Fighting Anyans

Once the war got started, no family was mentioned more in the Davenport Times-Tribune than the family of Roy and Minnie Anyan. Its no wonder, at one point they had six sons in the war and a son-in-law. What is more amazing is that all but one of them were sergeants. Just to list them here:

• Harry Anyan (class of 1937, Technical Sergeant, Army)
  • Enlistment: 30 Jan 1941 to 19 Jul 1945 serving in the Aleutians, TX and MS.
• Everett "Corky" Anyan (class of 1937, Technical Sergeant, National Guard and has three battle stars--Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and the Philippines--and a bronze star to save a pile of burning mortar shells.)
  • Enlistment: 1 Sept 1940 to 9 Aug 1945, serving in Hawaii, Guadalcanal, and the liberation of the Philippines.
• George "Gump" Anyan (class of 1938, Technical Sergeant Army)
  • Enlistment: 1 Nov 1940 to 4 Oct 1945, serving in New Guinea and the liberation of the Philippines.
• Lester "Dean" Anyan (a junior in the class of 1945, Staff Sergeant Army Air Corps.)
  • Enlistment: 9 Sep 1943 to 25 Oct 1945, served mostly as instructor in Las Vegas, but earning Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters and a distinguished flying cross in 6 months of action out of England in the time period of D-day, Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. His targets have included Munich, Merseburg, Leipzig, Peenemunde, Kiel, Stuttgart, Anklam, Nienburg, Ludwigshafen, Gaggenau, Rheine and Cologne.
• Waldo Anyan (class of 1931, Sergeant Army Corps of Engineers, railroad battalion)
  • Enlistment: 10 Dec 1942 to 25 Dec 1945 serving in Europe for the invasion of Europe and Germany.
• Robert Jones (husband of Gladys Anyan, Class of 1940?, Technical Sergeant Army artillery)
  • Enlistment: 20 Jan 1941 to 11 Aug 1945 serving in an undesignated place and then with the field artillery in the invasion of Germany.
• Merle Anyan (junior in class of 1946?, seaman second class Navy)
  • Enlistment: 12 Oct 1944 to about June of July 1946 serving in the Philippines and maybe France for occupation duty.

The more detailed clippings follow.

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.

May 19, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Class of 1938 commencement

• Processional-Miss Dorothy Williams
• "Our Changing Civilization"--Ruth Marion Weipert
• Salutatory, "Literature and Music"--Helen Mahrt
• Piano solo--Harl Barnard
• "Social Science"--Mabel Anderson
• Vocal solo--Lorraine Brooks
• "Science"--Theodore Koehler
• Saxophone Solo--Harriet Mahrt
• Valedictory, "Education"--Elizabeth Joslin
• Girls' sextet
• Presentation of the class--Supt. H. P. Olson
• Presentation of diplomas-- Mr. H. Brommer
• Benediction--Rev. C. W. Marrs

Class Members: Mabel Anderson, George Anyan, Harl Barnard, Mildred Bowen, Lorraine Brooks, Eugene Clouse, Lorraine Emley, Howard Evers, Raymond Foland, Victor Hyslop, Elizabeth Joslin, Theodore Koehler, John Lukaszeski, Harriet Mahrt, Helen Mahrt, Jack Mann, Gil Randall, Caroline Remmers, Raymond Thiemens, Ruth Weipert, Lois Wynecoop.

November 3, 1938 Davenport Times-Tribune

Rev. Charles B. Marrs, Boy Scoutmaster, and C. F. Joslin took the Reardan Scout troop to Spokane to swim at the Y. W. C. A. Wednesday night. Rev. W. S. Plowman, assistant Scoutmaster, Lloyd McLain and Billie Colville furnished the cars. The boys were Billie Colville, Tommy Walsh, Jack and Jim Delamater, Jimmy Rinker, Carl Garber, Harold Mann, Glen Anderson, Richard Foland, Dean Anyan, George Koeller, Earl Travis, Marvin Evers, Berne Barnard, Carl Koeller and Elmer Wendlandt.

May 11, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

George Anyan, candidate for Spring Creek grange, received the first and second degrees at the West Deep Creek grange Friday evening.

