The Mt. Adams Sun, Bingen, WA., February 9, 1945, page 1
SAD NEWS OF DEATH RECEIVED BY PARENTS
Mr.
and Mrs. Walter Hunsaker, who were informed last Friday night that their son,
John, had been seriously wounded on January 17 in Belgium, received word Monday
that he had died as a result of the wounds on January 19.
John Hunsaker was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunsaker and was
born and raised in White Salmon; was active in Scouting as a boy and was very
popular as a student at Columbia High School, from which he graduated.
In addition to his parents, and a brother, Harry, who is in the army, his
loss will be sadly felt by his many friends in this vicinity.
The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., February 9, 1945, page 3
THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES
The
White Salmon community was again saddened this week with the news of the death
on the western front of Sergeant John W. Hunsaker. Another fine young man has
given his life for his country.
The previous week news had been received of the death of Paratrooper Philip
Lynch and Pfc. James Dickey, also splendid young men who had grown up in this
community, who had attended the local schools and who had become endeared to all
who had known them for years. All of these boys, splendid young citizens who
have made the supreme sacrifice, will be greatly missed and the entire community
mourns their loss. Words are not available to express the feelings and
sympathies to the bereaved parents and relatives in their hours of sorrow.
The boys were called for duty and they gave their all in their country's
service that all the rest of us may continue to carry on.
The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., February 15, 1945, page 1
“News About The Boys In Service”
A war department telegram was received last week informing Mr. and
Mrs. Walter Hunsaker, White Salmon, of the death of their son, Sergeant John W.
Hunsaker, on January 19th, from wounds received in action on the Belgian front
on January 17th.
A previous telegram had been received by them a few days before
telling that their son had been seriously wounded.
John W. Hunsaker was 19 years of age, born in White Salmon Oct. 1,
1925. He attended schools there and graduated from Columbia high school at the
mid-term last year. He entered the Army in February, 1944 and made the rank of
sergeant last October while in training with an infantry unit in Mississippi.
He was sent overseas, reaching England around Thanksgiving and was there until
Christmas morning when ordered to the Belgian front.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunsaker, and a
brother, Pvt. Harry Hunsaker, now in training with the army at Camp Wolters,
Texas.
The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., February 23, 1945, page 1
MEMORIAL HELD SUNDAY FOR TWO SOLDIER BOYS
A joint memorial service was held Sunday afternoon in the White Salmon
Congregational church in tribute to Sergeant John Walter Hunsaker and Pfc. John
James Dickey, who gave their lives on the western front in Europe. The
impressive service was attended by a large number of people which more than
filled the church.
Taking part in the services were Evan Child's Post No. 87, American Legion,
the local Boy Scouts, Rev. George Jefferson, of the Congregational church and
Rev. B.C. Gallaher of the Methodist church. Vocal and instrumental numbers were
also part of the memorial.
Sergeant Hunsaker was wounded while in action on the Belgian front on
January 17 and died on January 19.
Pfc. Dickey was killed in action on the Belgium front December 29.
The Oregonian, Portland, OR., October 20, 1949, page 10
SHIP
BRINGS WAR DEAD
Bodies Bound For Northwest
The bodies of five Pacific Northwest veterans who lost their lives
during World War II were included among 67 returned to the United States from
Europe aboard the U.S. army transport Kingsport Victory.
Three were returned at request of nearest of kin to Oregon and two
to Washington.
In the following list the names of the war dead are followed by
those of next of kin and address of relative:
OREGON
PFC Walter L. Chyles, army; Mrs. Lillian S. Chyles, 1767 N.E. Bell
drive, Portland.
Pvt. Richard N. Hastings, army; Mrs. Grace Hastings, 932 S. Main
street, Milton.
T/5 Earl G. Roper, army; Mrs. Dora Pearl Roper, 365 Pine street,
Salem.
WASHINGTON
Sgt. John W. Hunsaker, army; Walter B. Hunsaker, White Salmon.
Cpl. Arnold W. Thompson, army; Mrs. Delma W. Speer, 364 4th
avenue, Kirkland.
© Jeffrey L. Elmer
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