Sgt.John W. Kendall, Jr.

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The following information is used with permission of Sgt. Kendall's duaghters Nancy and Jonnie, originally compiled by Nancy.

Click here for a printable version.

This area is dedicated to the memory of my Dad, John W. Kendall, Jr., and to the memory of all the fighting men of the "Thunderbird" division, those who died for their country, and those who survived.

Some of the Regimental History given here was extracted from the book, "Eager For Duty - History of the 157th Infantry Regiment (Rifle)". Copyright, 1946, By The 157th Infantry Regiment. A book my Dad left behind when he died, September 11th, 1992.

It was June, 1943.
The St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees were leading the Major Leagues. "This Is The Arm," Irving Berlin's all-soldier show, was the big hit on Broadway. Girls were swooning as Frank Sinatra sang, "She's Funny That Way," and juke boxes from coast to coast were grabbing nickels with a new ballad called "That Old Black Magic." Humphrey Bogart, the tough, world-weary hero of "Casablanca," was the matinee idol of the year. The up-sweep hair-do was the vogue of the season. Franklin Roosevelt had just finished his fifth war conference with Prime Minister Churchill in Washington.
War news was good on June third, 1943. Organized axis resistance had ceased in North Africa with the capture of General Von Arnheim and surrender of the German 15th Armored Division. But all this was half a world away, and to the average U. S. citizen the war was still something unreal. In the bars and barber shops, in the grocery stores, on the street corners across America, the people were saying:
"The war's all over but the shouting...We beat hell out of them in Africa, and the way I figure it, the whole thing's just gonna collapse. We did all our fighting at Oram...Sure, we'll send some troops across, but only a token force...The way I figure, the damn war's over right now."
So the people were saying, on June Third, 1943...
Quoted From: "Eager For Duty - History of the 157th Infantry Regiment (Rifle)"

The 45th Division - Spring 1872 to December 1942

The following information was copied from a 1942 Christmas Menu. Christmas dinner was served at Pine Camp, NY, and consisted of:
Fruit Cocktail
Roast Turkey | Giblet Gravy | Oyster Dressing
Creamed Corn | Virginia Baked Ham | Creamed Peas
Snow Flake Potatoes | Lettuce Salad | Cranberry Sauce
Sliced Tomatoes | Celery Hearts | Dill Pickles
Jello with Fruit and Nuts | Ripe Olives
Fruit Cake | Chocolate Cake | Pumpkin Pie | Hot Mince Pie
Hot Rolls | Peanut Butter | Bread - Butter
Tangerines | Oranges | Nuts | Candy | Jam
Cigars | Cigarettes
Coffee | Cider | Mints

