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Author: th4webbs
Surnames: Bales, Spengler, Spangler
Classification: biography
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties...
Message Board Post:
For the last two summers, I have been doing research into the descendants of my ancestor,
Hans Caspar Spengler, Immigrant (b. 20 January 1684, d. before 28 April 1760), who came to
Pennsylvania in 1727. James Bales was one of these descendants: Philip Caspar Spengler
(abt 1730 - 1786) - Frederick Spangler (1763 - abt 1811-1812) - Emily Spangler (1807 -
1873) - William Bales (1828 - 1899) - Frank Bales (1865 - 1927) - James Bales.
Frank Bales (b. 1865, d. 30 Aug 1927) married Louise M. [Unknown] (b. 1869, d. 1923) in
1895. They had five sons: Harold M. (b. Apr 1896, d. 1935), Carl J. (b. 11 Sept 1898, d.
12 Aug 1963 in FL), Frederick W. (b. 1902), Robert (b. 1904), and SSgt James Y. (b. 1909,
d. 1 Feb 1943 MIA).
James Y. can be found in the 1910 U.S. census as a son (6 mos.) of Frank and Louise M.
Bales. In the 1920 U.S. census, he is listed as a son (10 years) of Frank and Louise M.
Bales. For some reason the census taker in 1920 put all the middle initials first so that
James is listed as Y. James (and Louise is M. Louise). Frank died in 1927 of Bright's
Disease, so I couldn't find the family after that.
I found Frank, Louise, and Harold M. in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Darlington, Montgomery
County, Indiana. I found Carl J. Bales in Palm Cemetery, Winter Park, Orange County,
Florida. (I found all four through Find A Grave.) I have not found Robert or Frederick.
I discovered James Y. Bales through Pacific Wrecks
[
http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-9151.html]:
"Mission History
Nine B-17s took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal to bomb shipping in the Shortland
area, led by Hall. This bomber was part of a four plane second element with 3 B-17s from
the 42nd BG (this aircraft, B-17E "Eager Beavers" 41-9122 and B-17E
"Yokohama Express" 41-2442) plus one B-17 piloted by Captain Thomas (5th BG,
72nd BS). The second element was commanded by Captain Hall (CO of the 42nd BG).
"Hall's B-17 targeted a supply vessel near Tonolei Harbor. After scoring hits on
this target, they turned right toward Choiseul Bay and were jumped by 15 to 25 Zero
fighters and shot down.
"Memorials
The crew was officially declared on January 11, 1946. All are memorialized on the tablets
of the missing at Manila American Cemetery. "
SSgt James Y. Bales was listed as a member of this mission.
I hope this helps you in filling in the blanks.
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