Roger Mahrt: Difference between revisions

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'''Lt. Roger Mahrt Listed Missing'''
'''Lt. Roger Mahrt Listed Missing'''


[[file: roger-mahrt.png|thumb|right|200px| J. Roger Mahrt]]
'''Lieutenant Roger Mahrt''' is missing in action, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Mahrt, of Reardan were told in a telegram from the war department Tuesday morning. No details were given, but it was known that Lt. Mahrt had been navigator on a B-24 Liberator operating from the Philippines. Lt. Mahrt was 21 years of age in March and has been in the service two years. He graduated from the air force navigation at Selman Field, La., received his combat training at March field, California, and went overseas to land first on Dutch New Guinea on March 7.
'''Lieutenant Roger Mahrt''' is missing in action, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Mahrt, of Reardan were told in a telegram from the war department Tuesday morning. No details were given, but it was known that Lt. Mahrt had been navigator on a B-24 Liberator operating from the Philippines. Lt. Mahrt was 21 years of age in March and has been in the service two years. He graduated from the air force navigation at Selman Field, La., received his combat training at March field, California, and went overseas to land first on Dutch New Guinea on March 7.
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'''Roger Mahrt Declared Dead'''
'''Roger Mahrt Declared Dead'''


{{<figure src="/images/wwii/roger-mahrt.png" caption= "J. Roger Mahrt" class="floatright">}}
 
Word has been received from the war department recently that '''Lt. Roger Mahrt''', 21, was killed in action over Mindora Island, Philippine Islands, after having been listed as missing in action since May 27, 1945.
Word has been received from the war department recently that '''Lt. Roger Mahrt''', 21, was killed in action over Mindora Island, Philippine Islands, after having been listed as missing in action since May 27, 1945.


'''Lt. Mahrt''' was a navigator on a B-24 and on May 27, 1945 was returning from a bombing mission over Indo China [now Vietnam], when three engines went out and all eleven men were forced to bale out over water, 40 miles from base on Mindora, shortly before dark. The men were scattered over a large area. Rescue ships found nine of the men that night. Unsuccessful search was conducted for two days for the other two.
'''Lt. Mahrt''' was a navigator on a B-24 and on May 27, 1945 was returning from a bombing mission over Indo China [now Vietnam], when three engines went out and all eleven men were forced to bale out over water, 40 miles from base on Mindora, shortly before dark. The men were scattered over a large area. Rescue ships found nine of the men that night. Unsuccessful search was conducted for two days for the other two.


[[file:/images/wwii/jolly-roger-shoulder-patch.gif|thumb|left|200px|Jolly Roger shoulder patch]]
[[file:jolly-roger-shoulder-patch.gif|thumb|left|200px|Jolly Roger shoulder patch]]
'''Roger Mahrt''' was the son of Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt of Reardan and brother of Helen Mahrt Kasten of Aurora, Ore. He graduated as an honor student (valedictorian) from Reardan High School in 1942 and attended Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester one year before entering the army July 9, 1943. He received basic at Kearns, Utah, preflight at San Antonio, and some flight training at Cuero, Texas. In April 1944 he transferred to navigation school at Selman Field, Monroe, La., where he received his commission Oct. 1944. Upon graduation, he was sent to March Field, Calif. for combat training and set overseas Feb. 1945. He was attached to the 400th Bomb Squad, 90th Bomb Group know as the "Jolly Rogers" on Mindora.
'''Roger Mahrt''' was the son of Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt of Reardan and brother of Helen Mahrt Kasten of Aurora, Ore. He graduated as an honor student (valedictorian) from Reardan High School in 1942 and attended Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester one year before entering the army July 9, 1943. He received basic at Kearns, Utah, preflight at San Antonio, and some flight training at Cuero, Texas. In April 1944 he transferred to navigation school at Selman Field, Monroe, La., where he received his commission Oct. 1944. Upon graduation, he was sent to March Field, Calif. for combat training and set overseas Feb. 1945. He was attached to the 400th Bomb Squad, 90th Bomb Group know as the "Jolly Rogers" on Mindora.


[[file:/images/wwii/jolly-roger-insignia.gif|thumb|left|200px|Jolly Roger Insignia]]
[[file:jolly-roger-insignia.gif|thumb|left|200px|Jolly Roger Insignia]]
He was awarded the air medal and Purple Heart. Memorial services will be held at a later date at Reardan Lutheran Church, which he was a member.
He was awarded the air medal and Purple Heart. Memorial services will be held at a later date at Reardan Lutheran Church, which he was a member.