August 17, 1939 Davenport Times-Tribune

DEEP CREEK--A marriage ceremony took place at Deep Creek, Wednesday August 9, when Miss Ethel Anyan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan of Reardan and Mr. Robert Loomis, son of Rev. and Mrs. Loomis were united. Rev. Loomis performed the ceremony.

January 30, 1941 Davenport Times-Tribune

Robert Jones, who registered in Illinois and now of Reardan, was called to report for duty Thursday. Harry Anyan, who enlisted voluntarily, left Saturday to report at Camp Lewis. This is the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan to enlist. Everett Anyan joined the National Guard and George Anyan enlisted for military training in November.

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.

November 27, 194 Davenport Times-Tribune

Corporal Everett Anyan of Camp Lewis spent Thanksgiving with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan.

January 15, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received a letter Tuesday from their son, Corporal Everett Anyan, saying that he was in the Hawaiian Islands.

June 18, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Corporal George Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, stayed Saturday night and Sunday with his parents. He had his guest, Sergeant Jim Russell of Arkansas, Corporal Jim Tucksen, Arkansas and Corporal Ed Conners, of Kentucky. These boys are stationed at Fort Lewis, Tacoma.

July 9, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

George Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, spent the forth at home. He is stationed at Camp Lewis.

July 23, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan had a letter from their son, Sergeant Harry Anyan, with the U.S. army saying that he had been sent to another country and had arrived safely. He was not allowed to state the name of the country.

July 30, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received a letter last week from their son, Sergeant Harry Anyan with the U.S. Army, that he was in Alaska.

August 13, 194 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received word that their son, Corporal George Anyan, has been transferred to Camp Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is the first time he has been moved since going into training at Camp Lewis 18 months ago.

September 10, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Corporal Robert H. Jones and Mrs. Jones, Gladys Anyan, of San Rafael, California are spending their honeymoon visiting relatives in Illinois.

September 24, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan had word that their son, Corporal Everett Anyan, has been promoted to Sergeant. He joined the national guard two years ago and is now in Hawaii.

November 5, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan had word that their son-in-law, Robert Jones, who has been stationed at San Rafael, Calif., was promoted to Staff Sergeant that he will soon be move to some undesignated place.

November 12, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

George Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, who is with the cavalry in the U.S. army stationed in Camp Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo., came Wednesday to spend part of an eleven-day furlough with his parents. He was recently promoted to technical sergeant.

November 26, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Technical Sergeant George Anyan, who is with the army at Camp [Carson], Colorado Springs, Colorado, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, the he is being shipped out of the United States.

December 10, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Waldo Anyan was inducted into the army to report to Fort Douglas, Utah.

Waldo Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, was inducted into the army Friday and after a seven-day furlough, will go to Ogden, Utah. He is their fourth son in the service. Sergeant Everett Anyan is in the Hawaiian islands. Sergeant Harry Anyan [is] in Alaska, and Technical Sergeant George Anyan is now being moved to some undesignated place.

December 31, 1942 Davenport Times-Tribune

Waldo Anyan, the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan to go into the service, was sent from Denver, Colo., to New Orleans, La.

January 14, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan had a letter from their son, Sergeant Everett Anyan, saying that he was moved from the Hawaiian islands, where he has been stationed for almost a year, to some place south of the equator.

March 11, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received word last week from their fours sons, who are in the service. Sergeant George Anyan, who is with a field artillery unit, writes that he is some where in the South Pacific. This was their first letter from him since he left the United States in January. Sergeant Everett Anyan, who joined the national guard in September, 1940, has been in the Hawaiian Islands for nearly a year, is now at Guadalcanal. Sergeant Harry Anyan]][ is in Alaska. Private Waldo Anyan,] who was inducted into the army last December, is with a railroad battalion and writes from New Orleans the he will soon be moved. All four boys were star basketball players in their high school days. Mr. and Mrs. Anyan also have two son-in-laws in the service. Staff Sergeant Robert Jones is at San Raefel, Calif., and Private Robert Loomis was inducted into the army last week. He is the son of Rev. C. W. Loomis and Mrs. Loomis of Deep Creek.

March 18, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Private first class Waldo V. Anyan writes that he was transferred from New Orleans, La., to Camp William C. Reid, Clovis, N. M. He is with a railway operation battalion.

March 25, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant George Anyan informed his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that he is now in New Guinea. He is with the field artillery and is a graduate of the Reardan high school.

