Document 1: Receipt of Remains - Day Letter
J.F. Combs Funeral Service, Wayne City, Illinois
Remains of the Late PFC. Harold E. Erkman being shipped to you accompanied by military escort. On train number 1-123 C&EI RR [Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad] leaving Chicago 10:00 pm CST Friday 20 August 1948 and due to arrive Wayne City, Ill., 11:24 am CST Sat. 21 August 1948. Request that you immediately inform the next of kin and make arrangements to accept remains at station upon arrival. Refer to control number 8244.
Carroll J. Grinnell, Lt. Col. QMC
I the undersigned, do hereby acknowledge receipt of the remains of the above named deceased this 21 day of Aug. 1948. Paul J. Schaefer (witness/escort) J.F. Combs (consignee)
Document 2: Disinterment Directive #5260 01823
January 15, 1948, Erkman, Harold E. Serial #659052 Rank PFC, Cemetery: Nettuno, Plot E, Row 30, Grave 641, Italy.
Consignee - J.F. Combs Funeral Service, Wayne City, Illinois
Next of Kin - Henry Erkman (Father), Wayne City, Illinois
Date Disinterred 14 April 1948, Remains, Marker, Organization USA Ground Forces, Religion unknown
Nature of Burial - shroud; Condition of Remains - skeletal; No other means of identification
Remains prepared & placed in casket 20 April 1948 by Leon Mruk, embalmer
Document 3: Record of Custodial Transfer
From: US Military Cemetery Nettuno Italy to Naples Port Morgue by truck by H.J. Sevedge 1 Lt. QMC
From: Naples Port Morgue to USAT Carrroll Victory by truck by Walter Thomas, Capt. QMC
From: Naples, Italy to New York PE by USAT Carroll Victory by James McKinnon for Colonel, T.C. Port Transportation Officer
From: NYPE to DC08 by train by Sgt. Samuel B. Wax, USMC
Document 4: Inspection Checklist
Erkman, Harold E., PFC, 6659052
Condition of shipping case - satisfactory
Casket - General appearance (check only discrepancies) - finish (exterior)
Condition of Casket - satisfactory
Remarks - scratched rim
Casket repaired - Abner Moutrie
8:15 am, 8/20/1948
Document 5: Telegram
Wayne City, Ill. July 2, 1948 12:15P
Chicago QM Depot
Control number 8244, PFC Harold E. Erkman no change in plans
Henry Erkman 1:33 PM
Received Signal Center Jul 2, 2:42 PM '48
Document 6: Messageform
Day Letter - Western Union
Henry Erkman, Wayne City, Illinois
This headquarters advised remains of late PFC Harold E. Erkman are enroute to United States. Records of this office indicate you wish remains delivered to J.F. Combs Funeral Service, Wayne City, Illinois. Please confirm above delivery instructions within 48 hours or submit new delivery instructions by telegram collect to Chicago Quartermaster Depot Chicago Illinois. This is your final opportunity to change delivery instructions at government expense. Impossible to give you definite delivery date. Three days prior to shipment from this depot your funeral director will be notified by telegram of rail routing and scheduled time of arrival at railroad station where he will be requested to accept remains accompanied by military escort and to inform you to complete funeral arrangements. Your cooperation will greatly assist this office. If you desire military honors at funeral you should request local patriotic or veterans organization to make arrangements. In telegram reply refer to control number 8244 and name of deceased.
Carroll J. Grinnell, Lt. Colonel QMC, July 1, 1948
Document 7: Certificate
Request for Reimbursement of Interment Expenses
Decedent: Erkman, Harold E., PFC, 6659052, US Army
I certify that the sum of $75.00 was paid by me from personal funds in connection with the interment of the remains of the above named decedent in the below named cemetery. Sep. 2, 1848
Thomason Cemetery, Wayne City, Ill.
