Donald R. Ayers
Receive Letter from Grandson
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rudolph have received a letter from their grandson, Donald Ayers, who is stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas. At the time of writing, Donald said he was getting along fine.The following June 22, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
Stationed in North Africa
Pvt. Donald R. Ayers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Ayers of Crown Point, rural route 3, is stationed in North Africa, helping man one of the giant search lights used in night defense against enemy aircraft, according to an army release. With almost uncanny accuracy, these soldiers can swing their many-candle-power lights around the sky, spot lighting a tiny speck many miles above them and holding that speck in the bright light while the anti-aircraft guns or night fighters come in for the "kill". Manning these searchlights is a job that call[s] for great knowledge of defense against enemy aircraft.Each crew headed by a Sergeant, is more or less "on his own" during any action and with the Sergeant rests the decision on how to use his light.
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