Friends,
We recently learned more about one of the six Springfield Pillsbury employees that were killed in action during their time of service in World War II. The bronze plaque with the six names hung on the wall in the front lobby at Pillsbury for many years. It was removed and saved by a member of the American Legion several years ago and is currently on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Charles H. Hayes was killed in action in Germany on March 28, 1945. He had five brothers, three of whom were serving in the military at that time. We have also learned that a total of 206 Springfield Pillsbury employees served in WWII.
The family of Charles H. Hayes recently shared with us the May 1945 issue of Pillsbury People (the Pillsbury Monthly Newspaper). Hayes is pictured on page three with a short article. He was the seventeenth Pillsbury employee nationally that had been killed in action.
The newspaper is a fascinating time capsule from 81 years ago. The articles all highlight civic engagement and honor the many people in the Pillsbury family supporting the war effort. The front cover article on Pillsbury Pea Soup to feed hungry people in Europe really demonstrates the impact of Midwest manufacturing and ingenuity in a desperate time for much of the world.
Thanks for being a part of this important community project!
~ Team Pillsbury
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