Returns to New Jersey for Duty
Top Sgt. J. J. Vician returned to Camp Dix, N. J., this week, after spending a week's leave in the city visiting relatives and with his mother and wife at 1308 Delaware avenue southeast. Sergeant Vician left Mason City with the national guard companies in February of 1941 and had his initial training at Camp Claiborne, La.
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Wednesday, April 01, 1942, Page 11 (photo included)
MISSING IN ACTION—Capt. John J. Vician, whose wife lives at 1608 Pennsylvania S. E., has been missing in action in France since July 31, according to a telegram received here. Capt. Vician was last heard from on July 27. The captain and his wife have a little daughter, Judith, 13 months old. Before entering the service with the National Guard in 1941, Capt. Vician was timekeeper at the Mason City Brick and Tile Company.
Source: Mason City Globe-Gazette, August 26, 1944 (photo included)
Capt. Vician Reported Killed in Action in France, August 1
Had Previously Been Listed as Missing; Member Nat'l Guard
Capt. J. J. Vician was killed in action in France on Aug. 1, according to a telegram received Sunday from the war department by his wife at 1608 Pennsylvania S.E.
Capt. Vician was previously reported missing in action in France on July 31. He entered the service with the national guard, leaving Mason City in 1941. Before that time he was employed as timekeeper for the Mason City Brick and Tile company.
Besides his wife, Capt. Vician is survived by a 13 1/2 months old daughter, Judith, and his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Palacek, 635 Polk S.W.
Source: Mason City Globe-Gazette, September 5, 1944
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY—The purple heart and presidential citation awarded posthumously to Capt. John J. Vician, were received here by his wife, who lives at 635 Polk S. W. The awards were made for wounds received by the captain in action resulting in his death last Aug. 1.
A letter from Capt. Vician’s colonel stating that the captain had met his death while leading his men into battle was also received.
Capt. Vician left Mason City with the first contingent of the national guard for Camp Claiborne, La. Besides his wife, Luceil and daughter Judy, 15 months old, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Polacek; 3 brothers, S/Sgt. Sam, Camp Polk, La.; Cpl. Albert Polacek, Marianas islands; Steve, Mason City; and 3 sisters, Mrs. C. M. Anderson, Mrs. Mildred Stamon and Mrs. Clarence Wasicek, all of Mason City.
Source: Mason City Globe-Gazette, November 13, 1944 (photograph included)
In Presentation of Tokens
At Memorial Service
Pictured here are the next of kin of servicemen honored at the 9th joint public memorial service held at Music hall Sunday afternoon. They were present to receive the U. S. burial flags and Gold Star citation scrolls presented by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Rev. Paul Peterson of the Wesley Methodist church gave the eulogy.
Lt. Col. Arthur T. Lobdell of the 7th service command was in attendance to present the bronze star medal to Mrs. John J. Vician, a posthumous award for her husband, Capt. Vician.
Left to right are: Mrs. Viola Cox, wife of Warren H. Cox; Mrs. Frances Amos, wife of J. B. Amos, with children John and Judy; Miss Marjorie Horrman, sister of Richard Horrman; Mrs. Vician and Judy; Lt. Col. Arthur T. Lobdell; Mrs. Elizabeth Palacek, mother of Capt. Vician; Mrs. August Horrman and Mr. Horrman, parents of Richard; and Mrs. Gilbert, mother of Nolan M. Gilbert.
Not pictured, but present to receive the flag was Mrs. Madeline Bracklein, mother of William C. Bracklein.
Mr. Peterson centered his talk around 2 lines of verse from Emerson:
“’Tis man’s perdition to be safe
When for the truth he ought to die.”
“I didn’t know any of these 5 boys personally,” said Mr. Peterson, “but I venture that 2 things dominated them: They didn’t want safety, and for the truth of a world democracy they were willing ‘to give’ their lives. Three things made them heroes: They didn’t play safe; they died for a cause; and they have their immortality . . . that which motivated their lives, lives on.”
Councilman Adrian Hart, in the absence of Mayor Howard E. Bruce, who was unable to be present, read a letter of condolence from the city. It said in part: “It is only fitting that we this day dedicate our lives to comforting and aiding their loved ones, and strive to the utmost to establish a lasting peace – for the future generations – this a tribute to our departed members.”
Mrs. Carl H. Carlson played “Largo” by Handel at the opening of the program. Mrs. Peterson sang “Prayer” by Guion and “There Is No Death” by O’Hara, with Mrs. Carlson accompanying.
The honor guard at the soldier’s shrine and the firing squad were from Company E of the state guard under the command of Capt. Leslie R. Whipple, Participating were 2nd Lt. George C. Mathews, T/Sgt. Dale E. Hyde, T/Sgt. William Cooper, S/Sgt. Carol Schultz, Sgt. Ralph D. Rowley, Cpl. Resser Adams, T/5 Terold T. Tilton, Pfc. Robert Patton, Pvt. Constantine Kregotis and Pvt. J. H. Niederheiser. Bill Nicholas played taps.
The program was under the direction of the American Legion and the V. F. W. with Nick Degen, commander of the V. F. W., presiding. All patriotic organizations participated with their colors. (Lock photo, Kayenay engraving.)
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Monday, April 30, 1945, Page 11
John J. Vician was born Nov. 4, 1910. He died Aug. 1, 1944 and is buried in Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, Saint James, France.
Capt. Vician served in World War II with the U.S. Army 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division and was MIA/KIA in France. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Sources: ancestry.com; abmc.gov
