Curtis Abernethy 1919-1993

ABERNETHY, FITZGERALD, DICKERY

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/18/2010 at 11:12:04

Curtis A. Abernethy, son of Earl and Loretta Abernethy, was born April 17, 1919 in Postville. He died at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Ill. on Sunday, Oct 10, following a short illness. He was 74. He graduated from Postville High School, attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa, where he lettered in baseball. He joined the US Air Force and served as a bomber pilot in the European Theatre. During that time, he flew 62 combat missions, was shot down three times, and received several commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star, the Medal of Honor, and the Purple Heart. Following his honorable discharge, he and his father operated a men's clothing store in Postville for several years. He married Jeanne Fitzgerald of Waukon on May 4, 1946. In 1960, the family moved to Elgin, Ill. where he managed a men's clothing store in Arlington Heights until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; one son, Michael, of St. Charles, Ill.; one sister, Barbara Dickery, of Marquette; and seven nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in McGregor at 10 a.m on Saturday, Oct. 16, followed by burial in the McGregor Cemetery.

~Postville Herald-Leader, October 13, 1993
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Researcher alert!
Although his obituary states Curtis received the Medal of Honor, I've been unable to verify that as fact. He isn't on any of the Medal of Honor websites or on any listing of soldiers who were awarded major military medals (other than the MOH). Descendants should make independant verification of this information before assuming the obituary is correct.