Claimant: Henry Erkman, Wayne City, Illinois, Father, 8/22/1948
Explanation of Part A - Civilian or Private Cemetery
- When the remains are delivered for interment in a civilian or private cemetery, you are responsible for paying all interment expenses. In this connection, you are entitled to the allowance mentioned in paragraph 2 below.
- An amount not to exceed $75 is allowed by the government toward actual interment expenses when final interment of the remains is in a private or civilian cemetery. No allowance is authorized toward interment expenses when interment is in a national or post cemetery.
- The $75 maximum allowance by the government toward interment expenses includes but is not limited to the payment of one or more of the following items: hearse hire from the railroad station to your home, the funeral home, church, cemetery, or any other place designated by you; vault; church services; newspaper notices; transportation for friends and relatives to and from cemetery; and the services of a funeral director.
- Reimbursement by the government is made only to the person who paid from his personal funds the expenses of or incident to interment in a private or civilian cemetery. Receipted bills are not required to accompany this form. Any expenses over and above $75 maximum must be borne by the person who incurred or paid the additional expenses.
Document 8: Request for Disposition of Remains
Pfc. Harold E. Erkman, 6 659 052
Plot E, Row 30, Grave 641
United States Military Cemetery
Nettuno, Italy
6 March 1947
I, Henry Erkman, Father, having familiarized myself with the options which have been made available to me with respect to the final resting place of the deceased designated above, now do declare that it is my desire that the remains:
2. be returned to the United States or any possession or territory thereof for interment by next of kin in a private cemetery Thomason Cemetery, Wayne City, Illinois.
The name of the deceased, the serial number and grade are correct except for the following changes: (If no corrections are necessary, indicate this fact by inserting the word "None" in the space below.) correct
DD Processed 1/23/1948
9/11/1947 Gallagher
I, as the next of kin, do further declare that I desire the remains to be sent to the following funeral director who has agreed to receive them.
J.F. Combs Funeral Service, Wayne City, Wayne Co., Illinois
Express Office - Wayne City, Ill.
Telegraph Address - Wayne City, Illinois
Telephone No. 40
I, the undersigned, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that the statements made by me in the foregoing document are full and true to the best of my knowledge and belief, Henry Erkman, Wayne City, Illinois.
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me according to law by the above-named applicant this 13th day of March 1947 at Wayne City, Wayne Co., Illinois, J.F. Combs, Notary Public
Document 9: Letter
Pfc. Harold E. Erkman 6 659 052
Plot E, Row 30, Grave 641
United States Military Cemetery
Nettuno, Italy
6 March 1947
Mr. Henry Erkman
Wayne City, Illinois
Dear Mr. Erkman:
The people of the United States, through the Congress have authorized the disinterment and final burial of the heroic dead of World War II. The Quartermaster General of the Army has been entrusted with this sacred responsibility to the honored dead. The records of the War Department indicate that you may be the nearest relative of the above-named deceased, who gave his life in the service of his country.
The enclosed pamphlets, "Disposition of World War II Armed Forces Dead," and "American Cemeteries," Explain the disposition, options and services made available to you by your Government. If you are the next of kin according to the line of kinship as set forth in the enclosed pamphlet, "Disposition of World War II Armed Forces Dead," you are invited to express your wishes as to the disposition of the remains of the deceased by completing Part I of the enclosed form "Request for Disposition of Remains." Should you desire to relinquish your rights to the next in line of kinship, please complete Part II of the enclosed form. If you are not the next of kin, please complete Part III of the enclosed form.
If you should elect Option 2, it is advised that no funeral arrangements or other personal arrangements be made until you are further notified by this office.
Will you please complete the enclosed form, "Request for Disposition of Remains" and mail in the enclosed self-addressed envelope, which requires no postage, within 30 days after its receipt by you? Its prompt return will avoid unnecessary delays.
Sincerely,
Thomas B. Larkin
Major General
The Quartermaster General
Document 10: Lettter
QMGMR 293
Erkman, Harold E.