Company H, 157th Infantry, 45th Division

The history of the 157th Infantry began in the spring of 1872 at Denver, Colorado, with the formation of the "Governor's Guard", a semi-private military organization. On December 10, 1875, this unit was formally mustered into the territorial service as Company B, 1st Colorado Infantry Volunteer Militia. To this parent organization were soon added Company A (Emmett Guards) of Central City, Company C (Pitkin Guard) of Lake City, Companies D and E or Ouray, Company F (Downer Guard) of Saguache, Company G (Sedgwick Guards) of Animas City, Company H (Emerald Rifles) of Georgetown, Company I (Colorado Rifles) of Colorado Springs, Company K (Georgetown Light Infantry) of Georgetown, and Company L (Silver Queen Rifles) of Georgetown. the entire organization together with units of cavalry and artillery became known as the "Colorado National Guard".
The newly organized Guard received its first field experience in 1879. An uprising of the White River Utes resulted in the "Meeker Massacre." Company C and F were employed in the campaign which followed with orders to "Bring in all Indians dead or alive found off the reservation". Symbolizing the Indian service of frontier days are the wigwams on the present regimental insignia.
In 1880 the Guardsmen were called out on a duty which was to become only too familiar in the ensuring years - "Strike duty". The occasion was a strike of the Leadville Area miners for higher wages. This emergency led to the formation of the "Leadville Battalion" composed of the "Labor Highland Guard" and the "Wolftone Guard" with several new companies, and was the first Battalion organization in the Colorado National Guard.
In the years preceding the Spanish-American War the organization of the Colorado Guard expanded and at the outbreak of the war the active units were mobilized as the First Regiment Infantry, Colorado Volunteers. Under command of Colonel Irving Hale the regiment sailed for the Philippine Islands on June 15, 1898. On July 4, 1898, their ship touched at Wake Island, and General /F. V. Greene of the Second Brigade, Colonel Hale and party raised the American Flag over the now historic island. On arriving at Manila the Colorado troops were assigned to the 2nd Division and stationed in the trenches in front of Malate. In the general assault of August 13, Colonel Hale was ordered to lead his troops against Fort San Antonio de Abad. The troops of the Colorado regiment were the first to enter the Spanish fortifications and at 11:00 A.M. the Regimental Adjutant raises the American Flag. A few minutes later the Regimental Color Guard attached to Company I at Malate unfurled the National and Regimental Colors over the most prominent building in the vicinity, this being the first American Flag raised within the limits of Manila. At the conclusion of the Spanish-American War the regiment was mustered out of the service with a superior record.
Of their service General Greene reported to the War Department, "The Colorado Regiment in particular, was extremely anxious to go the Manila, was always eager for duty and performed enthusiastically whatever was required of them." This report was the origin of the present regimental motto, "Eager for duty". the Philippine campaign also influenced the design of the regimental insignia - the red and yellow shield representing the Spanish colors with the sea lion of the Philippines imposed upon a fortification that recalls the walled city of Manila.
The next active service came with a call to duty on the Mexican border in 1916. Stationed a Douglas, Arizona, the regiment patrolled the border until the cessation of hostilities in 1917.
As the troops were about to be released following their Mexican Border service, war with Germany was declared, and on August 5, 1917, the Colorado National Guard was drafted into Federal Service as the 157th Infantry, 40th Division, and embarked for France August 7, 1918. As replacements for front line troops the personnel of the regiment participated in all subsequent major engagements. Following the Armistice the regiment was mustered out of the service on April 29, 1919 and again became part of the Colorado National Guard.
In 1921, under a new War Department reorganization, the Infantry element of the Colorado National Guard became the 177th Infantry, 45th Division. On October 26, 1921, in recognition of its World War service, the 177th Infantry was redesignated as the 157th Infantry.
The immediate history of the 157th Infantry began again on September 16, 1940, as a result of a Presidential proclamation of national emergency, provoked by the aggressions of Germany, Italy, and Japan. Under command of Colonel Rudolph J. Seyfried the regiment was inducted into the Federal Service at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as part of the the 45th Infantry Division. In November 1940, Colonel Seyfried was succeeded by Colonel Charles M. Ankcorm, present regimental commander. On February 28, 1941, the 45th Division moved to a new station at Camp Barkeley, Texas, from whence it participated in the 1941 army maneuvers in Louisiana. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the Division again packed its traveling bags and in April 1942 moved to Fort Devens, Massachusetts. In November, 1942 the Division once more pulled stakes to the present location of Pine Camp, New York.
Originally composed entirely of men and officers of the State of Colorado, the 157th Infantry now represents virtually every state in (the) Union, banded together in a common and undying determination to preserve the continuity of the regiment's honorable service to its country, and to assist in the certain liquidation of the spawn of a Munich beer cellar, a pompous Fascist ass, and a puppet "Son of Heaven".

February 8, 1941 - I'm in the Army Now!

