Morris County POWs/MIAs

Morris County remembers and honors servicemen missing in action, those who died in captivity and those who were returned to the nation.

Our list below of Morris County soldiers and sailors is not complete, as evidenced by the lack of female POW/MIAs, the absence of POW/MIAs from the American Revolution, the Spanish American War, and later conflicts. If you have additions, corrections or have further information, please contact Jan Williams at [email protected]

David Allen, Jr.

American Revolution

Born c. 1745 in Washington Valley, Somerset County, he was a resident of Hanover. Enlisting in Morris County, he served as a Private in the Morris County Militia under Capt. Josiah Hall's Co.

Taken prisoner at some point, Private Allen’s confinement particulars are unknown.

Mr. Allen died in Warren, Somerset County in 1823. His burial location is unknown. 

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

James Patrick Allen

Madison, WWII

United States Army 21st Squadron – 374th Troop Carrier Group

Finding of Death, December 13, 1945.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery Manila, Philippines.

Thomas R. “T. R.“ Allen, Jr.

Montville, WWII, United States Army

Stalag Luft 1, Barth, Germany. Last known living 1945.

Charles Anys

Morris County, Civil War, 33rd New Jersey

Wounded in Action at Peach Tree Creek.

He died a Prisoner of War in Andersonville Prison, February 13, 1865.

James N. R. Apgar

Morris County, Civil War, 1st New Jersey

Missing in Action at The Battle of The Wilderness.

Herbert L. Armeny, Jr.

Florham Park, WWII, United States Army 96TH BG – 337th BS – 8th AF

Held in Luft IV. Plaque on a farm road in Heufurt marks the location of the crash: English translation:

“In memory of the emergency landing in Heufurt on 25 November 1944 after their first mission.US Bomber Boeing B-17G, Tail number:  Ac44-6612, Eigth Air Force Air Corps (AC)Unit:  96/337/AW-A 96th Bomb Group, 337th Bomber Squadron. Airplane Serial Number:  43-37621The Crew of the B-17 After the war in 1945 all returned to the US Corporal Robert W. Owens, Corporal Anton T. LaPuzza, Staff Sergeant John H. Bianchi, Jr., Ron F. Aren (did not belong to crew), Corporal Lawrence O. Davis, Lieutenant Robert A. Fischer (Captain Pilot), Lieutenant Robert W. Bell (Co-pilot), F/O Herbert L. Armeny, Jr. Navigator, F/O Robert L. Frazier Bombadier”.

An S.S. officer inspects the wreckage of Mr. Armeny’s plane.

Armeny and his plane

Armeny memorial

Frederick William Aten

Butler, Korea, United States Army 3rd Battalion

Perished in captivity on the Tiger Death March.

James Atkinson

Morris County, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Missing in Action; Supposed dead at Boydton Plank Road.

Alfred Reeve Axtell

Born in Morristown, Civil War, 16th Michigan

Captured in Tennessee, held for four months before escaping. Returned to service.

Killed in Action at Petersburg, June 23, 1864.

Wesley M. Ayres

Morris County, Civil War, 15th New Jersey

Missing in Action. Supposed Dead at Spotsylvania

David H. Baird

Morris County, WWII, United States Navy

Missing in Action when the ammunition ship U.S.S. Mount Hood exploded in port.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery Manila, Philippines.

Whitney W. Bangs

Harding Township, WWII, United States Army 301st Infantry Regiment – 94th Infantry Division

Harding Township Memorial Plaque

William C. Bassing

Parsippany, WWII, United States Army

Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11.

Joshua Beach

Morris County,  Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Captured at Rapidan, Virginia November 27, 1863.

Died in Andersonville Prison August 1, 1864.

Randolph G. Beam

Morris County,  WWII, United States Army

First reported missing August 2, 1944. Held Stalag 7A, Moosburg.

Russell Anthony Benigno

Chatham, WWII, United States Army 106th Inf Div 422 Reg

Held at Leipzig Camp 4B from December 21, 1944 to April 25, 1945.

Charles V. Berdone

Denville, WWII
United States Army Air Corps – 13th Bomber Group – Large

B-25C “Boomerang” failed to return from bombing mission on shipping in Milne Bay, August 25, 1942.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery – Manila – Philippines.

Berdone Court, Denville, is named in his honor.

Edward Payton Berry alias Thomas Gilbert

Dover, Civil War, 5th New Jersey Volunteers

Captured in action at Second Bull Run (Second Manassas) and held in Libby Prison. Survived.

Succumbed to wounds received in action at Gettysburg, July 10, 1863.

Jonathan Bigalow

Jefferson,  Civil War, 69th New York

Captured October 20, 1864 at Petersburg. Paroled February 28, 1865; mustered out on individual roll June 1, 1865 at Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland.

Mr. Bigalow died in 1922.

Charles Brandt

Morris County, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Capture date and place unknown. Held at Andersonville Prison, where he died October 31, 1864.

Charles “Charlie” A. Brennan

Morristown,  WWII

United States Army 8th Air Force 334 Sqd. 95 Bomb Group B-17

Captured in the Bavarian Alps, South Germany, March 16, 1944, age 19. Held for 409 days Stalag Luft 3; liberated April 29, 1945.

William B. Briggs

Morris County,  Civil War, 15th New Jersey

Missing in Action at Spotsylvania.

Philip A. Brodziak

Denville, WWII

United States Army 38th Bomber Squadron – 30th BG Heavy

Missing In Action September 11, 1944. Lost in the Pacific during a bombing run over Marcus Island from Saipan aboard the B-24 “Pistol Packin’ Mamma”

Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii. Picatinny Arsenal World War II Memorial Plaque.

Brodziak Road in Denville is named in his honor.

Jacob August Brunisholz, Jr.

Morris Township,  WWII

United States Army 328th BS – 93rd Bomber Group – Heavy

The B-24D “Friday the 13TH” was reported Lost over Scotland September 9, 1942.

Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England.

Marshall Lindley Bush

Dover, Korea, United States Marine Corps 2 BN 1ST MARINE DIV

Missing in Action, Presumed Dead at Chosin, December 2, 1950.

Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial

21st Infantry Battalion USMCR Korean Conflict memorial, Picatinny.

Israel Canfield

Morristown, American Revolution.

Born July 3, 1759 and enlisted at Morris County in late 1775 or early 1776. Served as a Private in the Morris County Militia and in the State Troop Light Horse. He guarded and delivered previous Gov. Franklin to the Governor and council of Connecticut.

Assigned to Gen. Henry (“Light Horse Harry”) Lee'sroops and camped a few miles away when he was taken prisoner in Basking Ridge.

Private Canfield contracted smallpox in 1777.

Pension S3142 applied for from Morristown in 1832.  Mr. Canfield died August 27, 1841 and is buried in First Presbyterian Churchyard, Morristown.

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Solomon “Sol” G. Cannon

Morristown, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Wounded at Gettysburg and again at the Battle of the Wilderness. Not yet recovered from his wounds, he was captured the following October at Boydton Plank Road and sent to Libby prison. Released from captivity February 16, 1865 and remained in the U.S. Army Hospital at York, Pennsylvania until July 1866.

After the Civil War, veterans formed an organization named the Grand Army of the Republic-or G.A.R.. Chapters of the G.A.R. were established in Morris County and hosted entertainments, political events and participation in “Decoration Day” (Memorial Day in modern parlance) and Fourth of July Parades. Mr. Cannon was a member of the Torbert G.A.R. Post in Morristown, New Jersey.

