 James S. Grider, Bismarck, served
with the Coast Guard Artillery with a T/5 tank in Texas, Vallejo, Calif., New Guinea and
the Phillipine Islands during World War II.
"March 8, 1943, he married Frances Mangraw. They had one
son, James Thomas Grider. Besides his wife and son, one brother, W. F. Grider survives and
other relatives and friends."
His wife, Frances H. Grider, explains:
"James Stewart Grider was born July 9, 1914 on a farm
south of Bismarck, the youngest son of Harry L. and Kitty Grider. He graduated from
Bismarck High School and entered service March 28, 1941. He received training in Texas in
anti-aircraft (artillery). He was stationed in Vallejo, California for two years before
going overseas in December, 1944.
"On Feb. 6, 1945 his ship sailed from Hollandia, Dutch New
Guinea for the Phillipine Islands. On the morning of Feb. 11, at approximately 9 o'clock
the ship was attacked by enemy submarines north of Mindanao and received two torpedo hits
amidship.
"Explosion broke the vessel in half and the stern section,
aft of the cargo hatch, sank in a matter of seconds, trapping everyone inside. All
survivors were rescued by two Navy ships in the convoy. James S. Grider was not among the
survivors."
{The Daily Journal, St. Francois Co., Wednesday, April 26, 1995}
HARRY L. GRIDER RECEIVES LETTER
FROM MacARTHUR ON DEATH OF SON
Harry L. Grider of Bismarck received a letter this week
from general headquarters of army forces in the Pacific telling him that his son, T/5
James S. Grider, previously listed as missing in action, had been declared killed in
action. Another letter, dated October 4, came from Gen. Douglas MacArthur's headquarters
and signed by the general himself.
The letter:
Dear Mr. Grider,
It is with profound regret that I write you about your son,
T/5 James S. Grider, 37055482, who was killed in action on 11 February, 1945.
On 6 February, 1945, your son sailed from Hollandia, Dutch New
Guinea, for the Philippine Islands. On the morning of 11 February, approximately 9
o'clock, his ship was attacked by an enemy submarine, north of Mindanao and received two
torpedo hits amidship. Explosion broke the vessel in half and the entire stern section,
aft of the cargo hatch, sank in a matter of seconds, trapping everyone inside.
During an extensive search, all survivors were rescued by two
navy ships in the convoy. I deeply regret that your son was not among the survivors. Death
would have come very quickly and I am sure he could have suffered very little, if any,
pain.
What I might say may help but little in lessening your sense
of loss. He died that our people might continue to live in freedom and in that great ideal
may you find solace. Permit me to extend my heartfelt sympathy.
Sincerely yours,
Ralph C. Moor
Maj. AGD
Following is MacArthur's message:
Dear Mr. Grider,
My sincere and deep sympathy goes out to you in the death of
your son, T/5 James S. Grider, while fighting for his country in my command. A brave
soldier, his service showed a high order of devotion to the cause he considered just as
great. We, here, mourn the loss of a gallant comrade in arms.
May you find solace in the knowledge that he gave his life
that others might live in freedom.
Faithfully,
Douglas MacArthur.
T/5 Grider entered the service on March 28, 1941 and received
training at Texas in anti-aircraft. He was stationed at Vallejo, Calif., for nearly two
years before going overseas in December, 1944. A telegram was received March 9, 1945,
saying he was missing in action and another followed a month ago listing him as killed.
James Stewart Grider was born July 9, 1914, at Bismarck, the
youngest son of Harry L. and the late Katie Grider. He graduated from Bismarck High School
and lived with his father until entering the service. On furlough in March, 1943, he
married Frances Mangan of Bismarck. They have one son, James Thomas.
Besides his wife and son and father, surviving are three
brothers, Lee and Fields of Bismarck, Frank of Bonner Spring, Kansas; one sister, Mary
Belle (Mrs. John) Simms, Flat River; and other relatives and friends.
Published by the LEAD BELT NEWS, Flat River, St. Francois Co. MO, Fri.
Oct. 26, 1945.
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