Gerald H. Mason

Twenty year old Staff Sergeant Gerald H. "Jerry" Mason was killed in action on November 15, 1944, in Germany. He was initially hospitalized on November 6, 1944, but, unfortunately, his wounds proved fatal.

His mother, Mrs. Clara Mason, was notified by the War Department on November 21, 1944, that her son, an infantryman, had been wounded on November 6, and had died on November 15. Jerry's last letter home was dated October 28, 1944. His final furlough back home was in July, 1943.

Jerry was born on January 9, 1924, in Wisconsin Rapids. He attended Saints Peter and Paul Grade School, Lincoln High School, and the now-defunct Witter Vocational School. Before going into the Army, he worked at the Rapids Beverage Company.

Jerry enlisted in the Army in Wisconsin Rapids in September, 1942. He was stationed in Fort Sheridan, and was then sent to Camp Livingston later that September. He was transferred to Camp Gordon in Johnston, Florida, in December, 1942, where he remained until being sent overseas in October, 1943.

Jerry was first in England, and then took part in the D-Day invasion of France. He advanced with the American army through Holland, Belgium, and Germany.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his mother; six sisters: Mrs. Harvey (Dorothy) Kruger, Mrs. Inez O'Brien, Shirley Mason, and Geraldine Mason, all of Wisconsin Rapids; Mrs. R.C. Wirth of Nekoosa, and Mrs. Leroy Holstrom of Appleton; two half-sisters: Mrs. Ray (Inga) Vanroo and Marguerite of Milwaukee; three brothers: Staff Sergeant Howard Mason (who served in the Philippines in World War II) Kenneth Mason of Stevens Point, Edward Mason of Wisconsin Rapids; and a half brother, Lloyd, of Wisconsin Rapids.

Written by: Stephenie Breezee, East Junior High School