Gerard “Jerry” J. Caporaso

Chatham, WWII, United States Army 8th Air Force 96th BG – 337th BS – 45th CW

WWII. Chatham. Deceased 2017. TSGT on the B-17F “Dottie J III”. Stalag XVIIB. In the spring of 1945, he survived a 300-mile Death March in the rain and snow on little to no food or water until he and fellow prisoners were rescued by Allied troops. Mr. Caporaso penned his memoirs in 2014, entitled: From the Top Turret.

Cyrus Carter

Chatham Township, Civil War, Co. K, 7th NJ Vols

Captured at Savage Station, Virginia on July 1, 1862. Paroled in September 1862. Died of disease at Alexandria, Virginia on December 6, 1862.

Private Cyrus Carter is buried in Alexandria National Cemetery, Plot B, Grave 2666.

Below, an image of the pension application, filed by Mrs. Carter:

Cyrus Carter Pension Application.png

“I hereby certify that according to the record of company “K” 7th Regiment New Jersey Vols Cyrus Carter was duly enlisted in said company at Morristown, New Jersey by Capt. James M. Brown, to serve for the term of three (3) years that he served
in the capacity of a private soldier with said company until sent to the General Hospital near Bottom bridge Va (Virginia) was captured by the enemy at Savage Station Hospital, July 1st, 1862. Paroled September 1862 and died of “general debility” at Camp Parole Alexandria Va. December 6th 1862.
Given is duplicate at Camp near Culpepper Va.                                                Michael (illegible)
September 26th 1863                                                                                              1st Lieut (illegible)
                                                                                                                         
7th N. J. Vols”

Thank you, Mr. Dan Carter, descendant of Private Cyrus Carter.

William “Bill” R. Caruso

Morris Plains, WWII and Korea, United States Army 388th BG

Held I Dulag Luft 17B.  The B-17F “Iza Angel II” was shot down and crashed into the North Sea 10 miles NW of Denmark on October 9, 1943.

Joseph “Joe” Miles Casadevall

Whippany, WWII, United States Army 15th AF, 465th BG, 783rd BS

During a mission on June 30, 1944, his plane sustained significant damage, forcing him to bail out. He was taken as a prisoner of war, and held in the infamous Stalag Luft III in the German province of Lower Silesia, near the town of Zagan, in what is now Poland.

Rocco Alfred Cerbo

Parsippany, WWII, United States Army

Held in Stalag 4b Muhlberg Sachensen.

John Channel

Mendham,  American Revolution, Served in Capt. Lyon’s Company.

Taken prisoner in 1777, he died in a British prison camp in New York City, he was buried in one of the mass graves.

Charles Charlton

American Revolution.

Born c. 1745, and a resident of Washington Township, occupation teacher. He enlisted as a Sergeant in the Continental Army, served under Joseph Brierly; William Maxwell's Regt.. Participated at the battles of Quebec, Paoli, Brandywine, Germantown.

While in service, he guarded public stores in Newton, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Taken prisoner for four months, Charlton was exchanged and promoted to Sergeant Major, Pennsylvania Line at Morristown and was present during the mutiny of 1781.

Mr. Charlton applied for a pension (S34193) from Washington Township in 1832. His death date and burial location are unknown.

Thank you, Ms. Patricia Sanftner and Ms. Bobbi Bailey, members of the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Forrest Spencer “F. S.” Chilton, III

Pequannock, WWII, United States Army Air Corps

He was seen bailing out from his P-47 over the English Channel, after returning from a bombing mission over St. Quentin, France.

Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England.

Chilton Memorial Hospital is named in his honor.

World War II Memorial Pompton Plains

Joseph V. Chuba

WWII Lincoln Park United States Army 95th Inf

Ex-POW Stalag 2A Neubrandenburg Mecklenberg 53-13. Private Chuba was captured while crossing the Moselle River in France. He escaped during the Russian advance into Germany.

Ebenezer Coe

Born in Middletown, Hartford County, Connecticut July 19, 1755, and a resident of  Morris Township. Served as a Private and Sergeant in the Continental Army, Connecticut Line under Capt. Hubbard, Col. Huntington. Participated in the Battles of Long Island, Flatbush.

Taken prisoner at Flatbush on August 27, 1776 and detained on a British prison ship until sometime in 1777, when he was paroled.

Mr. Coe applied for a pension (S2448) from Randolph Township, Morris County, New Jersey in 1832. He died in Morris Township on January (24 or 28), 1839 and is buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery, New Vernon (Harding), Morris County, New Jersey.

Thanyou, Ms. Patricia Sanftner and Ms. Bobbi Bailey, members of the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Jacob Colver

Washington Township, Civil War, 27th New Jersey

Missed when the Army went into camp at Wheeling, Virginia, June 1863; Supposed captured.

Cyrus E. Cook

Mt. Arlington, Civil War, 1st New Jersey

Captured at Brandy Station, he was held in Libby Prison for eight months and ten days.

Mr. Cook was a Member and past commander of the Dahlgrin G.A.R. Post, Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Harry W. Cook, Jr.

Morris County, Korea, United States Army 35th Infantry 2nd Battalion, 25th Infantry Division

Captured while fighting the enemy in South Korea on April 25, 1951 and died while a prisoner of war.

Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial

Walter Robert Coombs

Kinnelon, WWII, United States Navy

Aboard the U.S.S. Jarvis DD-393, August 9, 1942, when she was sunk by Japanese aircraft off Guadalcanal, in the Battle of Savo Island.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines.

U.S.S. Jarvis

John Cooper

American Revolution

Born in Hanover Township in December of 1763. At the age of 14, he was serving tours of duty. Formally enlisted in Chester in June of 1780 as a Private in the State Troops under Thomas Dickinson, Capt. Baldwin, Nathaniel Horton, B. Hathaway, Obadiah Kitchell; Col. Seely, John Starke Regiment. Participated in Connecticut Farms, Springfield, Acquanonck. 

Taken prisoner by a large party of refugees while out with a scouting party in Hackensack in October of 1780. Initially imprisoned at Bergen Point and then a sugar house in New York for three months. Moved to the Proust(?) prison "under the cruelty of noted Cunningham" for 4 ½ months. Paroled after 7 ½ months of prison.

Private Cooper tended to a group of soldiers from Virginia  who all fell ill with smallpox.

Mr. Cooper applied for a pension from Chester in 1832. He died in Chester Township March 24, 1833. His burial location is unknown.

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Charles Bracher Copeland, Jr.

Dover, WWII, United States Navy, U.S.S. Gudgeon SS-211

Declared dead while missing

Purple Heart (posthumous)

Tablets of the Missing Honolulu, Hawaii

Donald E. Dahms

Roxbury, Korea, United States Army 2nd Battalion – 5th Cavalry Regiment – 1st Cavalry Division.

Listed as Missing in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on July 25, 1950.

He was presumed dead on February 26, 1954.

Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Court 4.

David Daley

Morris County,  Civil War

Missing in Action, Supposed dead at Gettysburg.

Archibald Dallas

American Revolution

Enlisted in 1775. Served as a 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, Captain in the Continental Army under Capts Meeker, Howell, Spencer's Regiment.

Wounded and taken prisoner on September 5, 1777, the captain died the following day, near Christian Bridge in Delaware. His burial location is unknown.

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

John Davney

Pequannock, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Missing; Supposed dead in actions Before Petersburg.

