178 men and women from the Arenzville community served during World War II – the largest mobilisation this community had ever seen.
Some came from the same families that had sent men to the Civil War and World War I. The Burrus family sent seven sons. Four Charlesworths served. Four Zulaufs. Five members of the Peck family. Among those who served were also women – Mary Jane Looker, Letha Lovekamp, Mable Jean Peck, Rosemere Peck, Ruth Stamper, and others .
One member of this community, Louis Kloker, made the ultimate sacrifice and did not return.
U.S. Army
John Roegge served 32 months overseas with the 15th Evacuation Hospital Unit, working in the sterilization unit and operating room. Departing Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, he sailed to North Africa in February 1943, serving in Algeria and Tunisia before supporting Allied forces during the Sicilian Campaign. His unit gained historic notoriety on August 3, 1943, when General George S. Patton visited the hospital — the occasion of the infamous ‘slapping incident.’
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and Korea. He was a Staff Sergeant and was trained as an Army nurse.