Hello Folks

Well here I am a soldier. They picked me up for the draft at Lamar. We went to Denver, took the exam, then to K.C. and Fort Sill, Okla. If I have time I'll come see you in our layover in K.C. but it is only 4 hrs. It will be about a 1400 mile trip since I started.
How is every one by now? You can write to me at Reception Center, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
We are now in Newton (KS). I don't know anything to write now but will tell all news next time if there is any.
Minnie, Harley & kids were fine when I left.
Love - Johnnie

Washington DC - 4:30 PM - Aug. 30, 1942 To: Mrs & Mr J W Kendall (Sr), Melvern, Kans. Married Aug. 29 3PM - Very Happy Signed: Sgt & Mrs John Kendall (Jr) - 12:10 AM

November 30, 1943 - V-mail

Dear Mom Dad & Kids

How is everyone over on that side of the world? I am doing OK but would much rather be over there where you all are. I got a nice bunch of mail the other day. I got 5 letters from Hazel, also 1 from you, 1 from Minnie. I got a carton of Camels from Minnie too. Hazel's Sister sent me a nice package. It had chewing gum, soap, cigarettes, candy, & a pair of socks. I bet the kid spent $5.00 for everything. She sure is a nice girl. I use to go with her before I went with Hazel. Maybe that's it! Say Mom, I like to hear about what all the good things you have to eat, but it sure does make me hungry. I am going to have chilli for supper. Say I wish you could send me some beans. We don't ever get them any more. No kidding. I do wish you could send me a box of Panetella Red Dot Cigars. They are the best ones. Not the short fat ones. I think they cast $1.00 per box in KS. There ain't any news here only it is chilly and damp.

So Lotza Love.

Tex

Southern France - 24 Aug. 44

Dear Mom & Dad, Kids
Well I hope you aren't too much surprized to get a letter from me after so long. But the chances were just all against me getting or mailing any letters. But yesterday, after 3 weeks or more, I finally got some mail.
I expect you have been keeping up with the news. Well, I was helping to make the news. So was pretty much on the go. Things here are a lot better than Italy. There isn't as much fighting yet anyway.
Jerry is running so fast we have to hurry to keep up. But that is what we like.
I got the 6 cent note from yesterday. Was glad to get it. But, if you spend 6 cents, why not write a letter and get your moneys worth. Hazel writes 3 cent Letters. I also heard from Betty, Aunt Myrtle and 3 letters from Hazel.
I sure like this country a lot better than Italy. The people are a lot more help and are real nice.
The kids all beg candy though just like Italy. But poor things haven't had any for 4 years. The Jerrys take everything they want though, just like they did in Italy.
I owe everyone a letter. But guess I will just take it easy and catch up on V-mail.
This country is like the foothills in Colorado, sorta pretty. But I just learned to speak Italian, then we came over here. Now I have to learn all over again. But it is a lot the same so maybe it will be easier, I hope.
My biggest job is keeping tires on this bunch of Jeeps. Maybe the war will be over though pretty soon, then that won't bother me.
I guess I will call it off for now. Will try to do better next time. So By-By. Tell everyone Hello for me. How is Sis, Dave & Ike making out?
Lotza Love, as always.
Tex

January 14, 1945 - France

Dear Mom & all

How is everything out that way? I sure do wish I was there so I could see for myself.
I guess I owe most everyone a letter now. But I haven't got any mail for the past 10 days, but expect my ship will come in one of these days.
Have you had letters from California & Rex? I hope they are all OK.
As for myself, Dammit, I am so disgustingly health they can't get along without me it seems. In all my time over here I have only been off the job 6 weeks. That was last year while I was in the hospital. Some times I just hope I can get sick so I can get far away from this "4th of July" celibration.
How did old Santa treat all you people. I guess I had a much better xmas than lots of guys, but I didn't enjoy it. I sure wish I could see my darling little wife so I could cry on her shoulder. Just see how all-fired blue I am. But I am sure lucky really because there are only a hand-full of us "old" fellows left. Maybe my luck will change for "better", lets not even think of "worse". Some day I should get a chance to come home.
How is land selling around there? I still have big plans for a farm. Also, we have a few "sheckels" for that purpose. Also old Uncle Sam is going to loan me some. So maybe I will get a start one of these days. And will I ever be proud to pull on another pair of overalls, or just anything civilian.
Maybe I should write Minnie a letter. She gets sorta huffy if I miss a couple of weeks. But I bet I write more letters than she does. I only write to about 18 different people, and my wife everyday. So if I wrote to everyone else every week I would really be busy. I even lump on a letter once in a while to Parkey and Sis. Maybe I better take my troubles to the chaplain.
What is Curley Smith doing with his place? I would sure like to get my hooks on it or Barnams. Has Freddie hung his self yet (ha ha).
Well I'll call this a short note, so By-By.