Esli B. Dawson

Boonton, Civil War, 27th New Jersey

Taken prisoner at Goldsboro, North Carolina and confined in Libby Prison. Pvt. Dawson was paroled the day before Gen. Grant entered Richmond.

Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia, August 23, 1863.

Mr. Dawson was a member of the John Hill Post, no. 86, G.A.R. in Boonton, and the New Jersey Ex-Prisoners of War Association at Morristown. Mr. Dawson died in 1926.

John A. DeHuff

Madison,  WWII, United States Army

Stalag 2A Neubrandenburg Mecklenberg 53-13

Bartholomew “Bat” “Bart” W. Dempsey

“Bart” W. Dempsey

Morristown, Civil War, 7th New Jersey

Captured at Petersburg, confined to Libby and Andersonville Prisons.

Born in County Carlow, Ireland, Mr. Dempsey emigrated to America aboard the ship “The Colonist” in October, 1851. After his war service, he served as Morristown’s Marshal. He died in 1879.

Buried in Holy Rood Cemetery, Corporal Dempsey received a military headstone in 2009.

John H. “Bud” Derling

Budd Lake, WWII, United States Army 374th Bomb Squad B-17G

Shot down October 7, 1944 on Mission 133, to take out the oil refineries in Politz.

Held in Luft IV.

Nelson L. Dimick

Boonton, WWII, United States Army Air Corps

Shot down and captured during the Kassel Mission Raid September 27, 1944.

Held in Stalag Luft 1, Barth, Germany.

William Dixon

W. Dixon POW-MIA 2.jpg

Lincoln Park
Boonton High School, Class of 1938.
United States Army Air Corps.

W. Dixon POW MIA.jpg
The Lincoln Park Herald, May 10, 1945.

At the time of the Lincoln Park Herald article, Lt. Dixon’s family had no idea if he was alive or dead.
The Dixon family would find out the Lieutenant had been a POW in Shinjuku Camp, Tokyo Bay Area 35-140.
He was liberated on August 29, 1945.
Mr. Dixon would later serve as mayor of Lincoln Park.

Thank you, Mr. William Dixon, Jr., son of Lt. William Dixon.

Joseph L. Doty

Morristown, Civil War, 1st New Jersey Cavalry

Held at Belle Isle Prison. Died after liberation on November 19, 1866.

James Dougherty

Rockaway Township, Civil War, 9th New Jersey

Died in captivity Andersonville Prison, August 3, 1864.

Isaac Drake

American Revolution.

Born in Morris County, February of 1764. At around the age 16, he enlisted c. 1780, as a substitute for his brother, Stephen. Isaac served as a Private in both the Essex County Militia and in the Pennsylvania Troops under Capt. Hendrix, David Young, Jonas Ward. He participated in the Battle of Staten Island. Additional service included guarding prisoners at the jail in Morristown. At a skirmish at the mouth of the Rahway River, Drake was taken prisoner and held in New York for three months before he was paroled. 

Isaac applied for a pension (R3072)  from Six Mile, Jackson County, Missouri in 1836.

He died there on June 29, 1837, and is buried in the Drake Cemetery, Sibley, Missouri.

Harold Lewis Drew, Jr.

Riverdale,  WWII, United States Navy

Tablets of the Missing at East Coast Memorial New York City, USA

Riverdale World War II Memorial

George Drexl

Montville, WWII,  United States Army

Held in Stalag 12A to 9B Limburg An Der Lahn Hessen-Nassau, Prussia.

Leslie H. Eames

Morris Plains, WWII, United States Army

Captured in December 1944 by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge near Wiltz, Germany, and was a prisoner of war, held in 12A and 13B. He was repatriated four and one-half months later.

Richard Ives East

Mendham,  WWII, United States Army Air Forces – 4th FS- 52nd FG

United States Army Air Forces 52nd Fighter Group. Reported missing during the African Campaign, wreckage of his fighter plane was found by the Allies in Tunis.

Mendham Memorial Plaque

Theodore Edwards

Morristown,  Civil War, 1st New Jersey Cavalry

Missing while on scout, August 29, 1863. Died in Libby Prison, September 15, 1864.

 

George Emmell

American Revolution

Alternate spelling: Hemmel, Emmel, Emel. Born in either Germany (Frankfort) or Denmark on January 27, 1750. A resident of Morris Township where he worked as a wig maker, hairdresser, and barber.

He enlisted at Philadelphia in February of 1776 and served as a Private in the Continental Army under Alexander Creighton, Col. John Shee. Participated in the Battle of Fort Washington, where he was captured by the British.

Imprisoned at Bridwell Prison, Private Emmell managed to escape after a month and reported to Lt. Col. Lambert Cadwallader in Philadelphia.  He remained ill for two months afterward.

Mr. Emmell applied for a pension from Morristown in 1818. He died in Morristown on January 22, 1828, and is buried in the First Presbyterian Churchyard.

Note: One of George Emmell’s grandsons, Heyward Glover Emmell, served in the Civil War.

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Thomas Carl Estwick

Dover,  Korea, United States Marine Corps 2 BN 7MAR 1 MAR DIV

Corporal Estwick was listed as Missing in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on December 3, 1950.

He was presumed dead on October 26, 1953.

Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Court 8

Edward Thomas Everman

Rockaway, WWII, United States Navy Reserves

Missing in Action November 10, 1944.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines.

Reuben T. Feiler

East Hanover, WWII

United States Army Air Forces – 412nd Bomber Squadron – 95th Bomber Group – Heavy B-17

Declared dead while missing, June 14, 1944.

Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England

East Hanover Memorial

Ralph Almon Fletcher, Jr.

Madison, WWII

Lt. Felton was the pilot on the B-17 “Rose O’Day” on a mission targeting marshalling yard, Hamm, Germany; known as “The Hamm Raid”. The Rose O’Day never returned.

Tablets of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery.

George Fenner

Morris County, Civil War

Missing in Action at the Battle of Winchester.

David Louis Ferratti, Jr.

Chatham Township, WWII, United States Army  803rd Engineering Aviation

Three months after Pearl Harbor, in March 1942, Ferratti was among American soldiers who were captured and participated in the infamous Bataan Death March. He was imprisoned in Japan for three years at Sendai no. 6 Hanawa Camp, released in 1945 and discharged from the service in May of 1946.

Archibald Forrester

Civil War, Randolph, United States Navy

Mr. Forrester was born in February of 1843, in New Jersey.
His first appearance on the census records is 1895, Randolph.
The 1890 census lays out his service: Fireman 2nd Class on the ship “Tallapos” (?).  
Mr. Forrester advised he was held in both Libby and Belle Isle.
In 1900, Mr. Forrester is a Locomotive Engineer.
His death date and burial location are unknown.

Albert Freeman

Roxbury, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Wounded in Action and captured at Brandy Station.

William C. Galton

Madison, WWII, United States Army 13th AF – 307th BG, Heavy B-24J

Lost over the Japanese-held Yap Island, Micronesia, near the Yap Island harbor in his B-24, August 19, 1944.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery – Manila – Philippines

Madison Roll of Honor

Harold Francis Gantert

Parsippany, WWII, United States Army 384th BG 544 BS

On April 29, 1944, as a flight navigator, Lt. Harold Gantert took off on a bombing mission when his plane was shot down over Germany forcing him to parachute down. He was captured four days later and spent the next year as a POW in Stalag Luft III. After a grueling march the prisoners of war were forced to endure, they were liberated by the Allied troops in 1945.

Additional service in the Korean War.

September 17, 2013 was declared “Harold Gantert Day” in Parsippany.

Mr. Gantert died December 31, 2013 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Bernet Garrison

American Revolution

Alternate spelling: Burnet, Barnet, Barnett, Bennet, Benet, Gerritsen. Born c. 1755, he enlisted in Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey in March of 1776. Serving as a Private, then Corporal in the Continental Army under Capts. Joseph Bloomfield, Mott, Joseph I. Anderson, William Gifford. He participated in the battles of Woodbridge, Short Hills, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Springfield, Yorktown, Chemung.

According to his pension testimony in 1818, (pension granted from Morris County), he was promoted to Corporal, then went with a colleague Robert Johnson to Staten Island in 1779 to "plunder the enemy". Taken prisoner and held several months, Garrison was pardoned by the by the army for his "desertion” and restored to rank of private.  Private Garrison was discharged in 1785.

Mr. Garrison died February 17, 1820. His burial location is unknown.

Thanyou, Ms. Patricia Sanftner and Ms. Bobbi Bailey, members of the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Robert H. Griffith

Madison WWII, United States Army Air Forces – 506th FG- 457th FS P-51D20

Missing in Action on what has become known in WWII history as “Black Friday”.

P-51 Mustangs had been ordered to escort B-29s to Osaka, Japan. Nearing the target, the planes hit a squall, causing two of the B-29s to collide mid-air. Forced to fly in blinding rain and turbulence, the Mustangs broke formation and began colliding with each other. Out of the chaos, a sole pilot bailed out at 5,000 feet, and was picked up by the U.S. Navy.

Twenty-five pilots P-51 Mustang pilots were lost in this single day.

Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial

Madison Roll of Honor

Thomas Jefferson Halsey

Morristown, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Captured in the Battle of Chancellorsville with 26 other men. Although wounded himself, Sergeant James McDavit rushed to render aid to Maj. Halsey was shot and killed. Major Halsey was held in Andersonville Prison for eight months.

A Grand Army of the Republic post in Dover was named in honor of Sergeant James McDavit.

Robert Rosbrough Henry

American Revolution.

Born May 27, 1753, and enlisted in 1777. A Surgeon's Mate in the Continental Army under Col. Reid, he participated in then battles of Brandywine, the Sullivan Expedition, Newtown, Groton River.

At Groton River he was severely wounded in the arm and side and taken prisoner. The location of his confinement is unknown.

After the war he settled in Grass Roads, Somerset County, New Jersey and practiced medicine.

Dr. Henry died December 27, 1805 and is buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Chester.

Thank you, Ms. Patricia Sanftner and Ms. Bobbi Bailey, members of the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Willem “William” Homeijer

Boonton Township, Allied Forces

A member of the Dutch military. He spent three and a half years in a Burmese Prisoner of War camp.

Charles Fern Hopkins

Charles Fern Hopkins

Medal of Honor

Boonton, Civil War, 1st New Jersey

Wounded left side, head, shoulder and right leg during the Battle of Gains Mill.

Held at Florence, Libby and Andersonville prisons. Corp. Hopkins kept a diary, which his descendants donated to the Andersonville National Historic Park.

In 1898, Mr. Hopkins was commissioned by Acting New Jersey Governor Voorhees to assist in erecting a monument at Andersonville Prison, in remembrance of New Jersey soldiers buried there.

In 2014, at a ceremony dedicating plaques to former Morris County Freeholders-of which Mr. Hopkins was one-his granddaughter, Mrs. Lucille Scerbo, was in attendance.

“Grandpa Charlie”, she advised, always wore an over-sized hat to obscure his injuries.

At the time of his death February 14, 1934, Corporal Hopkins had been the last surviving veteran of the Medal of Honor recipients for service rendered in the Civil War.

Member of the John Hill Post, no. 86, G.A.R., Boonton.

Frederick L. Hornung, III

East Hanover, Morris County, Korea, United States Army 38th Infantry Regiment – 2nd Infantry Division

He was taken Prisoner of War while fighting the enemy in South Korea on November 25, 1950. Died in captivity.

East Hanover Memorial

Foster Horton

American Revolution.

The son of Rev. Azariah Horton, he enlisted at Bottle Hill and served as a Captain’s clerk in Col. Martin's Regt.. 

On August 27, 1776 at the Battle of Long Island, Horton was taken prisoner. Stripped of his clothing, he was held in Flatbush Church, the Church at Gravesend, prison ships and the "French Church". He was eventually exchanged and taken to Philadelphia. He never recovered from his captivity to render additional Army service. 

Horton later testified in detail to Congress about his experience as a prisoner: the severe suffering, near starvation, and strong pressure to switch sides and join the British cause.

After returning to Bottle Hill, he soon relocated to Chatham, where he ran a store opposite the Liberty Pole.

Mr. Horton’s death date and burial location are unknown.

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Robert Huxham

Chatham Township, WWII, United States Marine Corps VMF-223 Corsair.

Date of loss May 17, 1945 over the Philippine Islands “Operation Victor”.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery – Manila – Philippines

Chatham World War II Memorial

Alpheus Iliff

Washington Township, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Lt. Iliff was captured in action May 10, 1863. Held at Andersonville until the close of war. He had been erroneously reported killed, and Rev. Martin Herr of Dover preached a funeral sermon.

Mr. Iliff later served as a chaplain to the Samuel Star G.A.R. Post, German Valley. He was a member of the New Jersey Prisoners of War Association, joining in 1891.

Stuart Raymond Jelly

Morris County, Korea

United States Army 3rd Battalion – 38th Infantry Regiment – 2nd Infantry Division

On February 12, 1951, First Lieutenant Stuart Raymond Jelly was captured by enemy forces near Saemal, South Korea.

He was then marched to prisoner holding camps along the Yalu River in North Korea.

Repatriated American prisoners of war reported that 1st LT Jelly died in the Suan Bean POW Camp on May 31, 1951.

Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial

National Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.

Hjalmar Oke Johansson

Hjalmar Oke Johansson

Montville, WWII, United States Army Air Forces -767 Squadron

A nose gunner, his first mission became a one way trip. Planes left Torretta, Italy, and his B-24 was badly damaged by flak December 17, 1944. Attacked by German fighter planes on the way to bomb Odertal Oil Refinery in Poland. Over half of the group was shot down. Twenty-nine service men, were killed on that raid alone and at least that same number were captured or missing in action, never actually reached the target. Hit by flak, which knocked a big hole in the wing, taking out the number-four engine. Shortly thereafter, the number-three engine went out–that’s the two engines on the right side–making the plane lose altitude. Shot down behind enemy lines, he was held in Stalag IIIA Luckenwald, Germany. Denied food and water, Johansson would lick the condensation off metal bolts for water. Upon his return to the United States, he earned engineering degrees and his career was spent building the very thing he was sent to destroy-oil refineries. When congratulated on his 91st birthday, Mr. Johansson replied, “I’m not old, really. I’ve just been young a really long time.”

The History Channel filmed Mr. Johansson addressing the class of West Morris High School, published   on July 5, 2018 just weeks after his death on June 30 aged 92.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EuWtMhrA3c

Gilbert Jones, Jr.

Gilbert Jones, Jr.
WWII, Mountain Lakes, United States Marine Corps

Disappeared on a mission in the Bougainville area. Declared Missing in Action in the South Pacific in February 1944 and Presumed dead March 1945.

