Mathias B. Roush was born 14 August 1893, in Paulding County, Ohio. His parents were Charles A. Roush and Eva J. (Good). Mathias was married to Elizabeth C. (Cook). Mathias was a veteran of the Border Campaign with D Company.
While preparing for mustering in for World War One, Mathias was promoted to Corporal on 16 July 1917. He would train and serve in Europe with D Company until his death on 22 December 1918. Roush had moved through the ranks, attaining the rank of Sergeant and returning to a Private. He was gassed during the war and then got influenza.
He died of broncho pneumonia at Meuse, Departement de la Haute-Marne, Champagne-Ardenne, France. Mathias B Roush was first buried in Bazoilles-Sur-Meuse, France, on 23 December 1918. His remains were disinterred on 27 January 1921, and prepared for return to the United States. His remains arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, aboard the U. S. A. T. Wheaton (funeral ship), on 18 May 1921. His remains arrived in Marion, on 3 June 1921, for final rest.
Mathias B. Roush is buried in the Marion Cemetery and he is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park in Marion, Ohio; and on the World War One Honor Roll, located on the second floor of the Marion County Courthouse.
Carl E. Danner, Jr. was born 3 April 1917. He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Danner, Sr. of Marion, Ohio. Carl Danner went by “Junior.” Danner graduated from Harding High School, Class of 1935. Lieutenant Danner was working as an intelligence officer in the Army and was also qualified to check student pilots. Lt. Carl E. Danner was killed as the result of an air accident in which the plane he was in struck high tension wires. The plane went down nearly striking an automobile on the highway. Danner was trapped in the cockpit, but a student pilot was able to escape the wreckage. The accident occurred near San Diego, California on 5 February 1942. Lt. Carl E. Danner, Jr. is buried in the Marion Cemetery. Lt. Carl E. Danner, Jr. is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park in Marion, Ohio; and on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.
Leroy Oswald Thomas was born 4 December 1920, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the son of Warren S. Thomas & Frances Lee “Frankie” (Booth) Thomas. Leroy O. Thomas attended Marseilles High School and played basketball there. While in high school Thomas had an interest in flying. Thomas would go on to attend the Marion Business College. Prior to enlistment Thomas worked in State Tax office in Columbus, Ohio. One of Leroy’s brothers, Paul would join the Army with him. Both brothers entering service at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. In 1942, Leroy would enter Aviator Cadet School. He would be reassigned to a Radio/Gunner school in South Dakota. He also would attend training in Barksdale, Louisiana, Texas, and McDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. While in Florida he would be reunited with his brother, Paul. This would be the only time they would see each other throughout their service time.
A memory that brother, James Thomas would share of his brother shows the engineering talent of Leroy. James said, “I remember when I was young and Leroy took a red wagon and rigged up a pulley, belt and gasoline engine to power it. My younger brother, Don, and I would ride around with what may have been the only motorized child’s wagon of the day.”
Leroy would come home while on furlough. His younger brother recalls the time Leroy came home on furlough and after about 3 weeks, Leroy would receive a telegram to, “…report immediately back to base.”
On 5 June 1944, Leroy O. Thomas would report to his assignment in Polebrook, England. This was the home of the 508th Bomber Squadron, 351 AAF Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force. Thomas was assigned to the 508th Bomber Squadron. Leroy would take his first combat flight as a radio operator/gunner on 6 July 1944 and fly missions on 3 consecutive days.
Sgt. Leroy O. Thomas and his crew would participate in bombing runs over France, Belgium, and Germany. Among those missions they would bomb a V-2 installation.
While Sgt. Thomas and crew were aboard their B-17 (Flying Fortress), on a mission to bomb armament plants, they were shot down. This would be Sgt. Thomas’ 19th mission. The B-17, aircraft #4338139, was shot down over Mannheim, Germany, on 5 September 1944. Flak had knocked off a wing causing the plane to crash. Two crewmen were able to exit the aircraft and parachute to safety. The survivors were Rollins Mahoney, Jr., and George Anello. They were taken Prisoner of War. Lt. Mahoney would write to Thomas’ mother after the war.
Sgt. Leroy O. Thomas’ Air Medal
Sgt. Leroy O. Thomas was listed as killed in action on 5 September 1944, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Stadtkreis Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Sgt. Thomas’ remains would be repatriated in 1951. Thomas’ remains would be reinterred in the family plot in Chandler Cemetery, Marseilles, Ohio.
Leroy’s father, Warren S. Thomas, would be instrumental in changing the name of the Veterans Post 3313, in Marion, Ohio, to Geran-Thomas Post No. 3313, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Warren S. Thomas had served with D Company, 166th Infantry in World War One. He served there under Major George T. Geran, whom he highly respected. Thus, he and the Veterans Post 3313 were able to give respects and honor to both George T. Geran and Leroy O. Thomas. The VFW Post 3313 today has on display photos of both Geran and Thomas and also has on loan to them Sgt. Leroy O. Thomas’ Air Medal, Purple Heart and a Citation of Honor, signed by General Henry H. (Hap) Arnold.
The Marion Star dated 8-5-1948
VFW Post Changes Name To Honor Two Veterans
The Marion Veterans of Foreign Wars post, known for many years as Veterans Post No. 3313, has changed its name to Geran-Thomas Post No. 3313, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Two veterans of the two World Wars, the late Major George T. Geran, veteran of World War I, and Sgt. LeRoy O. Thomas, who was killed in action in World War II, were selected by members of the post to be honored in this way. A communication has been received from the national head quarters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars authorizing the Marion post to adopt the new name. In World War I George T. Geran, a member of the post, achieved his distinction while in military service. His death occurred Nov. 29, 1948, here. He was captain of Marion’s D Company, 166th Ohio Infantry in service on the Mexican border in 1914 and later in World War I. He was later promoted to major. Major Geran was a member of several other veterans organizations including Dyer J. Bird Chapter, Rainbow Division of Ohio, having served with this division, Bird-McGinnis Post No. 162, American Legion, having been one of the Paris founders of the American Legion, and also of Marion Voiture No. 48. 40 et 8. Sgt Thomas the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren S. Thomas of 284 Latourette street gave his life in the service of his country during the European conflict. He was killed Sept. 5, 1944 when his Flying Fortress bomber was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire near Viernheim, Germany.
The crew of the B-17 (#4338139) on 5 September 1944, were:
Lt. William Wright, Pilot, Killed in Action (KIA).
2nd Lt. Robert Swanson, Co-Pilot, KIA.
2nd Lt. John Swenson, Navigator, KIA.
2nd Lt. Rollins Mahoney, Jr., Bombardier, Prisoner of War (POW).
SSgt. Andrew Bander, Top Turret Gunner, KIA.
Sgt. George Anello, Ball Turret Gunner, POW.
Sgt. Lewis Cain, Tail Gunner, KIA.
Sgt. Dick Hopper, Right Waist Gunner, KIA.
Sgt. Leroy Thomas, Radio Operator, KIA.
The Thomas family continued a tradition of military service. Paul Thomas would continue to serve and would be stationed during WWII in England, Belgium and France. He would be discharged in 1945. Paul Thomas passed away in 2017 at the age of 95. Leroy’s younger brothers, James Thomas, Donald E. Thomas and David C. Thomas would also proudly serve in the United States military.
Earl Dowell Werts was born in Marion, Ohio, in February 1896. His parents were James Whitfield Werts & Gertrude D. (Carr) Werts. Earl D. Werts attended school in Marion and was employed as a window trimmer at the Jenner store and also worked for the Wells Fargo Express.
Earl D. Werts was drafted in July of 1918, and went to Camp Sherman, Chillicothe. He remained at Camp Sherman and was a Corporal with the Provost Guard. Werts would become ill with the Spanish Flu while at Camp Sherman and succumbed to the illness on 5 October 1918.
Corporal Earl D. Werts is buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery and is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park in Marion, Ohio; and on the World War One Honor Roll, located on the second floor of the Marion County Courthouse.
From The Marion Daily Star dated 10-7-1918
EARL DOWELL WERTS DIES FROM INFLUENZA
Marion Soldier Dies at Camp Sherman Saturday.
Employed for Several Years as Window Trimmer at the Jenner Store.
Earl Dowell Werts died Saturday night at 10:45 o’clock at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe. Death was due to Spanish influenza. Two weeks ago today the young man returned to camp, after a few days’ furlough spent with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Werts, who reside at 274 Edwards street. He was in the best of health at that time.
Young Werts was twenty-two years old last February. He was a member of the provost guard, having left Marion in the July draft. He was incapacitated for overseas duty.
The young man was born in Marion and attended the Marion public schools. For several years he was employed as window trimmer at the Jenner store, on west Center street. At the time of leaving for Camp Sherman young Werts was employed by the Wells Fargo Express company, running between Salamanca and Chicago. Member of Wesley Church.
The young man was a member of Wesley M. E. church. He was also a member of the Marion Lodge of Elks and was well known throughout the city. His parents were notified of his dangerous illness and they went to Camp Sherman Friday, remaining with their son until he passed away. The remains arrived in Marion Monday morning at 10 o’clock and were taken to the home of the parents on Edwards street. Corporal Wiley S. Young accompanied the body to Marion. Besides the parents there are surviving three brothers, Claude S. Werts, of South Prospect street, Floyd and Roslyn Werts and Miss Audrey Werts, who reside at home.
