The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1917-06-07

During my years of service, I have
never had q more conscientious, ener-
getic, and trustworthy man under my
command. He showed the highest
devotion to duty and to his country,
and fidelity to those placed over him.
He was, greatly liked, both by his ship
mates and his officers. The loss of a
man embodying these principles is keen
" felt by his commanding officer and
the entire ships complement =
This is the tribute of the United
States government to Aloysius G.
Gross, former Kenosha county boy, who
died in the service Of the army in the
Panama Canal zone on May 21st last.
The formal announcement of the death
of the young man was received by his
father William r. Gross of the town
of Somers, this morning in an official
communication from Captain G.. M.
Peeke of the coast artillery corps The
body Of young Gross is now being
shipped by transport from Colon and
it is expected to arrive IN Kenosha
within the next ten days Captain
Peeke expresses personal sorrow over
the loss of young Gross. The letter
tells the story of the accident in which
he lost his life. Tt follows:
u. S. Mine Planter schofeHd.
May 22nd, 1917.
William f. Gross,
R. T. D. No. 81, Box 37-A.
Kenosha, Wis, U. S. A.
My Dear SIR
Tt becomes my sad duty to inform
you Of the death of your son, Alloys G..
Gross, who up to the time of his death
was member Of my command.
Your son and a shipmate obtained
permission on May 21st, to go ashore
to obtain some fruit. They left the
ship about 1915 p. m. and in a short
time the signal watch reported them
safely arrived on shore. About 4:30
p. m. a signal was received from the
shore station that your son was drown
ed. A motor boat was Immediately
sent in from the ship, I myself going
with the boat. Ny arrival upon the
scene was preceded by a surgeon and
several men from near by fort.
Shortly after my arrival the body was
brought to the surface and every effort
possible was made, under the direc-
tions Of the surgeon to resuscitate him,
but it was of no avail.
1T seems from the shipmate who ac-
companied your son that they arrived
safely at their destination and went
ashore. They spent about an hour
gathering fruit which they placed in
their boat. About half past three they
started to return to the ship, and just
as they were rounding small point
of land the boat was turned broadside
to the current and in some manner
turned over His shipmate states that
he mad hold of your son IS arm and
tried to pull him in but he ierked
away from him and went under. When
he saw he could do nothing alone, be-
ing only fair swimmer, he went as
quickly as possible for surgeon
and help.
I am inclosing herewith an inven-
tory. of the effects left by your son
and request that you notify me as early
as possible what disposition you desire
made of them. Regulations authorize
me to sell what articles there are of
salable value and send the proceeds to
you with the rest of the articles not
sold, or to ship all the effects to you.
ANY shipments made is made at gov
eminent expense.
The remains as requested By You
viii be shipped to the states on the
first transport leaving these waters,
which will be about June 18th. You
will be informed by cable of the
date of shipment.
/ feel how weak and fruitless must
be any words of mine which should at
tempt to beguile you from the grief
of the loss of your son. Your son has
served as a part of my command since
August 10th, 1916, and dnring nv years
Of service / have never had more
conscientious, energetic and trust
worthy man under my command. He
showed the highest devotion to duty to
his country, and fidelity to those placed
over him. He was greatly liked by