KRUSE, Darwin 1926-1945

KRUSE

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 5/10/2016 at 19:17:04

Darwin Kruse Reported Missing in Action

A telegram was received Monday morning, August 12 from the war department saying that Darwin Glen Kruse S-2/c had been reported missing in action on July 30. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert T. Kruse, living north of Wellsburg have as yet received no further word from the government.

Darwin was 18 years old and was inducted in the service Feb. 16, 1945. He took his boot training at Great Lakes and left the states July 16 for active duty in the Pacific. His last letter to his parents was written July 25.

--The Wellsburg Herald (Wellsburg, Iowa), 15 August 1945, pg 1

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Navy Offers Little Hope for Safety of Darwin Kruse

A telegram received by Mr. and Mrs. Albert T. Kruse Tuesday morning, Sept. 17, from the Navy Department stated that there was little hope that their son Darwin had survived the sinking of the cruiser Indianapolis on July 30. The Kruses received notification from the government at that time saying their son was missing from enemy action in the Pacific warfare. Darwin was a member of the crew of the cruiser Indianapolis which was destroyed by an enemy submarine in the South Pacific area. The last word his parents received from him was dated July 25, just six days before the sinking of the Indianapolis.

Following is the telegram received Tuesday morning from the Navy Department at Washington:
"I deeply regret to inform you that a careful review of all available records relating to the disappearance of your son Darwin Glen Kruse, Seaman Second Class USNR previously reported missing leads to the conclusion that there is no hope for his survival and that he lost his life as a result of enemy action on July 30, 1945 while in the service of his country. If further details are received they will be forwarded to you promptly. Sincerest sympathy is extended to you in your loss.--Vice Admiral Louis Denfeld, The Chief of Naval Personnel."

Darwin Glen Kruse was called to the service Feb. 16, 1945 and reported to Ft. Snelling. He took his boot training at Great Lakes and upon completion of training was sent to the naval base at Shoemaker, Calif. He left for overseas July 16, on the Indianapolis which had a crew of 1196. There were only 315 survivors. Their ship was attacked between Guam and the Philippines, about 450 miles from Leyte.

Darwin was 18 years of age at the time he was reported missing. Besides his mother and father there is a younger brother, Leroy, at home.

--The Wellsburg Herald (Wellsburg, Iowa), 26 September 1945, pg 1

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Memorial Rites for Darwin Kruse Sunday, November 18

Memorial services for Darwin Glen Kruse, S. 2/c, will be held Sunday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter's Evangelical and Reformed church northwest of Wellsburg. The services will be in charge of the former pastor, the Rev. G. E. Hesse.

--The Wellsburg Herald (Wellsburg, Iowa), 14 November 1945, pg 1