Dale Edward ("Ted") Deardorff (1925-2002) was born to Erle R. Deardorff (1897-1979) and Ipha E. Fiscel (1901-1977) in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The couple had four other children: E. Robert ("Bob") (1922-2005), Richard F. ("Dick") (1923-2006), Jadeen C. (1930-1931), and Jane (b. 1932). In 1944, Dale was drafted into the army. He attended basic training at Camp Croft in South Carolina as part of the 3rd Platoon of the 31st Infantry Training Battalion. Later, Dale was transferred to Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, and then to an undisclosed base in New England. In January 1944, he was sent to England as part of Replacement Company L, 41st Replacement Battalion. Dale was released from the military in January 1946.
Donald Omar ("Don") Price (1923-1944) was born to Elmer Price (1894-1991) and Helen Deardorff (1900-1978). During World War II, Don was stationed in Italy and served as a technical sergeant for the 762nd Bombardment Squadron, 460th Bombardment Group, United States Army Air Corps. While overseas, he wrote to his mother's sister, Anna Deardorff (1907-1995). Don died in battle in Europe and received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.
From the guide to the Deardorff family papers, 1943-1944, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
