Harold L. Hodge
Source: An unknown newspaper, probably the Adams County Times Letters to the Editor Dear sir: I am sending a letter that I received from the army of Captain Harold Hodge's death, on Dec. 6th 1950. Was so in hopes that he could come home, as he had almost 3 years in Japan, time almost up, would have been in May 1951. What a pity, for one so young and so much crowded into his life at 28 years--two wars and a paratrooper rating besides high school and two years of college. He was in Japan, training men for combat when he was called into Korea, was in reserve in the hills when the surprise attack came. They were not prepared for it, so it was the cause of many lives lost. He had several medal and ribbons to his credit. I sure know what war means, as I had four boys in World War 2, one, Melvin had the purple heart for going through the Bulge, Harold on Anzio Beach head, Arthur and George in the Philippines. After all that, then to lose Harold in Korea! I only hope and pray that in some way they can get this troubled world of ours straightened out again without another war. I want to thank all of the people who have been so kind and considerate in these trying times. Their kind words and deeds have been greatly appreciated. I don't know what I would have done without the faith and God's help. Sincerely, Mrs. Stella Hodge, Friendship, Wis. Rt. 1.Source: An unknown newspaper, probably the Adams County Times Parent Notified Of Son's Death While in Korea Mrs. Stella Hodge of Friendship has received the following letter from Army headquarters in Washington. Since the time her son was reported missing, she and her husband had put off the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary until their son came home. Mr. Hodge died two weeks ago. Department of the Army Office of the Adjutant General Washington, 25, D.C. 31 December 1953 Mrs. Stella Hodge Route 1 Friendship, Wisconsin Dear Mrs. Hodge: Since your son, Captain Harold L. Hodge, 01683521, Artillery, was reported missing in action on 6 December 1950, the Department of the Army has entertained the hope that he survived and that information would be received dispelling the uncertainty surrounding his absence. However, as in many cases, no information has been received to clarify his status. Full consideration has been given to all information bearing on the absence, including all records, reports and circumstances. These have been carefully reviewed and considered. In view of the lapse of time without information to support a continued presumption of survival the Department of the Army must terminate such absence by a presumptive finding of death. Accordingly, an official finding of death has been recorded under the provisions of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, approved March 7, 1942, as amended. The finding does not establish an actual or probably date of death. However, as required by law it includes a presumptive date of death for the termination of pay and allowances, settlement of accounts and payment of death gratuities. In this case this date has been set as 31 December 1953. I regret the necessity for this message but hope that the ending of a long period of uncertainty may give at least some small measure of consolation. I trust that you may find sustaining comfort in the realization that your loved one made the supreme sacrifice while serving honorably in our country's cause. Sincerely yours, WM. D. BERGIN Major General, USA The Adjutant General
Source: An unknown newspaper, probably the Adams County Times Confirm Death of Harold L. Hodge Mrs. Stella Hodge, Route 1, Friendship, recently received fresh word that her son Harold L. was killed in Korea Dec 6, 1950. The letter, from John A. Klein, Adjutant General of the U.S. Army said, "I am referring to the letter of 31 December 1953 in which you were informed that a presumptive finding of death had been made in the case of your son Captain Harold L. Hodge." "Information has now been received that your son was killed in action in Korea on 6 December 1950, the same date that he was reported missing in action. The records of this office are being amended and an official report of death has been issued."
Photo of Harold Hodge in UniformSpecial thanks to Bob Schieber for typing these obits and sending the photo from an old newspaper. This page is maintained by Joan and was last updated July 2006 Back to the Adams County menu page
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