Welcome to our new website!
GSSI was organized in Carterville, Illinois in March 1973 for the purpose of encouraging the science of genealogy; helping others gather genealogical information; and preserving, protecting and publishing information of importance to Southern Illinois genealogy. Our geographic area includes the twenty-eight counties of Illinois south of Interstate 70 which are listed in our website header above.
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Come Join us in June:
“GUEST OF THE EMPIRE” Presented by Col. J. D. CRAWFORD The Story of 1st Lt. James O. Hase The second quarterly membership meeting of 2023 will be conducted Saturday, June 10 on the campus of John A. Logan College in Carterville. The meeting room will be the McCullom room, number C113A, directly across from the cafeteria and bookstore. Start time will be 10:00 AM. Col. J.D. Crawford who lives in Birmingham, Alabama will join us discuss the life story of 1st LT. James Hase, who was killed in action in 1945 aboard the ship Enoura Maru, the Philippines Islands. Col. Crawford is the grandnephew of 1st LT. Hase. 1st LT. Hase was in Company H, 45th Infantry Regiment. Born in Hamilton County, spending his early years in Union County, Hase went on to become an instructor at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. 1st LT. Hase enlisted like many others joining the Army in 1941. Hase, was at the battle of Corregidor and was taken prisoner in 1942 becoming a “Guest of the Empire”. 1st LT. Hase was transferred to a “Hell Ship” as they were called until being killed in action in 1945.
