Article taken from The Portsmouth Daily Times, Tuesday, October 17, 1944, p. 1

Two Are Killed On War Fronts
Minford Graduate Gives Life With Marines at Palau

Cpl. Richard W. Cooper, 19, of the United States Marine Corps was killed in action September 18, in the Palau islands, according to a Navy Department messge.  He was a son of Wesley Cooper of Sciotoville and Mrs. Myrtle Lykins of Pontiac Michigan.

Cpl. Cooper was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Portsmouth.  He attended grade school in Sciotoville and was graduated from Minford High.

He was stationed at San Diego before being sent overseas in May, 1943.

Second Lt. Carlin K. Morgan, 25, of Wheelersburg Rt. 1, was killed in action Sept. 25 in Italy according to a war department message receied by his parents.  Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Morgan Dr, 910 1/2 West Rich at Columbus, formerly of Wheelersburg Rt. 1.

Lt. Morgan entered the service in November 1942, and in March 1943, was assigned to overseas duty.  He was an infantryman.

The young officer saw action in north Africa, Sicily, and Italy.  He was wounded twice and was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star medal.


Follow-up article taken from The Portsmouth Times, Thursday, October 12, 1944, p. 1

MARINE FROM SCIOTO KILLED IN PACIFIC
Minford High Graduate With War Casualities

Richard Wesley Cooper, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wesley Cooper of Camp Bennett, near Sciotoville, was killed in action while fighting with the marines on a South Pacific island about three weeks ago, according to a navy department message to the parents.

The marine was a member of the senior class of Minford High School when he enlisted about 18 months ago.  He was issued his diploma of graduation although absent at the time of commencement.

He was an only child and the parents are ill with nervous trouble and shock as a result of the message advising of the war casualty.