April 15, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Waldo Anyan, who is with a railroad battalion at Clovis, N. M., writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that he has been promoted to corporal.

May 6, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

BORN: To Staff Sergeant and Mrs. Robert Jones a son, April 26, at the sacred Heart hospital. He has been named Robert, Jr. Mrs. Jones was Gladys Anyan and Sergeant Jones is stationed at San Rafael, Calif.

May 20, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Corporal Waldo Anyan, who is with a railroad battalion at Camp William C. Reid in Clovis, N. M., came Saturday night to spend a week's furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan. Corporal Anyan is a graduate of the local high school and while there was a star basket ball player.

May 27, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Corporal Waldo Anyan left on Sunday noon for Camp William C. Reid after spending a furlough visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan.

August 12, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan have received word that their son, Sergeant Everett Anyan, that he has been sent to a rest camp. He has been in combat in New Guinea and at Guadalcanal.

Staff Sergeant Robert Jones is spending a 15-day furlough with his wife and three-month old son at the Roy Anyan home. Sergeant Jones is stationed with the army at San Raefel, Calif.

September 9, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Lester D. "Dean" Anyan reported for duty in the army. Anyan is the fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan of Reardan to enter the service.

September 23, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Dean Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, left Wednesday for Fort Douglas, Utah, where he will enter the army. This is the fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. Anyan to enter the army. Sgt. Everett Anyan, who enlisted with the National Guard in September of 1940, in in the south Pacific theater and has not been home for over two years. Sgt. Harry Anyan is in Alaska where he has been for over a year and entered the service in the spring of 1941. Sgt. George Anyan, entered in 1941 and is in New Guinea. Sgt. Waldo Anyan, who is still in the States at Clovis, N. M., entered in December of 1942. All of the boys are graduates of the local high school, except Dean, who would have been a senior this year. They were all star basketball players while attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Anyan also have a son-in-law in the army, Staff Sergeant Robert Jones of San Raefel, Calif.

October 7, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant Waldo Anyan, who is with an army railroad battalion, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that he has been transferred from Clovis, N. M, to Fort Schnelling, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received word from their son Dean, who is stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah, that he is to take training as an aviation cadet. Dean was inducted into the army two weeks ago.

November 25, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant Waldo Anyan has written his parents that he has left Fort Schnelling for a port of embarkation. Sgt. Anyan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan and is with a railroad battalion.

January 6, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Private L. Dean Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, has been transferred from Buckley Field, Colo., to the air base at Las Vegas, Nev. Private Anyan is with the air corps and entered the service in September.

January 20, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received word that their son, Sergeant Waldo Anyan, has arrived safely at his destination overseas and is now in England. Sgt. Anyan is with a railroad battalion and has been in the service since December, 1942. He is a graduate of the local high school.

February 3, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan have received word from their son, Harry Anyan, that he has been promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in the Alaskan theater. Sgt. Anyan is one of five brothers in the service and has just completed his third year in the infantry division of the army. He is a graduate of the local high school.

March 2, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Pfc. Dean Anyan arrived home Friday to spend a fifteen day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan. He has just graduated from the gunnery school at Las Vegas, Nev., and now wears the silver wings of the army air corps. Pfc. Anyan was a senior in high school at the time of his entering the service in September.

March 9, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Pfc. Dean Anyan left Monday night for Salt Lake City after spending a furlough here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan. He is an army air force gunner and received his wings at Las Vegas, Nev. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received word from their son, Everett Anyan, in the south Pacific, that he has been promoted to Staff Sergeant. Sgt. Anyan was with the national guard until that left Spokane in September, 1940, and is a member of the 161 Infantry. He has been overseas for more than two years. He is well known throughout the county as a star basketball player, when he was attending Reardan high school.

April 6, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Private Dean Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, writes that he is now getting more training as a gunner for the army air forces at Pyote Field, Texas. He recently received his wings from the Las Vegas, Nev., gunnery school. He is the fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. Anyan in the army.

April 13, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant Robert Jones of Camp Fannin, Texas, came Wednesday for a two-week furlough with his wife and son, Robert Jr. Sgt. Jones is with the field artillery and has been in the service for over three years. Mrs. Jones is the former Gladys Anyan.

April 20, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant Robert Jones has returned to his base at Camp Fannin, Texas, after spending a furlough with his wife and son at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan.

May 18, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Pfc. William Merrill, son of Mrs. H. B. Merrill of Spokane, stopped at the Roy Anyan home on Friday. He had just returned from service in the south Pacific and had seen one of Mr. and Mrs. Anyan's sons, Staff Sergeant Everett Anyan, the day before he left for the states. Pfc. Merrill has been in the service for over two years and was a former resident here. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received word from their son, Harry Anyan, that he has been promoted to the rank of technical sergeant in the infantry stationed in the Aleutians. He has been in the service over three years. Mr. and Mrs. Anyan also received word from their other four sons: Sgt. Waldo Anyan, in England with a railroad battalion; Sgt. George Anyan, with the field artillery in the south Pacific; Staff Sgt. Everett Anyan, in the infantry in the South Pacific; and Pvt. Dean Anyan, who is still in the states and received training as an aerial gunners in the air crops at Pyote Field, Texas.

May 25, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received word from their son, Dean Anyan, that he has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. He is stationed at Pyote Field and has just completed his training as an aerial gunner.

June 8, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sgt. Dean Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, writes that he is a ball turret gunner with the air force and is stationed now at Kearney, Neb., where he was transferred from Pyote Field, Texas.

July 6, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received word from their son, Everett Anyan, stating that he has been promoted to the rank of technical sergeant. He is with the infantry in the south Pacific where he has been for over two years. On the same day, Mr. and Mrs. Anyan received word from Sgt. Dean Anyan that he had arrived safely in England with the air forces. He is a ball turret gunner on a B-17. Sgt. Waldo Anyan also wrote that he had a change of address. The letter was written after the invasion, but did not state whether he was still stationed in England.

August 17, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sgt. Waldo V. Anyan writes his parents that he has been transferred from England to France, where he is with a railroad battalion with the engineers. He says the when the Germans leave, they destroy everything they can.

August 24, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

'Reardan Youth Awarded Air Medal

The air medal has been awarded Sgt. Lester D. "Dean" Anyan of Reardan, one of five Anyan brothers in the armed forces, for meritorious achievement" on B-17 Flying Fortress bombing attacks on enemy Europe. A ball turret gunner, he has taken part in six combat missions. The citation accompanying the award read in part: "The courage, coolness and spirit displayed by this enlisted man upon there occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States." Sgt. Anyan, 19 years old, was a student at Reardan high school before entering the army September 1, 1942. His mother is Mrs. Roy Anyan. Her other sons in the service are Technical Sergeant Everett H. Anyan, infantry in the south Pacific; Technical Sergeant Harry Anyan, infantry, Alaska; Sergeant Waldo V. Anyan, engineers, England; and Sgt. George. I. Anyan artillery, south Pacific.

September 21, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant Lester D. "Dean" Anyan has been decorated with a second Oak Leaf cluster to his air metal for "meritorious achievement" on bombing attacks on enemy Europe. The citation read in part: "The courage, coolness, and skill displayed by this enlisted man upon these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States." Sgt. Anyan, 19 years old, was a student at Reardan High before entering the army September 1, 1942. He is the son of [Mr. and] Mrs. Roy Anyan.

October 5, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Technical Sergeant Robert Jones, who is stationed in Louisiana, came Saturday night to spend a furlough with his wife (Gladys Anyan) and son. He has been in the service three years.

October 12, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Technical Sergeant Harry Anyan arrived Friday to spend a 21-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan. He spent 28 months at Mechek on Bristol Bay, Alaska, and on Amchitka in the Aleutians. He will report to Camp Swift, Texas, for his new assignment. Sgt. Anyan has four brothers in the army. Sgt. Waldo Anyan, who is with a railroad battalion in France, Technical Sergeant Everett Anyan, with the 161st division in the south Pacific and who has been overseas thirty-three months, Sgt. George Anyan with the field artillery in the south Pacific and Sgt. Dean Anyan, a ball turret gunner on a B-17. He is stationed in England and received the air medal with two oak leaf clusters in 18 missions over European territory. A fifth brother, Merle, was inducted into the navy Tuesday of last week and is awaiting his call.

October 19, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan had word last week from their son, Dean Anyan, stationed in England, saying he was promoted to staff sergeant. He entered the service on September 1943, and is a turret gunner on a Flying Fortress. He was awarded the air medal and two oak leaf clusters after 18 missions over enemy territory.