[[file:lt-cohen's-crew.jpg|thumb||400px|Lt. Cohen's crew which included '''J. Roger Mahrt''' (center back row)]]
To quote "Spies in the Sky" by Taylor Downing: [this reference has to be wrong.]
To quote "Spies in the Sky" by Taylor Downing: [this reference has to be wrong.]
"for the first time in two weeks when they hit the railroad yards and rolling stock and Muong Man [near Ho Chi Mihn (Saigon)] on May 27[, 1944].  Individual bomb runs were made and their 1,000 pound bombs destroyed box cars, warehouses, buildings, storage sheds, road beds, and switch yards; and they played havoc with all facilities around Muong Man. To add to the miser of Japanese, they dropped to low level and strafed everything along the rail lines. The Japanese responded with a wooded area with machine gun fire, and some small arms fire hit some of the planes. None of the men were injured and none of the planes were seriously damaged; however the plane flown by Capt. Curtis W. Jurs lost number four engine when his right waist gunner become carried away with the strafing and shot out his own engine. Lt. Wayne Van Arsdale lost an engine over Muong Man due to a mechanical problem, but all the planes returned safely except one flown by Lt. Saul M. Cohen and his crew.
"for the first time in two weeks when they hit the railroad yards and rolling stock and Muong Man [near Ho Chi Mihn (Saigon)] on May 27[, 1944].  Individual bomb runs were made and their 1,000 pound bombs destroyed box cars, warehouses, buildings, storage sheds, road beds, and switch yards; and they played havoc with all facilities around Muong Man. To add to the miser of Japanese, they dropped to low level and strafed everything along the rail lines. The Japanese responded with a wooded area with machine gun fire, and some small arms fire hit some of the planes. None of the men were injured and none of the planes were seriously damaged; however the plane flown by Capt. Curtis W. Jurs lost number four engine when his right waist gunner become carried away with the strafing and shot out his own engine. Lt. Wayne Van Arsdale lost an engine over Muong Man due to a mechanical problem, but all the planes returned safely except one flown by Lt. Saul M. Cohen and his crew.


[[file:/images/wwii/lt-cohen's-crew.jpg|thumb||200px|Lt. Cohen's crew which included '''J. Roger Mahrt''' (center back row)]]
"Almost in sight of Maguire [sic], Cohen's plane ran out of fuel. When number four engine went out, the engineer indicated there was enough fuel to reach Maguire; but suddenly number two engine quit then then number three. The crew was already prepared to bail out; and when the bail out buzzer sounded, the crew jumped from the plane. Some of the men lost the one man life raft fastened to their parachute harness, but their Mae West inflated. About on-half hour after the men had bailed out, they sighted a Catalina returning from covering the strike. '''Second Lieutenant John R. Mahrt''' and Sgt. Charles C Sarno were never found."
"Almost in sight of Maguire [sic], Cohen's plane ran out of fuel. When number four engine went out, the engineer indicated there was enough fuel to reach Maguire; but suddenly number two engine quit then then number three. The crew was already prepared to bail out; and when the bail out buzzer sounded, the crew jumped from the plane. Some of the men lost the one man life raft fastened to their parachute harness, but their Mae West inflated. About on-half hour after the men had bailed out, they sighted a Catalina returning from covering the strike. '''Second Lieutenant John R. Mahrt''' and Sgt. Charles C Sarno were never found."
[[file:/images/wwii/roger-mahrt-memorial-reardan.png|thumb|left|200px|Roger Marht memorial at Reardan]]
[[file:roger-mahrt-memorial-reardan.png|thumb|left|200px|Roger Marht memorial at Reardan]]
[[file:/images/wwii/john-roger-mahrt-memorial-manila.jpg|thumb|right|200px|2Lt John R Mahrt memorial Manila, Philippines]]
[[file:john-roger-mahrt-memorial-manila.jpg|thumb|right|200px|2Lt John R Mahrt memorial Manila, Philippines]]
{{<clearfloat>}}
['''Roger''' lost his life after V-E day and just three months before V-J day.]
['''Roger''' lost his life after V-E day and three months before V-J day.]
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{{DEFAULTSORT: Mahrt, John "Roger"}}
{{DEFAULTSORT: Mahrt, John "Roger"}}
[[category: WWII Veteran]]
[[category: WWII Veteran]]
[[category: WWII Casualties]]
[[category: WWII Casualties]]

Revision as of 07:26, 17 November 2022

[There is a little confusion about the name, whether it was Roger Mahrt or John Mahrt. Around Reardan he was known by his middle name Roger instead of his first name John to avoid confusion with his grandfather John Mahrt. The Army standardizes on the given first name, so they knew him as John or John R.]

January 6, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Among those from Reardan that attended the Vancouver-Spokane hockey game were Hugo Schulz, George Anderson, W. B. Kelly, O. E. Mahrt and Roger Mahrt.

January 27, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Among those attending the Ski Tournament in Spokane, Sunday were Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sprinkle, daughter, Zelda Sprinkle, Loreen Nielson, Miss Susan Wolf, Waldo Anyan, Henry Schwartz, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Magnuson, Gus Magnuson, Mrs. Elva Zwainz, Marvin and Muriel Zwainz, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Mahrt, Helen and Roger Mahrt, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rinker, and son, Jimmie, Mr. and Mrs. John Childs.

February 10, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Jimmie Rinker entertained several of his classmates at a ski party Saturday. Included were Annabelle Fleming, Marjorie Weipert, Mildred Stark, Tessabela Emley, Beth Barnard, Jean Anyan, Berne Barnard, Carl Garber and Roger Mahrt.

June 16, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Helen and Roger, left Thursday for a week's trip to Seattle and Tacoma.

June 23, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and their daughter, Helen, returned Tuesday of last week from a trip to the coast. They visited Rev. and Mrs. A. R. M. Kettner at Tacoma. Rev. Kettner was pastor of the Lutheran church here for several years before moving to Tacoma early in the spring. Roger Mahrt, who accompanied his parents to the coast will stay at the Kettner home for a month and will take pipe organ lessons.

July 28, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Helen and Roger Mahrt spent Sunday at Comstock park in Spokane.

August 18, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Helen and Roger Mahrt went to Spokane Sunday to view the big army bombers and other planes at Felts field.

October 27, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Roger Mahrt, Miss Katherine Stiles and Miss Mary Everson attended the concert given by the noted Italian tenor, Beniamion Gigli at the Fox theatre in Spokane, Monday night. O. E. Mahrt, his son Roger, Rev. Karl Ufer, and B. W. Kelly visited the Coulee Dam, Tuesday of last week.

January 19, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and son, Roger, the Misses Mary Everson and Katherine Stiles attended the community concert at the Fox theatre featuring Lotte Lehmann, soprano singer in Spokane Thursday night.

January 26, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Miss Dorothy Ekins honored Miss Lorraine Brooks and Miss Nadine Gehrke's birthdays Sunday with a skating party and at the same time celebrated her own birthday. Following the skating, refreshments were served at Miss Ekins home. Guests were Zelda Sprinkle, Doris and Phyllis Plaster, Lorraine Brommer, Bertha Schwartz, Agnes Weyen, Marjorie and Lorraine Brooks, Nadine Gehrke, Dorthy Wegner, Ruth Ann Olson, Elaine Rowland, Marvin Evers, Gus Magnuson, Gordon Thomas, Billy Colville, Bill Anderson, Clarence Frounfelter, Roger Mahrt, Jack Fleming, Marvin Zwainz and Ed Eckert.

February 2, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Landreth, Jean and Quintin Landreth, Mrs. W. B. Kelly, Miss Mary Everson, Miss Katherine Stiles and Roger Mahrt were among those that heard the noted violinist and composer, Albert Spalding, on he Community Concert programs at the Fox Theater in Spokane Saturday night.

February 23, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Roger Mahrt, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Brooks and Rev. Karl Ufer were among those attending the opera, "Carmen," at the Fox theatre in Spokane, Monday night.

April 27, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

At the Luther League meeting held last Thursday the following committees were appointed to manage the play, "Plain Jane," which the Leaguers are present in the high school auditorium, Friday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m. Advertising--Carl Koeller, Herman Scholer, Ray Foland; scenery--Carl Koeller, Clarence Frounfelter, Alfred Lukaszeski, Gordon Thomas; properties--Dorothy Wegner, Ray Foland, Marvin Zwainz; tickets--Lorraine Brommer, Lorene Nelson, Bertha Schwartz, Mr. Otto Wegner; entertainment--Roger Mahrt, Harold Wegner, Norma Jean Wagner; concessions--Annabelle Fleming, Harold Anderson, Margie Wegner; promptresses--Margaret Olson, Zelda Sprinkle.

