This Lowell Tribune article was found in the March 22, 1945, issue (page 6, column 1):
Headquarters Panama Canal Department, March 20 -- Promotion of First Sgt. Ralph L. Combs, Gary, formerly of Lowell, from Technical Sgt. to his recent rank was announced today by the Panama Coast Artillery Command.
Sgt. Combs is on duty with Lt. Col. Page H. Northrop's anti-aircraft automatic weapons battalion. He has served with the coast artillery forces in Panama since Nov. 19, 1942.
His wife, Mrs. Ralph Combs, resides at Gary. He has two brothers serving in the navy, S 2/c Loyal Combs and Radioman 2/c James Combs.
In civil life, Sgt. Combs was on the Indiana State Police force, with headquarters at Chesterton.
This December 27, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 2:
Members of the William Combs family enjoyed their Christmas at the home of their son and brother, James Combs, and wife last Sunday. This is the first time the family has all been together for five years. Ralph and Jim have just been discharged from the service, and Tom was home on furlough. It was a most joyous day for the entire family.
