| Notes |
- _P_CCINFO 2-14330
Harry Kumpf served in WW II.
Harry Kumpf served in WW II.
From THE LEIGH (NE.) WORLD, November 1, 1946 -
Cpl. Harry Kumpf returned from eighteen months service in the Army, nine months of the time being spent in India and in China. Harry's brothers, Gordon and Clarence, met him at Columbus. Harry is the fourth of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Kumpf who has returned home from service in World War II.
There were only 61 GIs on the Marine Jumper which took Harry overseas, for the boat was being sent over to bring soldiers back home. However, the boys didn't have the entire vessel to themselves for there were on board about 100 missionaries and their families of different faiths, who were returning to their work in India.
Landing was at Calcutta and Harry was there for two months. The boys enjoyed sight-seeing trips and most traveling about the city was done in jinrikishas, the two wheeled carts dragged by native coolies. On days when the heat was oppressive, these natives sometimes feel dead on the streets. Because of the caste system, none but the proper authorities may touch them, and Harry states that frequently the dead bodies lie in the street several days before they are disposed of.
When the communists destroyed the railroads, transportation of food to the American boys became a problem. They had canned food on hand but were obliged to get fresh meat from the natives. Hindu men, employed at the camp on KP duty refused to touch or to eat the beef, because the cow is regarded as a sacred animal in India.
Mohammedans, on the other hand, would not touch or eat pork.
Harry spent seven months in China, in Shanghai and in Peiping and he prefers China to India, if he were forced to make a choice. He said poverty is evidenced on every hand. Chinese labor brought to the American camp to haul dirt or stack boxes had to be searched as they left camp for the men would steal food or other articles, cans of sardines, etc.
Chinese children do lots of begging. Children were more often seen gnawing on an ear of unmatured corn than eating candy bars.
Harry brought some interesting souvenirs from the Orient, a miniature jinrikisha, some embroidered silk scarves and hankies, and a brass smoking set which may be seen at Kumpf's Tavern. He made the voyage back to the homeland on the U.S.A.T.C. Ainsworth and expects his discharge next month. He plans to get out and husk some Nebraska corn just as soon as the weather is favorable.
[ColfaxDeutschlandPlatte.FBK.FTW]
Harry Kumpf served in WW II.
From THE LEIGH (NE.) WORLD, November 1, 1946 -
Cpl. Harry Kumpf returned from eighteen months service in the Army, nine months of the time being spent in India and in China. Harry's brothers, Gordon and Clarence, met him at Columbus. Harry is the fourth of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Kumpf who has returned home from service in World War II.
There were only 61 GIs on the Marine Jumper which took Harry overseas, for the boat was being sent over to bring soldiers back home. However, the boys didn't have the entire vessel to themselves for there were on board about 100 missionaries and their families of different faiths, who were returning to their work in India.
Landing was at Calcutta and Harry was there for two months. The boys enjoyed sight-seeing trips and most traveling about the city was done in jinrikishas, the two wheeled carts dragged by native coolies. On days when the heat was oppressive, these natives sometimes feel dead on the streets. Because of the caste system, none but the proper authorities may touch them, and Harry states that frequently the dead bodies lie in the street several days before they are disposed of.
When the communists destroyed the railroads, transportation of food to the American boys became a problem. They had canned food on hand but were obliged to get fresh meat from the natives. Hindu men, employed at the camp on KP duty refused to touch or to eat the beef, because the cow is regarded as a sacred animal in India.
Mohammedans, on the other hand, would not touch or eat pork.
Harry spent seven months in China, in Shanghai and in Peiping and he prefers China to India, if he were forced to make a choice. He said poverty is evidenced on every hand. Chinese labor brought to the American camp to haul dirt or stack boxes had to be searched as they left camp for the men would steal food or other articles, cans of sardines, etc.
Chinese children do lots of begging. Children were more often seen gnawing on an ear of unmatured corn than eating candy bars.
Harry brought some interesting souvenirs from the Orient, a miniature jinrikisha, some embroidered silk scarves and hankies, and a brass smoking set which may be seen at Kumpf's Tavern. He made the voyage back to the homeland on the U.S.A.T.C. Ainsworth and expects his discharge next month. He plans to get out and husk some Nebraska corn just as soon as the weather is favorable.
Original individual @I00876@ (@MS_WURDEMANNGM.GED1@) merged with @I2189@ (@MS_WURDEMANLEGACYG0@)
@NF0311@
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1924 - 2000 (75 years)