MoMM1C Forest D. Flockencier Killed Aboard LST-884, Operation Iceberg

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Forest Delbert Flockencier, Jr. was born on 4 February 1921, in Bucyrus, Ohio. His parents are Mr. & Mrs. Forest Flockencier, of Marion, Ohio. Forest, Jr. went by “Del.” When Del was one year old his family moved to Detroit, Michigan. Del would attend and graduate from schools in Detroit. After graduation, he was employed with the Universal Cooler Corporation, in the engineering department. He came to Marion, Ohio, when they moved the plant here.

Flockencier “Del” in October 1944 (Right Rear)

Forest D. Flockencier enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He left Marion on 4 January 1942, for service and attend basic training at Norfolk, Virginia. He would see stations that included Maryland, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Mississippi. While stationed at Duluth, Minnesota, he would marry Lillian (Lentz) of Detroit, Michigan. Together they had a son, Stuart.
Forest D. Flockencier attained the rank of Motor Machinists Mate First Class (MoMM1C). MoMM1C Flockencier was sent overseas for duty in the Pacific in December of 1944. He served aboard the LST-884. He was a veteran of the invasion of Iwo Jima. He and his crew also survived a close call, when a Japanese shell went completely through their craft.

LST-884

During Operation Iceberg (the invasion of Okinawa), the LST-884 sustained serious damage from a Japanese Kamikaze attack on 1 April 1945. This was the first day of the invasion. MoMM1C Flockencier
was reported as shot by a Japanese sniper, who was shooting from the beach area. He died of his wounds and was reported killed in action on 1 April 1945.

It is not know by the author at what point in the day that MoMM1C Flockencier was killed. Below is an account of the damage done that same day to the LST-884.

Damaged LST-884

“On the morning of 1 April, 1945, at about 0548, three planes were seen approaching the Coast Guard manned LST-884 which was part of Task Group 51.8 then off Okinawa. All port guns opened fire and one plane immediately burst into flames, nosed into a shallow dive and crashed into the port side of the LST, plunging through the ship fitter’s shop, and into the tank deck, where it exploded with intense flame. The plane had crashed through the 81 HM and 60 MM mortar ammunition, causing it to explode. Three fire nozzles were placed down vents, as nearly as possible to the point of impact but the LST was repeatedly shaken by violent explosions. At 0554 the fire, which had started in the main engine room, was reported under control, but a heavy, acrid smoke had entered the engine room making it impossible for men on watch to remain and the engines were secured. The auxiliary engine room watch reported the plating getting red hot and the smoke unbearable and these men were also ordered out. It appeared that the ship would be blown to bits by exploding ammunition or fuel tanks and at 0555 the order was given to abandon ship. By 0605 all hands were reported out of living spaces and engine rooms. Men in the water were being picked up by the ship’s boats and boats from other LST’s and LSM’s. At 0610 the Commanding Officer, after all hands had cleared ship, departed and was taken to a destroyer lying nearby. At 0731 it was determined that most of the heavier ammunition had already exploded and the commanding officer and four other officers returned aboard with two enlisted men, manned the pump and brought two streams to bear on the fire. At 0800 three other officers and 15 enlisted men voluntarily returned to assist in fire fighting and 4 LCS’s secured alongside, putting enough water on deck to permit walking about. Several heavy explosions and numerous minor ones occurred during this time and it seemed for a while that it would be impossible to bring the fire under control. Cargo ammunition carried on the main deck, starboard side, was jettisoned, but it was impossible to jettison TNT blocks and W. P. ammunition carried on the port side as the heat and flames had set it afire and the W. P. had begun to explode. At 1100, however, the fire was deemed under control, but as the tank deck and both engine rooms were flooded, it was suggested that the ship be beached. At 1400, the USS YUMA (AT-94) took the LST in tow and anchored in Kerama Retto Harbor at 1838. By the 13th the ship was reported ready for sea, after eleven days of cleaning and salvage work. As a 20 foot hole remained in the port side and the tank deck was open to the sea, plating was welded over these holes completely closing them. On the 14th, the LST was underway for Guam in tow of LST-940. Twenty bodies had been buried, some identified and others not. It was believed that all dead, with one exception, were Marines, as most of the bodies were taken from the tank deck. One member of the ship’s company was wounded and one killed.”

From: NavSource Online
MoMM1C Forest D. Flockencier’s Temporary Grave (Front-Left)

Including his parents, Forest D. Flockencier left behind his wife and four month old son, Stuart.
MoMM1C Forest D. Flockencier, Jr. was buried in a temporary grave in the U.S. Armed Forces Cemetery (Zamami Island) Itoman, Itoman-shi, Okinawa, Japan. In February 1945, the remains of MoMM1C Forest D. Flockencier, were returned to this country for burial, aboard the U. S. A. T. Dalton Victory.
MoMM1C Forest D. Flockencier, Jr. was laid to rest in Gethsemane Cemetery and Crematory, Detroit, Michigan.

