US Army, 1945-1946
My dad, Warren Haley, son of Earl and Jessie Riley Haley, was born August 13, 1925 in rural Marceline. He was in the 11th Army Air Force, Cargo Resupply Unit, serving as crew chief of supply drops.
His unit was in the South Pacific, island hopping through New Guinea, the Philippines and more, moving supplies to military forces and civilians. After an R&R in Australia, Warren joined his unit in the CBI Theater (China-Burma-India) providing strategic air supply missions in the area. Warren’s plane was shot down somewhere near the China-Burma Hump (his words). Pilot and co-pilot died in the crash, one man was hurt bad but survived. Three days later they were rescued.
Dad told the story that one day he saw a soldier walking who had more baggage than he could handle. Warren yelled at the guy to offer to help him, he turned around and it was Delmar Foley, also of Marceline! At home, the families were best of friends and ran around together. Two families, like one through the years. Today there are just two of us left but we are still like one family and still close.
Mike Haley
Warren Haley’s Medals:
- Army of Occupation Medial, Japan
- Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with Bronze Star
- Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star
- Victory Medal
- Good Conduct Medal