ASN 6 659 052
18 February 1947
Mr. Henry Erkman
Wayne City, Illinois
Dear Mr. Erkman:
Inclosed herewith is a picture of the United States Military Cemetery Nettuno, Italy, in which your son, the late Private First Class Harold E. Erkman, is buried.
It is my sincere hope that you may gain some solace from this view of the surroundings in which your loved one rests. As you can see, this is a place of simple dignity, neat and well cared for. Here, assured of continuous care, now rest the remains of a few of those heroic dead who fell together in the service of our country.
This cemetery will be maintained as a temporary resting place until, in accordance with the wishes of the next of kin, all remains are either placed in permanent American cemeteries overseas or returned to the Homeland for final burial.
Sincerely yours,
G.A. Horkan
Brigadier General, QMC Assistant
Document 11: Letter
QMGMR 314.6
Graves Registration
(Mediterranean, U.S. Misc.)
18 Dec. 1946
Subject: Burial Records
To: Commanding Officer
American Graves Registration Service
Mediterranean Theater Separate Zone Command - MTOUSA
APO 794, c/o Postmaster
New York, New York
1. Request the burial reports and grave markers for the following decedents, interred in the United States Military Cemetery Nettuno, Italy, be changed to read as follows:
Name - Rank/Grade - Serial No. - Plot - Row - Grave - Date of Death
Drobniewski, Chester G. Pfc, 36 296 704, 2-B, 58, 3859, [no date of death]
Dunford, Richard B. Pvt, 35 708 646, 2-Q, 38, 5782, 3 June 1944
Engstrom, Henry D. Pfc, 31 344 901, 2-G 62, 4481, 31 May 1944
Ervin, George F. Jr. Pfc, 34 722 093, 2-E, 52, 3786, 27 May 1944
Ervin, Bill E. S/Sgt, 20 837 728, H, 39, 1040, [no date of death]
Erlandson, Roy W. Cpl, 37 027 468, 2-F, 63, 4353, 30 May 1944
Erkman, Harold E. Pfc 6 659 052, E, 30, 641 [no date of death]
Ensign, Glenn E. Pvt, 36 484 561, U, 34, 2851, 24 April 1944
Flanigan, James E. Pfc, 36 213 105, R, 30, 2372, 29 Feb. 1944
2. The records of this office have been reverified with the records of The Adjutant General, War Department, and have been found to be correct as indicated above.
For the Quartermaster General:
Martin G. Riley
Major, QMC Assistant
Document 12: Registration Records Branch
16 Dec. 1946, Erkman, Harold E. Pfc 6659052, Cemetery: Nettuno, Italy, Plot E, Row 30, Grave 641, Letter: Field Rank, E. Katy special checker
Assigned to: Capt. Putney, 8/27
Assigned to: Lt. Colonel Gagne, 9/10, estimated completion: (11/10), 12/1, 50% completed
Assigned to: Mrs. Mullen, 9/30, estimated completion: (11/1), 11/20, 100% completed
Assigned to: Lt. Colonel Gagne, 10/3, estimated completion: 11/15 (11/29), 90% completed
[part of this document is missing, I don't know why.]
Document 13: Letter
293 Erkman, Harold E.
SPQYG
27 August 1945
Mr. Henry Erkman
Wayne City, Illinois
Dear Mr. Erkman:
The War Department is most desirous that you be furnished the burial location of your son, the late Private First Class Harold E. Erkman.
The records of this office disclose that he is interred in the American Military Cemtery, Nettuno, Italy, plot E, row 30, grave 641.
This cemetery is located approximately 32 miles south of Rome, Italy, and is under the constatnt care and supervision of United States military personnel.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your son.
Sincerely yours,
E.B. Gregory
Lieutenant General
The Quartermaster General
Graves Registration Section, Aug. 27, 4:23 PM '45, Memorial Division
Document 14: Packing Slip
Harold E. Erkman 6659052 T-41
Edna Erkman, 402 Walnut Street, Evansville, Ind.
