Cecil L. Siefke Died 1943

SIEFKE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/25/2016 at 16:16:12

Anthon Herald
21 July 1943

Killed in Action

Arrangements have been completed by members of the McNiff American Legion Post for memorial services to be held Sunday morning, July 25, at the Anthon Methodist Church for Corp. Cecil L. Siefke, Anthon soldier killed in action May 20 while on duty at his post in Alaska. The memorial rites, scheduled for 11 a.m., will take the place of the regular Sunday worship, and the public is extended a cordial invitation to attend and pay tribute to this fine young man who gave his life for his country. Advancing of the colors by Legionnaires will open the services. Following special music and prayer, letters received by Mrs. Nellie Siefke, mother of Anthon’s 3rd casualty of World War II, from the war department, Cecil’s commanding officer, and Secretary of War, Henry Stimson, will read as well as a sketch of the hero’s life.

The sermon then will be preached by Rev. C.B. Wittstruck, pastor of the Methodist Church. Prayer, sounding of taps by a bugler and retiring of the colors will conclude the memorial services. At the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Secretary Stimson has written Mrs. Siefke, informing her that the purple heart medal has been awarded posthumously to her son, who served almost 7 ½ years in the army before losing his life in an engagement with the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands. Tribute to the youth’s courage and ability as a soldier and leader was paid by his commanding officer; Capt. Jack J.J. Henly in a letter received a short time ago by Mrs. Siefke.

This tribute will be among those read at the memorial service Sunday.