Roy Clinton Kohler

Pre-WSC Background

Roy Clinton Kohler was born on February 28, 1918, in Colfax, Washington to George William Kohler and Hazel Caroline Jadwin Kohler. He had four siblings: George "Boyd," Nelline "Nellie," and Robert. Kohler attended Colfax High School from 1934-1938. His school friends called him "Toofie." Kohler was very involved in high school. For two years, he was a Class Officer and leader his grade. He participated in athletics like football, basketball, baseball, track, and different intramural sports. He also participated in organizations like the Golden "C" Club and Cold Facts, Colfax High School's bi-weekly publication. In 1938, his fellow classmates prophesized that in 1958, Kohler would work as a strong man in a circus led by a few of his fellow classmates.

WSC Experience

Kohler attended WSC for only the Fall 1938 semester. 

Military Service and Death

Kohler was a Staff Sergeant for the 18th Bomber Squadron, 34th Bomber Group for the US Army Air Force. In July 1944, Kohler went missing in action over France when the B-24 bomber he served on as a gunner failed to return to its base in England. According to reports from his parents listed in Spokane newspapers, Kohler was believed to be a German prisoner of war. 

Postwar Legacy

Kohler's headstone at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial states that he died on July 24, 1944, at the age of twenty-six.

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