In August 1944, four Schuylkill County airmen were honored at the Pottsville Republican newspaper office for having been the first county sons to bomb Berlin during World War II. Each was awarded a $50 war bond by the newspaper’s directors.

The bonds went to airmen who flew with the 8th Air Force on its first missions against the German capital in early March 1944. Three of the flyers attended the presentation in person in Pottsville, and the mother of the fourth accepted his bond on his behalf.

The recipients were S/Sgt. John Kessock of Frackville, T/Sgt. Richard Krecker of Pottsville, T/Sgt. Henry Carter of Newtown, and S/Sgt. Nevin Kauffman of Port Clinton. Mrs. William Carter accepted the award for her son, Henry.

This photograph, published by the Pottsville Republican, shows the four honorees alongside the newspaper directors who presented the bonds.

Here is the original caption from the ceremony:

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Proud recipients of $50 War Bonds from the ‘Pottsville Republican’ for having been the first Schuylkill County sons to have bombed Berlin, these three flying sergeants and the mother of our fourth pose for a picture following the presentation ceremony at the ‘Republican’ office with directors of the newspaper who made the awards.

Seated, left to right, are S/Sgt. John Kessock, Frackville; T/Sgt. Richard Krecker, Pottsville; Mrs. William Carter, who accepted the bond award for her son, T/Sgt. Henry Carter, of Newtown; and S/Sgt. Nevin Kauffman, of Port Clinton.

Standing are Nelson J. Clayton, director; Treasurer E.L. Clifford, and Secretary Uzal H. Martz, of the ‘Republican.’

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Read more about World War II air combat

A Pennsylvania airman’s letter about the air war over Europe | 1944

Ivan C. Lewis | Pearl Harbor survivor lost while serving with the 8th Air Force in 1943

Lackawanna County airman killed in bombing raid featured in “Masters of the Air”

Schuylkill County soldier loading bombs onto a B-17 Flying Fortress | 1943

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