PFC Fred A. VERMILLION 1920-1945.Germany

VERMILLION, ROBERTSON, HENRY, BROWN

Posted By: Andrew Brown (email)
Date: 11/4/2010 at 20:08:43

Fred A. Vermillion was born in Oelwein (Fayette Co. IA) on September 10, 1920, and gave his life for this country in Germany on February 4th of 1945.

He was the son of the late Altha (Robertson) and Milo Vermillion; his mother preceeded him in death while he was serving with the Army in the United States.

Fred spent his childhood in and near Oelwein and attended Oelwein High School. He was a very quiet young man and after his father’s passing became a devoted son, assuming great responsibilities.

On August 16th of 1941 he was united in marriage to Leona Mae Brown to which union one child, Marcia Kay, was born. He was a most devoted husband and father.

Prior to induction he was employed by the Levin Auto Parts and Rock Island Railroad Company. He entered the service in March of 1943 and received the greater part of his training at Camp Butner, North Carolina and Camp Pickett, West Virginia. May of last year (1944) he was sent overseas and fought with the Ninth Army in the European area. Engaging against the Germans in Belgium, (he was wounded) and confined to a hospital in England. For those wounds he was awarded the Purple Heart. After recovering from his injuries he was sent back to the front where he made the supreme sacrifice.

He leaves to mourn his early passing a wife and two year old daughter, Marcia Kay, two sisters, Esther of this city and Evelyn of Davenport: three brothers, all in service in the European area. They are S/Sgt. Donald Vermillion, M/Sgt. Harry Vermillion and Pfc. William Vermillion, who has been missing in action since October 1st of 1944. He also leaves three nephews and a host of friends.

According to a letter received by his wife from his commanding officer Pfc. Fred Vermillion was buried in Belgium and given a Protestant funeral.
Memorial services were held here Wednesday afternoon in the Christian Church with the Rev. Kermit Pugh officiating.

(Oelwein IA Daily Register 13MAR1945)

Notes:
Burial: Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial
Epinal, Vosges
Lorraine Region, France
Plot: Plot A Row 35 Grave 53