EHRIE, John Thomas - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Cpl. John Thomas Ehrie, native of Waynetown who was killed in action in Germany on April 20, was employed as an electrician in Chicago at the time of his enlistment Aug 17, 1943. Cpl. Ehrie had been overseas since early Sept 1944 serving with the 171st Engineering Company on the west front. Cpl. Ehrie, who would have been 32 May 13 was the son of John W. Ehrie of Whitesville. Mrs. Ehrie is his stepmother. Two brothers, six half sisters and two step sisters also survive together with his son, John Ronald Ehrie, of Frankfort. A step brother, Sgt Donald H. Gott was killed in service 26 months ago and a brother, Tech Sgt Dennis B. Ehrie is now with the armed forces in the Philippines.

Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review 18 Apr 1949 p 1 typed by Walt W

The body of Corporal John Thomas Ehrie, who gave his life during World War II, will arrive in Waynetown, Tuesday, April 19. Cpl. Ehrie died April 20, 1945, of wounds he received while on guard duty in Germany. A combat engineer with the 171st engineers, Cpl. Ehrie entered the service Aug. 17, 1943. He was sent overseas in September, 1944, after training in Colorado and Tennessee. Before being sent into Germany he served in England, France, and Belgium. Cpl. Ehrie, who had a record of distinguished service, was awarded the Bronze Star Feb. 23, 1945. The citation stated that while helping build an infantry bridge over the Rhine river he kept an assault boat from overturning by jumping into the swift waters and fastening a rope to the boat. Cpl. Ehrie was born May 13, 1913, in Waynetown, the son of John W. and Gertrude Fritts Ehrie. His boyhood was spent on a farm near Mellott. After attending school in Mellott he went to Lafayette where he became an electrician. Later he went to Chicago where he was working as an electrician when he entered service. He married Hazel Howell, of Frankfort, in October, 1933. Surviving are the father, a stepmother, Mrs. John W. Ehrie, R. F. D. 4, Crawfordsville; a stepfather and mother, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Miller, of Chicago; a son, John Ronald Ehrie, of Frankfort; two brothers, Charles Ehrie, of Lafayette, and Dennie Ehrie, of Chicago; five half-brothers, six half-sisters, two step sisters, and several uncles and aunts. A step brother, Sgt. Donald H. Gott, was killed in Tunisia Feb. 15, 1943. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the Grenard and Servies Funeral home in Waynetown. Rev. J. C. Keating, of St. Bernard's Catholic church, will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary cemetery in Crawfordsville with the Ladoga post of the American Legion to conduct military rites at the graveside. Friends may pay their respects at the funeral home.

Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review 14 Mar 1944 p 1 typed by Walt W

Mellott, March 14— Mr. and Mrs. John Ehrie have recently been notified by officials at Washington, D. C., that their son, Sgt. Donald H. Gott, had been officially declared dead. This declaration was made by the Department of War, February 15, 1944, just one year from the date Sgt. Gott was reported missing in action in a battle in the vicinity of Sidi Bon Zid, Tunisia. He had landed in Ireland May 18, 1942, where he remained for six months. He then went to England where he remained for six weeks. Sgt. Gott landed in Africa December 24, 1942. The last letter received from him by his parents was written January 24, 1943. Sgt. Gott served with Company E First Armored Regiment. He enlisted in the service of his country August 7, 1940. He served 18 months in the United States, taking his training at Camp Knox, Ky., before going overseas. Born July 2, 1919 in Mellott, Sgt. Gott was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gott. His father died when he was a baby. He was educated in the Mellott school. He is survived by his mother and step-father; one sister, Mrs. Charles Junk of Crawfordsville; seven half-sisters, four half-brothers, and three step-brothers, two of which are serving in the U. S. Army. Sgt. Gott, it was understood, was engaged to Miss Mary C. French, of Louisville, Ky.