SGT. GROVER BECKWITH

M'ARTHUR WRITES VICTIM'S PARENTS

General Sends Condolences on Sgt. Beckwith Death

(1945)

GREENE

   GREENE, June 22.--Mr. and Mrs. Fred D. Beckwith recently received a letter of condolence on the death of their son, Sgt. Grover Beckwith from Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

   General MacArthur's statement reads:

   "My deepest sympathy goes to you in the death of your son, Sgt. Grover Beckwith.  His service to his country was characterized by his devotion to his duty, and in his death we have lost a gallant comrade in arms."

   The parents also received a letter from Maj. Gen. P. H. Clarkson, commanding officer of their son's organization, giving the family more details of the young soldier's death.  He writes in part:

   "Grover was seriously wounded in action against the enemy on May 21 near Acops Place, Mountain Province, Luzon, in the Philippines.  He received every possible medical attention but despite all efforts he passed away the same day.  He was buried with full military honors due a soldier of our country accompanied by the prayers of his faith.

   "Grover's death is felt very deeply by the officers and men of his organization where he was respected and admired by all.

   "In war some give in a greater measure than others.  Grover gave his full measure while striving for the principals he knew to be just and right.  No greater thing can a man do."

   Sgt. Beckwith was born Aug. 20, 1918 at Genegantslet.  He attended Greene Central School.  He entered the service Feb. 28, 1942 and was sent overseas July 1943.  He was in Hawaii for about a year and from there went to New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies and then to the Philippines.  Beckwith had three battle stars, New Guinea, Dutch Netherlands and the Philippines campaigns.  He was in the command of a machine gun squad.

   Besides his parents he is survived by three brothers, Wendell of Greene, Raymond of Brisben and Gerald of Genegantslet.

NOTE:  DATE WAS HAND-WRITTEN ON THE ARTICLE.