November 19, 1945

Discharged!

On November 19, 1945, Mel Janis was discharged from the U.S. Army at Jefferson Barracks. He kept journals during his last 11 years, and many years on December 7 he'd mention Pearl Harbor Day, on December 8 he'd mention that he was drafted that day, and on November 19 (or thereabouts) he'd mention that he was discharged that day. Sometimes he’d also mention D-Day. On November 19, 1996, he wrote, “51 years ago today I was discharged from the Army. Floyd Mercer of Dubach, Louisiana called to remind me of it. We had a good talk. Then I called Gerald Stork in Napoleon, MO. All three of us were discharged from Jefferson Barracks Nov. 19, 1945. That was a long time ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I had many good friends in the Army.”

 

Here are other entries from his journals that mention his time in the Army:

 

November 19, 1987: 42 years ago today I was discharged from the U.S. Army. Gerald Stork called to remind me of it. A good friend.

 

June 3, 1988: Stuart Padden called from North Dakota reminding me of D-Day, 44 years ago Monday June 6. We talked of our army days in WW2. We agreed that most of our company probably are not with us after 44 years. It was good to hear from him.

 

November 10, 1988: Stuart Padden called at 5 a.m. this morning from North Dakota to remind me of Veteran’s Day. We talked of our war days and about some of our friends we knew in World War II.

 

November 11, 1988: Veteran’s Day brings back a lot of memories. A day to remember all who gave so much so we could live as we do. I love every one of them.

 

April 22, 1990: 89er day at Guthrie, Oklahoma celebrating the opening of the Cherokee Strip Indian lands in 1889. I was at the 89er day celebration 2 times. In 1942 and 1943. In 1942 I placed second in the calf roping with 14.6. I was taken out of first by an old man named Abb Deacons. He tied his calf in 14.2. I was roping off a brown mare named Stormy owned by Ralph Nevins of Pleasant Valley, Okla. He and I were both in the U.S. Cavalry at the time. I had gone with him to his home for the 89er day and rodeo. His brother Harvey Nevins and I won the wild Cow Milking. The Stormy mare was a daughter of Oklahoma Star P.6 in the QHA. The second time I was at the 89er day was in 1943. There was a big parade and many people dressed up as they did in 1889. There were many horses, and horses and wagons in the parade. The rodeo was at the Guthrie baseball park in the middle of town. I roped on Stormy again in the calf roping. I roped a big heifer and Stormy jerked her down so hard that I couldn’t get her up to throw and tie her. I tied her anyway but received no time. I didn’t mind not winning, just being there two times was great. Something that leaves me with pleasant memories.

 

November 20, 1990: 45 years ago yesterday I was discharged from the Army. It don’t seem that long ago. I called Gerald Stork in Napoleon, MO. We were discharged the same day. I called Floyd Mercer.

 

November 20, 1991: 46 years ago yesterday I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.

 

December 8, 1991: 50 years ago today I was told by the Festus draft board that I was to report to Jefferson Barracks January 15 so that I could be inducted in the U.S. Army. Lucky me.

 

November 13, 1992: I found out today that my friend Stuart Padden of Langdon, North Dakota had died in June. Stuart was the best semi-driver in my squad in the war (WW2). We had kept in touch with each other since 1947. I called Floyd Mercer in Dubach, Louisiana and told him. Floyd and Stuart were good friends during the war. I had called Gerald Stork in Napoleon, MO on Veteran’s Day. He was in my outfit. Floyd, Stuart, Gerald, and Bernard Sinclair and I were all discharged at Jefferson Barracks, MO on the same day, November 19, 1945. Padden died from congestive heart failure and emphysema at 72. The cigarettes got him.

 

November 19, 1992: 47 years ago today I was discharged from the Army at Jefferson Barracks, MO.

 

November 19, 1994: I called Gerald Stork last night, and Bernard Sinclair. 49 years ago today Gerald Stork, Bernard Sinclair, Floyd Mercer and I were discharged from the U.S. Army. I was 26 years old then.

 

December 8, 1994: 53 years ago today I was drafted by the U.S. Army.

 

November 19, 1995: 50 years ago today I was discharged from the U.S. Army. Floyd Mercer from Louisiana, Gerald Stork from Norborne, MO, and Bernard Sinclair from Milan, MO, were discharged on this day 1945. I had some good friends in my 4 years of army. As the song goes, “We will maybe have good men but we’ll never have better.” Mercer called at noon, Stork called at 5P. It’s always good to hear from them.

 

December 8, 1995: On this day 1941 my army career began.

 

July 3, 1996: Neighbors shooting fireworks. They should be unlawful everywhere. I heard enough fireworks when I was in the war 50 years ago.

 

December 8, 1996: 55 years ago today I was drafted into the U.S. Army.

While searching the internet, I happened across this site that has some information about the 3596 QM Truck Company. (Thanks to Melvin Oakes!)

He received an appreciation certificate from the city of Antwerp:

He got his five stars, as well as the American Theatre Campaign ribbon; European, African, Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign ribbon; Victory ribbon; and 3 overseas bars.