November 2, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant L. Dean Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, has been awarded the distinguished flying cross. He is a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress and is wearing the air medal and two oak leaf clusters. He entered the service in September 1943, and went to England in May where he is based. He has four brothers who are in the army, and another brother was inducted into the navy and is waiting his call to report.

November 9, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Merle Anyan reported to the navy Monday and it is believed he will receive his boot training at Farragut. He was inducted several weeks ago and is the sixth son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan to enter the service. His five brothers are all with the army.

November 16, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant Lester D. "Dean" Anyan of Reardan, B-17 Flying Fortress ball turret gunner in the 351st bombardment group, has been decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for "extraordinary achievement" on combat missions over enemy Europe. Sgt. Anyan, 19 years old, is a veteran of more than a score of bombing attacks on enemy installations. His targets have included Munich, Merseburg, Leipzig, Peenemunde, Kiel, Stuttgart, Anklam, Nienburg, Ludwigshafen, Gaggenau, Rheine and Cologne. The citation accompanying the award read in part: "The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this enlisted man upon these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. In addition to the DFC, Sgt. Anyan wears the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters. He was a student at Reardan high school before entering the army September 1, 1942. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan of Reardan.

December 7, 1944 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant George Anyan informs his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, he has been sent for New Guinea to the Philippines and that his Ranger unit landed in the Philippines three days ahead of the regular army. He stated the they had a "hot time" for a while, but came through the ordeal O.K.

January 11, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Technical Sergeant Harry Anyan, who is with the infantry division at Camp Swift, Texas, is spending an 18-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan. Sgt. Anyan returned last October from the Aleutian islands, where he spent 28 months. He went into the service under selective service four years ago. He is a graduate of the local high school.

January 25, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant Dean Anyan arrived Friday for a 23-day furlough with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan. He was a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Fortress and completed 35 missions over enemy territory in Europe. Sergeant Anyan was with the Eighth air force, and has the distinguished flying cross and air medal with thee oak leaf clusters. He will report to a rest camp at Santa Ana, Calif.

February 1, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant Robert Jones, who is with the field artillery of the army, writes his wife that he has landed safely in England. He is a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan.

Merle Anyan, who is taking his boot training at Farragut, spent a 12-hour leave Thursday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, and his brother, Staff Sergeant Dean Anyan, home from England.

Technical Sergeant Everett Anyan writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, he is now in the Philippines. He is with the 161st division and has been in the Pacific area 37 months. He enlisted in the national guard in September, 1940.

February 15, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Technical Sergeant Everett Anyan, who is with the 161st infantry in the Philippine islands, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, he has been through a tough battle and is taking a rest. He stated that Gen. McArthur went in the front lines with them, greatly boosting the morale of the troops. His regiment has the distinction of destroying the largest number of enemy tanks. Sgt. Anyan says he is enjoying the best chow, including fresh eggs and roasting ears. He has been in the service four and a half years and overseas 38 months.

Staff Sergeant Dean Anyan, who spent a 23-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, left Sunday for Santa Ana, Calif., where he will spend several weeks at a rest camp. He completed 35 missions over enemy territory in Europe as a ball turret gunner on a B-17.

March 1, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Technical Sergeant Harry Anyan has been moved from Camp Swift, Texas, to Camp Shelby, Miss. He served 28 months in the Aleutians and was assigned to Camp Swift last October. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan and is a graduate of the local high school.

March 8, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Seaman Third Class Merle Anyan completed his boot training at Farragut naval training station. He spent a five-day furlough with his parents. On his return he will receive his new assignment. Merle was a student in high school, when he entered the service.

Staff Sergeant Dean Anyan writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that he is being moved from Santa Ana, Calif., to Las Vegas, Nev., where he will be an instructor.

March 22, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sgt. George Anyan writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that he was surprised recently, when he saw his brother Technical Sergeant Everett Anyan standing behind him. This is the first time the boys have seen each other in over three years. George is with the 6th Ranger battalion and Everett is with the 161st infantry. The boys had two nights and days together and are both on Luzon.

Sgt. Carl Koeller, who is with the 113th M.P. company, writes he saw George Anyan. The boys are stationed 80 miles apart. This is their first meeting since they entered the service.

