>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. JAKE BECHEL FLOWN HOME FROM SAIPAN TO ATTEND MOTHER'S FUNERAL. T/4 Jake G. Bechel, a member of a hospital unit in Uncle Sam's Army knows well the great and abundant generosity of the American Red Cross and the U.S. Army. Jake's mother, Mrs. Jake Bechel of Ellsworth, became seriously ill and on Aug. 1 a telegram was sent through the Red Cross telling of the seriousness of the situation at home. Since Jake was overseas and on the move, a follow-up telegram was sent later. On August 29 the order to return Jake to the United States reached his post on Saipan and at 2 o'clock of that day he left the island by plane. He was flown straight through to San Francisco arriving there on August 31 at 10 o'clock. It must be remembered that his plane crossed the International date line on the way over so that a whole day was added to his trip-he actually travelled only a few hours more than a full day in covering 6,000 miles. Unfortunately Jake arrived home on Monday evening and his mother had passed away that morning, but it was for the best as he arrived in time for services, which were held at Lost Creek Thursday and was home to add comfort to his father in the hours of greatest need. T/4 Jake Bechel is a very modest boy who is doing his best, with all the others in the great American army, to see that the deadly Jap simply can never wage war on the United States again. So well has he served that he wears the army good conduct medal and a bronze star on the Central Pacific ribbon. His only comment on being questioned about the bronze star was "that was for taking care of a few snipers on Saipan." Jake has others from this vicinity on the island of Saipan with him. He was able to talk to Gerald Ducklow before he left and brought a message bck for Gerald's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ducklow, of Spring Valley. Cpl. Howard Brenner, of Ellsworth and Pvt. Christ Geiger of Elmwood, are both in his own hospital unit. Another acquaintance is Lt. Leo Klecker, of Ellsworth. The young man has served overseas 26 months and has been in the army four years. And as he left The Sun office he said, "I haven't words strong enough to express the thanks I feel toward the American Red Cross; tell the people that there is an outfit really looking after the boys. If anyone is in trouble they sure should see the Red Cross." And we can add that those thanks start with the local representative who in Pierce county is Mrs. Ruth Waller, of Spring Valley. Jake has 30 days furlough in all and then will return to his outfit on Saipan.