Freeport During World War II
Population
- Freeport's population was approximately 20,000
- Over 2,000 Freeporters served in the military
- 63 women were in service
- 64 soldiers, sailors, and airmen died while in service
- 6 members of the U.S. Merchant Marines died during the war
- 40 Freeporters who died during the war are buried in the United States
- 16 are buried overseas (Belgium, France, Netherlands, Philippines, United Kingdom, and Tunisia, North Africa)
- 14 are missing
- 1941 - Worden E. Winne
- 1943 - Clinton M. Flint
- 1945 - Cyril C. Ryan
- In 1943, Main Street merchants agreed to close four nights per week in order to save light and heat and to adhere to south shore dim-out regulation.
- 24 Freeport companies began working for the defense industry.
- A steam Air Raid whistle was installed on the roof of the Brooklyn Water Works. An emergency signal consisted of one long blast that lasted one minute.
- After Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941), an observation tower was constructed on the roof of the Meadow Brook Bank Building. It was in operation from 1942 to 1944.
- Approximately, 299 people manned the observation tower.
- The Army Air Corps estimated that 16 fliers a week were helped by the observation tower. Pilots that lost their bearings were reported by the observes to Mitchel Field. The pilots were contacted by Mitchel Field and given instructions.