May 4, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and son, Roger, were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Erdman.

May 11, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and son, Roger, were Spokane visitors Saturday.

June 1, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Eleven young people were made members of Emmanuel Lutheran last Sunday through the rite of Confirmation. They are: Albert and Harold Anderson, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Anderson; Glen Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Anderson; Lorraine Brommer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Brommer; Roger Mahrt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Mahrt; Doris Neilsen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Nielson; Margaret Olson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Olson; Ruth Olson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Olson; Zelda Sprinkle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sprinkle; and Marjorie Wegner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Wegner.

June 15, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and Roger Mahrt drove to Seattle Friday to bring home Miss Helen Mahrt, who was attending the University of Washington. They spent Sunday with Rev. A. R. M. Kettner and Mrs. Kettner at Tacoma. They returned home Monday.

August 3, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Among those attending the Luther League picnic at Granite Point, Loon Lake, Sunday, were Mrs. John Brommer, Lorraine, Ona May and Jack Brommer, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Helen and Roger Mahrt, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sprinkle, Zelda Sprinkle, Mrs. and Mrs. Roy Plaster, Evelyn, Phyllis and Doris Plaster, Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Wegner, Martha, Irene, and Freda Wegner. Mr. Ray Lillengreen and Paul, Lorene and Doris Nielson, Margaret Olson, Mary Jean Hopkins, Carl and George Koeller, Clarence Frounfelter, Gordon Thomas, Jack Fleming, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wegner, Agnes and Bernice Wegner, Lorraine Rowland, Joe Cox, Dorothy and Dickie Ekins, Rev. Karl Ufer, and George Reinbold of Egypt.

August 24, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

Roger Mahrt left by bus Wednesday morning for a ten-day stay with Rev. A. R. M. Kettner and Mrs. Kettner at Tacoma.

August 31, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

...in Spokane Wednesday...Rev. Karl F. Ufer, Donald Woods, Miss Phyllis Hein, Miss Helen Mahrt and Roger Mahrt.

February 1, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

Emmanuel Lutheran Church News

Officers elected by the Luther League are Roger Mahrt, president, Carl Koeller, vice president; Miss Zelda Sprinkle, treasurer; Miss Phyllis Anderson, secretary.

February 15, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Roger Mahrt, and Zelda Sprinkle were Spokane visitors Saturday.

April 4, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mrs. Josephine Clark is holding the preliminary of her music festival Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Spokane. Those taking part from here are Evelyn Wendlandt, who will play two piano solos on Wednesday, Marjorie Weipert and Roger Mahrt on Friday each playing two piano solos and then an ensemble.

April 25, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

Harl Aldrich, Jr., formerly of Davenport and Reardan, was one of the piano soloists performing in a recital in Spokane Sunday, and he and his brother Lynn Aldrich, appeared in a piano duet number as did Margery Weipert and Roger Mahrt of Reardan on the same program.

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and Roger Mahrt were Sunday visitors at the A. E. Brooks home.

July 25, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

Rev. Karl Ufer, pastor of the Emmanuel Lutheran church here, and Rev. Robert Oestreich, past of the Lutheran church at Wilbur left on a vacation trip Monday for Toledo, Ohio. Roger Mahrt accompanied them as far as Chicago where he will visit relatives.

August 29, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

...Karl Ufer and Roger Mahrt returned.

October 3, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and Roger Mahrt took Miss Helen Mahrt to Seattle Friday. Miss Mahrt is entering her junior year at the University of Washington. They visited Mr. and Mrs. Edward Eckart at Seattle. Mrs. Eckert was Miss Ethel Mae Ekins. In Tacoma they stopped to see Rev. and Mrs. A. R. M. Kettner and their infant son. They were called home Sunday because of the death of Mrs. Henry Mahrt.

November 7, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

...partial something about Otto and Roger Mahrt Spokane Sunday night Lutheran Church

November 28, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt's Thanksgiving dinner guests were Mr. and Mrs. Pete Schneider, Mrs. John Mahrt, Mrs. William Wegner, Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Wegner, Miss Martha Wegner, Miss Freda Wegner, Miss Irene Wegner, Miss Helen Mahrt, Roger Mahrt, Charley Mahrt, and Joe Cox.

