BELOW:  This picture of Pvt. Delbert Aldrich was probably taken when he was home on leave before he was shipped overseas.

RIGHT:  Clippings from Emma’s scrapbook file about her son, Pfc. Delbert Elsworth Aldrich after his feet were frozen. It was called trench foot because it was a natural consequence from exposure while living in a trench during that hard winter.

The Family Welcomes Delbert Back Home

TOP LEFT:  Emma Aldrich (left) stands with three of her children when Delbert is home on leave; Estella (Aldrich) Glassnap, Delbert and Harold Aldrich.

BOTTOM LEFT:  Delbert puts an affectionate arm around his sister, Estella.

TOP RIGHT:  Delbert stands proud and tall with his sister, Alma (Aldrich) Verhagen.  The pictures on this page were not all taken during the same leave.

BOTTOM RIGHT:  Delbert hugs his niece, Joyce Glassnap, who stands next to his sisters, Cecil Aldrich and Estella Glassnap, and brother-in-law Albert Glassnap.

Welcome Home, Family

These pictures were all taken either during World War II when our servicemen were on leave or shortly after the war ended.

UPPER LEFT:  Melvin Verhagen in his Coast Guard bell-bottom trousers.

UPPER CENTER:  Melvin gives his Aunt Cecil Aldrich an affectionate hug.  Everyone was always so happy when the boys were home on leave.

UPPER RIGHT:  Merlin Verhagen, who was a sailor in the Navy, is with his sister, Carol.  Family members appreciated one another more deeply during the war years when it was so evident just how fragile life can be.

LOWER LEFT:  There was a real feeling of comradeship between Wilbert Verhagen (left) and his uncle Del Aldrich (right) when they were both home on leave at the same time.  They looked so handsome in uniform.

LOWER CENTER:  Wilbert and Del pose with Will’s little brother, Kenny Verhagen, on Delbert’s shoulder.  Kenny has his little uniform on too.

LOWER RIGHT:  Delbert holds Kenny Verhagen while Harold Aldrich (Del’s older brother) and Albert Glassnap (his brother-in-law) look on.

LEFT:  French Liberation Medal awarded by the French Government for services rendered.  RIGHT:  City Of Metz Liberation Medal.  Both were awarded in ceremony at Metz.

Medals Awarded to PFC Delbert E. Aldrich

For His Service During World War II

TOP ROW (Left to Right):  World War II Victory Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; Good Conduct Medal.  CENTER:  The Bronze Star Medal.  BOTTOM:  National Defense Service Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars.