Page 29 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2017 - Online Magazine

struck by another B-24 in Leyete, Philippines and 8 of Life after Richard
the 10 crew members were killed, including Richard. Frances found comfort in family and friends and eventually
married L.G. Pierce, Jr. on November 24, 1947. He had been a
The Unwelcome Telegram and the Aftermath friend of hers and Richard’s and, in fact, had been the best man
Richard’s father was handed the Western Union at their wedding years earlier. L.G. also served as a Captain
Telegram received by approximately 470,000 other during WWII in the 45th QM (Quarter Master) Group in the
families across America. The unenviable task fell China-Burma-India Theatre (CBI). His unit helped build the
to him of telling Frances that her husband had been 1072 mile long supply route called the Ledo/Stillwell road
killed and would not be coming home. Laney was from Burma to India. Frances and L.G. had a son, Larry Pierce,
four months old at the time of her father’s death and and were married 51 years. L.G. passed away in December
would never know him. All that remained of him 1997. Larry died of cancer in August 1998. Frances now has
were his letters home, photographs and the stories 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She contacted the
her mother and family members told her. As many Gold Star Wives of America and kept in touch with them for
Gold Star Wives would quickly come to realize, the several years, but found out a chapter did not exist in Lubbock.
initial shock is followed by unbelievable pain and Laney grew up and married, but noted that she would always
a tremendous sense of loss. There is also a strong wonder how her life would have turned out if her father had
determination that you must go on. Such issues as lived. Now, Frances and Laney can only look back, remember
finances, raising children, survivor benefits, potential Richard and be proud of his service and his sacrifice to his
relocation and many others surface rapidly with the country.
loss of a military spouse. Frances had a four month
old daughter to raise and had to remain strong for Respectfully submitted by,
her daughter and her family. Like a lot of widows Larry A. Williams
during the war, Frances and Laney moved in with
her parents. She and Laney received a small stipend Veterans Liaison Co-Chair
from the government but not enough to cover all Texas South Plains Honor Flight Board
their expenses. Frances also received her husband’s
Air Commendation Medal after his death. Richard’s Editor’s note: Both of the author’s grandmothers were Gold Star
remains were finally repatriated three years after his Mothers. One lost a son during WWII and the other lost a son during
death. Richard was one of 23 service men who died
during WWII from Floyd County, Texas. the Korean War.

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Lubbock Senior Link 29