Auten, Frank Melvin 1919 - 1944

AUTEN, CRITCHETT, REYNOLDS, BEVERIDGE

Posted By: Marilyn Auten Berthelsen
Date: 8/4/2005 at 16:46:23

KELLOGG - Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Auten, who reside south of town, received word this week from the U.S. War Department that their son, Staff Sgt. Frank Melvin Auten, missing since October 13, 1944, has been declared dead. Melvin was a top turret gunner on a Liberator Bomber, which was lost on a mission to Vienna, Austria while over the target area when the plane was hit by enemy aircraft fire which appeared to take off one of the engines. It is thought the entire crew was lost as no parachutes were seen.

Born on a farm south of Kellogg on March 7, 1919, he attended the rural schools and was graduated from the Kellogg High School. He entered the U. S. Army Air Corps March 22, 1943, took his cadet training at San Antonio, TX., and went overseas in August 1944.

Besides his parents Frank Mc Clelland Auten and Ida Belle Critchett Auten, he is survived by four brothers, C. Windsor Auten of Long Island, NY, Bert Auten, who has recently arrived in the States from service overseas with the 113th Cavalry in reconnoisance, Gene at home, and Jay Morris Auten Sr.; two sisters, Anne Lois (Mrs. Paul) Reynolds and Margaret (Mrs. Clayton) Beveridge of Middletown, CT.

Mr. and Mrs. Auten have received a Purple Heart which had been awarded to Melvin a few days ago.

Newton Daily News -