Obit: Clouse, Elmer (1918 - 1946)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Clouse, March, Hardrath, Schleeve

----Sources: Scrap book three: by Gertrude Wittlinger Becker

Contributed by Halbert "Bud" Hardrath

Clouse, Elmer (21 Sept. 1918 - 18 May 1946)

PVT. ELMER CLOUSE IS KILLED ON LUZON

Father of Three Is Second Serviceman From Loyal Lost in War

Loyal - Pvt. Elmer F. Clouse, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Clouse, whose wife and three children reside at Loyal, was killed in action on Luzion May 18, according to a War Department telegram received by his wife Tuesday.

He was a member of the 271st Replacement Company and had left the States and later part of March. He entered the Army July 26, 1944, trained at Camp Fannin, Texas, and was home on furlough in February.

The serviceman was born Sept. 21, 1918, and was married Dec. 12, 1939, to Rita Schleeve, who survives with three children, Diana 5, Wayne 3, and Thomas 1.

Also surviving besides his parents of Loyal are six brothers, Hugh of Loyal, Staff Sgt. Allan W. with the Army in Germany and overseas for 42 months, Pfc. Glenn F. with the Army in Hawaii and overseas for 18 months, Alvin L., seaman, first class, serving in the Pacific with the Navy the past 18 months, and Dale and James, both at home; and two sisters, Mrs. Maybelle March, Loyal; and Mrs. Aldon Hardrath, Owen, Wis.

Pvt. Clouse is the second serviceman from Loyal to have been killed in action in World War II, Staff Sgt. Arthur J. Helm having been killed April 10 in Germany.

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LETTER FROM CHAPLAIN TELLS HOW PVT. CLOUSE MET DEATH ON LUZON

The following letter, written by Capt. Austin N. Hannon, chaplain of the 152nd Infantry Regiment, was received this week by Mrs. Rita Clouse of Loyal.

"It must have been a great shock to you to learn of the death of your husband, Pvt. Elmer F. Clouse. Let me offer you my heartfelt prayer that over Divine Lord, the Man of Sorrows, may be your comforter in this great trial."

"On May 18, 1945, fighting was taking place in the vicinity of Baranka, Rizal Provine, Luzon, P. I. Elmer was with his company in the mountains east of Manila. While the company was in a perimeter, it was attacked by the enemy. During the action flying shrapnel struck him, and he was instantly killed."

"Elmer was laid to rest in United States Armed Forces Cemetery No. 2 in Manila, where his grave is Nov. 1 - 250 in row No. 10. I celebrated a requiem mass for him and conducted the services at the grave."

"Even through the pain of separation I am sure you will feel justifiable pride in the thought that your husband measured up to the highest standards of nobility and generosity. The officers and men of his unity held him in highest esteem and have been saddened by his death. May have expressed the wish to attend a mass for him, and this will be arranged as soon as conditions permit."

"I hope and pray that you will draw comfort from the words of the preface of the requiem mass: ‘Life is changed, not taken away; and an eternal dwelling is heaven is obtained.’

"God bless and comfort you, now and always!"

* * * * A MESSAGE FROM MARSHALL

A message received by Mrs. Elmer F. Clouse of Loyal from the headquarters of Gen George C. Marshall, chief of staff, concerning her late husband, stated "Gen. Marshall extends his deep sympathy in your bereavement. Your husband fought valiantly in a supreme hour of his country’s need. His memory will live in the grateful heart of our nation." Pvt. Clouse, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Clouse, whose wife and three children live at Loyal, was killed in action on Luzon May 18.

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World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas Record Name: Elmer F Clouse Inducted From: Wisconsin Rank: Private Combat Organization: 152nd Infantry 13th Division Death Date: May 18 1946 Monument: Fort William Mckinley, Manila, the Philippines Last Known Status: Buried U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal