April 3, 1947

Draft Act Ends March 31

Local Board Inducts 2,073

     The Selective Service Act expired on Monday, March 31, and since it origin in 1940, approximately 2,073 men were inducted into military service from Johnson County.

     The local draft board is now officially closed, and the records will be sent to one of the federal records depots for the preservation of draft records. Lt. Col. Solon F. Russell, State Selective Director, said local boards had 60 days in which to “liquidate” themselves, but probably would close completely by May1.

     The local draft board No. 89 was organized on October 23, 1940, with C. R. Cooper, D. H. Dorton and the late Fred VanHoose as members. On Feb.20, 1941, Mr. Dorton, who resigned, was replaced by W. W. Robinson, who served until his death in August 1945. Mr. VanHoose resigned in May 1941, and was replaced by I. R. Arrowood who resigned in 1942 and was replaced by W. H. Cox. C. R. Cooper resigned on account of ill health and Harry LaViers who had served since the inception of the act as appeal agent, was sworn in as chairman in September 1942. Z. Wells who also was appeal agent replaced Mr. Robinson and served until his death.

     Dr. P. B. Hall was appointed examining physician early in the organization and donated his services throughout the duration of the life of the Selective Service Act.

     Emma J. Moon and Mrs. John W. Wheeler were appointed clerks in October 1940. Mrs. Moon has completed almost 6 ½ years and received a certificate of appreciation from the director, Louis B. Hershey, at the termination of her five years of service.

     During the 6 ½ years, other employees were Geraldine Watson, Marilyn Watson, Ruby Conley, Billie Cooper, Hermalee Wheeler, Avanelle Schwendner, Juanita G. Irvin and Josephine Bailey.

     In November 1940, the first call was received for Johnson County. The quota was for two men.

     In order to select the two from the group of volunteers, names were placed in a hat, with John Reynolds and Grover W. Skaggs drawing the lucky numbers.

     Reynolds is now a technician with the local recruiting office. He reenlisted after serving 15 months in the European Theatre during the war.

     Skaggs served in Normandy, Northern France, The Ardennes and was awarded 4 Bronze Stars. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in Germany on September 5, 1945.

     The first 12 calls were filled by volunteers. On June 30, 1941, 12 draftees were called to fill call No. 13. They were James L. Crum, Charles Meddings, Beecher E. Blair, Beecher Conley, Isaac Mollett, Sheridan Mayford Estep, Harry Gambil Childers, Robie Franklin Blair, Roman Greene, Brother Watkins, Roy Salyer and Charles Jesse Spradlin. Robie Franklin Blair was killed in service, Isaac Mollett is also deceased

     Altogether, 283,124 Kentuckians were inducted into the armed forces through the Selective Service.

     It is also said that the members of the draft boards “had more power than any group of volunteers in history. They worked with efficiency and freedom from major scandal, accusation and politics. They have been able to go on living among their neighbors because they have done a hard job honestly.

     Johnson County was fortunate to have had the services of such men as the members of Local Board No. 89.

 

donated by Walter Preston