(Al or Ed)
Birthday
On March 13, 1924 Alfred was born in Dallas Texas to Myrtle and Charles Edwards.
Charles was 31, Myrtle was 22 almost 23 and his sister Charlene was 2 years old.
His middle name could be an homage to his grandfather Edward Fields Wilkinson.
Winnetka School
Alfred attended Winnetka School just a few blocks away.
This location would become Greiner School. Winnetka moved further south.
Rosemont School
Alfred attended Rosemont School a little further away to the north.
By the time Alfred was 8 years old in 1932, Charles, Myrtle, Charlene and Alfred had moved several blocks to their new house on North Oak Cliff Boulevard.
The original house did not have the rocked arch on the right.
Catholic Baptism
On March 31, 1934 Alfred was baptized at Saint Cecilia’s Church. He was 10 years old.
The certificate was issued August 14, 1947, perhaps in preparation for the impending wedding.
Catholic Confirmation
On May 19, 1935 Alfred was confirmed at Saint Cecilia’s Church. He was 11 years old.
This was written on the back of the Baptism Certificate issued in 1947.
Death of His Sister
On Nov 15, 1938 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, USA, his sister Charline Adele Edwards died at age 17 at their home. He was 15. She’d been sick awhile.
Sunset High School Year 1942
Sunset High School
Alfred attended and graduated from Sunset High School. He graduated in June of 1942.
Draft Registration
On June 30, 1942 Alfred registered for the draft. He was 18 years 3 months 17 days old.
Private First Class
On December 1, 1942 Alfred was appointed a Private First Class serving in the VMSB-144, MarAir G-12, 2nd Air Wing, FMF.
This wing was based in Santa Barbara County at Goleta California. The base is where the current Santa Barbara airport is located.
In the fall of 1942, MAG-24 was composed of VMSB-143, VMSB-144, VMSB-242, VMSB-243, and VMSB-244, all flying the SBD Dauntless. Once appropriately equipped, MAG-24 underwent an accelerated training program in preparation for combat duty. By January 1943, MAG-24 was returning to MCAS Ewa in Hawaii aboard the USS Mormachawk, and then assigned to the 4th Marine Base Defense Aircraft Wing. MAG-24 Headquarters Squadron would remain at MCAS Ewa.
Alfred was a tail gunner in the SBD Dauntless.
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Alfred wore the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing patch on his left shoulder.
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing was activated in San Diego, California on 10 July 1941. Its first component was Marine Air Group Two which was based at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii. Although the Hawaii-based squadrons sustained extensive damage during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, 2nd MAW contributed to 83 South Pacific combat operations. Marines and aircraft from 2nd MAW participated in major battles or campaigns at Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Midway, Saipan, Tinian, Guam and Okinawa.
In April 1946, 2nd MAW relocated to its present home at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Relocating Closer to the Front
January 22 thru 24, 1943 Alfred was based at New Caledonia.
New Caledonia was a French colony. The colony marked the end of the island-protected portion of the Australian shipping lane. On November 8, 1942, South Pacific headquarters was established at Noumea becoming one of the most important of the South Pacific installations.
A Short Move North
January 27 thru May 11, 1943 Alfred was based at New Hebrides (nka Vanuatu).
Espiritu Santo, 630 miles southeast of Guadalcanal, in the New Hebrides, as a site for a major Army and Navy operating base, brought the U.S. bombers 400 miles closer to the Japanese positions and provided a staging area for the forthcoming Allied invasion of the Solomons. The base provided aircraft facilities capable of supporting heavy bombers, fighters, and two carrier groups; an accumulation of ammunition, provisions, stores, and equipment for offensive operations; repair and salvage facilities for all types of vessels. It became a vital link between Henderson Field on Guadalcanal and the airfields at Noumea and Efate.
A Letter Home
Give Me A Little Time
Alfred wrote a letter to his parents. The date and his location is not included, probably typical of correspondence during this time. The note in the scrapbook had the year 1945. It reads to me that it would have been written in 1943 while he was at New Hebrides or Guadacanal.
The original letter was re-typed onto the back of Trezevant and Cochran Insurance Company letter head. Charles Cleveland Edwards worked for them.
Possible Combat on Guadalcanal before May
In a letter dated September 26, 1950 while in Korea, Alfred mentioned that his current situation reminded him of Cape Esperance at Guadalcanal.