Tablets of the Missing Manila American Cemetery

Mountain Lakes Memorial

William Curtis Judson

Madison, WWI, United States Navy

A Seaman Second Class or S2, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Cyclops; the largest fuel ship in the Navy, carrying tons of coal. The Cyclops and her crew of 306 were last spotted March 4, 1918. Last seen leaving Barbados, she was declared lost on June 14, 1918, somewhere in what is commonly known as “The Bermuda Triangle”. No trace of the Cyclops has been located as of 2019.

The U.S.S. Cyclops does not have a memorial. In 2018, discussions began in the United States House of Representatives to erect a memorial.

Madison Roll of Honor

A tree is planted in his honor, Madison.

Nelson Kelley, Jr.

Nelson Kelley, Jr.

Chatham, WWII, United States Navy

Lost aboard the U.S.S. Albacore SS-218. Information obtained after the war indicates that the “Albacore” possibly hit enemy mines in the waters of Hokkaido Island.

Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii

Chatham World War II Memorial

The U.S.S. Albacore SS-218 Memorial, Beaverton, Oregon

Amzi B. King

Roxbury, Civil War, Unit unknown

Died while captive in Libby Prison, December 25, 1863.

Joseph King

Born December 13, 1735. He served as Adjutant Continental Army, 4th NJ Regt

Wounded and taken prisoner in the Battle of Short Hills, his experience affected him mentally and King reportedly became deranged consequently. He was then put on half pay.

Joseph King died May 19, 1794.

Thank you, Ms. Patricia Sanftner and Ms. Bobbi Bailey, members of the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Jacob M. Kinney

Rockaway Township, Civil War, 8th New Jersey

Captured in Action at Seven Days Battle.

Imprisoned Belle Isle, where he died August 5, 1862.

Samuel Farrand Kitchell

Rockaway Township, Civil War, 7th New Jersey

Died while confined in Andersonville Prison, September 12, 1864.

Chester “Chet” Kochan

Chester “Chet” Kochan

Hanover, United States Army 83rd Infantry Division

D-Day participant

Mr. Kochan landed on Omaha Beach, and began fighting in what is known as “Hedgerow country”. He was 18 years old when he was shot through the neck, and wounded by shrapnel after he was shot. He was captured by the Germans in Saint-Malo, France, eventually exchanged for a German prisoner.

Awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, two campaign stars for Normandy and Northern France, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct, WWII Victory medal, Morris County Distinguished Service medal and the Legion of Honor, bestowed by the French Government.

At age 92, Mr. Kochan was at Normandy in June, 2019 for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

He visited the bunker where he had been wounded and taken prisoner.

Charles Bromley Kruger

Morristown, WWII, United States Army 8 AF 390 BG B-17

Held in 7A Nuremburg.

Whitfield Lake

Washington Township, Civil War, 15th New Jersey

Missing in Action; Supposed Dead at Spotsylvania.

Frederick D. Langham

Dover, WWII, United States Army 39th Bomb Group (VH) – 60th Squadron

Prepared for a bombing run to Japan. Nothing further is known regarding the crew.

Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii

Picatinny Arsenal World War II Memorial Plaque

Moses Laramie

Pequannock, Civil War, 15th New Jersey

Captured at Spotsylvania, died in Andersonville Prison, November 20, 1864.

Avelino L. Larroza

Parsippany, WWII, United States Army Combat Co HQ 2Reg

Held in Camp Luna Parang Cotabato, Philippines.

Anthony “Tony” LaRusso

Roxbury, WWII, United States Army 8 AF 452 BG

Tail Gunner on a B-17. On April 8, 1944 his plane took off from an English airfield for a Bombing run over Nazi occupied Europe. They bombed their target but were hit by flak as they started to return, damaging the plane. Over Denmark an engine caught fire, spreading to the cabin. The pilot safely belly landed in a field where the men scattered in groups of 2, attempting to make contact with the Danish Underground, several did, but LaRusso and his buddy were captured by German soldiers a day later. They were sent to Dulag Luft, a POW Camp in Germany.

Dulag Luft was liberated by the American Army on March 29, 1945.

Mr. LaRusso was a member of the Musconetcong Post 278, American Legion, Stanhope; the Lakeland Post 2347 VFW of Netcong and the American Ex-POWs.

Anthony J. LaSpina

Florham Park, WWII, United States Army 459th BG 758th Squadron

Shot down over Germany, August 22, 1944, and remained a POW until April 26, 1945, held in Stalag Luft IV, Poland.

He took part in the 600 mile walk from Poland to liberation in Germany, covering the distance with a broken leg, snapped when bailing out.

Mr. LaSpina was a member of the American Legion Post 43 in Florham Park.

John G. Litz

Randolph, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Mr. Litz (sometimes seen as Lieze, Leitz) was captured at Hanover Court House, June 1, 1863. Confined in Libby, Andersonville, Florence Stockade and Danville prisons, he was released February 28, 1865.

Member of the New Jersey Ex-Prisoners of War Association in 1891.

Thomas F. Lohr

WWII Lincoln Park United States Army Air Corps B-17

Ex-POW Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12, Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11 1 st Lt. Lohr was imprisoned from 1943-1945.

Born in New York to Frederick and Elfreda, the family resided in Lincoln Park. Mr. Lohr became a psychology professor, teaching for 29 years.

Robert F. McKenzie

Denville, United States Army Dental Division

Taken as a prisoner of war to Reserve Lazaret III, Bremen Oldenburg, Germany.

Died in captivity April 24, 1945.

Robert McKenzie Lane in Denville is named in his honor.

Philip John Manella

Boonton, WWII, United States Navy

Captured by the Japanese and held as a Prisoner of War at Camp 1 Taihoku, Formosa until his death while still in captivity January 3, 1945.

Boonton Veterans Memorial

Richard E. Manners

Richard E. Manners

Montville, WWII, United States Army

He had just turned 23 when he was captured along with the remnants of his Army platoon as they fought to hold their section of the Siegfried Line in Belgium in January 1945. Held in Stalag 13C. He volunteered to work on a road crew cleaning up debris after a bombing run. Manners escaped the road crew and managed to avoid recapture for a few days. When he was recaptured, he was sent to a prison in Nuremburg. He escaped again while being force-marched in an evacuation. Manners and his friend, Howard, stayed hidden until the Americans had advanced.

Parts of Stalag 13C remain in use in 2019, as the German Army’s infantry training facility.

Mr. Manners provided a recorded interview that may be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ucd-yKtzG0

Alexander Martin

American Revolution

Born April 24, 1762 in Morristown, where he enlisted in early 1777, serving as a substitute for his brother, David.

He served in the New Jersey Line as an Artificer under Capt. Sylvanus Seeley, Col. James Debow in the Flying Camp (artificer), Ephraim Martin, Job Brookfield, John Layton. Participated in the battles of Monmouth and Springfield.

In the New Jersey Sea Service (Privateer) he served as a sailor under Capt. Isaac Harrison on the "Jolly Tar" at Baltimore, on the gunboat "Hornet" under Thomas Hyler and on a “large galley” under Capt. Jackson.

While in the Jamaica Islands the "Jolly Tar" was captured by the frigate “Jason”.

Sailor Martin was sent to New York and held on the prison ship “Jersey” in the fall of 1781 until after the fall of Cornwallis (five months and fifteen days of captivity).

In 1832, Mr. Martin applied for and received a pension in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio for twenty-two  months actual service as an artificer and sailor in the New Jersey Line.

Mr. Martin died on December 8, 1843 in Cincinnati, Ohio. His burial location is unknown. 

