Six Local Boys Complete Navy Boot Training

THURSDAY, SEPT. 16, 1943

THE ANN ARBOR NEWS

Six Local Boys Complete Navy Boot Training

Three Go To Sea; Others To Take Specialist Work

Six former Ann Arbor High school boys arrived home this week after completing boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station.

William Valentine "Bill" Ball, Jr., 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Ball, 439 Third St., now holds the rating of third class fireman.  When he reports back to Great Lakes, he will be assigned to Motor Machinist's service school.

Bill's contribution to Ann Arbor athletics includes football, basketball, baseball, and golf.  He graduated with the class of 1943.

Goes on Sea Duty

Fred German, 18, Ann Arbor High track and cross country man, will be assigned to general sea duty as a seaman second class on his return to Great Lakes.

Fred is the son of Mrs. Ruth J. German, of 1153 S. Forest Ave., and entered the Navy with the rest of the group on July 13 this year, after high school graduation in June.

John Paul McDowell, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lunsford, of 212 Third St., received the rating of seaman second class, when he graduated from "boot" training and will enter electricians' school after his leave.

Also graduating from Ann Arbor High this year, John had participated in swimming, golf, and horseback riding.  His brother Charles E. McDowell, is with the Army Air Force at Nashville, Tenn.

Wesley Arthur King, 19, known as "Kingfish" will be a member of the Armed Guard on a merchant ship after reporting back to Great Lakes.

Was Boy Scout

Son of Mrs. Stella H. King, of 906 Gott St., Seaman second class King was employed at the Haisch Service Station before his induction, was a member of the local Boy Scouts, and graduated from Ann Arbor High School a month before entering the Navy in July.

Also to receive training as an Armed Guard on a merchant ship, is Robert Henry Weir, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Weir, of 800 S. Main St.

While attending Ann Arbor High school Bob played football and was on the track team.  Before his induction he worked for Walt Hertler as a service station attendant.

In April of this year, Seaman Weir married the former Becky Rich, of Trenton.

Robert Roy Strieter, 18, known as "Big Red" will enter service school to become and electrician's mate when he goes back.

"Big Red's" rating is also that of seaman second class.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Strieter.

Six Ann Arbor seamen, all former Ann Arbor High school students of last year, are spending a short leave at home after completing boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station.  Left to right the boys are, John Paul McDowell, Bob Strieter, Bill Ball, Wesley King, Fred German, and Bob Weir.