Lotza Love

Tex

February 25, 1945 - France

Note: Some terms used in the following letter may be offensive to some readers. I considered excluding them, but felt they were necessary considering the context of the times. The intent is to be true to the thinking that existed at the time of the writing. Remember, this is a soldier who has been at war for several years.

Dear Mom, Dad & Kids

How is everyone out that way? This leaves me awful lonesome & home sick, but I have been that way for the last 4 years. The only thing that I can see is that it is getting worse instead of better.
Dad I have a good cigar here can you smell it. Its a 15 cent-er too! Sorta prosperous ain't I? (ha). We don't get many though.
I wrote you a V-note the other day. So still don't have any news. I got letters from Hazel & her Sis, Edie, Betty, Agnes, Minnie, & you. So I have them all answered now. I caught up on V-mail. I don't like to get it, so don't like to write it. But guess you people don't mind getting it. So just keep the good work up. You always write as much on V-mail as you do on a 6 cent letter so don't waste the extra cents, they will buy war stamps.
Well here I go again counting my chickens again. But, how is the land selling or renting (for) around there. I don't expect or even want to get rich. But I want a darn good living where I can have all the milk & eggs I want. Then maybe I can make a little spending change some other way.
So, Dad, keep your "good eye" open. Rex & I plan on sorta running in partnership or at least work together so you may even like the idea, if we can all live close enough together. You see I have seen quite a bit of this world and lived in a suitcase for close to 12 years. I think I can stay put for a little while. At least I sure aim to try it a few years. I am also tired of taking orders. I want to be in a position to give a few if need be. I will try to describe the kind of a place I want. I want it to have water on it first. With a fair house, not too big, maybe 5 rooms. Then the outside buildings. I want room for 5 or 6 cows, a few hogs, a team of horses. That aught to be OK for the 1st year or so, but as things go on, everything can stand improving. Now, you have the experience. Can a fellow start pretty good on say $1,000 dollars? I have no idea what to plan on, but I expect the more the better. Anyway, old Uncle Sam is supposed to make me a loan. And I ain't going to be bashful about taking it. I sorta figure maybe he aught to help me a little.
You see I used to couldn't see why the "vets" wanted a bonus, but I see things a little different now. Although I think we have a better deal, at least as far as money matters go, than the vets of 1918. I can say, no matter how many books or papers you read about war, you never know what it is until you see it. It isn't just the people that get killed. In fact, some of them that go that (way) have the easy way out. The civilians take as much beatings as the soldier. Even little kids & women that don't have any say so about the thing that happens. But one thing I have learned, the only good Dago or Jerry is the dead one. Even if they are male or female, big or small. They all are rotten all the way through. The French are swell people, most of them. The only thing about the Dago is, he knows when he is whipped and Jerry don't.
I hope I never make the acquaintance of the Japs. I feel like I have sorta seen enough over on this side. Most of the fellows that have fought here & the Pacific say this is the toughest fight. But I sorta have my doubts. At least I'll take their word for it. So E.T.O. is ended, I don't want any C.B.I. or Pacific Theator. I have had plenty the way things stand. I only have 3 scars to show for what I have been doing, but I don't want any more. You never know how big the next piece of shrapnel will be. It sometimes don't leave scars, it just takes them along. Of course the small arms fire is just as dangerous, but I really believe fewer soldiers lose their lives with it than what they do with with artillery & morters.
How is all the neighbors making out? Do you ever see Johnnie O'Brian? Do you still have the suppers up at the Church? Do the kids go to the school at the Ferry?
How is the fishing there now? I sure have felt like going fighing. The weather has been just right for it. I saw some fellows fishing with hand grenades. They were having pretty good luck. May try it myself.
Say Mom, I wish you could send me some mustard (preferred) or oil sardines, oysters and shrimp. And some fig bars. You know, the cookies with figs in them.
I guess I have run down now so will call this to a halt. So next time you write, get everyone to write a line, then maybe the letter will be longer. And Dad, can you still write?
Lotza Love