He could be referring to the Japanese withdrawal from Guadalcanal. The operation took place between January 14 and February 7, 1943. With the operational range of the Dauntless being 1,100 miles, and New Hebrides (nka Vanuatu) being 600 miles away, it is likely that Alfred was based in Guadalcanal by this time.
A Little Further Northwest
May 11 thru September 26, 1943 Alfred was based at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
Japan had evacuated most of their surviving troops by the first week of February, 1943.
Family Story
A few Japanese soldiers remained and continued to harass Henderson Field. Sniper shots would be made as you were attempting to take off or land.
Combat
Alfred participated in the New Georgia campaign. The campaign started with landings on June 30, 1943. The campaign ended on 7 October 1943 when the last Japanese troops were withdrawn from Vella Lavella, finalizing the Allied capture of the islands.
Combat
Next on Alfred’s list was the Battle of the Treasury Islands beginning on October 27, 1943 through November 12, 1943.
Munda Point Airfield in New Georgia
Alfred’s unit VMSB-144 was briefly stationed here during this time. This was after the New Georgia campaign and used for the assault on Bougainville.
Combat
Next up, the Bougainville campaign which the first phase lasted from November 1, 1943 through November 1944.
Alfred made comments about this action. He felt that it was not given the appropriate amount of publicity as compared to Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and others. This one stuck in his mind.
A Marine corps dive bomber leaves formation to drop a smoke bomb on the beach at Bougainville to mark a landing spot for marines on landing barges a quarter of a mile off shore to the entrance of Empress Augusta Bay on Dec. 16, 1943. (AP Photo)
The Fog of War
According to Alfred’s records, he left Guadalcanal on September 26, 1943. He did not arrive in Hawaii until October 23, 1944. One year.
To A Safe Place
October 23, 1944 thru October 13, 1945 Alfred was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in Ewa, Oahu.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel and other buildings along Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii
Alfred’s unit is doing a good job
Alfred Fields Edwards received a letter commenting that the colonel is very satisfied with the high quality and volume of work the organization has been producing.
A simple compliment, but kept for years.
Going Up
On December 1, 1944 Sergeant Alfred was detailed to duty involving actual flying in an aircraft. Stationed at the Marine Corp Air Station in Ewa, Oahu.
And So It Begins
Looks Like Alfred Is Impressed
Attempt at an Apology
Carol Had No Comment
Alfred Is Smitten
Staff Sergeant
On August 10, 1945 Alfred was promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant.
President Harry S. Truman announced on Aug. 14, 1945, that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, war-weary citizens around the world erupted in celebration.
Air Crew Insignia – Three Stars
On October 12, 1945 Alfred received authority to wear the Marine Air Crew Insignia with three stars. Assigned to members of the air crew of a combatant aircraft. A maximum of three combat stars shall be awarded for display on the Air Crew Insignia; combat actions reports in excess of three will be credited only in the record of the individual concerned.
Winding Down
The picture is An October 1945 U.S. Navy aerial view (courtesy of John Voss) “of a massive aircraft scrapping operation underway at MCAS Ewa.
Reassigned
On October 31, 1945 Alfred was reassigned to the Marine Air Base in Cherry Point, North Carolina. After a 31 day furlough at 702, he is to report no later than December 8, 1945.
Going Up Again
On April 1, 1946 Alfred was detailed to duty involving actual flying in an aircraft.
Secret Agent Man
On May 6, 1946 Alfred was given security clearance to handle classified matter including secret and confidential correspondence.
A Free Man
On July 9, 1946 Alfred was discharged from the Marines. With the $311.47 in his pocket, he is headed home.
It’s Official. They Tied the Knot!
Marriage of Carol and Alfred
On September 2, 1947 Carol Elizabeth Gabel married Alfred Fields Edwards in Topeka Kansas.
She was 19 years 8 months 9 days old and he was 23 years 5 months 20 days old.
A College Man at Southern Methodist University
Alfred attended SMU in Dallas, probably on the GI Bill in 1947 – 1948. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
He was a member of the Catholic Club and pledge to Lamda Chi Alpha.
Family story – Alfred said that the upper classmen of the fraternities were frustrated with the incoming class of pledges. Some of the pledges were the normal high school graduates following the traditions of the initiation rituals. But the pledges coming from the ranks of the military, having spent time in combat during WW2 and not the least intimidated, would not abide by the subservient processes.
