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name
VERNON, John Edward - Date of
birth
6 May 1924 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
Brewster, Okanogan County, Washington -
Hometown
Brewster, Okanogan County, Washington
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
39463210 -
Rank
Private First Class -
Function
unknown -
Unit
I Company,
3rd Battalion,
242nd Infantry Regiment,
42nd Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
15 March 1945 - Place of
death
Near Althorn, France
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 23 | 41 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Anthony R. Vernon (father)
Lydia V. (Brazle) Vernon (mother)
Audree L. Vernon (sister)
More information
Pfc John E. Vernon attended high school for three years and worked on a farm before he enlisted in Spokane, Washington on 10 March 1943.He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for his action on the day of his death. The citation cited:
"When an enemy patrol infiltrated our lines near Althorn, France, through an unguarded opening, Pvt Vernon immediately tried to warn nearby riflemen of the threat. Unable to attract his comrades' attention because of the continuous mortar and small arms fire, he advanced toward the enemy group, firing his weapon and yelling loudly as possible. The enemy patrol immediately directed a heavy volume of fire in his direction, fatally wounding him. Pvt Vernon's courageous self-sacrifice enabled his fellow soldiers to organize and completely repulse the enemy forces."
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov – WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / Phillips Family Tree, www.findagrave.com – NW pioneer
Photo source: -