| Kenneth L. Pearson - Signal Corp |
| June 15, 2011 |
| Originally established as Camp Crowder south of Neosho, Missouri in 1941, the post was to serve as an armor training center. The U.S. Army selected the Neosho site for the base because of its proximity to water, railroads, and highways.[1] As it was constructed, it was re-designated as a U.S. Army Signal Corps training center. WACs in mess hall at Camp Crowder.It was named for Enoch Crowder, a Missouri general who was instrumental in developing the draft for World War I and the Selective Service. The post also served as an infantry replacement center and had a small German prisoner of war detention facility. By 1943 the army had acquired 42,786.41 acres (173 km2) in Newton and McDonald Counties. Writers for the 1960s-era The Dick Van Dyke Show, made the post the setting where Rob and Laura Petrie, portrayed by actors Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, met; Rob was a sergeant in Special Services and Laura was a USO dancer. Cartoonist Mort Walker was also stationed there and drew inspiration for Camp Swampy of his Beetle Bailey comic strip. Jean Shepherd featured many stories of his time at Camp Crowder in various monologues. The post is also notable as the birthplace of landmark LabVIEW programmer Michael Porter. |
| The United States Army Signal Corps develops, tests, provides, and manages communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined arms forces. It was established in 1860, the brainchild of United States Army Major Albert J. Myer, and has had an important role from the American Civil War through the current day. Over its history, it had the initial responsibility for a number of functions and new technologies that are currently managed by other organizations, including military intelligence, weather forecasting, and aviation. |
| Excerpts of correspondence from PFC Kenneth L. Pearson of the 166th Signal Photo Corp to Egyptian newsletter staff member Helen Steward …. The letters were sent to the son of PFC Kenneth L. Pearson, Dennis L. Pearson, by Gloria Fischl of Coplay PA the daughter of Helen Stewart in a packet postmarked July 17, 2003 after her mother died.. February 27, 1945 “I am somewhere in Luxembourg and the weather is pretty good right now. But we did have plenty of snow this winter but now it is all melted…I also want to thank the Lord for keeping me (safe) this far and if you trust in him you have nothing to fear about … I know he does answer prayer because he has helped me out time and time again…Everything is running along smoothly forward, if it keeps up the war in this side will not last to much longer. April 7, 1945 “Dropping you a few lines letting you know that I received every one of my Egyptian copies that I am entitled to have …I meant to write to you sooner but due to the fast process of the war I didn’t have time to do so .. I enjoy these copies very much for I find them most interesting and the news is excellent ...I am now somewhere in Germany and the weather is rather chilly for this time of the year…” May 5, 1945 “I have been quite busy these days since the big push has carried us all the away across Germany. I have been lucky so far due to the prayers from the home front…I manage to read a little of my Bible each day no matter how busy I am. I myself believe the war with Germany will be over by the middle of this month. This should prove that the Yanks on the Western Front are living up to their good American record … By the help of the Egyptian I found out where my good friend Donald Reitz is and also feel better to know that he is safe and well.” May 26, 1945 “ I sure like reading in the Egyptian what is going on back in little Egypt … That is why I can’t wait until I receive the next issue because that is what I find in the book. It urges you work that much more to get I over in a hurry knowing that each and every one is doing his part back in Egypt … I have moved again since I wrote to you last; and this time we are close to the Austrian border…We are in an immense big house in a valley surrounded on all sides by huge mountains June 20, 1945 “I am still in Germany but it is a military secret what will happen to me now. I haven’t enough points to be discharged because my total is 66 and a possibility of having 76 points is not yet credited for the two new battle stars. So Helen you can make your conclusions what will be my future duty in the army.” July 17, 1945 “I have traveled a long way back since I wrote to you last. I am now located at Camp New Orleans in France. This place reminds me like the weather in California. Very hot during the day time and at night a little cool so that it is very nice sleeping,. The only thing wrong is that it is very dusty and dry. We could stand a good rain to settle the dust. … Next month I will have eighteen months overseas and I don’t expect to be back in the States for another year or so. “ August 14, 1945 …. From Camp New Orleans in France “We aren’t doing much of anything right now besides little details and going out on passes …I guess you and everybody else all over the world are anxious to see what Japan’ s reply is … I hope it is for the good because each and every one in the service will be home quicker to our families and loved ones … I pray and hope that this will be the end of all wars … We can praise God for the wonderful way he has protected our young men and young women in the service… Well in closing I want to thank each and every member for making the Egyptian possible … have each and every one in prayers every day and again I thank you very much for everything you done for me.” September 11, 1945 …. “I believe by now the children are at school and football getting into their blood … I would like to be home to see at least one game this year …I have done quite a lot of traveling over here in Europe since the war is over and the two places or countries that are most for scenery are Germany or Switzerland …Helen I have been in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Austria, and Germany (and Switzerland) …Well, it looks now that I will be home for Christmas and discharged from the Army. Boy that will be a happy reunion when I see my wife and little girl |
