Obit: Vesel, Johan A. (1921 - 1943)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: VESEL

----Sources: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wis.) 11/??/1945

Vesel, Johan A. (22 FEB 1921 - 1943)

Greenwood (Clark Co., Wis.) - Pvt. John A vessel Jr., 22, has been officially declared dead in a message received from the War Department by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Vesel Sr., Greenwood. The message stated that he died at a prisoner of war camp in Osaka, Japan, as a result of cardiac beri beri.

He was reported as missing in action on Corregidor in May 1942, and on April 15, 1942, his parents received a telegram stating that he was a prisoner of war of the Japanese in the Philippines.

In August 1943, he was transferred to Osaka, Japan, where he died several months later.

Pvt. Vesel entered the Army Feb. 3, 1941, at Wausau and was in the Coast Artillery. He trained at Fort McDowell, Angel Island, Calif., and sailed from San Francisco, Calif., March 20, 1941, on the U.S.S. Army Transport Republic, arriving at Manila, Philippine Islands, April 22, 1941.

From there he went to Fort Mills on Corregidor, where he was taken prisoner.

John A. Vesel, son of John and Margaret Vesel, was born Feb. 22, 1921, at Ahmeek, Mich., and came to Greenwood with his parents when he was four months old. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, graduating from the eighth grade. On July 9, 1940, he entered the CCC camp at Perkinstown and remained there until entering service.

Surviving are his parents; four brothers, Bernard of Milwaukee, who has recently received his discharge from the Navy, Raymond of the U.S. navy in the South Pacific, and Robert and Charles at home; and two sisters, Margaret and Josephine, both at home.

A Memorial Requiem High Mass was read Nov. 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church by the Rev. J.J. Novak for Pvt. Vesel.

Following is a letter written by John on Feb. 4, 1942

Dear Folks,

Everything is O.K.  Don't worry about me.  I couldn't write sooner on account of no boats leaving for the United States.  When they told us we could write home, I was very surprised, becamsue I was patiently waiting to send a tlegram that everything is O.K.

I haven't much news of importance.  I haven't seen Richard Hinker since the last time I was in Kanila.

How is everyting and everyone at home?  Please tell all of the neighbors "hello" from me.  I hope you received my last letter.

I suppose you read and heard the present situation here in the Phillippine Islands.  We listen to the radio every night for news from different parts of the world.

We have been sleeping outdoors for the last two months.  Last night it rained for the first time in six months and all our bed clothes got wet.

Well, there isn't anymore news until next time I write, so I will close for now.

I Remain,

Your loving son and brother,

John A. Vesel