My grandfather, Ralph Scott Williams Jr., served on LCI(L)-11 during World War II from 5/21/1943 – 11/4/1944.  I have sent a letter to the Modern Military Records Unit (NWCTM), a branch of the National Archives, requesting copies of the records (deck logs, casualties, diaries, etc.) pertaining to this ship.  It took part in the invasion of Sicily, the assault landings at Anzio, and the D-Day assault at Normandy, France. 

I’ve recently been working on a timeline for my grandfather’s naval service.  When completed, it will probably have its own website.  Most likely, it won’t be completed until sometime next year, but should be very informative to those interested. 

LCI(L)-11 = Landing Craft Infantry (Large) #11

Brian Davis – Christine Davis (Williams) – Ralph Scott Williams Jr.

Chris Bradford, the website administrator for the 753rd Tank Battalion, emailed today that his government contact in Washington D.C. will be sending the KIA documents on my great grand uncle, Charles Richard “Dick” Waits, on Friday or Monday.  Hopefully, they will shed more light on the events surrounding his death.  Be sure to check back for more updates.

Brian Davis – Christine Davis (Williams) – Ralph Scott Williams Jr. – Nellie Ruth Williams (Waits/ sister of Charles Richard Waits)

Wiley Berry and Leta Louise Gibson (McKinney) Headstone

I recently received the following comment on ancestry.com regarding the above picture, taken in the Noonday Cemetery in Noonday, Smith County, Texas:

Her actual birthdate was October 22, 1911. Years ago, I found her birth certificate entry made by her father, Samuel McKinney filed at the Smith County Courthouse in a large book. I’ve been told that when this headstone was made, the year 1911 was put on (or was to be put on) the stone, but she thought she was born in 1912 and made them change it. She was my grandmother; I’m the daughter of her eldest daughter. I gave her a copy of her birth certificate at her birthday party one year – I think it made her mad because she said that made her one year older! We all still smile when someone mentions that story.

The comment was submitted by Barbara Purdue (Massey), a distant cousin through the Gibson family (see post below regarding Eliza Ruth Gibson (Harris).  I’ve replied to her comment and hope to post more information soon.

Brian Davis – James Michael Davis – James Nead Davis – Marjorie Leaine Davis  (Kirkpatrick) – Burla Eugene Kirkpatrick (Gibson) – Berrien Wiley Gibson (common ancestor)