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a pack of cigarettes....

  • Writer: Lawrence Lore
    Lawrence Lore
  • Sep 2, 2025
  • 1 min read

Staff Sergeant William W Kaiser shared his experiences at George Field at the 1996 Reunion.


Wendall Kaiser was a brother to Gene Kaiser, formerly of Kaiser's Photography in Lawrenceville.  Gene was also captain of the George Field Fire Department.


Wendell was drafted into the Air Corps and was sent to gunnery school. After his training, he was assigned to a B-17 aircraft, “Man of War’, which went to the 8th Air Force in England.


On May 14, 1943 seven aircraft were sent on a mission to Kiel, Germany. During that mission the Man of War was the only plane that didn't return.  They were shot down over the North Sea. While a POW in Stalag 17-B in 1944, he received a Red Cross package which contained 5 packs of cigarettes. Much to his amazement, 1 pack of cigarettes had a label on the pack which had been sent from the Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club.


The Historical Society has a room full of military uniforms.

15th Air Force with Gunner badge, Staff Sgt

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Born, Died, Miscellaneous

Vital Statistics for the Year 1940 Lawrence County   Total Births in the County: 803 Total Deaths: 193 (two stillborn and 7 cases recorded as miscellaneous) (Not sure how a death could be classified a

 
 

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