Shaeffer, Arthur M. - Tec 5

VETERAN IN ITALY

At An Air Service Command Depot in Italy: Jubilation and a spirit of renewed resolution was the keynote as Technician 5th Grade Arthur M. Shaeffer, 521 Broadway Ave., Piqua, Ohio received the news of the final defeat of Germany. Tec 5 Shaeffer was on duty with the 302d Depot Repair Squadron at an Air Force General Depot in Italy when the long-awaited announcement was made.

The Depot at which Tec 5 Schaeffer serves was organized at a key Italian port in October, 1943, shortly after Allied occupation, and has been instrumental in supplying and maintaining the 12th and 15th Air Forces during the entire Italian campaign. Depot personnel supported the Air Force phases of the Battle for Cassino, the Anzio landing, and the final shattering offensive that destroyed 22 German divisions in the Po Valley.

The difficult and vital task of redeploying our Air Force strength to the Far East was begun by Tec 5 Shaeffer and all personnel of this large Depot immediately after hearing the victory announcement.

Prior to being assigned to the Air Forces Tec 5 Shaeffer was a member of an Armored Division of the Army Ground Forces.

The Piqua Daily Call, Piqua, OH 25 May 1945