MoMM1C Forest D. Flockencier is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery; and on the Universal Cooler Corp. Honor Roll.

Captain John J. Dunn – 7th Armored Division, Missing in Action, 1945

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John Joseph Dunn was born on 15 October 1914, in Marion, Ohio. His parents are Peter D. & Mary (Wixtead) Dunn. John has a sister, Kathryn, who worked at the Marion Star, as a switchboard operator; George Dunn, a half-brother; and another brother, Cyril W. Dunn, who died in service.

John J. Dunn graduated from the St. Mary Parochial High School. He married Mary (Harper) in November of 1941. Together they had two daughters, Sandra and Sharon.

John worked at Jim Dugan Clothing and prior to entering service he had worked as a salesman with Goldstein Clothing Company. He was living in Mansfield, Ohio prior to entering service.

John J. Dunn entered service 11 February 1942, and attended training at Camp Polk, Louisiana. He would then graduate from the Officer Candidate School, at Camp Knox, Kentucky, in September of 1943. He began his overseas service in June 1944. He would serve in England, Scotland, France, Holland, and Germany.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions on 7 September 1944.

On 7 September 1944, in the area of Le Chesne, France, forging ahead in a night reconnaissance along the fiercely contested Metz sector, Lt. Dunn led a platoon of tanks on a hazardous mission to the Mozelle river. Penetrating deep into enemy held territory, he spent an entire night scouting through dense forest for a suitable route for the advance of the combat commanded. Time and again, Lt. Dunn was forced to leave the shelter of his tank, reconnoitering on foot over difficult and dangerous terrain. His daring initiative and excellent judgment under enemy fire, enabled him to accomplish his dangerous mission with conspicuous success and without loss of personnel.

Bronze Star Medal Citation

He was serving with 7th Armored Division “Lucky Seventh,” when he was first wounded, receiving the Purple Heart. Cyril would be promoted to Captain (Cpt.) in early 1945. He would be posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions in the area of St. Vith, Belgium, on 21 December 1944.

When the Company Commander was killed, Capt. Dunn assumed command of the unit. Ignoring the great danger from heavy enemy artillery fire, he quickly regrouped the disorganized company and moved it into strong defensive position in anticipation of hostile attack. When the Germans assaulted, Capt. Dunn led his men and repulsed wave after wave of enemy men and armor. Even after our infantry was forced to withdraw, Capt. Dunn and his tanks stood their ground. Only when all of his tanks except four had been put out of action did he break off the fight and withdraw, leaving behind scores of enemy dead and wounded. By his courageous leadership Capt Dunn contributed immeasurably to the success of the Division’s stand against the full fury of the German winter counter-offensive. His gallant leadership and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Silver Star Citation

Capt. Dunn was reported Missing in Action on 28 March 1945. He was at that time serving with A Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division. It is reported that his tank took a direct hit from a German flak gun. He is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing, Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial, Henri-Chapelle, Arrondissement de Verviers, Liège, Belgium.

John J. Dunn is also remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; and on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.

PFC Cyril W. Dunn Dies in Service, 1944

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Cyril Wixtead Dunn was born on 15 September 1905, near Marion, Ohio. His parents are Peter D. & Mary (Wixtead) Dunn of Marion, Ohio. Cyril graduated from the St. Mary Parochial High School. He married Ada (Seckel) Dunn, who died on 20 June 1933. Cyril worked as a salesman, with Jim Dugan Clothing for 19 years, before he left to enter service.

Cyril W. Dunn entered service on 24 March 1942. He would attend training at Camp Forrest, Tennessee and then was assigned to Camp Hood, Texas. Here he would attain the rank of Private First Class (Pfc.). He was assigned to Headquarters Company, 22nd Tank Destroyer Battalion. He died here of injuries at Camp Hood, Texas.

Pfc. Cyril W. Dunn had a sister, Kathryn, who worked as a switchboard operator at the Marion Star. He also had a brother serving in the Army, Cpt. John J. Dunn, and a half-brother, George Dunn.

Cyril W. Dunn is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse, and on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.

MSG Harold M. Swihart Awarded Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously), Korean War

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Harold Marvin Swihart was born on 28 July 1930. His parents are Dallas A. & Lena M. (Steinhilber) Swihart of Sycamore, Ohio. His mother preceded him in death. His obituary notice stated that he was a “native of Marion.” It is not known when he and his family left the Marion area, but he attended Sycamore High School.

Harold M. Swihart entered service on 10 September 1948. He was serving in Korea as a Master Sergeant (MSG) with the 7th Infantry Regiment “Cottonbalers,” 3rd Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne.” On the night of 24 May 1953, near Kumhwa, Korea, MSG Swihart was serving on a security group as a squad leader. They were ahead of the main battle line. Enemy forces began attacking the lines. MSG Swihart preformed his leadership duties by directing his soldier’s fire and moving about the line engaging the enemy. After throwing several grenades back toward the enemy, an enemy grenade landed amongst Swihart’s squad. MSG Swihart selflessly then threw himself on the grenade absorbing the blast. MSG Harold M. Swihart died of his wounds that night. For his “extraordinary heroism,” MSG Swihart was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC).

MSG. Harold M. Swihart was engaged to be married to Miss Martha Theil of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He also left behind his father, two sisters and a brother.

MSG. Harold M. Swihart is buried in Pleasant View Cemetery, Sycamore, Wyandot County, Ohio.
Harold M. Swihart’s name is not on any memorials in Marion, Ohio.

His selfless actions to his comrades and country were so revered, that Retired Judge Edward J. McLaughlin continued to pray for Swihart’s “immortal soul.” McLaughlin was the former Executive Officer of C Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Judge McLaughlin stated Swihart was a “courageous and honorable soldier.” He said he prayed each day for 40 years for Swihart, and on 24 May 1993, held a Mass in Swihart’s memory, at Holy Cross Church, in DeWitt, New York.

DSC Citation

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Harold M. Swihart (ASN: RA-15415935), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Swihart distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, on the night of 24 May 1953. On that night, a numerically superior enemy force began a probing maneuver in preparation for an attack on a strategic outpost forward of the main battle positions. Upon detection of the enemy, Sergeant Swihart, a squad leader of the security group, quickly moved among his men establishing a base of fire and directing their efforts to insure adequate support for a maneuvering element. As the aggressors continued their advance, Sergeant Swihart went forth to engage them, firing his weapon and hurling grenades to disorganize and retard their assault. As grenades landed amidst his men, Sergeant Swihart immediately threw them back at the enemy and, although completely exposed to the intense fire, he continued his aggressive action until the enemy was repulsed. In retreat, the hostile forces continued to throw grenades, one of which fell in the center of Sergeant Swihart’s squad. Realizing the imminent danger to his men, he sacrificed his life by hurling himself on the missile and absorbing the full impact of the explosion. The courage of Sergeant Swihart throughout this action not only was instrumental in repelling the enemy assault, but also saved the lives of many of his comrades.

MM2C Robert Hull Buried at Sea, 1945

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Robert Hull was born on 5 August 1910, in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. His parents are Walter W. & Lottie Hull. Walter and his parents were living in Marion, Ohio by 1920. Robert Hull had attended school in Columbus, Ohio. He was employed as a barber in Columbus after school. He was later back in Marion, Ohio, working with his brother, Homer Hull at Hull’s Lock & Key Shop. The shop was located on North Main Street, Marion, Ohio.

Robert Hull enlisted into the United States Naval Reserves. He received his basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois. He then went on for further training at Norfolk, Virginia. He saw stations at Georgetown, British New Guiana, and Trinidad. He then was sent to Hawaii and the South Pacific, serving on the aircraft carrier, USS Wasp (CV-18) aka “The Mighty Stinger,” as a Machinists Mate Second Class (MM2C).

MM2C Robert Hull was reported as killed in action. Sadly not much information was given to the family as to the location or circumstances of their loved one’s deaths, that occurred in the Pacific Theater. Much of the operations in the Pacific Theater were classified to keep the Japanese off balance as to the capabilities and locations of our forces. The author found that MM2C Robert Hull is listed on the Memorial of the USS Wasp (CV-18).

IN MEMORIAM
To those Men of Ship’s Company who, in the LINE of Duty,
Gave their Lives While Serving Aboard USS WASP, this Book
is Respectfully Dedicated in Appreciation of their Efforts to
Make this World a Better Place for All Mankind.
(Names follow of which one is Robert Hull, MM2c)

The following was also taken from the Wasp Cruise Book, describing action on the day Robert Hull was reported as killed in action.

Taking Air Group Eighty-Six aboard on 13 March, Wasp was moved up off the coast of Japan and heavy attacks were launched until the morning of the 19th, when USS FRANKLIN was badly hit and two minutes later a lone Jap plane darted out of the clouds dead ahead of the WASP dropping a five hundred and forty pound semi-armor piercing bomb that exploded in the galley on the third deck just aft of midships. Excellent work by the fire fighting parties quickly controlled the fires and WASP, never out of formation, was ready for flight operations in an hour. Casualties were one hundred and two dead or missing and over two hundred wounded.

MM2C Robert Hull was reported as killed in action on 19 March 1945. Robert Hull left behind a 12 year old daughter, Laura J. Hull. She was in the care of Lottie Hull. His family was given vague information about his burial at sea. I was unable to find out if MM2C Hull’s remains were recovered or not.
MM2C Robert Hull is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing, Court 3, Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Robert Hull is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; and on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.