Marion did not begin to get news of casualties from the D-Day Invasion until almost three weeks after the invasion. Families must have been very anxious as they followed the results of the invasion and the move into France. They would be able to follow the units as they moved, but not know of the condition of friends and family until letters were received or articles with reports arrived.
From The Marion Star dated June 26, 1944
First Marion County Casualty in D-Day Invasion Reported
First report of a Marion county casualty in the Allied D-Day invasion was received Saturday afternoon when a telegram from the War department notified Mrs. John W. Daye of 373 Nunin court that her brother, Sgt. Ralph A. “Jay” Porter was seriously wounded in action in France on June 6. A letter will follow, the telegram stated. Reports of other Marion men taking part in the invasion have been received here either officially or in letters.
Sgt. Porter, who was 32, was inducted into service March 24, 1942 and is a glider infantryman. He trained at Fort Bragg, N.C. and in Louisiana, and has been in the European battle area for the last nine months. Before going into service he was employed in the foundry at the Marion Steam Shovel Co. plant. He is the son of William F. Porter of 238 Leader street and has a daughter Virginia Lee Porter, who lives on North Main street. Sgt. Porter’s family heard from him last in April and at that time he was “somewhere in England.” He has two brothers, Clyde Porter of Cass avenue, and Arthur Porter of Portland, Ore., both whom served in World War I, and also is a brother of Mrs. John Smith of Congress street, August Porter of Elgin court, Mrs. Margaret Runkle of Nunin court and Mrs. Bertha Gompf of Lansing, Mich. A sister Mrs. Della Thrush, died last March. Sgt. Porter made his home with his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Deyo
Others Heard From
V-mail letters to The Star from Glenn R. Brunson, 19, seaman first class, USN, and Paul E. Bowman, 19, coxswain, USNR, dated June 12, told of their having taken part in the D-day invasion, and stated it was their first action with the enemy. Coxswain Bowman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bowman of 782 Gill avenue has been overseas since last July. He has a brother, Charles Bowman who is taking his boot training at Great Lakes, Ill. Before going into service Coxswain Bowman was employed at Old Fort Mills. He attended Edison Junior High school. The family heard from him last on June 3.
Seaman Brunson, 19, is the son of Mrs. Irvah Brunson of 279 South State street, and has a brother, Dale Brunson, who is with the U.S. Army in Africa. Mrs. Brunson received two letters from Seaman Brunson dated June 12 in which he told her “not to worry” but did not mention the invasion. He entered service in February 1943 and has been overseas since last July. He also has a brother-in-law, Mitchell Rach, a paratrooper in the armed forces. Seaman Brunson attended Harding High school and before joining the Navy was employed at Snyder’s Gulf station.
Sgt Lowell R. Jack, who is attached to a medical attachment in the European battle area, “came through the invasion without a scratch,” he wrote his wife, Mrs. Jack who makes her home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Jack of 361 Wilson avenue. Letters dated June 10, 12 and 13 have been received by Mrs. Jack. One received today contained some French money, German cigarets and a German corps insignia. Sgt. Jack went overseas the day after Christmas.
Letter from France
James Lingo Jr., 34, son of James Lingo of 317 South Vine street, in a letter received yesterday by his family expressed the opinion that they probably knew as much about the invasion as he did when he wrote from “somewhere in France.” A military police escort guard, he entered service in March 1943 and has been in England since April this year. He entered service from Shelby where his wife is making her home during his absence. Mrs. Lingo’s son, Harold Eugene Thomas, coxswain, U.S. Navy, who has been in service for five years, has been a prisoner of the Japanese forces for more than two years. A letter, written June 28, 1943, was received by his mother last December, and was the last news the family has received. He was 23 years old on Flag Day, June 14, and has spent his last three birthday anniversaries as a prisoner of was.
He also sent Father’s day greetings to his father and asked that the family keep writing as he is always looking for letters from home.
Carl E. Danner, Jr. was born 3 April 1917. He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Danner, Sr. of Marion, Ohio. Carl Danner went by “Junior.” Danner graduated from Harding High School, Class of 1935. Lieutenant Danner was working as an intelligence officer in the Army and was also qualified to check student pilots. 
One of Leroy’s brothers, Paul would join the Army with him. Both brothers entering service at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. In 1942, Leroy would enter Aviator Cadet School. He would be reassigned to a Radio/Gunner school in South Dakota. He also would attend training in Barksdale, Louisiana, Texas, and McDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. While in Florida he would be reunited with his brother, Paul. This would be the only time they would see each other throughout their service time.
Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans 