by Laurel | June 4th, 2010
June 4, 1944
Mrs. Mary Biela of 202 Beech street received a navy war department telegram today notifying her that her son, Gunner’s Mate (3c) Max Biela, 22, is missing in action. He has been serving on a warship, but the zone in which the action took place is not disclosed.
Mate Biela is one of four sons of Mrs. Biela who are in the service. The others are: Staff Sergt Edward Biela, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for aiding in the sinking of a Jap transport in the Southwest Pacific; John Biela, now of the United States merchant marine, and at present in New York, and Aviation Cadet Anthony Biela, now at Simpson college, Simpson, S.C.
Born in this city, Max Biela attended the West Street and Holyoke high schools and was employed at the Holyoke diner, Franklin cafeteria and at the J. Stevens Arms company, Chicopee Falls, before entering the service in October, 1942.
From The Springfield Republican.
