July 1944
- charliebunton
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
The temperatures have been soaring, creating a vibrant atmosphere as families and children eagerly flock to the bathing beach, which has undergone significant enhancements this summer. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Lions Club, the beloved playground equipment from Seagull Point has been carefully relocated to a newly established Lakeside Park, beautifully situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Huron. This initiative has not only revitalized the area but also provided a safe and enjoyable environment for the community's children. Additionally, Michigan Limestone has generously donated resources to level the beach and remove old, buried logs that had previously posed hazards to swimmers. Heavy sod has been laid down to create a lush, inviting surface, while designated parking spaces have been established to accommodate the influx of visitors. A temporary bathhouse has been erected, providing much-needed facilities for beachgoers. Moreover, a diving platform has been constructed on the foundation of the former Hoeft boathouse, which now serves as an excellent spot for older swimmers, with water depths ranging from seven to nine feet at the platform.
To enhance the experience for younger swimmers, two well-crafted rafts are now anchored between the platform and the shore in shallower waters, serving as delightful islands for them to enjoy. In a commendable effort to ensure safety, a lifeguard will be stationed at the beach during suitable bathing weather from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m., in cooperation with the Coast Guard, providing peace of mind for parents and guardians alike.
The Fourth of July festivities were a grand affair, marked by a lively parade led by the Hammond Bay Coast Guard, followed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, members of the American Legion, and the enthusiastic Boy Scout Troops, all contributing to the celebratory spirit of the day. The event was further enhanced by the arrival of seven amphibian tanks, known as Ducks, at a local bond rally, where hundreds of residents gathered to ride in these fascinating vehicles, all while contributing to the war effort. The day was filled with excitement, featuring children's races that brought laughter and cheers, a pie-eating contest that was fiercely contested and ultimately won by the talented Dorothy Freel, and two thrilling softball games that showcased local talent.
This month, the following brave men have left for Army training camps: John Gregory, Philip Idalski, Peter Savina, Harry Bey, Walter Tulgetske, Harold Wagner, Edgar Zampich, and Fred Dagner.
Jack Florip continues to be held by the German Army at Stalag Luft IV, located near Grosstychow. Remarkably, six weeks after his arrival, he was joined by an unexpected visitor, his fellow classmate Charles Heinzel Jr. Charles, who served as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator, was shot down during a perilous bombing raid on an oil refinery in Moosbierbaum, Austria, on May 24. He was on his tenth combat mission when his bomber developed engine trouble and fell behind the formation. On the return trip, his aircraft was spotted by two enemy fighter planes, which proceeded to strafe it until it caught fire. Tragically, six soldiers in the forward crew perished alongside the bomber. However, Charles and three others in the rear compartment managed to bail out just in time.
As he parachuted down to the ground, a German plane circled overhead, yet miraculously, it flew off without firing a shot. He landed uninjured in a field near a farmhouse and cleverly hid in thick brush nearby. For two tense days, he remained undetected while farmers with shotguns scoured the area in search of him, until he was finally discovered in an abandoned barn and taken into custody. The following morning, he was moved to St. Polten and spent the night in the stockade at an airfield, where he endured the uncertainty of his situation. The next day, he was sent to the interrogation center for questioning, where he was fortunate enough to reunite with two members of his crew, sharing stories of survival and resilience.
From there, he joined Jack Florip at Stalag Luft IV, where the conditions were far from ideal. The men were fed a meager diet consisting primarily of potatoes, kohlrabi, broth, and occasionally meat, though the source of the meat was often questionable, raising concerns about its quality and safety. Their coffee was made from burned barley, a poor substitute that left much to be desired, with soldiers often resorting to eating the leftover grounds for nourishment. The harsh reality of camp life was compounded by the constant nuisance of lice and fleas, which plagues the prisoners, and many battled debilitating diseases such a dysentery and diphtheria, a grim reminder of the struggles they faced in captivity.
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