posthumously Awarded the Air Medal

[ The Air Medal, established by Executive Order on 11 May 1942 and amended by Executive Order on 11 September 1942, is awarded to a person who, while serving with the United States Armed Forces, has distinguished himself or herself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Awards may recognize single acts of heroism or merit, or may recognize sustained meritorious service over a period of six months or more. The Air Medal primarily recognizes personnel on flight status requiring frequent participation in aerial flight. It may be awarded to personnel not on flight status whose duties require frequent flight other than in a passenger status. The Air Medal ranks behind the Distinguished Flying Cross in order of precedence. ]


source: American Battle Monuments Commission

 

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