Erkman, Harold E. Rank: Unknown, Organization: Co. A, 157 Inf. 45 Div.
Killed in Action - Yes
Date: Est. 11 Feb. 1944
Battle Area: Anzio
Place of Burial: Amer. Mil. Cem. Nettuno, Italy
Point of Coordination: F883189 1/50,000
Contents Belonged to Deceased Soldier
Document 15: Summary Court-Martial
Case No. 53535 B rg, Date: 27 Nov. 1944
Subject: Report of transactions in disposing of the effects of Harold E. Erkman, late a Private First Class, who died on the 11th day of Feb. 1944, at North African Area.
Finding: Before a Summary Court-Martial which convened at Kansas City, Missouri, on 21 Nov. 1944, pursuant to Special Orders 228, Headquarters, KCQM Depot, dated 25 September 1943, the application or affidavit of Mrs. Edna M. Erkman for the effects of the above-named deceased soldier, or person subject to military law, now in the possession of the United States, with other relevant evidence, was duly considered;
Whereupon, this Summary Court-Martial finds that, under the provisions of A.W. 112, Trixie Ann Erkman of 602 Walnut, Evansville, Indiana is the daughter of the above-named decedent and appears to be entitled to receive his or her effects.
John R. Murphy, Colonel, QMC
Document 16: Letter
November 27, 1944
Mrs. Edna M. Erkman
602 Walnut
Evansville, 9, Indiana
Dear Mrs. Erkman,
This has reference to our previous correspondence in connection with disposal of the personal effects of your son, Private First Class Harold E. Erkman. The Letters of Guardianship which you submitted to this Bureau for inspection are returned herewith.
These effects are being forwarded to Miss [Trixie] Erkman in your care.
If, by any chance, the property has not reached you at the expiration of thirty days from this date, please notify me and tracer will be instituted.
The action of this Bureau in transmitting personal effects does not, of itself, vest title in the recipient. Such property is forwarded for distribution according to the laws of the state of the soldier's legal residence.
I wish to express my sympathy in the loss of your son,
F.A. Eckhardt
Captain, QMC Assistant
Document 17: Letters of Guardianship
State of Indiana, Vanderburgh County, sct:
To Whom these Presents shall come, Greeting:
I, J. Edgar Sachs, Clerk of the Vanderburgh Probate Court, within and for the County of Vanderburgh, in the State of Indiana, do hereby certify that Edna May Erkman has been duly appointed by the Vanderburgh Probate Court of said County, Guardian of the person and estate of Trixie Ann Erkman.
Said Guardianship to extend until said minor shall arrive at lawful age, and the said Edna May Erkman having duly qualified and given bond as such Guardian, is duly authorized to take upon herself the performance of the duties of the trusts of such Guardianship according to law.
Witness, my hand and seal of said Court, at Evansville, Indiana, this 6th day of April, 1944.
J. Edgar Sachs {Seal}, Clerk of Vanderburgh Probate Court
State of Indiana, Vanderburgh County:
I, J. Edgar Sachs, Clerk of the Probate Court, within and for said County and State, the same being a Court of Record, and having probate jurisdiction, hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and complete copy of the Letters of Guardianship granted and issued to Edna May Erkman on the person and estate of Trixie Ann Erkman and that said letters are still in force, and all the legal acts of said Guardian entitled to full faith and credit, as fully appears from the records of said Court in my custody and on file in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, and affix the seal of said Court at Evansville, Indiana, this 18th day of November 1944.
/s/ J. Edgar Sachs, Clerk
/s/ by Edna S. Helming, Deputy
Certified True Copy - G.H. Galvin, Jr., Captain QMC
Document 18: Letter
November 14, 1944
Mrs. Edna M. Ekrman
602 Walnut
Evansville 9, Indiana
Dear Mrs. Erkman:
Thank you for the information furnished the Army Effects Bureau in connection with disposal of the personal effects of your son, Private First Class Harold E. Erkman.