Thanyou, members of the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Frederick Mast

Roxbury, Civil War, 20th New York

Captured at Chancellorsville, prison unknown. Paroled May 15, 1863.

Last known living date November 18, 1882, where he was the hotel keeper for The Succasunna Hotel.

Oscar “Mort” Mauterer

Long Hill,  Vietnam, United States Air Force 602nd Tactical Fighter Squadron A-1E

Declared Missing in Action February 15, 1966

Vietnam Memorial Wall Panel 5E, Line 38

Courts of the Missing, Court A, Honolulu, Hawaii

National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor, Virginia, Panel 38

Dogwood Vietnam Memorial, McIntire Park, Virginia

Eugene W. “Gene” McMahon

Long Hill Township, WWII, United States Army 15 AF 463 BG 775 BS

On February 25, 1945, Gene’s plane was shot down over Linz, Austria. After bailing out, he ran for his life and managed to elude the enemy for almost two weeks. Captured in Hungary. Forced to march to Vienna and then on to Nuremberg and Frankfurt. With inadequate clothing in the sub-zero temperatures and practically no food, through freezing rain, sleet and snow, he marched. Crowded into a cattle box car with other prisoners. Without food or water, they were transported to the Mooseberg Prisoner of War camp. On April 29, in the Mooseberg camp, the Germans were alerted that U.S. army tanks under General Patton were approaching. The prisoners were informed that they were all going to be shot before their liberators arrived. However, it did not work out that way. The tanks came crashing through the gates of the prison. Gene and the others ran for cover in a ditch while bullets whizzed past. General George Patton himself was there and after the conflict had ended, he gathered the POW’s together and made a heartfelt speech. At the time of his liberation, Mr. McMahon weighed 96 pounds.

He lost 90 pounds as a Prisoner of War.

Clarence H. McCain

Boonton, WWII,  Coast Artillery Corps

Missing in Action February 7, 1943.

Tablets of the Missing Cambridge American Cemetery

Boonton Veterans Memorial

William McKean

American Revolution

Born in Scotland c. 1748, he arrived in New York City in 1774. Mr. McKean enlisted at Lancaster, Pennsylvania in February of 1776; attached to the Continental Army 3rd PA Regt.

At the Battle of Fort Washington , he was captured and taken to the notorious Sugar House* in New York City, then to the prison ship “Walabout”.

After nearly six months imprisonment, Soldier McKean managed to escape captivity and reported to Head Quarters at Smiths Clove in New York. He was given a pass by Gen. George Washington and did not enlist again.

Mr. McKean was a later resident of Pequannock. Mr. McKean died in 1824. His burial location is unknown.

A portion of the Rhinelander Sugar House prison remains visible today. A barred window is situated in the structure of what is now the New York City Police Plaza building.

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

John F. McWhirr

Morristown, Civil War, 18th Connecticut

Captured at the Battle of Winchester. Paroled.

William Mead

American Revolution

Alternate spelling: Meads. Born New Jersey in 1740, he enlisted at Morristown, serving as a Private in the Continental Army under Capt. Peter Dickerson's Co., Col. Dayton’s Regt. 3rd Battalion.

The Private participated in the battles of Elizabethtown, Brandywine, the Sullivan Expedition/Newtown, Woodbridge, Monmouth, Staten Island, Long Island, Stony Point, Fort Washington, White Plains, Eutaw Springs, and the expedition against the Mohawks at Johnstown.

At the Battle of Eutaw Springs, Private Mead was shot in the shoulder and stabbed in thigh by a bayonet.

As part of a detached group on the way to a wedding, Private Mead was taken prisoner at Paramus.

Held in captivity aboard the prison ship "Asia" in New York, the ship then sailed to Charleston.

Private Mead eventually escaped and rejoined the Army under Gen. Green and Sumter “on the high hills of the Santee". He was dismissed by them without discharge as he was not enlisted in Green's troops. Private Mead’s records show that he had deserted at one point.

Mr. Mead’s locations after the war are traced to Edmonson County, Kentucky in 1829, Madison County, Illinois in 1830, Union Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana in 1833 (filing for a pension), and in 1836 he was living with a son in law at Sangamon County, Illinois.   

Mr. Mead’s death date and burial location are unknown.

Thanyou, members of the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

John J. Messenger

Dover, Civil War

Born c. 1844, John enlisted July 7, 1862, Goshen, New York. He served with Co. B, 124th NY Inf.

Private Messenger was wounded in the left arm and side at Chancellorsville. Taken prisoner, he was confined in Andersonville prison.

 The Dover Iron Era, June 5, 1886

The Dover Iron Era, June 5, 1886

 

A Veteran’s Death

John J. Messenger, a veteran of the late war, died in Dover last Saturday, and was buried by his comrades in Orchard street cemetery on the morning of Memorial Day. He was a member of the (?) New York Volunteers-the well-known Orange (Blues?) (same?) regiment which was (?) Orange county, NY. He was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville and was afterward taken prisoner. He suffered the (horrors?) of Andersonville prison for (seven?) months and was one of the (last? Boat?) load of 400 exchanged prisoners sent to Annapolis whose diseased and (emaciated?) condition aroused the (disgust?) of the whole North.

Robert A. Mett

Pequannock, WWII, United States Navy

Missing in Action at Normandy.

Tablets of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery

World War II Memorial Pompton Plains

Jacob Miller

Roxbury, Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Missing in Action, Supposed dead at Gettysburg.

Nevius K. Moneyman

Harding,  Civil War, 30th New Jersey

Held at Andersonville Prison.

Elias Donnington Muchmore

Chatham,  Civil War, 14th New Jersey

Mr. Muchmore was born in New Jersey c. 1822 and  worked as a farmer in Chatham Township.
In 1847, he married Miss Martha Evans of New York.
Mr. Muchmore enlisted on August 16, 1862 and was attached to  Co C, 14th New Jersey. 
Private Muchmore was captured at some point and died of pneumonia in Danville Prison on January 2, 1865.
Private Muchmore is buried there in the Danville National Cemetery, Virginia.
Martha Evans Muchmore was enumerated on the 1890 Veterans census. 

James F. Mullin

Butler, WWII, United States Army 423 Inf 106 Div

Dulag Luft 4G 4B Dresden.

Charles Munn

Pequannock, Civil War, 1st New Jersey

Captured June 13, 1864, succumbed to disease while a prisoner in Andersonville, August 27, 1864.

Samuel J. Nixon

Morristown,  Civil War, 1st New Jersey

Initially Supposed dead, at Spotsylvania, Sgt. Nixon was captured; held at Florence and Andersonville Prisons. Liberated March 1, 1865.

Member of the New Jersey’s Ex-Prisoners of War Association.

Last known living 1891.

Frank H. O’Neil

Netcong, Civil War, 15th New Jersey

Captured at the Battle of Winchester. Held prisoner for 6 months and 22 days. Released March 9, 1865.

Last known living 1890.

John N. Pardenek, Jr.

Montville, WWII, United States Army 82nd Airborne Division

Held in Stalag 2B Hammerstein.

John D. Piatt

The son of Captain Daniel Piatt, John was born in Raritan, Somerset County, New Jersey on March 17, 1766.

At the age of ten, John volunteered to serve in his father’s company. He served as a Fifer in the Morris County Militia and participated in the battles of Three Rivers, Springfield, Trenton, Princeton, Elizabethtown.

A kick from a horse prevented Fifer Piatt from accompanying the Sullivan Expedition party.

Captured by the British Light Horse at Pluckemin, he was released after a short time, as "being a youth and under the care of his father".