March 29, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Seaman second class Merle Anyan, the sixth son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan to enter the service, has been moved to Bremerton. He recently completed his boot training at Farragut.

April 19, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Lieutenant (j.g.) Pat Owens writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Owens, when he landed his naval plane on an aircraft carrier, he saw Seaman second class Merle Anyan. Merle is stationed at Bremerton and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan.

June 7, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Bill Merrill stopped at the Roy Anyan home Friday on his way to Spokane. He had been given his discharge at Fort Lewis. Mr. Merrill served two years in the Pacific and the past year has been in the states. He lived here for several years while his father, the last Mr. Merrill, was the N. P. depot agent.

Technical Sergeant Everett Anyan writes his parents he has been awarded the bronze star. He also has the presidential unit citation and four battle stars. Sgt. Anyan entered the service in September 1940, when he joined the national guard in Spokane and took his basic training at Fort Lewis. He went overseas with the 161st infantry on December 16, 1941. He has been at New Zealand, New Caledonia, Guadalcanal and is now on Luzon. His brother, Sgt. George Anyan, who is with the famous Sixth Ranger group, is also on Luzon.

June 14, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sgt. Waldo Anyan writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that he is at Regensburg and is assisting the building of a bridge across the Danube. He has been in the service 1-1/2 years and in Europe over a year. Sgt. Anyan is with a railroad battalion.

June 28, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

With the 25th Infantry (Tropic Lightning) Division on Luzon, Technical Sgt. Everett H. Anyan of Reardan has been awarded the bronze star medal by Major General Charles L. Mullin Jr., commanding the 25th infantry (Tropic Lightning) division on Northern Luzon, for braving possible disaster to save a pile of burning mortar shells. While digging in an open hillside in the Caraballo mountains the Washington doughboy's mortar platoon of the 161st regiment was subjected to enemy mortar and artillery fire. One round hit a stack of mortar ammunition, setting it ablaze.

Despite the possibility of a large explosion, the fighting men assisted in evacuation of several wounded soldiers, and then helped remove mortar shells from the burning pile, which they fought with sand and water. The citation accompanying the award read in part, "timely and courageous actions in the face of grave danger were instrumental in preventing disaster and saving critically needed ammunition for subsequent fire missions." The 25th division, recent captor of Belate pass and Santa Fe, has been fighting a bitterly resisting Japs on Luzon for five continuous months.

June 28, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan had word that their son, Tech. Sgt. Everett "Corky" Anyan, that he met his brother, Sgt. George "Gump" Anyan in Manila. His letter was dated June 2 and stated he would be home with an honorable discharge within six weeks. He has served 52 weeks overseas. Tech. Sgt. Harry informs his folks that he is to receive his discharge on points as soon as he can be replaced and would be home any day. He served 30 months in the Aleutians, but saw no combat.

July 5, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant Dean Anyan informed his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that he left Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday night and would arrive home the forepart of this week. He was turret gunner on a B-17 and completed 35 missions over Europe. he is now an instructor at Las Vegas.

Merle Anyan, who is with the navy, writes he is at sea, but cannot say where. This is the first word his parents have had from him in many weeks.

July 12, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant Dean Anyan arrived home Tuesday of last week from Las Vegas, Nev., for a 21-day furlough. He is spending most of this leave working for the Reardan Grain Growers.

July 19, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Technical Sergeant Harry Anyan arrived here Monday from Shelby, Miss., where he received his discharge through the point system. He entered the service over four years ago at Fort Lewis and spent 30 months in the Aleutians. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan.

Technical Sergeant Robert Jones arrived home Wednesday from Germany for a thirty-day furlough with his wife and son here. He entered the service 4-1/2 years ago at Fort Lewis. Sgt. Jones was at San Raefel, Calif., about two years. He is the son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan.

July 26, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan received a telegram from their son, Technical Sergeant Everett "Corky" Anyan, saying the was in Virginia and would be home in a few days. He has been in the service nearly five years, 43 months of which he spent in the Pacific. His brother Staff Sergeant Dean Anyan, who had a 21-day furlough, returned to Las Vegas, Nev., Friday.

