HARRENSTEIN, Bert 1916-1943

HARRENSTEIN, DIRKS

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 1/8/2011 at 09:18:40

Killed In Action Over Enemy Territory

Mrs. Bert Harrenstein received a message yesterday from the International Red Cross in Germany that her husband had been killed over enemy territory on November 5th. The message was sent here to Miss Ada Mutch, Home Service chairman, who delivered it to the family. Late in November the war department notified the wife that her husband had been missing in action over enemy territory since Nov. 5th and it was believed possible at that time that he was held as a prisoner in Germany.

Bert Harrenstein was 27 years old. He enlisted in the Army on August 21, 1942, and received his initial training in Texas. He was a gunner and radio operator on a Flying Fortress with the Eighth army air force. Last October he was awarded a medal for his fine conduct in five bomber combat missions.

He was married July 10, 1942, to Miss Lois Dirks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ford Dirks, Grundy Center.

Surviving relatives are the widow and two brothers. The brothers are Alvin and Edwin, both of whom are in the armed service. He was born in Colfax township and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Harrenstein, both of whom are dead. His father died in 1931 and his mother in 1939.