Gustafson, Donald Raymond (1924-1945)

GUSTAFSON, LUNBOM, NEWMAN

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Webster City Freeman/Daily Freeman Journal
February 1, 1945

PFC. GUSTAFSON, STRATFORD, IS AMONG MISSING

STRATFORD - Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Gustafson of Stratford have received a message from the war department stating that their son, Pfc. Donald R. Gustafson, 20, is missing in action in Belgium since Jan. 10.

Private Gustafson was attached to a glider infantry company with an airborne division. Last direct word received from him was on Jan. 16 when his parents received a letter dated Dec. 31, in which he said he was in France.

The Stratford serviceman left for duty in April, 1943, and was stationed for 10 months at Camp Mackall, N.C., and for six months at Camp Forrest, Tenn. In August he was sent overseas, receiving further training in England.

A graduate of the Stratford High School in 1942, he was an active member of the Webster-Marion boys 4-H Club for several years.

Webster City Freeman
February 8, 1945

Pfc. Donald Gustafson Killed in Action Jan. 7

STRATFORD - Pfc Donald R. Gustafson, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Gustafson, was killed in action in Belgium, Jan. 7, his parents have been notified.

The Stratford soldier was previously reported missing in action. In the service since April, 1943, he had been overseas since August and was stationed in England for some time. Last word received from him was in a letter written Dec. 31.

Webster City Freeman
March 29, 1945

IN UNIFORM

Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Gustafson of Stratford have received word from Col. M.G. Stubbs, commander of the 193rd Glider Infantry, concerning circumstances surrounding the death of their son, Pfc. Donald R. Gustafson. A rifleman, the Stratford soldier was killed Jan. 7, as his company was attacking the enemy near Bastogne, Belgium. As the unit moved forward under intense enemy fire, Private Gustafson was hit by a burst of small arms fire and was instantly killed, according to Colonel Stubbs' message. The soldier was buried with full military honors in a U.S. cemetery, Grand Failly, France.

A graduate from Stratford High School in 1942, the 20-year old soldier had been in service for 21 months and overseas for four months.

Stratford Courier
November 18, 1948

Remains of Son Are Being Shipped to United States

Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Gustafson have been notified that the casket covered remains of their son, Donald, who was killed in action during World War II, is being shipped to the United States.

Daily Freeman Journal
January 5, 1949

Funeral Rites Held for Donald Gustafson

BELLS MILL - Reburial services were held December 30 for Pfc. Donald Gustafson, 20, in the Stratford school auditorium. Final interment was made in South Marion Cemetery.

Rev. A.R. Westerhoff, pastor of the Baptist church, officiated and military rites were conducted by the Frederick Sonksen American Legion post.

Pfc. Gustafson was killed in action January 7, 1945 at Bastogne, Belgium. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. [Bertha Mae Lunbom Newman] Gustafson of Stratford.