Without the time and effort of many dedicated people, this website would not have happened. I also thank the combat soldiers, the infantry, the sailors, the marines, the pilots: Someone's son, brother, father, nephew, uncle, or friend. Human beings who were terribly afraid but who were anchored by their courage and commitment. And finally, to my family, who endured the hours I sat in front of the computer putting this together for the third time!

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Special thanks to Elaine Kathryn (Johnson) Ketchum for parting with her father's letters and allowing me to create this site and the not-so-subtle encouragement to see it to its completion.

To Evelyn (Johnson) Hollands for filling in some of the historical gaps and allowing me to give my mother the flag draped over Melvin's casket at his burial.

To Diane McFadden of the Atlantic Public Library for her invaluable assistance.

To Ginnie Peters of the Perry Public Library for her invaluable assistance.

To Linda Reis, Researcher, Hometown Perry, Iowa. Thank you.

To Jim Biggs, whose father served in Co. F of the 314th. Thank you for sending the Morning Report for the day my Grandfather was wounded.