SMU Rotunda Yearbook
Back at 702
Alfred and Carol moved in with his mom and dad. This would let him finish his schooling and figure out the next step.
Birth of Son One
On January 22, 1949 Carol gave birth to their first son Charles Gabel Edwards.
Alfred was 24 years 10 months 9 days old, Carol was 21 years 0 months 29 days old and they have been married for 1 year 4 months 20 days.
Carol and Alfred Lived on Glenfield
Prior to July 1950, Carol and Alfred moved into their brand new home on 2111 Glenfield in Dallas, Texas. The house was built in 1949. According to this photo, Glenfield still needs to be expanded towards Hampton for the house to be built.
Originally the Hampton Field, later renamed Clearview Airport was operational up to 1948.
March 1949 Barnes Aerial Surveys aerial photo (from the Dallas Department of Public Works Survey & Records Library, courtesy of Chris Walton). Photo with notations from www.airfields-freeman.com.
1950 U. S. Census
Alfred, Carol and newbie Charles living in their new house on Glenfield Street.
Alfred was employed as a salesman for a retail department store. Something never mentioned on his his forth coming resume’. He has completed his 3rd year of college but is not currently enrolled. He earned approximately $3,600 during the prior year.
Birth of Son Two
On May 25, 1950 Carol gave birth to their second son Steven Fields Edwards.
Card Carrying Member
On July 26, 1950 Alfred received his card to remind him he has been called up effective July through Indefinite. That’s a long time.
Telegram, Telegram for Mr. Edwards
On July 28, 1950 Alfred received a telegram ordering him to report by August 1, 1950.
Ordered To Report
On August 1, 1950 Alfred was notified of his extended active duty in the Marines. Assigned to the Naval Air Station in Dallas. (Actually located in Grand Prairie)
Forming the Unit
On August 7, 1950 Alfred reported to USMC Air Station El Toro near Santa Ana, California.
Marine Air Controller
Alfred was a forward air controller during the Korean War.
Picture from Carol Elizabeth (Gabel) Edwards keepsakes.
Heading Towards Battle
On August 16, 1950 Alfred and the USMC are heading for places unknown.
Inchon Landing
September 15 through October 11, 1950.
The Battle of Inchon was an amphibious invasion and battle of the Korean War that resulted in a decisive victory and strategic reversal in favor of the United Nations Command (UN). The operation involved some 75,000 troops and 261 naval vessels, and led to the recapture of the South Korean capital of Seoul two weeks later. The code name for the operation was Operation Chromite.
A Letter Home
A Gentleman’s War
On September 26, 1950 Alfred wrote a positive letter home.
The 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group moved to the base on 18 November and was joined by the Marine Aircraft Group 12 on 1 December, both provided close air support to the U. S. Army X Corps and the 1st U.S. Marine Division surrounded at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Yonpo_Airfield
“Vigil on Korean Ridge Top”
“Marine Leathernecks of a Forward Air Control Unit for the U.S. Marines with the First Marine Division in Korea scan the skies from a rugged ridge, on the alert for incoming close-air support planes that continue to hammer at the Chinese Red troop concentrations just a few thousand yards beyond in the rugged Korean terrain.”
I came across this photograph while doing some research. The information on this photograph is limited and does not include the names of the Marines. After looking at it closer, the Marine holding the microphone looking up and to the right… well, he sure looks like Alfred. It is a bit of a stretch but not much.
Throughout the breakout, the Corsairs of VMF(N)-513 and the “Tigercats” of VMF(N)-542 were constantly on station at night over the scattered fighting fronts, silencing Chinese artillery and automatic weapons fire. Gun flashes revealed the enemy’s guns, and Marine night-fighters proved that they could knock the guns out. Ground commanders noted that the mere sound of the night-fighters’ engines would often be enough to silence the enemy artillery.
chosinreservoir.com/airsupport
A Letter Home
War As Usual
December 4, 1950
Alfred is still delivering a mostly positive view point. The withdrawal is an orderly one but many disappointments.
By 1300 on 11 December, the last units of the Marine force reached Chinhung-ni, boarded trucks, and headed for Hungnam. With the departure of the 1st Marine Division for Hungnam and eventual evacuation by sea, the main task of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was finished. VMF-312, VMF(N)-513, and VMF(N)-542 departed for Japan
chosinreservoir.com/airsupport
Closer to Home
On January 25, 1951 Alfred reported to his base at San Francisco.