This Bureau is obliged to dispose of property in accordance with the 112th Article of War, under which a child of a deceased soldier has prior right to receipt of property. Therefore, to enable proper right of receipt of property. Therefore, to enable proper disposal of the property now in our custody, please furnish the original or a certified copy of Letters of Guardianship for Trixie Ann Erkman, minor daughter of Private Erkman, for examination by this Bureau. Any papers furnished will be returned to you as soon as possible.
For your convenience in replying, there is inclosed an addressed envelope which needs no postage.
Yours very truly,
F.A. Eckhardt, Captain QMC Assistant
Document 19: Letter
602 Walnut (9)
Evansville, Ind.
Nov. 7th, 1944
F.A. Eckhardt
c/o Kansas City Quartermaster Depot
Kansas City, Mo.
Sir:
Received your letter stating you had some personal property of my son Private First Class Harold E. Erkman.
He had been married but his wife passed away in July 1940 leaving a daughter Trixie Ann who is now 4 1/2 years old. The Indiana Court appointed me guardian. His father and I were divorced twenty three years ago, he always made his home with me.
His father's name is Henry Erkman who lives in Wayne City, Ill.
No will was left by my son, but he had about $3000.00 personal insurance made to his daughter and some of his Government insurance the other to me.
In regards to the knife, I think I would like to have it sent too. I have been able to take it so far and I believe i can stand it so include it with his other things.
Trusting this information desired and I am the proper recipient.
Yours very truly,
Mrs. Edna M. Erkman
Document 20: Letter
November 2, 1944
Mrs. Edna M. Erkman
602 Walnut Street
Evansville, Indiana
Dear Mrs. Erkman:
The Army Effects Bureau has received from overseas some personal property of your son, Private First Class Harold E. Erkman.
To make proper disposition of this property, it is necessary that we have certain information regarding your son's family. I would like to know whether he was married and, if so, the name and address of his widow; also the name and address of his father if he is living.
If your son left a Will which has been probated, please furnish the original or a certified copy of the Letters Testamentary. Any papers submitted will be returned to you as soon as possible.
It is regretted that one item, a knife, included in this property, is damaged; apparently it is bloodstained. In the event it is determined that you are the proper recipient, we would appreciate your advising whether it is your desire that the knife be forwarded with the other property.
Please mail your reply in the inclosed self-addressed envelope which needs no postage, as this will accelerate delivery of the property.
Yours very truly,
F.A. Eckhardt, Captain QMC Assistant
Document xx: Personal Effects Bureau Inventory
Deceased - x
Erkman, Harold E. No. 4239, Inventory Date: 8/3/1944, Case No. 53535
Effects of Harold E. Erkman, Rank: Unknown, 6659052, Co. A., 157 Infantry, 45 Division
1 knife - bloodstained
1 ring
1 nail clipper
1 service ribbon with 2 stars
3 souvenir coins
1 chain w/ religious material
Nearest Relative:
Edna Erkman
Document 21: Report of Death
21 March 1944
Erkman, Harold E. 6 659 052, PFC, Wayne City, Illinois, Infantry
Date of Birth: 23 June 1916, Place of Death: North African Area, Cause of Death: Killed in Action; Date of Death 11 Feb. 1944; Station of Deceased: North African Area;
Date of Entry on Current Active Service: 15 Oct. 1940; Length of Service for Pay Purposes; 6 Years, 4 Months, 26 Days
Emergency Contact: Mrs. Edna M. Erkman, mother, 602 Walnut Street, Evansville, Indiana
Beneficiary Name, Relationship & Address:
Edna Erkman, mother, address shown above
Henry Erkman, father, Wayne City, Ill.