August 9, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant George Anyan, who is with the 5th Ranger group on Luzon, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that Sergeant Keith Denson, who is a ground crew mechanic with a bomber squadron in the Philippines, spent three days with him in Manila. The boys are former school chums. Sgt. Denson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. V. F. Denson of Coulee Dam, formerly of Reardan.

Technical Sergeant Everett "Corky" Anyan arrived home on Wednesday of last week after spending 43 months and 10 days in the Pacific. He received his honorable discharge at Fort Lewis with 117 points. He entered the service in September, 1940, with the national guard in Spokane, going to Fort Lewis where he took his basic training. He was on his way to Hawaii when word came of the attack on Pearl Harbor. They returned to San Francisco and on December 16 left the states for the Pacific. He was among the first troops to land at Guadalcanal. He also saw action in the New Georgia islands and the Philippines. Sgt. Anyan spent 5 continuous months in the front lines on Luzon. While at Fort Lewis, the bronze star was pinned on him. He wears the Asiatic theater ribbon, a ribbon for the Philippine liberation and three battle stars and rifleman's combat badge.

August 16, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Merle Anyan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, who joined the U.S. navy last October, called his parents a week ago from San Diego, saying he was leaving for Pearl Harbor.

August 30, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant George Anyan writes his parents that he is on his way to the states and expects his discharge soon after he arrives. He has been in the service over four years, three of them having been spent in the Pacific islands. He is with the Ranger group 6 and his last campaign was on Luzon.

October 4, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sgt. George Anyan arrived home Tuesday for a short furlough, while waiting his discharge. He went to Ft. Lewis Saturday and received his discharge on Sunday, returning home Monday. Sgt. Anyan entered the service November, 1941, and served 3 years in the Pacific. He was with the field artillery and later joined Ranger Group No. 6. He wears the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with three battle stars, the Philippine Liberation with two battle stars, and the Pre-Pearl Harbor ribbon. He is the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan to receive his honorable discharge. They have three other sons in the service.

Merle Anyan, who is with the navy, informed his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that his ship was ordered to Japan for occupation duty, but later was sent to Leyte. He believes they will move troops from the Philippines. He joined the navy in October, a year ago.

October 25, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Staff Sergeant Dean Anyan came home Sunday from Las Vegas, Nevada, where he received his discharge from the air corps. He entered the service in September, 1943, and spent nine months overseas as a gunner on a B-17 completing 35 missions over Europe. Sgt. Anyan has the Distinguished Flying Cross air medal with 3 oak leaf clusters. He will complete an unfinished course at the high school and plans to enter Washington State college in February. Dean is the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan to obtain his honorable discharge. He has two brothers still in the service. Sgt. Waldo Anyan, who is in Germany, and Merle Anyan, who is with the navy on a troop ship in the Pacific.

November 8, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Robert Jones, son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, had his discharge at Ft. Jackson, S. C. where he was stationed for a few months. He entered the service in Jan., 1941, and spent six months in Europe with the 74th field artillery. He spent several days with this people in Illinois, where he purchased a car and arrived here Sunday to join his wife, Gladys, and small son.

December 13, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Merle Anyan, who is with the navy, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan, that he spent three days in Oakland, and then left again for the Philippine Islands to bring back troops.

December 20, 1945 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant Waldo Anyan called his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan from New York Monday after his arrival from Europe. He will fly from New Jersey to Ft. Lewis where he will receive his discharge.

January 3, 1946 Davenport Times-Tribune

Sergeant Waldo Anyan came home early Wednesday morning after having his discharge at Fort Lewis on Christmas day. He has been in the service three years, two years of which was in England, France, Belgium and Germany. He was attached to a railroad battalion. Sgt. Anyan is the fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. Anyan to have is honorable discharge from the Navy. A brother, Merle Anyan, is with the Navy on the U.S.S. Kula Gulf, transporting troops from the Pacific.

January 31, 1946 Davenport Times-Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Anyan had word that their son, Seaman 2c Merle Anyan, who is on the U.S.S. Kula Gulf, is being moved from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast and expects to go to France. The Kula Gulf has been transporting troop home from the Pacific. He is the only son out of six that is still in the service.

April 4, 1946 Davenport Times-Tribune

Merle Anyan, who is with the navy, writes his parents that he is now at Norfolk, Virginia and expects his discharge in June or July. He joined the navy in October 1944.