This is a snapshot from the antique shop in Detroit Lakes Minnesota.
November 4 1945
Many men and one is in uniform.
November 4, 1945 at N.A. Nelsons
Paul J. Steen Jr., Anton Sundby Jr., N.A. Nelson, Gilbert Strand, Bud Nelson, Alfred Sundby, Marvin Nelson, Palmer Sundby, Simon Sundby, Paul Steen, Oscar Sundby,Vernon Strand, Anton Sundby, Edwin Sundby, Clarence Craft, Donald Sandsmark
So many men in this photo, some younger, some older, some may be WWI Veterans.
The second to the last fellow who may be Clarence Craft is wearing an Eisenhower Jacket which was a waist length jacket which was standard Army issue in November of 1944. Sometimes called an M-44.
Thanks for stopping by.
The Sundby men, Anton, Anton Jr. and Palmer were one family that lived in Mountrail county, ND. Clarence Craft was awarded the Metal of Honor for his actions at Okinawa. N A Nelson was Nels, Henry "Bud" was his brother. they lived in Renville county MN.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the common thread is with these guys? Clarence Craft was born in California and died in Arkansas...if we have the right Clarence Craft?
DeleteClarence Byrle Craft (23 Sep 1921 in San Bernardino, CA - 28 Mar 2002 in Arkansas).
DeleteThere is a Clarence Craft born the same years living with his sister and brother-in-law in Idaho, Mountrail, North Dakota in the 1940 US Census. I might have the "wrong Clarence," it is hard to tell - but it being Veterans Day, the Medal of Honor Clarence Craft is well worth reading about. :)
My goof (and apologies). The Anton Sundby family lived in Traill county, not Mountrail county.
Deletehttp://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=42223741&ref=acom shows the war record of Oscar Melvin Sundby. Edwin and Albert were his brothers. One of the Nelson family is mentioned as a pallbearer for both Edwin and Albert.
Adding to what you have, Alfred Sundby is the son of Simon Sundby and they also lived in Traill County.
DeleteThe war was over in 1945. European theater was over in late spring and Japan surrendered in September. Makes me wonder if this was some type of gathering of those who served either in WWI or II. But wow what an honor to have a Medal of Honor recipient there also.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.history.army.mil/moh/wwII-a-f.html#CRAFT
ReplyDeleteHere's a picture of Clarence Craft. Maybe a resemblance is there between the picture in the link and the pic above.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rememberthedeadeyes.com/MedalHonor/Clarence%20Craft.jpg
Thanks Sallysmom, Yes I think they are the same person. Perhaps a family member will come by someday:)
DeleteOkay I think I found the right Clarence Craft.
ReplyDeleteClarence Henry (Kelly) Craft Born Sept 12 1920 Died October 26 1996 he is buried in Williamette National Cemetery in Oregon. He married Florence Ruth Trotter Craft. They had three children; Robert, Mary and Donald.
I think that this is the same Clarence Craft found in 1940 in his brother in laws home (Jay and Judith Lokken.) If so he had a couple of brothers Melvin and Raymond and his parents were Tollef and Ranghold Craft of Mountrail County Stanley North Dakota.
I will see if I can locate an address for one of his children.
This Clarence Henry (Kelly) Craft was in the Army Air Corps in WWII
DeleteI was wondering about the common thread with these men, too, Far Side. Since so many of them share the same surname, I was wondering if this were a gathering of extended family members--maybe of the ones who had served.
ReplyDeletePaul Steen (1886 in Norway - 1958) is shown in the 1940 US Census as living in Hillsboro, Traill, North Dakota with wife Clara and son Paul Jr. This is the same town that Oscar, Edwin, and Albert Sundby lived in.
ReplyDeletePaul Steen Sr. is Find A Grave Memorial# 38208122.
The Hillsboro VFW's post might want this photo?
http://www.tristateveterans.com/memorials/hillsboro/traillvets.html shows the town's marvelous memorial.
I sent a copy of the blog to Don in Oregon a relative of Clarence Craft. We will see what happens next
ReplyDeleteThe photo was probably taken at Nennor A Nelson's in Eldorado N.D.. The Sundby family was gathered for the funeral of Andrew Sundby d. 28 Oct 1945 in Mayville N.D.. They are all relatives of Andrew.
ReplyDeleteIn the picture is Simon Sundby (Full Circle 140 photo) is my great grandfather brother of Andrew. Alfred Sundby, also in the photo is Simons son, my great uncle.
Clarence Craft is a WWII pilot. He was a great nephew of Simon and Andrew.
I can identify everyone in the photo and their relationship if anyone would like to know more. It is just a lot of information to list. It is a wonderful photo, thank you for sharing.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI came across Photo 2068 today and realized I could identify everyone in the photo by my family tree. I researched it and I think that I know were it was taken and why they were gathering.
In the photo is my great grandfather Simon Sundby and his son, Alfred Sundby, my great uncle. I believe the photo was taken at Nennor Nelson’s in Eldorado N.D.. The gathering was for the funeral of Simon Sundby’s brother Andrew Sundby who died 28 Oct 1945 in Mayville N.D..
The men in the photo are all family of Andrew and Simon. Clarance Craft, WWII pilot, is Simon and Andrew sister, Johanna’s grandson. I can link all the men in the photo to the family. If anyone is interested I can help. It is just a lot of information to try to list.
It is interesting because “Full Circle 140” is also my great grandfather Simon Sundby.
Very interesting photo, Thank you,
Lynnel