Investigation - No; Line of Duty - Yes; Own Misconduct - No; Was Deceased on Duty - Yes; In Flying Pay Status - No
Battle, J.W. Reinhart, Adjutant General
Mar 22 4:09 pm '44, Memorial Division
Document 22: Report of Burial
Restricted Confidential, Report of Burial, March 16, 1944
Erkman, Harold E. 6659052, white
PFC Co. A, 157th Inf. 45 Div., Army, USA
Place of Death: F837318, Date of Death: 11 Feb. 1944, Cause of Death: KIA Shell Fragment Rt. Side, Religion: Unknown
Means of Identification
Identification tags found on body - yes
List of Personal Effects found on Body and disposition of same: knife, ring, nail clipper, campaign bar, 5 souv[enir] coins, 3 religious medals, to effects to QM.
Name of Emergency Addressee: Edna Erkman, 602 Walnut St., Evansville, Ind.
Time & Date of Burial: 10.00 Hrs., 16 Feb. 1944, Amer. Mil. Cem. Nettuno, Italy F883189 1/50,000
Plot: E, Row: 30, Grave: 641, King Grave Markers: Temp. Wood; Type of Religious Ceremony: General Service
Identification Tag buried with body - yes; Identification tag attached to marker - yes.
Bodies buried on either side Right Side: Hunt, Henry (NMI [no middle initial]) 34466384, Pfc Co. A, 157th Inf. 45 Div. Grave: 640.
Left side: Stutts, Ralph V., 34673762, Pvt, Co. A, 179th Inf. 45th Div., Grave 642
T.W. Ferguson, S/Sgt, QMC, Officer Reporting Burial; Walter Rajca, 1st Lt. QMC, 48th QM GR
Instructions of Burial
- Preparation of Body: Have body examined by member of Medical Department whenever possible. Remove all personal property; remove one identification tag, leave other on body in protected position (in case of enemy dead, leave 1/2 tag on body, forward 1/2 with personal effects). If no tag present make notation of identifying data on form, protect in sealed bottle, canteen, spent shell, or best available container, and bury with remains. If unidentified, take fingerprints of both hands; if this is not possible fill out tooth-chart and note height, weight, color of eyes, and hair, tattoo marks, birthmarks, etc., and other data as serial no. of weapon, laundry marks, where body found, etc. Wrap body in shelter half, mattress cover, or blanket when available.
- Burial: Dig grave of a depth of five feet (hasty battlefield burials, to sufficient depth to prevent elements from exposing the body). Place only one body in a grave. Dig graves, side by side, row behind row.
- Marking of Grave: Fasten identification tag to temporary name peg and place at head of grave. For enemy dead, write data on peg. When pegs are not available, copy data on a piece of paper, place in bottle, spent shell, or other receptacle, seal tightly and place so as to mark and identify grave. If identification tag cannot be fastened to peg or placed in container, do not leave at grave but forward with report of burial. If only one tag is found on body, it should be buried with body. The information thereon should be written on marker or placed in container at head of grave. Do not use weapons or helmets to mark graves.
- Location of Grave: Report burials in established cemeteries by plot, row and grave number (or show on cemetery map). For all other burials prepare sketch in space provided below; and give location by means of map references, or by reference to prominent permanent landmarks. Information must specific, accurate, complete. Stand at foot of grave facing head to determine bodies buried to left and right.
- Personal Effects: List only personal effects taken from body on the Burial Report form. Place these with information as to identity of owner, organization, emergency addressee, in personal effects bag, or wrap in handkerchief, towel, or other available material, and turn over to Grave Registration Service Personnel with report of burial. Government property is not to be included in personal effects but is to be turned in to Salvage Collecting Point.
Document 23: Inventory of Effects
Erkman, Harold E. 6659052, late a Unk. (grade) Co. A, 157 Inf. 45 Div. who died on the Est. 11 day of Feb. 1944.
Articles: knife, ring, nail clipper, campaign bar, 5 souvenir coins, 3 religious medals.
To Effects QM, Kansas City, Mo. Effects removed from body of deceased.
Walter Rajca, 1st Lt. QMC , Italy, 3/3/1944
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