When his father was promoted, Fifer Piatt served under his uncle, Jacob Piatt.

Mr. Piatt died on March 27, 1837 and is buried in the Pompton Reformed Church Cemetery, Passaic County, New Jersey.

Captain Danial Piatt died of disease on April 16, 1780 in the Morristown winter encampment. His burial location is unknown.

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

William A. Pieper

Chatham,  WWII, United States Army Air Forces 785th BS 466 BG Heavy B-24J

April 5, 1945 Failed to return on a bombing run over Holland.

Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England

Chatham World War II Memorial

Robert Emmett Pierson

Chatham Township,  WWII, United States Army

Finding of death May 29, 1944.

Wall of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery.

Chatham Township WWII Memorial

Columbus B. Post

Roxbury, Civil War, 8th New Jersey

Held captive for five days at Libby Prison.

Last known living 1900.

Isaac Price

American Revolution

Born September 5, 1760, and a resident of Hanover, he enlisted at Elizabethtown. He served as a Private in the Morris County Militia, State Troops and the Continental Army under Capt. John Holmes Co. (Continental Army), 1st Regt (Continental  Army), Col. Ogden, Dayton, Eastern Battalion (Militia).

During the Battle of Springfield, he was wounded in the thigh.

While visiting friends in Elizabethtown, he was taken prisoner, and remained there for six months under Hessian guard.

Mr. Price relocated to Scott County, Kentucky after the war, receiving a pension of $80 there in 1833.

His death date and burial place are unknown.

Thanyou, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

John Quimby

American Revolution

Alternate spelling: Quinbey, Quinby. Born Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in 1744, he enlisted at Rahway, New Jersey in 1775. He served as a Private in the New Jersey Line under Capt. Piatt, 1st  Battalion.

At the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, Private Quimby was wounded and taken prisoner.

He remained a prisoner until the close of the war.

By 1786, Mr. Quimby was a resident of Roxbury, receiving an invalid pension due to his war wounds.

Mr. Quimby died in Morris County, likely in Roxbury. His burial location is unknown.

Thanyou, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

William Radley

American Revolution

Alternate spelling: Wradley, Wradly, Rodley. Mr. Radley enlisted at Elizabethtown in March of 1777.

He served as a Private in the New Jersey Line under Capt. Joseph Anderson, Col. Elias Dayton's 3rd Regt; Col. Matthias Ogden's 1st Regt. Participated in the battles of Elizabeth, Yorktown, Springfield.

Private Radley was taken prisoner at Elizabeth and held for four months in a sugar house. He was exchanged and returned to service. 

A resident of Chatham Township after the war, he was a laborer. Mr. Radley applied for a pension in April of 1818 from Bottle Hill (Madison).

Mr. Radley died in Chatham on October 12, 1822 and is buried in the Hillside Cemetery, Madison.

Thanyou, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

John A. Recanio

Morristown,  Civil War, 7th New Jersey

Captured at Gettysburg, held a prisoner at Belle Isle prison until his death, October 7, 1863.

Herbert J. Rolstad

Chatham, WWII, Coast Artillery Corps

Held at Osaka Hirohata Camp, 12-B.

British and American liberated POWs raise the colors in Hirohata at Japan’s surrender.

Morris County POWs/MIAs
British and American liberated POWs raise the colors in Hirohata at Japan’s surrender

Thomas G. Ryan

Madison, WWII, United States Army Air Corps

In July 1944, he was flying out of Italy as a gunner in a B-24 on his 27th or 28th mission. Over Hungary, the plane was shot down. He managed to light a cigarette as he was parachuting down. One of his legs broke when he hit the ground, and one of the first people to reach him stole his gear, including his fleece-lined flight suit. The Germans took Thomas to a hospital in Budapest and then he was kept in a prisoner of war camp for nine months in Stalag Luft 3.

Vincent Sacco

Montville, WWII, United States Army 94 INF 302 BN CO G

“Sgt. Sacco was the NCO in charge of my dad’s unit when they were captured by the 11th Mtn SS on March 6, 1944. Despite being wounded himself, Sgt. Sacco provided leadership of his unit not only during their last battle, but during their captivity and the long march into Germany as the Germans gathered prisoners near Munich. During captivity food was very scarce, and Sgt. Sacco made certain that every one of his men shared equally. This was very important for my dad because he had been wounded during the battle, with both of his eardrums being blown out. Sgt. Sacco never asked to be a leader, but when the time came he took responsibility to lead his men through very difficult times. Few men are called in this manner, and fewer still answer the call. Vincent Sacco answered the call and I credit him with saving the life of my father….”

Thank you, Mr. Gerald Kolb.

Mr. Sacco was a member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Association.

Lewis Hulse Salmon

Mount Olive,  Civil War, 15th New Jersey

Captured at the Battle of Fredericksburg and held at Libby Prison for four weeks, exchanged.

Hiram M. Sands

Morristown, Civil War, 15th New Jersey

Captured at Fredericksburg and confined in Libby Prison.

Mr. Sands was a member of the New Jersey Ex-Prisoners of War Association at Morristown.

George Schoonover

Netcong,  Civil War, 1st New Jersey Cavalry

Captured at Gettysburg, held at Libby and Andersonville Prisons.

Charles Schuyler

Charles Schuyler's gravestone

Charles Schuyler was born a slave in New Jersey, about 1833. He lived in the Pompton Plains section of Pequannock. Enlisting as a cook in the New Jersey 1st Infantry, “Tulley”, as he was known, was shot by Confederate Calvary forces in the neck and shoulder-even after his surrender- during the Second Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia. He was left for dead in the woods. Private Schuyler survived his wounds and eleven months in a Confederate prison.

“Tulley” returned home to Pequannock and became a member of “The Bloomingdale Cornet Band”, formed in 1884, performing on the kettledrum.

The Bloomingdale Coronet Band remains in existence in 2019 as New Jersey’s oldest coronet band.

Serving as a sexton of the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, Mr. Schuyler died in 1898 and was buried in the Pompton Plains Reformed Church Cemetery. His band mates played a concert in tribute to “Tulley” at the cemetery. Private Schuyler was buried without a veteran marker.

In 2011, Private Charles Schuyler received a military stone.

Part of the ceremony included a concert given by The Bloomingdale Cornet Band.

Charles Shay

Dover, Korea, United States Army 1st Battalion – 31st Infantry Regiment – 7th Infantry Division.

Listed as Missing in Action when he failed to return from a patrol in North Korea on January 21, 1953.

He was presumed dead on January 22, 1954.

Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial

Arthur J. G. Smyth

Kinnelon,  WWII

United States Army 56th Bomber Squadron – 323rd Bomber Group – Medium B-26B-30-MA

On a mission to France, the plane was last sighted over the target, after it was severely damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire.

Tablets of the Missing at Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre, Belgium.

Mahlon M. Stage

Dover, 1st New Jersey

Captured at The Battle of The Wilderness, Mahlon was held at Libby and Andersonville Prisons. His time in captivity left him with chronic health issues, despite this, he became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, practicing in Dover.

Dr. Stage was a member of the James M. McDavitt G.A.R. Post in Dover, as well as the New Jersey Ex-Prisoner of War Association.

He addressed the McDavitt Post one May evening in 1888, recounting his time in captivity, recorded in The Iron Era, May 12, 1888 article “An Evening with the Veterans.”

