Local History World War II and Cobleskill

COBLESKILL - We continue our look into local history through the pages of the Cobleskill Index newspaper.

COBLESKILL —Researching Cobleskill’s role in World War II I was not surprised by how deeply the war transformed life in Cobleskill. Having already written about the immense sacrifices made during World War I it was clear that an even larger conflict would demand even greater contributions. Nearly every family felt the weight of the war whether through enlistment, the draft, rationing, or the endless wait for news from overseas. The local paper chronicled it all from the town’s efforts to support the war to the hardships endured and the lasting impact of the conflict. When the first draft group left Schoharie County in November 1940, the war became more than distant headlines: it was real. The county would ultimately send 1,405 men into service with 224 volunteering and the rest drafted. By the war’s end 260 had been discharged but over 1,100 remained in uniform. Cobleskill became a town of waiting for letters, for returns, and for an uncertain future. Young men, some just out of high school left behind small town life unsure of when or if they would return. Some enlisted out of duty others simply waited for their draft notice. The draft board worked tirelessly ensuring the town met its obligations. These young men trained in camps across the country before stepping onto the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific carrying with them the same determination and sense of duty that Cobleskill had seen in the Great War a generation before.

The casualty lists illustrated the heavy toll World War II took on Cobleskill. Schoharie County lost approximately 50 men with nearly 30 killed in combat while others died from non battle related injuries​. Six soldiers were listed as missing in action and 16 were captured as prisoners of war most of whom were later released​. The local newspaper documented these losses, providing a vivid picture of the war's cost. Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice were Private Alton C. Whitbeck of Gilboa, 1st Lieutenant Laurence E. McFeo of Sharon Springs, and Private Ralph M. Becker of Middleburgh​. Some endured the brutal conditions of captivity including Machinist Mate 1st Class Luke D. Colliton of Charlotteville who survived the sinking of the USS Houston and was later imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp in Siam​. Each of these names represented more than just statistics. They symbolized grieving families, lost futures, and a community in mourning. Families dreaded receiving the fateful telegrams bearing tragic news while others endured months or even years of uncertainty regarding missing soldiers. The war was not just an overseas battle. It was deeply felt within Cobleskill’s homes, churches, and businesses every single day.

While the soldiers were away Cobleskill had to deal with rationing and big economic shifts. Ration stamps were needed for essentials like meat fats, oils and sugar and the newspapers kept reminding people about expiration dates. Everyday life got tougher with shortages forcing families to stretch what they had. Gasoline was rationed so people traveled less and Victory Gardens became a thing so folks could grow their own food. Women took on jobs that had been seen as men's work, running businesses working in factories and keeping farms going while their husbands, sons and brothers were at war. Businesses changed too. The local newspaper The Cobleskill Index stayed in operation through the war. Farmers worked harder to produce more food to feed both troops and people at home. Everyone did their part whether it was taking on extra shifts donating supplies or buying war bonds. The town held bond drives and organized fundraisers and local groups supported families of soldiers. Even as people worried about loved ones overseas they still pulled together to keep things running at home.

Not all Cobleskill soldiers fought in Europe. Some were stationed in the Pacific, engaging in battles against Japan. Among them was Machinist Mate 1st Class Luke D. Colliton of Charlotteville, who survived the sinking of the USS Houston and endured captivity in a Japanese prison camp in Siam​. I can’t imagine the fear of watching his ship sink, then enduring the harsh realities of captivity. His story, like many others, might have been forgotten if not for the records kept by local newspapers. It made me realize that war isn’t just about battles. It’s about ordinary men from small towns who found themselves in unimaginable situations, fighting to survive in places far from everything they knew.

The war ended in two stages first in May 1945 with Victory in Europe then in August with Japan's surrender. When the news hit Cobleskill people celebrated. Church bells rang, businesses shut down, people flooded the streets. It was a huge moment. But even as they cheered, families were still waiting for soldiers to come home. Many were still overseas stationed in occupied territories. Some had been POWs, others were recovering from injuries. 

Coming home wasn't easy but Cobleskill did what it could to help soldiers adjust back to normal life.  Even after the war Cobleskill made sure the sacrifices of its soldiers were never forgotten. The American Legion Post started a campaign to raise $20,000 for a War Memorial Home, a tribute to those who served. Veterans returned to a town that had changed but still stood by them. Many took advantage of the GI Bill going to school and starting new careers. Cobleskill's experience in World War II was full of sacrifice, resilience and community. More than a thousand young men left to fight while those at home dealt with rationing loss and uncertainty. But the town endured supporting its soldiers during and after the war. Reading these stories made me realize how much Cobleskill contributed to the war effort. Every soldier who served every family that lost someone, every person who did their part from home helped shape history. Even in a small rural town like Cobleskill the impact of the war was huge and the memories of those who served are still an important part of its history.