Capt. Joseph Gleason Killed in Italy War Area October 4
Captain Joseph Gleason, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Gleason of Ruthven, was killed in an airplane crash in Italy on Wednesday, October 4th, according to a telegram received by his folks here at Ruthven this Wednesday forenoon. His death occurred exactly three weeks ago today.
Captain Gleason was a photographer who flew a P-38 plane. He was home on a month's furlough last summer, and left on the evening of July 20th for his base in Italy.
No details concerning the crash in which Capt. Gleason lost his life have been received, but the telegram received today stated that a letter giving more information would follow. Joe, as he was known to Ruthven people, grew up in our locality and was well known to everyone here. The report of his death comes as a great shock, not only to his parents and other relatives, but also to a host of friends and acquaintances who will always remember him for his good natured and pleasing personalty that won him many friends.
Source: Ruthven Free Press, October 24, 1944 (photo included)
Joseph William Gleason was born Mar. 19, 1918 to Raymond Andrew and Mina Christine Olsen Gleason. He died Oct. 4, 1944 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Ruthven, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