December 12, 1940 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Miss Zelda Sprinkle, and Roger Mahrt were Spokane visitors Saturday. The Reardan affirmative debate team of Roger Mahrt, Patricia Mahoney, Olivine Owens, and Howard McCain met Harrington's negative debate team here today.

January 9, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

Charles Mahrt and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Humphrey entertained at New Year dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Even of Spokane, Mrs. John Mahrt, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sprinkle, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Hansen, David Mahrt, Henry Mahrt, Roger Mahrt, Miss Helen Mahrt, Miss Joyce Christoff, Miss Zelda Sprinkle, Miss Alvina Hansen, and Bernard Hanson.

January 30, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sunday dinner guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Erdman were, Mrs. Elva Zwainz and her daughter Muriel of Spokane, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, and Roger Mahrt.

February 13, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Emil Wegner has for their Sunday dinner guests, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and Roger Mahrt. Gus Magnuson, student at Washington State College, came Wednesday to spend his between semester vacation with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Magnuson. Mr. and Mrs. Emil Wegner has for their Sunday dinner guests, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and Roger Mahrt.

March 6, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

The Luther League voted to attend the midweek evening Lenten services instead of holding regular meetings during Lent. It is also participating in a local and Federation Reading contest during Lent. One team is led by Zelda Sprinkle, Roger Mahrt and Richard Foland, the other by Marjorie Wegner, Joe Mann, and the pastor.

March 20, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

In competitions held last Thursday, Harl Aldrich, Jr. of Spokane, formerly of Davenport [and Reardan], was rated superior with honor in the piano division as was Roger Mahrt of Waukon. The latter was also rated superior in concerto.

Roger Mahrt, Elaine Rowland and Delores Flood will play in the Northwestern Band...

April 3, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Landreth, Quintin, Jean and Glenna Landreth, Mrs. Floyd Hudkins, Miss Marjorie Weipert, Miss Rosealma Owens, Miss Dorothy Williams and Roger Mahrt were among those that attended the community concert Thursday night at the Fox theatre in Spokane. The artist was Marie Ganbarelli, dancer assisted by the Simon Brothers.

June 12, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt and Roger Mahrt left for Seattle Monday and will visit other coast points including Victoria, B. C. They will return Saturday accompanied by their daughter, Miss Helen, Mahrt, who has completed her junior year at the University of Washington.

July 31, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

Forty-seven persons gathered at the home of Henry Mahrt Sunday for a picnic lunch? on the lawn honoring Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Honing and their sons Jimmy and Howard of Milwaukee, Wis. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sprinkle, Miss Zelda Sprinkle, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mahrt, Vernon Mahrt, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mahrt and children, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Roger Mahrt, Mrs. John Mahrt, Charles Mahrt, David Mahrt, Henry Mahrt, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Plaster, Miss Phyllis Plaster, Miss Doris Plaster, Mrs. J. A. Hanson, Miss Alvina Hansen, Mrs. William F. Koeller, Miss Joyce Christoff and Bernard Hansen. Those from out of town besides the honored guests were Mr. and Mrs. Adam Even, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gaulke, Jim Koeller, Miss Irene Selfridge, Mr. and Mrs. Jame McCormack, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McCullum and sons all of Spokane, Donald Mahrt of Oakland, Calif., Mrs. Maurice Lyman and Mr. and Mrs. Lyman of Seattle.

November 11, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

Everett Anyan and George Anyan in army training at Fort Lewis and Harry Anyan training at Fort Ord, California are spending their furloughs with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan.

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, Miss Helen Mahrt and Roger Mahrt drove to the coast Friday. They spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Seattle. Sunday they were guests at the wedding of Miss Eileen Henry and Donald A. McCoskrie at Tacoma. Roger played the wedding march. Mrs. McCoskrie and Miss Mahrt were class mates at the University of Washington at Seattle. Miss June Pettibone of Spokane accompanied them. While in Tacoma, the Mahrts called on Rev. and Mrs. A. R. M. Kettner and infant son.

November 13, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

The Reardan Senior Class will present the play "The Miracle" by Arthur Jearue this Friday evening, November 14 at eight o'clock in the school auditorium...

