Person Page - 1720

Her parents were listed as Andrew A. Gerdon and Zelda J. Johnson. His parents were listed as Richard Valentine and Mrs. Richard Valentine. The Best Man was Robert Valentine.¹⁰

Survivor(s): Richard Valentine and Robert Valentine.¹¹

Indiana Wedding Of Local interest.
     Of interest to many here was the impressively solemnized wedding Saturday afternoon, August 7, at 4:30 o'clock at. the Holy Trinity. Rectory in New Albany, Ind., when the lives of Cpl. James Valentine, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Valentine of Sycamore and Helen Gerdon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gordon of New Albany, Ind, were united in marriage. The Rev. Bernard Gerdon, cousin of the bride, read the double ring service.
     he young bride- wss especially lovely in her wedding gown of white satin, fashioned with an illusion square neckline and full train.- Her veil was of fingertip length and fell gracefully: from a headdress of orange blossoms, and she canted a beautiful French bouquet of white roses.
     Mrs. Fred McCartln, Jr., of New Albany, Ind, sister of the bride, served as matron of honor wearing an aqua grosgrain. taffeta gown of similar design to that of the bride. Her French bouquet was made of pink roses interwoven with blue net' and similar blooms adorned her hair.
     Robert Valentine of Sycamore attended his brother as best man and Fred McCartin, Jr, of New Albany, Ind, ushered.
     The bride's mother chose a black and' pink flowered bemberg with black accessories and the groom's mother wore a blue printed organdy, her accessories being black, Lovely; shoulder corsages of pink roses complemented their gowns.
     Following the ceremony a four course wedding dinner was served in the Crystal Room of the Tavern Hotel to fourteen of the immediate family -members, after which a colorful reception for some 135 guests took place at the bride's parental home which was profusely decorated with flowers. A large tiered wedding cake also graced the prettily appointed bridal table.
     The groom is well known here where he attended both the elementary schools and -the high school. He has been in the service over three years, 13 months of which were spent n Germany, one year in New Jersey and the past year he has been at Ft. Knox; Ky. His.bride is a graduate of the New Albany High School and has been employed by the Family Service- Organization at Louisville, Ky. For the time being the young couple will reside at the bride's parental home at 1317 Culbertson Avenue, New Albany, Ind.
     Guests were present at the wedding from Mt, Vernon, Cincinnati, Ohio, Indianapolis, Ind, also Sycamore, those from here being Mr. and Mrs. Richard Valentine and daughter, Mrs. Marion Burchett and son, Robert and. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Taylor.¹⁰

     (photo caption - see link in footnote below)

Missing a Year Now Officially Reported Dead
     Following many long months of suspense and anxious waiting, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Valentine of this city were definitely notified by the War Department Saturday morning that their elder son, Howard George Valentine Technician fourth grade of the Quartermaster Corps, who was reported missing on May 25, 1942 after the fall of Corregidor, is dead, the legal date of his death being set as May 8, 1944. The official, notice was signed by Brig. General Robert H. Dunlop. Sycamore community at this time extends a hand of deep sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Valentine whose son has paid the supreme sacrifice for his country.
     Howard enlisted in the U. S. Army in August of 1940 and was stationed first at Fort Custer, Battle Creek Mich., then at Fort Francis, Warren, Wyo., later going to the Phillippines (sic) arriving in Manilla in August of 1941. He sailed on the President Coolidge ship which later was sunk. Upon his arrival in Manilla he sent a radiogram to his parents and after that, they only heard once, from him, the letter being written on February 14, 1942 and arriving here on April 1.
     Prior to his enlistment in the army, Howard served with the Civilian Conservation Corps, part time in Idaho and part time in Illinois. Howard George Valentine was born in Mayfield on June 23, 1913 and when but a baby, moved with his parents to Sycamore where he attended the local schools and grew to young manhood. Howard possessed splendid qualities of character. He was conservative and quiet and one who was especially fond of his home and family members. He was also a member of the local Methodist church and Sunday School.
     Left to mourn his passing besides his grief-stricken parents are two brothers, Pvt. Robert Valentine, who is in the Aviation Corps at Scott Field and James, at home, also a sister, Marian at home and many friends. It is very fitting at this time to salute the parents of this dead hero, also his two brothers and sister who have "carried on" so bravely these many months and who will continue doing so despite their great sorrow.¹⁴

Memorial Rites For Corregidor Hero on Sunday
     Memorial Services will be held Sunday, June 18, for Howard Valentine, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Valentine, who was reported dead on Saturday, May 20 by the War Department. The services will be conducted by the American Legion members in the Methodist church at 3 o'clock. Dr. H. H. Hough, pastor of the Methodist church, will give the eulogy. Howard George Valentine Technician fourth grade of the Quartermaster Corps, was reported missing on May 25, 1942, after the fall of Corregldor. The legal date of his death was set as May 8, 1944.¹

Howard Valentine Dies In Prison Camp
     
Long Awaited Report Made by Government to Family
     Mr . and Mrs . Richard Valentine of Sycamore on Monday received the following letter from the government:
     An official report has been received that your son, Technician 4-c Howard Valentine, died in a prisoner of war camp in the Philippine Islands on the 10th of May, 1942. This official message establishes definitely the actual date of his death and where he died. The little thread of hope, that the Valentines had retained, that perhaps there was a possible chance of his being alive, has now faded away. It is believed that Howard was the first young man of Sycamore community to give his life in the World War II conflict.
     The Valentines live at 441 Stark Avenue where the young man lived with his parents before entering the service.
     Appropriate memorial services were held at the local Methodist church in June of last year commemorating his heroic service for bis country.(photo caption)Howard Valentine
     He enlisted in August of 1940.
     Howard was one of Sycamore's esteemed young men and was a member of the local Methodist church .⁸

It appears that this article is related to Howard G. Valentine despite the reference to Richard/Dick:

Death in Japs Prison Areas It Is Learned
One of the first casualties reported in Sycamore early in 1942 was that of Pfc. Richard Valentine, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Valentine, Sr., of Sycamore. A few days ago the parents were officially informed that,their son had died in a Jap prison camp.

The young man had entered the army some time before war opened and was stationed with regulars in the Philippines. After the hard fighting at Bataan his parents were informed that he was missing. Then came the fall of Batoon (sic) and Corrigedor. Over a year later the government notified the parents here that their son was considered dead. Since the end of the war and resulting revelation of many secrets held by the Japs, it has been learned that "Dick" as he was known here, died in a prison camp. Memorial services were held in his honor a year ago this last slimmer at the Sycamore Methodist Church.²

The Best Man was Miles Burchett. They were attended by Mrs. Miles Burchett.³

Survived by her husband, Robert B. Valentine. Predeceased by her parents: Jesse Buzzell and Lurana Hall.²

Survivor(s): Marjorie Valentine and Robert Valentine. Predeceased by her husband, Jesse Buzzell. Predeceased by her parents: Marcenus Hall and Augusta Ann Wells.²