World War II

The Demmy Family of Uptown Harrisburg

Now in its third printing

by David W. Demmy, Sr.

2002

Double D Publications

World War II

The Demmy Family In Uptown Harrisburg

Prepared especially for

Family Reunion

The Demmy Family of Uptown Harrisburg

by David W. Demmy, Sr.

2002

Double D Publications

World War II

The Demmy Family of Uptown Harrisburg

Mr. and Mrs. William G. Demmy, Sr.

in happier days long before World War II

What style!

The WWII Blue Star

Presented to families who had a son or daughter serving in the

United States Armored Forces

Mrs. Esther Demmy had 2 blue stars for her 2 sons, in the US Army, serving their nation and family.

sample of one star flag sample of two star flag appears on next page

The blue star was proudly displayed in the front window or door, of the home of the members, in the Armed Forces. William G. Demmy, Jr., known as June, was inducted into the U. S. Army. Grandma Demmy received her first Blue Star. Authors note: Since Bill was a junior, he received the nickname of June like many Juniors of his generation.

flag with 2 blue stars

Here is a single son-in-service locket in a heart shape. The locket is plastic and in the shape of a red heart. It features the 1 son-in-service rectangle with a blue star on a

white field with a red border. Cut out of the heart is another heart that would frame the picture of the loved one in service. The reverse side has a needle pin and early war

cradle to secure the pin. The white background and blue star appear to be hand painted. The heart measures 1.25 x 1.125.

After the war, Bill relayed the following story to younger brother Floyd. The story is about one of his inspections while going through boot camp. Sometime shortly after one of their forced marches, Bills training company had an inspection in the barracks. When the inspecting officer came to Bills canteen, he unscrewed the cap and turned the canteen upside down. Unfortunately, some water rolled out and onto the floor, splashing the officers highly spit-shined shoes. Bill not only received a demerit for not emptying and drying his canteen, but he was given quite a lecture about paying attention to detail. Everything, and the Army means everything, should be squared away after a maneuver -- the soldier, his rifle, his gear, his uniform, everything. Failure to pay attention to detail could cost lives in combat. Bill didnt forget that incident and it served him well during his tour of duty in Africa and Italy:

Our uncle Bill was awarded a Division Citation for exceptionally meritorious conduct, while serving with the Fifth Army front in Italy with the service battery of the 151st Field Artillery Battalion of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. While driving an ammunition vehicle, Corporal Demmy observed ammunition burning and exploding in a nearby ammo dump as a result of enemy shellfire. He was leading his truck at the time, but despite the danger involved, he finished the job and delivered the ammunition to one of the batteries. On another occasion Corporal Demmy drove for 72 hours continuously, without an assistant driver, over a route being intermittently shelled by hostile artillery.

Then Uncle Floyd was drafted into the U. S. Army - - see his story entitled, Recollections of my Army Life during World War II, and Grandma was given her second Blue Star.

Uncle Pauls poor eyesight kept him out of military service, and Uncle Mick was too young for service during World War II. Grandmas son-in-law, our Uncle Hank, served as a member in the U. S. Coastal Artillery, keeping Americas shores safe from invasion. Later Uncle Mick and Uncle Harvey and Uncle Don would serve in the Armed Forces too.

Where was the Coastal Artillery on 9-11-01?

The OPA, Office of Price Administration, controlled necessity and luxury items, that citizens could purchase during the war years, eg: sugar, gasoline, and rubber goods.

Ration books and coupons were assigned to folks who signed up for them. The following pages display items from ration books belonging to our aunts and uncles on the home front, in Harrisburg, during World War II.

OPA Red Point Coins

Sample of Sugar Ration Book belonging to Uncle Harold E. Beers, Sr.

Living at 2130 N. 7th Street, Harrisburg

Cover of Aunt Ruths student Ration Book at age 12

Notice, Uncle Paul, [P. R. D.], signed her name to it.

Uncle Micks student Ration Book at age 15

Variety of Ration Stamps for variety of products.

Notice, many stamps displayed military images to re-enforce the military goal of folks at home while our troops and sailors were on a foreign soil risking their lives for freedom!

Back Cover of typical Ration Book

If you dont need it, DONT BUY IT. GPO I 1943

Uncle Floyds ration book issued 5 May 1942 at age 15

Following the War, grandma still needed a card to obtain cooking sherry, heres a copy of her 1946 card!

Heres Grammie in later years

Family Photos before and after the War

The Homestead on 7th Street, uptown Harrisburg

The Girls in the Alley

Above, from the left, Aunt Ruth, Aunt Gret, and Aunt Martie!

First, they were childhood friends! Then childhood sisters!

Then they became sister-n-laws and remained Friends for over six decades!

Houses damage by storm on 7th Street Many houses had entire front facade blown away!

Circa WWII era.

Below Uncle Floyd and Uncle Mick posing on upper deck!

Mom and her boys Following the War!

From left, Uncle Floyd, Uncle Bill, Grammie, and Uncle Mick. appears to be Aunt Loppy to far right! She looks like Kitty ain't!

They were lean, tuff young men, those Demmy boys.

Heres the twins, Leola and Floyd!

Appears Uncle Floyd may be wearing a portion of one of his army uniforms and Aunt Leola is chust happy.

Circa Summer 1945 or 46?

Aunt Ruth, Grammie in fur, Uncle Floyd on leave, and Aunt Martie

Appears to be wintertime! Notice how thin their winter coats are!

Almost looks like this pose was taken from Reservoir Park, with the Peters Mountain range in background ?

You've heard of the 70s Brothers Gibb! (the Bee Gees)

Heres the 40s Demmy Brothers

Veteran Uncle Bill in dark army wool, young Uncle Mick,

elder Uncle Paul, and Veteran Uncle Floyd in light army khakis.

- - - Handsome devils one and all - - - Notice the packs in their left breast pockets

The youthful members of the Demmy Clan

Aunt Ruthie Aunt Martie

And then,

The stud Veterans

Uncle Floyd and Uncle Bill

Where was this pic taken?

They look like they could become the Simon and Simon Private Eyes of TV Lands 1980s private investigators show.

Uncle Bill and Aunt Helen

No wonder she chased him, until he caught her!

Another neighborhood sweetheart couple

Uncle Floyd and Aunt Gret

Will the real Vet please stand up!

And No, thats not little David!

Here I is!

Uncle Bill, a family hero, matured from his experiences in the War!

This is a civilian version of the Armys Parade Rest command!

Note: Uncle Don Rohrbach was a member of the U. S Coast Guard! At the time of the original printing of this book, other than displayed herein, this author has no pictures of Uncle Paul or Uncle Don or Uncle Hank or Uncle Bill, nor the ladies of the family,. Upon receipt of such pics, well be proud to add their photos to this book. This author has always admired the photo of Uncle Bill, in uniform, sitting in a big old chair with the look of relaxation after having accomplished something great - - obviously to me, having been a veteran of World War II is something well accomplished and his relaxation well deserved. It is understood that the photo this author has in mind is of Uncle Bill relaxing, perhaps for a brief moment, somewhere in Italy during World War II; however, authorities tell me it was taken in the parking lot office downtown Harrisburg! Cousins, aunts and uncles, we can surely use your old photographs. Please share em with us so that we may share em with the family at large. David W. Demmy, Sr. Author DoubleD@Demmy.cc 2003

Double D Publications

mailto:DoubleD@Demmy.cc

Recycling was important for the war effort. The Demmys were experts at recycling, having collected, saved, and recycled paper and other items for years, in their effort to help make ends meet. Now, all of America was asked and required to recycle for Americas

War Machine.

Everyone was encouraged to buy War Bonds too!

Before they were old enough to be drafted, many young men, including

Uncle Floyd, worked at the former Pennsylvania Railroad.

CORNERSTONE

On the home front -- World War II Halloween 1942

area's rich history By Mary O. Bradley Of The Patriot-News

The Patriot-News - Tuesday October 30, 2001

In October 1942, America had been at war for 11 months.

It was Halloween time.

Men joined the military to fight, women took t