Chosin was Cold
On February 12, 1951 Alfred was issued a prescription for frostbite.
A little confusing, he should be restricted to duty in Japan?
Home Soon
On February 25, 1951 Alfred sent a telegram to Carol Edwards (Gabel).
Frostbite Treatment
A little research to find help for frostbite.
Conflicting sentiment, possible miracle drugs – yea, prepare for war with Russia – boo.
Re-united With Carol, Chuck and Steve
Of Note, Only a 30-day Leave
Just a brief stop-over in Dallas
Celebration at an Oak Cliff Icon
Looks like Carol has returned to Dallas
Back to Cherry Point, North Carolina
End of Active Duty
Army Recognizes the Marines
On August 9, 1951 Alfred was awarded the Army Distinguished Unit Citation for his participation at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea during the Korean War.
Temco Aircraft Corporation
Working 1951 through 1956
Based in Grand Prairie next to the Dallas Naval Air station.
Livin’ and Workin’
Still at 2111 Glenfield and working as an analyst at TEMCO in 1953.
Birth of Son Three
On November 8, 1954 Carol gave birth to their third son Howard Christopher Edwards.
Alfred was 30 years 7 months 26 days old, Carol was 26 years 10 months 15 days old and they have been married for 7 years 2 months 6 days.
Time for a New House
Although this is a directory listing for 1957, I think Alfred and Carol moved into the new house in 1955/1956. The house is listed as being built in 1955 in the new Glenview subdivision.
Republic National Bank of Dallas
Working 1956 through 1960 – The beginning of a banking career.
In 1954 the firm altered the Dallas skyline by opening a landmark building designed by the firm of Harrison and Abramovitz. The new building also housed the Dallas Club, and was a major coup in an ongoing competition with Interfirst Corporation for the preeminent position in Texas banking.
A little typo in the years, should be 1956 – 1960
From the 1973 Resume’
Temco Christmas Assistance Program
On December 1, 1959 Alfred received an offer for assistance during these hard times. They are just not sure he should be a recipient since he works for a rich bank and should have improved himself.
This is a hold over from an ad campaign originally published in 1954.
This really miffed Carol Edwards.
I think this was sent with a sense of humor. Especially considering they offered to send pictures to Alfred’s boss.
Birth of Son Four
On June 16, 1960 Carol gave birth to their fourth son William Alfred Edwards.
Alfred was 36 years 3 months 3 days old, Carol was 32 years 5 months 23 days old and they have been married for 12 years 9 months 14 days.
Republic National Bank of Dallas
Working 1960 through 1961 – A new job at the same place.
Heading to the Grand Canyon State
Guaranty Bank – Phoenix, Arizona
Working 1961 through 1966 – Banking career takes family to a new place.
A temporary stay in apartments until a more permanent arrangement can be made.
Leveling up, permanent residence attained.
Heading for the Beach
On June 17, 1966 the Miami Herald announced Miami National Bank hired a new employee. Alfred headed up the bank operations.
Arizona Reminder
Alfred takes up painting.
Miami National Bank – Miami, Florida
Working 1966 through 1968 – Banking career takes family to a new place, again.
Family Story
One story is that the family moved from Miami back to Dallas due to the bank’s sketchy dealings. Perhaps this article is about one of those sketchy things. In looking for this, I found many shady dealings by this bank over the years. Don’t know if this really had any bearing on the move.
20th Wedding Anniversary 1967
A return to their honeymoon locale. Nothing holds on to the memories like a matchbook cover!
A Return to the Homeland
Alfred returns to the Republic
Briar Gate Apartments
The family moved here for a one year living arrangement between Miami and 702.
1968 ish
Do not know the date of the ad, but looks appropriate.
Arrival at 702
Carol, Alfred and four sons move in with Charles and Myrtle.
Republic National Bank of Dallas
Working 1968 through 1971 – Back to the beginning.
Republic National Bank of Dallas
Working 1971 through 1972 – A new job at the same place.
Republic National Bank of Dallas
Starting in 1972 – A new job at the same place.
Time to Update the Resume’
Sometime in 1973 Alfred thought it would be important to update his resume’.
Alfred’s Death
Alfred died on November 13, 1984.
He was 60 years 8 months old.
