Jensen, Eric Andrew and James E.

Somers Lieutenant Writes From Prison Camp in Germany
"Hope that he can "be home for Christmas" is expressed in the first letter which Mr. and Mrs. Nels Jensen of Somers have received from a prison camp at Barth, Germany, from their son Second Lt. Robert Jensen, who was shot down November 13.
Lt. Jensen, who enlisted five years ago, formerly attended Burbank School while he made his home near Racine with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zitka, in Caledonia.  He had completed 10 missions before he was listed as missing.  In March 1944 he was heard in a broadcast from Germany.  His parents received 33 letters from listeners.  The officer was burned and wounded when he jumped. 
The letter which the parents received this week was dated July 15.  It follows in part:
"Today has been a swell day.  I received three cartons of cigarettes from you, my first mail since I was shot down.  If only I get a letter or two, I'll almost be happy again.  I'm anxious to hear how everyone is, and whether my things were sent home from England.  The cigarettes are like pennies from heaven.  They are the standard medium of exchange here, and any extra I have can be used to buy chocolate and other luxuries.  We all have plenty of clothing now, thanks to the Red Cross.  Hope to be home by Christmas".
(Source:  Racine Journal, October 20, 1944)


James E. Jensen
James E. Jensen, 63, died at his home Wednesday afternoon after a sudden illness.  Born in Somers on November 10, 1914, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Eric (Anna) Jensen.  He received his education schools of Somers and graduated from Kenosha High School.
In Kenosha on Aug. 4, 1956, he married the former Marie Denig.
He served in the Air Force from May 1, 1942 until Oct. 11, 1945 with overseas duty in the Asian and Pacific theatre with the 553rd AAF base unit.
He was employed as a machinist by the Eaton Corp. for 24 years and retired on May 31, 1977.
He was a member of the Eagles Club, its golf team, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 286, Dynamatic Club, and Machines Union Lodge 34.  He was also active in bowling and golfing circles.
Surviving are his wife, Marie; a son, Thomas, and a daughter, Miss Kathleen, both at home; his mother, Mrs. Annie Jensen Smith, Kenosha; three brother, R.V. Jensen, Racine, and Warren and Boyd, both of Kenosha; and four sisters, Mrs. Charles (Alice) Jones, Miss Marie Jensen, and Mrs. Nicholas (Dona) Walls, all of Kenosha, and Mrs. Frances (Julia) Tremmel, Racine.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eric in 1945, and a sister.
(Source:  Racine Journal, Dec. 23, 1977)

U.S. Naturalization Records
Eric Andrew Jensen was born in Denmark Nov 26, 1882.
He arrived June 1889 in New York and was Naturalized Feb. 18, 1918.
Jacob J. Barrows and Adam L. Lytle of Somers were his witnesses.