Sgt. F. Harris, Jr., Dies From Wounds On Leyte

WASHBURN, Feb. 5 [1945] Mr. and Mrs. Fred Harris of Wasburn have received word that their son, Sgt. Fred Harris, Jr., was kiiled in action Dec. 14, on Leyte. He enlisted in the Army Jan. 13, 1942, and was sent from Fort Devens, Mass., to Camp Croft, S. C., for basic trniding. He was later transferrcd into the Amphibious Infantry at Camp Gordon Johnston, Fla., and also served as an illstructor at Camp Pickett, Va. March, 1944, he was sent into the Pacific and trained for jungle fighting in the Hawaiian Islands and there he met his brother, Cpl. Merle Harris, of the W.S.M.C. He was with the 77th Division that fought on Guam. He landed with division Dec. 7 on Leyte and died of wounds Dec. 14. He was 23 years old.

Besides his parents, he leaves his wife, the former Ruth Brown of Mapleton; a son, Teddie, 15 months old; seven sisters and four brothers; also two brothers-in-law serving in the armed forces, Pvt. Claude Buren, in Belgium, and Pvt. Merton Parker at Camp Croft, South Carolina.

IN MORE BEAUTIFUL WORLD

Dear Ma and Dad: (Mr. and Mrs. Fred Harris, Washburn)

I received your letter today saying Ted was killed in action on Leyte. I was shocked to read this news. God must have taken him for a reason. Ma I know how you feel, "that's war", sorrow and sadness. Many the mothers have received these telegrams.

Ma when he left the Hawaiian island, I knew where he was going. I saw him walk away, and I said to one of the boys beside me I wish I could go in his place. I meant every word or it. He was a brave boy in every way and I am proud him. I still have the picture of he and I we had taken over here.

So many people in the states don't realize what our young boys are going through Ma. Don't worry too much about me, because I'm all right, and don't take the news too hard Ma. I know you are heartbroken because I am to. Those Japs are going to pay dearly before this war is all over.

When I saw Ted, while he was here, I didn't get back to my base on time and I got extra duty for it. It was worth it all, it was the last time I saw Ted. All the boys in his company ran out to see me because I was Ted's brother. They certainly all thought a lot of Ted.

I wish I could visit his grave and put a bouquet of flowers on it. Ma, my prayer tonight is, that Ted has gone to rest in a more beautiful world with his Maker. He will never see any more suffering and heartaches. I know God took him for a reason and I know Ted prayed. He died that we might be happy and live in peace. I'm glad for the good bringing up we had and for all my brothers and sisters. Good night ma, and don't worry about me. I will see you one of these days.

Your Loving Son,

Merle

(Cpl. Merle Harris U.S.M.C. is serving in the Hawaiian Islands.)