Photos-13

Jesse B. LANHAM, 1st Lieutenant, Louisville, KY

His Draft Card dated 16 Oct 1940, shows he was 21, having been born 26 Aug 1919 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. He was 5' 11" and weighed 145 lbs. with a slight scar on his left index finger. His mother was Mary Catherine Lanham.

According to the company history, he was one of the original five 2nd Lieutenants, under 1st Lt. Fuller, charged with forming and training the raw recruits into the "army soldiers" of the 841st company. He was an enthusiastic and energetic training officer. He is #16 in my group photo from Oct 1944. Per the company History, "Lt Lanham made 1st Lt here in Jarville, France." Can't see the color, but see his "single bar" on his helmet at his feet in the photo.

He married Martha Gocke on 9 Jun 1943 shortly before joining the group at Ft. Knox forming the 841st company. He and Martha are buried at Calvary Cemetery in Louisville, KY. See the Find-A-Grave memorials here: Jesse B. Lanham

Calvin James SEMPLE, Warrant Officer (jg), Philadelphia, PA
promoted after 8 Apr 1945 to 2nd Lt.

Mr. Semple's Draft Card indicates he was 27 as of 6 Aug 1913, when he completed the card on 4 Nov 1940. Born in St. Louis MO, and then living in Philadelphia, PA with his family. (The updated '403 Sentner St' address agrees with the address later recorded in the Company Roster. He had recently married wife Marie Robinson, whose parents lived at that Sentner address. ) He listed his mother, Mrs. Louise Semple as his permanent contact. The card notes he was 5' 10" tall, and weighed 160.
He is in the first row, #15 in the group photo (and identified by his son).

The U.S. rank of Warrant Officer dates back to about 1896 and varied with each branch of service. From 1941-1947 the Army authorized two grades: warrant officer (junior grade) and chief warrant officer. During this time of war some were promoted to 2nd Lt.

We find 5 references to Mr. Semple in the Company History.

"August 25th, 1943, we fortunately gained W.O (jg) Calvin J. Semple for our supply officer. This filled our complement of officers."
"Military courtesy was always preached to the men; personal hygiene and self-respect as soldiers were always the order of the day. Mr. Semple, a good example himself, was the officer in charge."
"All we needed now was a couple of Showdown Inspections and another trip to the rifle range. Mr. Semple and Lt. Reynolds came to our aid and supplied us with both. No more Service of Supply, no blouses or Garrison caps, but strictly COMBAT! "
"At Wasungen (there April 8-13) the depot said a reluctant farewell to the second of its officers to be transferred within a week. Mr. Semple left us at Schlitz (April 3-8) to join Lt Orton at the base depot, and new Lt. Robertson's services were required by another battalion."
"While it makes the depot feel proud that other outfits recognize the ability of our officers, not a man in the company is so unselfish not to begrudge the loss of Mr. Semple and Lt. Robertson. Both had been on the original cadre of the company and have seen the 841 through thick and thin for almost two years. As they leave the company for duties elsewhere the 841st wishes each of them the very best of luck the army can give."

Raymond L. ORTON, 1st Lieutenant Honesdale, Pennsylvania Per the company History: "The middle of October, 1944, the 841st had its first major loss in personnel. Lt Orton's services were required at the base depot, so we had to give him up. It was hard to do, for Lt Orton had long been a successful depot supply officer, and he was as popular with the men as he was efficient in his depot work."

Thomas C. PLANT

Photos of Thomas C. Plant provided by his daughter, Barbara

Thomas C. Plant