Kettler, Pfc. Walter 1919-1944

KETTLER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/26/2009 at 14:53:07

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
July 21, 1944

PRIVATE WALTER KETTLER KILLED WHILE IN ACTION
Cited For Bravery On Battle Field In North Africa

Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Kettler, 303 Central Avenue SW received a telegram Tuesday night from the War Department saying “The Secretary of War desires that I extend his deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your son, Private First Class Walter B. Kettler, who was previously reported missing in action. Report now received states that he was killed in action May 29. Letter follows.”

Mrs. Kettler, mother of the young solider, recently underwent an operation for a serious malady at the Sacred Heart Hospital, and had just been returned to her home Wednesday afternoon. The news was withheld from her until after she was home from the hospital.

The last time the Kettlers heard from their son was May 22, when he said he was well. It is reported he was killed while fighting near Rome.

Walter Kettler was a member of Company K and went with the company to Camp Claiborne, La. He went to Ireland in 1942, and then to the front line. He was wounded November 4, 1943, while fighting at Tunisia and received a citation for bravery and the Purple Heart decoration.

Walter Kettler was born in Alton, Sioux County, March 18, 1919, where he attended school and came to LeMars with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Kettler, and attended St. Joseph’s school in LeMars. He was employed in various jobs and at the LeMars Recreational Parlors for some time.

He is survived by his parents, and five brothers and four sisters: Mrs. Loretta O’Connell of Salt Lake City, Utah; Lloyd of Remsen; Milo, Albert, Mary Ann, Bobbie, Florence and Cleo at home; and Clarence Kettler of Sioux City.
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LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
July 25, 1944

HONOR MEMORY OF TWO SOLDIERS
Services for Sgt. Boyle and Pvt. Kettler

Memorial services will be held at St. James church in this city Thursday morning, July 27, at 9 o’clock for Sergeant Joseph L. Boyle and Private Walter Kettler, who died while fighting for their country in Italy. The services will be held in charge of Rev. W.B. Bauer, Members of Company D., members of the American Legion and soldiers and sailors on leave will attend the services.

Sergeant Boyle, son of Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Boyle of this city, was killed in action May 29, while fighting in Italy. He was a member of Company K and in March 1941, went with the company to Camp Claiborne, La., and was in England and Ireland for several months before going to the fighting line in North Africa and then to Italy. He was 31 years of age.

Private Walter Kettler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Kettler of LeMars, was killed in action May 29, while on the front fighting near Rome, Italy. He was born March 28, 1919, at Alton and came to LeMars when a boy. He was a member of Company K, LeMars, and went with the company to Camp Claiborne, La., and was ordered to Ireland in 1942 and then to the front line.