Emery, Le Roy Clifford – 1919-1945

CARTER, CHRISTENSEN, DEREUS, EMERY, WALKER, WALL

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 9/7/2021 at 12:24:53

Pvt. Leroy Emery Gives Life For His Country
Killed In Action On Cebu In The South Pacific Theater of War
Pvt. Leroy Emery, 26, a member of Co. L of the 132nd Infantry was killed in action April 17 on Cebu Island in the South Pacific area, according to word from the government received here Monday morning by his wife, nee Elaine Christensen.
Private Emery was inducted into the Army at Jefferson Barracks July 13, 1945, received training at Camp Wolters, Texas and in December was sent to Fort Ord, Calif., from which place he embarked for overseas service the 31st of December 1944.
Leroy Emery was born April 13, 1919 at Rhodes, Iowa, and came to Colfax when a boy in his teens. He attended the Colfax high school, completing his course with the class of 1936.
Following his commencement he was employed at the United Food Market and for several years at the Colfax manufacturing Company before going to the ordnance plant at Ankeny where he worked for some time before his induction.
He was united in marriage to Miss Elaine Christensen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Christensen Aug. 22, 1941 and one child Susan was born March 28, 1943. Besides the wife and two year old daughter, he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Emery of Colfax, three sisters, Mrs. George Wall of Colfax, Mrs. Guy Carter of Jefferson City, Missouri, Mrs. Raymond Walker of Prairie City and one brother, Donald Emery of Colfax. His grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter DeReus of Valeria, also survive.
In a recent communique from the front, Pvt. Emery was cited for his courage and faithfulness under fire and gave his life as a soldier of his country as he had lived a civilian, a good workman and manly citizen.
Memorial Service Sunday – A memorial service for Pvt. Leroy Emery will be held Sunday morning at St. John’s Lutheran church at the corner of Keosauqua and Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, as a part of the regular 11 o’clock worship service.
Announcement is made that anyone from the community desiring to do so may attend.
Source: The Colfax (IA) Tribune; Thursday, May 17, 1945, page 1

In a letter to his wife from his Captain:
Your husband was laid to rest in the United States Armed Forces Cemetery, Cebu No. 2, Cebu City, Philippine Islands, with our Protestant Chaplain officiating.
Source: The Colfax (IA) Tribune; Thursday, May 31, 1945, page 8