Tex

Germany - May-10-45

Dear Mon & all

See I said "& all" but this is Mother's Day so this is a special. I can't think of anything to write about but anyway it will be a letter.
Say did I ever tell you thanks for the boxes. The one with the sardines, also the one with the big cookies. Well I got them and thank you very much. I won't ask for anything else because since this part of the war is over, I may get a chance to come home in the next 6 months or so. At least I sure do hope so. I don't want to win all these wars by myself. (ha ha) I want to give some young guy a chance. Don't I talk old? Well in ten years I will be 38. Anyway, I have seen enough country, and several other things that aren't very pleasant to talk about.
How is the weather over there? Is it still raining? We have had 3 or 4 very nice days lately. I guess you know where I am now. I expect the papers have it all. But I expect if I told you, they would cut it out. But here goes I'll take a chance. I am in Munich. I have seen Hitler's beer hall and apartment. It is all bombed and burned up until it don't look like much. But before the war this was a real pretty city. All the public buildings are bombed and burned. Also the railroads. In fact, every thing is in pretty "nice" shape thanks a million to our airforce. If it wasn't for them we would still be fighting.
Well Mom, here is wishing you a happy Mother's Day and many more of them. I hope I am back there someplace for the next one.
Turn Sis across your knee for me and pull Dave's & Ike's ears.
Guess I'll can this for tonight. So By-By.
Lotza Love. Tex

Newpaper clipping - Lamar Colorado - February 1941

Four of Six Conscriptees from here Volunteers
Young Men Will Leave Friday Morning for Induction, Denver
Arnold Bennett Williamson of Lamar and John Wilson Kendall (Jr.) of Holly who will entrain Friday for Denver where they will be inducted into the United States army, are the first men from this board district to be drafted into the army.
In the first call, the local board filled its quota of two, with volunteers, Paul Hendrickson of Bristol and Harry Holdren of Holly. This time the quota for the county was six, and four volunteers have stepped forward.
James Lee Arnold, 23 of Granada, and William James Akin, 32, of Granada, volunteered as soon as the call was issued. Wednesday, Lawrence Burns, 27, of Lamar volunteered and Thursday, Orville James Hopkins, 25, Holly volunteered, making the total of six needed to fill the quota.
Newton Parrish Larrick, 22, of Lamar, who is next on the order list, is scheduled as replacement, in case one of the six should not appear for any reason.
Williamson, Route Two, Lamar, is 26 yearrs of age. His order number is Two. Kendall of Holly is 24 years of age, his order number, 17.
John William Summers, 23, of Granada, whose order number is six, would have gone in place of Kendall, but came down this week with measles, and will not be taken until the next call.
Burns, the only man in the group married, transferred to the local board this week from Huntington Park, Calif.
The men will leave here by train at 6:04 Friday morning and arrive in Denver shortly before noon.
NOTE ON BACK OF CLIPPING
FOR SALE - 6 room house, modern - large living room with fireplace - 2 porches - lawn, shade, garage, corner lot, southside. Price $2,750.00 Terms.

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