FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS SHERIFF 1965-2001 MORE BATTLE OF THE BULGE During WWII news and information on the war was strongly censored and held back. I did not hear of this important conflict until much later. It was found to have caused great concern as Hitler’s plans unknown to even our top officials who caught asleep, who thought the fighting virtually over. If this German plan had worked the outcome might have been affected. A few months back Grandma and I passed an Estate Sale coming out of Corsicana and decided to look in, most of the property had already been sold. There was a booklet “Battle of the Bulge” left, due to my interest in this I bought it, took it home and read it. To my surprise the former owner WWII Captain Berlin Compton had written in long hand on the inside cover his experiences regarding this period. Which show the serious concerns of General Ike Eisenhower and others. “Captain Berlin Compton” Trained with the 86th Infantry Division (l944) in California, with the Navy to make ship to shore landings in preparation for landing on Japan proper- The Battle of the Bulge in Germany caused the 86th. to be sent back across the U.S. to the Boston Port of Embarkation, and on overseas to La Harve, France and on overseas to Germany. The 86th went in position at Cologne, Germany on the Rhine River, was engaged in Battle all the way across Germany taking 220 miles of Germany and was in Austria when the war in Europe ended. Then we came back to the USA, went back to California, boarded ship to the Philippine Islands where we had started before. Before we arrived in the Philippines the US dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan (I believe in Aug. l945). We went on to the Philippines, stayed there (believe it or not) on M.P. Duty- then came back to America.” Ike and other Generals must have thought it very serious to move troops from California to Europe. I wish I had known Captain Compton but don’t think I ever met him. I do not know if he left family, if so and if any would like booklet I will gladly pass it on to them. Have been amazed at things found in Estate Sales. *** From the Original Sheriffs Report l972 Emergency Corps Rodeo coming up to raise operating funds and equipment. All involved are volunteers. Youth liking to play police when drinking held in Jail overnight after complaint he now FBI, in past just undercover agent. Woman held for Wortham Police that keeps coming down and going to throw Jake his house which she decided hers, family in Ft. Worth came after. Unfortunate situation arose between couple of our elder and most respected citizens over minor differences. Both hospitalized with what could have been fatal injuries. Two men and monkey to be arraigned on marihuana charge, one man and his attorney showed, said man and monkey running and took off in his car. Didn’t say which one driving. Gus Sessions Wortham returned to land of his father and grandfather for Dedication on Wortham Oil Boom and City of Wortham l00th anniversary. Interesting skits on Oil Boom given by Clara Barton Miller. Been told the Wortham Oil Boom where my father Jim Sessions had first practical experience in law enforcement as traffic officer riding big white horse carrying a sawed off shotgun as took more than whistle to direct it there. Construction worker here with building firm jailed overnight drunk. Employer advised he good hand before trip to Jail but much better now. Sunday night partying at local joint ended with one man shot and killed and one Jailed for murder, joint operator called later on forgetting to rob pool table before left and someone else did, Lady traveling thru assisted finding motel room for night after asking where she was and it not where she supposed to be. Late night report on one lady disturbing another over boy friend to get shot at, been fussing over man for while. First criminal case heard before a jury in County Court in many years, man found guilty of DWI sentenced by new Co. Judge Goolsby to jail and fine. Girl friend complaint on boy striking her, he gave her “little love pinch” then she tried to work him over with chain, after little discussion they all left happy, ain’t love wonderful? ..