Historical society talks of WWII losses

Houston County, back in 1945, lost 18 men who fought in WWII. On Tuesday, the Perry Area Historical Society hosted an event in honor of Veterans Day and to learn about the county’s local heroes.

Col. Jeff Brett was the guest speaker for the evening. Brett is a native of Perry, graduated the U.S. Air Force Academy and has so far served 25 years.

“I must confess,” he said, “when putting this presentation together, sadly there wasn’t much information recorded on these men. What we do know of the 18 men are: some were Killed In Action, Missing In Action, and others died from non-battle (causes).”

Brett proceeded by presenting what he found on each soldier.

“A soldier who we do have a good bit of information on is Private 1st Class Walter B. Whitten,” he said. “Whitten was from Perry, served in the Army-Air Force, and was a part of the 27th bomb group. He died from malaria during the forced March of Batan.”

Ellie Loudermilk, president of the Historical Society, shared an item donated to the Historical Museum from Whitten’s family.

“Walter’s brother Otis, shortly after the museum opened, donated the telegram that was sent to their mother and a picture of him,” said Loudermilk. “He is also buried here (in Perry) at Evergreen Cemetery.”

Ending the presentation, Brett listed some names for which he had no information.

“We know these men were from Houston County. We know their name and rank, but that’s it,” he said.

The names are Clinton Benson, William Cawthon, Walter Dickerson, Jack Kaigler, Cleo Pennymon, James Reed and Clarence Tucker.

“If anyone has information on these men or any information on those whom we haven’t discovered, please contact the Historical Society,” said Brett.

If you have any information or would like to donate to the society you can e-mail: info@perryhistoricalsociety.org or call 478-224-4442.

HHJ News