Those in the cast are: Roger Mahrt, Connie Ahern, Luella Snyder, Bette McDowell, Jack Delamater, Delores Flood, Doris Nielson, Vera Peck, Gene Rettkowski, Evelyn Bell, Thom Walsh, Berne Barnard, and Doris Paul under the direction of George Anderson.

December 18, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

High School News Thursday the Reardan high school debate team will debate with Sprague here. The question is resolved "That every able bodied male citizen in the United States should be requested to have one year full training before attaining the present draft age." The affirmative team is Vera Peck, Etta Mae Reed, Gilberta Wynecoop, and Roger Mahrt; on the negative team are Delores Flood, Doris Paul and Ricky Ekins. Both teams will debate the question. The county is divided into two sections with home to home debates and non-decision. On January 24 the county tournament will be held at Davenport to decide who will represent the county at the state meet at Pullman.

February 19 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Among those going from here to hear the noted pianist Robert Chamdesus[?] at the Fox theatre in Spokane Wednesday night of last week were Mrs. Nelson Raymer, Mrs. Frank Rowland, Miss Marjorie Weipert, Miss Helen Mahrt, Roger Mahrt, Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Landreth, Jean and Glenna Landreth. This is one of the programs sponsored by the Community Concert association.

March 26, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Miss Marjorie Weipert, Miss Jean Landreth, and Roger Mahrt played in the competitive annual music festival in Spokane Thursday. On Friday Evelyn Wendlandt, Vernon Mahrt and George Wagner entered the contest.

April 9, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Roger Mahrt, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, and Miss Elsie Marie Parker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Parker of Spokane, have been chosen as a piano team to play in the Inland Empire Education Association's program on April 10 in Spokane. They are pupils of Mrs. Josephine Clark. Their picture appeared in the Sunday Spokesman-Review.

May 21, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Commencement Exercises for Reardan High School

Member of the Senior class that will receive diplomas this evening are: Glen Anderson, Connie Ahern, Jenn Anyan, Evelyn Bell, Berne Barnard, Bob Christensen, Jack Delamater, Dolores Flood Fell, Betty Goodman, Freda Haggstrom, Elsie Mae Moriarity, Bette McDowell, Roger Mahrt, Victor Meyer, Doris Nielson, Vera Rose Peck, Doris Paul, Gene Rettkowski, Luella Snyder, Eugene Thiemens, Thom Walsh, Alfred Weyen.

  • Processional...Orchestra
  • Theme...Victor
  • Introduction...Luella Snyder
  • "A Cutting of the Grieg--A Minor Concerto"--Piano Solo...Roger Mahrt
  • Social Victory--Salutatory...Vera Peck
  • Let Us Have Peace...Girls' Sextet
  • Political Victory--Valedictory...Roger Mahrt
  • Flute Solo...Delores Flood Fell
  • Economic Victory...Connie Ahern
  • My Rewards--Saxophone Solo...Doris Paul
  • Conclusion...Doris Nielson
  • Lios A Dieux...Orchestra
  • Presentation of Gift...Doris Nielson
  • Presentation of Class...Supt. H. P. Olson
  • Presentation of Diplomas
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • National Anthem

Member of the Senior class that will receive diplomas this evening are: Glen Anderson, Connie Ahern, Jenn Anyan, Evelyn Bell, Berne Barnard, Bob Christensen, Jack Delamater, Dolores Flood Fell, Betty Goodman, Freda Haggstrom, Elsie Mae Moriarity, Bette McDowell, Roger Mahrt, Victor Meyer, Doris Nielson, Vera Rose Peck, Doris Paul, Gene Rettkowski, Luella Snyder, Eugene Thiemens, Thom Walsh, Alfred Weyen.

June 4, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Many from Reardan attended the recital last Sunday afternoon at the home studio of Mrs. Josephine Clark, Spokane, when Roger Mahrt took part. Roger played a Grieg concerto with Miss Helen Mahrt at the second piano. Roger rated "Superior with Honors" in the concerto division of festival competition here this spring.

December 24, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Roger Mahrt, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt returned home Monday from Rochester, N. Y., where he was a student at the Eastman School of Music.

January 14, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Roger Mahrt returned to Rochester, N. Y. last week to resume his studies at the Eastman school of music. He spent the holiday season with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt.

October 28, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Private Roger Mahrt, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt, that he has been transferred from Camp Kearns, Utah to Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas, where he is with the army air force. Private Mahrt entered the service in July and has been at Camp Kearns most of the time. He is a graduate of the local high school and is a very talented musician.

March 29, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt had word that their son, Lt. Roger Mahrt, that his crew landed on March 7 in Dutch New Guinea. He graduated as navigator at Selman Field, La., and received his commission there. He had his combat training at March Field, Calif. He is serving on a B-24 Liberator. Lt. Mahrt is a graduate of Reardan high school and had two [one] years at Eastman college of music at Syracuse, N. Y.

June 14, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Lt. Roger Mahrt Listed Missing

J. Roger Mahrt

Lieutenant Roger Mahrt is missing in action, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Mahrt, of Reardan were told in a telegram from the war department Tuesday morning. No details were given, but it was known that Lt. Mahrt had been navigator on a B-24 Liberator operating from the Philippines. Lt. Mahrt was 21 years of age in March and has been in the service two years. He graduated from the air force navigation at Selman Field, La., received his combat training at March field, California, and went overseas to land first on Dutch New Guinea on March 7.

April 18, 1946 Davenport Times-Tribune

Roger Mahrt Declared Dead


Word has been received from the war department recently that Lt. Roger Mahrt, 21, was killed in action over Mindora Island, Philippine Islands, after having been listed as missing in action since May 27, 1945.

Lt. Mahrt was a navigator on a B-24 and on May 27, 1945 was returning from a bombing mission over Indo China [now Vietnam], when three engines went out and all eleven men were forced to bale out over water, 40 miles from base on Mindora, shortly before dark. The men were scattered over a large area. Rescue ships found nine of the men that night. Unsuccessful search was conducted for two days for the other two.

Jolly Roger shoulder patch

Roger Mahrt was the son of Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt of Reardan and brother of Helen Mahrt Kasten of Aurora, Ore. He graduated as an honor student (valedictorian) from Reardan High School in 1942 and attended Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester one year before entering the army July 9, 1943. He received basic at Kearns, Utah, preflight at San Antonio, and some flight training at Cuero, Texas. In April 1944 he transferred to navigation school at Selman Field, Monroe, La., where he received his commission Oct. 1944. Upon graduation, he was sent to March Field, Calif. for combat training and set overseas Feb. 1945. He was attached to the 400th Bomb Squad, 90th Bomb Group know as the "Jolly Rogers" on Mindora.

Jolly Roger Insignia

He was awarded the air medal and Purple Heart. Memorial services will be held at a later date at Reardan Lutheran Church, which he was a member.

Lt. Cohen's crew which included J. Roger Mahrt (center back row)

To quote "Spies in the Sky" by Taylor Downing: [this reference has to be wrong.]

"for the first time in two weeks when they hit the railroad yards and rolling stock and Muong Man [near Ho Chi Mihn (Saigon)] on May 27[, 1944]. Individual bomb runs were made and their 1,000 pound bombs destroyed box cars, warehouses, buildings, storage sheds, road beds, and switch yards; and they played havoc with all facilities around Muong Man. To add to the miser of Japanese, they dropped to low level and strafed everything along the rail lines. The Japanese responded with a wooded area with machine gun fire, and some small arms fire hit some of the planes. None of the men were injured and none of the planes were seriously damaged; however the plane flown by Capt. Curtis W. Jurs lost number four engine when his right waist gunner become carried away with the strafing and shot out his own engine. Lt. Wayne Van Arsdale lost an engine over Muong Man due to a mechanical problem, but all the planes returned safely except one flown by Lt. Saul M. Cohen and his crew.

"Almost in sight of Maguire [sic], Cohen's plane ran out of fuel. When number four engine went out, the engineer indicated there was enough fuel to reach Maguire; but suddenly number two engine quit then then number three. The crew was already prepared to bail out; and when the bail out buzzer sounded, the crew jumped from the plane. Some of the men lost the one man life raft fastened to their parachute harness, but their Mae West inflated. About on-half hour after the men had bailed out, they sighted a Catalina returning from covering the strike. Second Lieutenant John R. Mahrt and Sgt. Charles C Sarno were never found."

Roger Marht memorial at Reardan
2Lt John R Mahrt memorial Manila, Philippines

[Roger lost his life after V-E day and just three months before V-J day.]