 Pfc. John Montague Missing in Action
Pfc. John R. Montague, son .of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Montague 1514 Jefferson st., has been missing in action since D-day, the war department has notified his parents.
Pfc. Montague a paratrooper, was a graduate of Ft. Atkinson high
school and the Ornaga, IL Military academy. He entered the service
in October, 1942, was first stationed at Camp Blanding Fla. and took his early paratroop training at Ft. Benning Ga.
[Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, WI, 31 Jul 1944, Mon, Page 1] |
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 WAR
DEPARTMENT
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE
IN REPLY REFER TO
AG 201 Montague, John R.
PC-N ETO 133
28 July 1944
Mr. Charles W. Montague
1514 Jefferson
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Montague:
This letter
is to confirm my recent telegram in which you were regretfully
informed that your son, Private First Class John R., Montague,
16,131, 387, has been reported missing in action since 6 June 1944
in France.
I know that
added distress is caused by failure to receive more information or
details. Therefore I wish to assure you that at any time
additional information is received it will be transmitted to you
without delay, and if in the meantime no additional information is
received, I will again communicate with you at the expiration of
three months.
. The term "missing
in action" is used only to indicate that the whereabouts or status
of an individual is not immediately known. It is not intended
to convey the impression that the case is closed. I wish to
emphasize that every effort is exerted continuously to clear up the
status of our personnel. Under war conditions this is a
difficult task as you must readily realize. Experience has
shown that many persons reported missing in action are subsequently
reported as prisoners of war, but this information is furnished by
countries with which we are at war, the War Department is helpless
to expedite such reports. However, in order to relieve
financial worry, Congress has enacted legislation which continues in
force the pay, allowances and allotments to dependents of personnel
being carried in a missing status.
Permit me to extend to
you my heartfelt sympathy during this period of uncertainty.
Sincerely your,
/s/ J. A. ULIO
Major General
The Adjutant General
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HEADQUARTERS 508TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY
APO 230, U.S. ARMY
29 July 1944
Mr. Charles W. Montague
1514 Jefferson St.,
Madison, Wis.
My Dear Mr. Montague:
You have
been informed that your son, Private First Class John R., Montague,
who went into action with this regiment against the enemy in
Normandy, France during the recent invasion of the Continent is missing.
As long as this report is not changed, we all hold that he may yet
return. You may find some measure of comfort in that your son
is a soldier, a hero who performed his duty only as a paratrooper
can for his regiment and his country.
This
regiment has been awarded the Presidential Citation for
"Extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in
Normandy, 6 June 1944", In every action thereafter, the
members of this regiment, without exception, conducted themselves in
such a manner that our battle accomplishments will go down in
military history as outstanding and extraordinary. You can
well be proud of your son's participation and performance as a
soldier, for it was only through fighting soldiers such as he that
the breaching and penetration of of the defenses of the Continent
were possible.
In
closing, may I repeat that the regiment joins you in your hopes and
prayers for the well being and safe return of your son. If I
can be of any personal assistance to you in the future, please feel
free to write to me.
Sincerely Yours
/s/ ROY E. LINDQUIST
Colonel, Infantry
REL/eck |