The Iron Era, May 12, 1888 article "An Evening with the Veterans"

The Iron Era, May 12, 1888 article "An Evening with the Veterans"

The Iron Era, May 12, 1888 article "An Evening with the Veterans"

Thank you, Mr. Ken Post, great grandson of Dr. Mahlon Stage.

Cyrus L. Talmadge

Dover,  Civil War, 11th New Jersey

Wounded and captured in action at Gettysburg, Pvt. Talmadge died in captivity, Andersonville Prison, September 2, 1864.

Henry R. Taylor

Boonton, Civil War, 67th New York

Captured in Action at Seven Pines, May 31, 1862, held captive until paroled September 13, 1862.

Andrew Thompson

American Revolution

Alternate spelling: Thomson. A resident of Morristown, Mr. Thompson enlisted in Morris County in December of 1776. He served in the Morris County Militia (Private), New Jersey Troops (Sergeant) and as an Ensign, Lieutenant, Captain in the Continental Army.

At the Battle of Brandywine, Ensign Thompson was taken prisoner on September 11, 1777 and remained a prisoner until he was exchanged on December 17, 1780. 

Lt. Thompson retired from service on January 1, 1783.

His death date and burial location are unknown.

Thank you, Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Walter M. Thompson

Chester,  WWII, United States Army Air Forces 803rd Engineer Battalion – Aviation

Taken prisoner when the Japanese invaded the Philippines shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Died while a prisoner, June 30, 1942.

Robert Shoemaker Thorpe, Jr.

Morris County, Korea

United States Army Headquarters Company – 1st Battalion – 32nd Infantry Regiment – 7th Infantry Division

He was listed as Missing in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on December 2, 1950.  Presumed dead on December 31, 1953.

Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial

Patrick Toole

Boonton,  Civil War, 4th New Jersey

Capture date unknown. Died December 23, 1864 in Danville Prison.

George William Trelease

Hanover, Civil War, 15th New Jersey

Missing in Action at the Battle of Laurel Hill.

John Henry Tucker

Boonton Township, Civil War, 1st New Jersey

An exchanged prisoner of war, he died at home on furlough, April 9, 1865.

Raymond John Tuttle

Hanover,  Korea

United States Marine Corps Ammunition Company – 1st Ordnance Battalion – 1st Marine Division

Taken prisoner while fighting the enemy, November 30, 1950.

He was presumed dead on February 10, 1954.

Courts of the Missing at Honolulu, Hawaii

East Hanover Memorial

Aaron Van Duyne, Jr.

Montville,  WWII, United States Army

Capture date unknown. Held in Stalag 4b Muhlberg Sachensen.

Robert W. Van Fleet

Boonton,  WWII

United States Army ir Forces –  359th BS- 303rd BG- Heavy B-17F “Lady Fairweather”

The B-17F “Lady Fairweather” went missing off the coast of St. Nazare, France.

Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, England

Paul P. Verdi

Morris County,  WWII, United States Army Battery G – 60th Coast Artillery Regiment

Capture date unknown, first reported missing May 7, 1942. Held as a POW in the 92nd Garage, Pasay School and on the Arisan Maru. The Arisan Maru was a Japanese freighter used as a POW transport. These POW ships, called Hell Ships by the prisoners, were used to stop Allied planes from bombing, loading them with Allied prisoners and leaving them anchored near shore.

Sgt. Verdi’s last known actions were attempting to escape off the Arisan Maru.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery – Manila – Philippines

Richard Vincent, Jr.

Boonton, Civil War, 1st New Jersey

Capture date and place unknown. Andersonville Prison.

Congressman John Hill of Boonton was known to visit the Union troops frequently in Army hospitals. At some point, the Congressman appears to have come into contact with Private Vincent before his death in Andersonville on July 2, 1864.

Private Vincent evidently extracted a promise from Mr. Hill, on behalf of the five-month-old daughter, Lillie, that he had left behind.

Congressman Hill honored that promise in December of 1864, writing the following note:

“Mrs. Vincent-

Among the last words Richard said to me when I saw him last was that I should get a rubber Doll and give it to his Little Girl as a “Present from her Father”, not having found one that suited till late.

I now send it to you fulfilling this his last request to me.

Respectfully yours, John Hill”.

Lillie Vincent kept the doll, wearing a holiday dress sewn by Mrs. Hill, and the Congressman’s note until her death in 1947.

Lillie’s doll, dress and note from Congressman Hill reside with the Boonton Historical Society.

Frank Thomas Vitcusky

Hanover, WWII. Next of Kin lived in Hanover, entered service from New Jersey.

United States Navy Reserves

Declared Missing July 12, 1944 off the U.S.S. Wasp CV-18.

Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii

George L. Vreeland

Parsippany, WWII, United States Army 325th Corps of Engineers

Declared Missing February 3, 1943, Greenland.

Tablets of the Missing at East Coast Memorial New York City

Harry Arthur Wann, Jr.

Madison,  WWII

United States Army 353th BS – 301st BG – Heavy

Declared Missing in Action March 12, 1943 after his B-17 failed to return from a mission to Tunisia.

Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery.

Madison Roll of Honor

Robert S. Watson

Mine Hill,  WWII, United States Army Air Corps

Watson was flying his 13th mission when the plane was shot down over Germany on April 11, 1944. He received several wounds, including being shot in the back. He was held by the Germans as a prisoner of war in Solo 17B, a camp in Krems, Austria, for thirteen months.

Mr. Watson was a member of Mine Hill American Legion Post 391; served as Commander in 1961.

George Bockoven Wear

Morristown,  Civil War, 2nd New Jersey

Capture date unknown. Prisoner of War at Andersonville.

Died after release from captivity, January 25, 1865.

John Benjamin “Jack” Westcott, Jr.

Chatham,  WWII, United States Army 18th Infantry – 1st Army

Reported Missing in Action January 4, 1943 while on patrol in Tunisia. While on patrol that night with two other men, Lt. Westcott insisted the two men take cover while he proceeded to patrol the area. As day broke, the Lt. ordered the men to return to HQ to make a report. When they later searched for Lt. Westcott, he could not be found.

Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery

Chatham World War II Memorial

Isaac Wilson

American Revolution.

Born in Morris County on October 22, 1758.  When he was young, the Wilson family moved to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. During the American Revolution, Mr. Wilson entered service as a ranger and scout for the Pennsylvania troops.  

Taken prisoner on July 23, 1779 he was held initially in Freeland's Fort, a settlers' fort in Northumberland County. After a fierce fight the unit surrendered, stripped of their clothes, and marched to Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Genesee River, where they were personally delivered to Maj. Butler. 

Tied up and taken by bateaux to Fort Niagara, held prisoner there for 6 weeks, then crossed the Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River and taken to Montreal, and held there 10 days.

He and others came down with "the ague" and taken to the hospital for several weeks.

Wilson was then taken to Fort Chambler on the Sorrel River, handcuffed and imprisoned for the rest of the winter.

 In spring they were taken to another garrison at the mouth of the Sorrel River and confined and "ironed hand" until Cornwallis' surrender in autumn 1781. 

Then taken to Quebec for an additional 11 months, then taken to New York in October of  1782 and exchanged.

Mr. Wilson applied for a pension in Madison Township, Clark County, Ohio in 1832. He died on May 11, 1841 and is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery, Clark County, Ohio.

Thank you, members of the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Albert William Ziana

Dover,  WWII, United States Navy

Declared Dead while Missing in Action, November 13, 1942.

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery – Manila – Philippines

Memorial at United Methodist Church Cemetery, Roxbury