Served on USS Independence CVL-22
Enlistment September 11, 1942
Discharge December 10, 1945
Lester Siem, Ph. M. 1/c, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Siem, is
spending a leave with his parents after two years' service overseas. He left
the United States March 13, 1913, and returned March 1, 1945. He arrived from
the west coast in Omaha Saturday evening and his parents and sisters met him
there. During his tour of duty, Siem took part in five major battles and a number of minor ones.
Carroll Times Herald, March 16, 1945
20 Discharge Papers Filed With Recorder
Uncle Sam is trying to get as many Carroll county soldiers home by Christmas as
possible, if discharge registration figures for yesterday are any indication.
County Recorder Florence McDonough announced today that 20 discharge papers
were recorded, making Monday the largest single day for several weeks.
Nine of the men are from Carroll. They are: Raymond J. Lammers, Marcellus Mosman, Vern C. Olerich,
Elmer H. Neppl, Vernice G. Gray, Donald J. Spieker, Martin E. O'Toole, Elmer F. Lappe, and George H. Conrad.
Others were: A.A. Anksorus, Coon Rapids; Harry C. Pfoltner, Clarence H. Langel, and Lester C. Siem, Manning; Donald A. Stangl and
Alfred B. Klocke, Dedham; Joseph F. Bennett, Glidden; Edgar L. Thede, address not given; Clifford H. Hacker, Templeton;
and Frederick Nielson and Henry A. Staiert, addresses not given.
Stangl has re-enlisted.
Daily Times Herald, December 18, 1945
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Manning Monitor September 24, 1942 WITH SOME OF THE BOYS IN THE SERVICE Grant Grundmeier is serving with the hospital corps at the Great Lakes Training Station. Lester Siem is still stationed at the Great Lakes. Lester says that he likes it fine and that he would not trade his "blues" for anything in the world. He says that there is something about it that gets into your blood and makes you want to do things. Glen Hinze has been transferred from Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas to Camp Barkley, Texas. Manning Monitor articles ------ 1943
Lester Siem is still stationed at the Great Lakes. Lester says that he likes it fine and that
he would not trade his "blues" for anything in the world.
Lester Siem Writes Home Lester Siem, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Siem of Manning writes to us from Carona Naval hospital in California where he is now stationed, thanking the Monitor and Legion for the paper. He was transferred recently from San Diego. He is now located in what was formerly a very attractive vacation spot and was turned into a hospital only a little over a year ago. He writes" The hospital itself overlooks a large lake. It is furnished with heavy carved furniture and carpeted floors. The windows are very large and are equipped with blackout curtains as well as beautiful drapes. We have one of the most beautiful "chow" halls in the U. S. When it is chow time we enter the kitchen and make our selection of food. For noon chow we salad, 2 or 3 kinds of relish, two of meat kinds of meat to choose from, desert, bread and butter and choice of milk or coffee. The food is excellent and I know by the fact that after only being here 8 days, I have gained a few pounds.
"The doors into the chow hall are worked by electric eye system. As you enter you see on
the opposite wall beautiful paintings as well as large windows covered with drapes and
blackout curtains. I say covered because we use lights in the morning and evening and
the blackout curtains must be closed. The ceiling and walls are all elaborately designed.
Our tables are surrounded with comfortable high-backed chairs.
"We also have a very beautiful swimming pool just outside the canteen which we may
use any time between 0700 and 1730. The water is crystal clear and kept at a temperature
of 85 degrees at all times. Manning Monitor articles ------ 1944 Lester Siem, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Siem, pharmacist's mate first class, who has been stationed to Hawaii for the past 17 months, has been transferred to the U.S.S. Independence. Lester Siem Sends Greetings Lester Siem of the U. S. Navy wrote the following poem on a Christmas card for his friends and family here at home: All through the months I have said How very happy I would be, To be home again to view High, white banks of snow - not the rolling sea. But in thought I'll be with you, Just as I was in yester-year, Unwrapping ribboned packages And so joyously spreading Christmas cheer. So to Mother and Father; Sister, Family-Friends so dear My season's message to you is Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! "Les" Manning Monitor articles ------ 1944
Pharmacists Mate 1-c Lester Siem, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Siem is on furlough after two
years service overseas. |
He was a graduate of Manning High School in 1938, and graduated from Des Moines, Iowa, Business Collage with a degree in Accounting.
He was Navy Veteran of WWII, serving on Ford Island and the USS Independence. He received the following commendations, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal.
He formerly had been employed at Gamrath Industries for 5 years. He then went to work for Waste Management, Inc. where he retired in May of 1988 as office manager. At the time of his retirement he had completed over 50 years in the accounting field.
His memberships included Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Kiwanis Golden K, and Jellystone Campground at Pierceton, Indiana.
Surviving are one son, Mark A. Siem and his wife Joan of Carlsbad, California; two daughters, Emily A. Raines and her husband Larry of Brazil, and Mary Jane McClung and her husband Aaron of Monticello, Indiana; five grandchildren, Kristin Siam, Laura Siem, Jacob Siem, Evan Morrow, and Gage McClung.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two sisters, Patricia Gosch and Gerry Joens; one brother, Dean Edward Siem; one brother-in-law, Robert G. Wilson.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2004, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer with Pastor William S. Allison officiating.
Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana, with military honors provided by the V.F.W. Post 1152 and 8035. Friends may call at Fenn & Shirley Mortuary, Colonial Chapel, 1315 West Lincoln Road from 4 until 8 p.m. on Friday and one hour preceding the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Redeemer Lutheran School with envelopes available at the mortuary.