Photos - William H. Willhite & Anna Rose Dawson
The only picture I have of William is from the large family group shot. Because he was married before this picture was taken, it is possible that Anna Rose Dawson is one of the unknown women in the picture. I'm guessing the one to the left of #14. William H. Willhite is #15.
WillhiteWeb.com
In the history of Wilson County Kansas, we learn some about William H. Willhite. The first paragraph is really about his father Smith, but the second paragraph is all about William.
Parents of Anna Rose, Jacob Dawson and Rebecca Annie Stewart (Carlisle Cemetery)
It isn't too hard to imagine how these two met. Their parents were neighbors.
The first three pictures below are in the Coyville Cemetery
William Willhite & Anna Dawson
Their son Ralph O. Willhite and his wife Alta Puckett
Ralph & Alta had a daughter Ruby (see obituary below)
Wauneta E Willhite 1915 to ?
Rex Aron Willhite 1916 to 1974
Fay Melva Willhite 1917 to ?
Max Ralph Willhite 1919 to 1943
Ruby Florence Willhite 1921 to 1943
Gerald Wayne Willhite 1930 to 2000
Children of Ralph O. Willhite & Alta Puckett
Max R. Willhite was killed in action during WWII on 8 October 1943, Mission #4 Target: Vegesack
Seventeen aircraft took off for this mission over the heavily defended target which 15 succeeded in bombing. The 576th squadron led the attack and 100# bombs were released through clouds which obscured the primary and observation of results. Two aircraft were forced to turn back prior to target because of mechanical problems. Again enemy fighters were encountered in great numbers some 40-50 single and twin-engine aircraft consisting of the FW-190, ME-109, ME-lb and ME-210 categories. Gunners of the 392nd claimed 6 losses for the German Air Force while the Group suffered the loss of two B-24s, both to fighter attacks. Additionally 12 aircraft in all suffered battle damage due to flak and fighters but all managed to return safely. The grim statistics on this day reflect 22 aircrew casualties 12 KIA, with (p) POW and 1 injured. The mission flight time was 6:00 hours back to Wendling.
CREW POSITIONS AND STATUS:
P l/LT Clifford, William W. KIA
CP 2/LT Schroeder, Harold R. KIA
N 2/LT McLemore, Paul L. KIA
B 2/LT Whitnah, Joseph C. KIA
R/O T/S Willhite, Max R. KIA
EnG T/S Tynes, David D. Jr KIA
NG T/S Zschiesche, Charles E. KIA
WG S/S Cavell, Dominick F. KIA
WG S/S Stevens, Hirschall M. KIA
TG S/S Tweten, Ernest A. KIA
This is a published book that has his name on it. Likely from the 1964 ceremony below.
Letter to the parents of Max inviting them to commencement week.
Letter from the president after the death of Max Ralph Willhite
Max got a teaching diploma before entering the service
Invitation in the letter
In February 2021, the book and papers below were mailed to me after being found in an old box in a home in Kansas City.
Radio Operators and Mechanics Diploma for Pvt. Max R. Willhite
Max may be burried in Coton, South Cambridgeshire District, Cambridgeshire, England