The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., February 9, 1945, page 1

SGT. J.W. HUNSAKER GIVES HIS LIFE ON WESTERN FRONT
Wounded in Action In Belgium January 17, and Died From Wounds on Jan. 19.

     A war department telegram received last week informed Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunsaker, of White Salmon of the death of their son, Sergeant John W. Hunsaker, on January 19th, from wounds received in action on the Belgium front January 17th.
     A previous telegram had been received by them a few days before telling that their son had been seriously wounded.
     John W. Hunsaker was 19 years of age, born in White Salmon October 1, 1925. He attended local schools and graduated from Columbia high at the mid-term last year. He was drafted into the army in February 1944, appointed Sergeant last October while in training with an infantry unit in Mississippi. He was sent overseas, reaching England around Thanksgiving and was there until Christmas morning when ordered to the Belgium front.
     He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunsaker, and a brother, Private Harry Hunsaker, now in training with the army at Camp Wolters, Texas.

The Mt. Adams Sun, Bingen, WA., February 9, 1945, page 1

SAD NEWS OF DEATH RECEIVED BY PARENTS

     Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunsaker, who were informed last Friday night that their son, John, had been seriously wounded on January 17 in Belgium, received word Monday that he had died as a result of the wounds on January 19.
     John Hunsaker was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunsaker and was born and raised in White Salmon; was active in Scounting as a boy and was very popular as a student at Columbia High School, from which he graduated.
     In addition to his parents, and a brother, Harry, who is in the army, his loss will be sadly felt by his many friends in this vicinity.

The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., February 9, 1945, page 3

THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES

     The White Salmon community was again saddened this week with a news of the death on the western front of Sergeant John W. Hunsaker. Another fine young man has given his life for his country.
     The previous week news had been received of the death of Paratrooper Philip Lynch and Pfc. James Dickey, also splendid young men who had grown up in this community, who had attended the local schools and who had become endeared to all who had known them for years. All of these boys, splendid young citizens who have made the supreme sacrifice, will be greatly missed and the entire community mourns their loss. Words are not available to express the feelings and sympathies to the bereaved parents and relatives in their hours of sorrow.
     The boys were called for duty and they gave their all in their country's service that all the rest of us may continue to carry on.

The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., February 23, 1945, page 1

MEMORIAL HELD SUNDAY FOR TWO SOLDIER BOYS

     A joint memorial service was held Sunday afternoon in the White Salmon Congregational church in tribute to Sergeant John Walter Hunsaker and Pfc. John James Dickey, who gave their lives on the western front in Europe. The impressive service was attended by a large number of people which more than filled the church.
     Taking part in the services were Evan Child's Post No. 87, American Legion, the local Boy Scouts, Rev. George Jefferson, of the Congregational church and Rev. B.C. Gallaher of the Methodist church. Vocal and instrumental numbers were also part of the memorial.
     Sergeant Hunsaker was wounded while in action on the Belgian front on January 17 and died on January 19.
     Pfc. Dickey was killed in action on the Belgium front December 29.

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., May 24, 1945, page 1

MEMORIAL SERVICES TO BE HELD HERE
Thomas D. Potwin, Editor Of Yakima Herald, Will Speak At Morning Program At 10:30 In High School Auditorium

     Memorial services will be held in Goldendale Memorial Day, Wednesday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the high school auditorium. As in the past, the program and services are in charge of Louis Leidl Post No. 116, American Legion. Thomas D. Potwin, editor of the Yakima Herald will deliver the message at the high school. Potwin is said to be an able speaker, and the largest crowd ever to attend Memorial services is expected to turn out to hear the Yakima editor.
     Following the program at the high school, members of the Legion will hold a brief ceremony at the graves of veterans of both World War I and II. A firing squad will fire a salute in recognition of their departed comrades.
     E.C. Kaiser, commander of the American Legion, invites and urges all residents to join in the services, which will pay tribute to the men who have lost their lives in both wars.
     Following is a list of men from this county who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War II: E.C. Allison, Wm. Becker, Fred Berrong, Marion Bolio, Homer Bilyeu, Jim Brashear, Robert Brown, Chas. Byrkett, David Cochran, Paul Cochran, John Dickey, Francis Ford, Alvin Ganguin, Don Heuton, John Hunsaker, Robert Hutchins, Harry Jones, Harold Lehman, Philip Lynch, Chas. Lowers, Dan Roe, Oren Sanders, George Shurtz, Harry Smith, Marion Scheel, Eugene White, Thomas Tradewell, Jim Trowbridge, Edward Thege and David Woodruff.

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer