Iowa
Old Press
The Bayard News
Bayard, Guthrie co. Iowa
Thursday, March 16, 1944
[photo of the serviceman published with this news article]
Mrs. Vera Mahler recently received a letter from the War
Department which stated that her son, Everett L. Mahler, had been
awarded a Distinguished Service Cross posthumously for the
bravery he showed on the day that he was killed in action in
North Africa, April 30, 1943.
The award was given by command of Lieutenant General Patton and
reads as follows:
“Everett L. Mahler, Technician Fifth Grade, Medical
Detachment, Infantry, For extraordinary heroism in action on 30
April 1943 in the area of Tunisia. Technician Fifth Grade Mahler,
under extremely heavy and prolonged enemy shell fire, left a
covered position voluntarily, and with utter disregard for his
own safety, rendered emergency first aid treatment to wounded
soldiers. During this action Technician Fifth Grade Mahler was
mortally wounded, but his heroic actions saved the lives of
several fellow soldiers.”
Word was received last summer that Everett had been awarded a
Silver Star for gallantry in action and had been decorated on the
field of battle. Mrs. Mahler has, also, received a second Silver
Star award which was given by command of Major General Eddy and
which says:
For Gallantry
“For gallantry in action on * April 1943 during the attack
by the ** Battalion east of Tunisia Technician Fifth Grade Mahler
distinguished himself while under enemy observation, heavy and
concentrated mortar and machine gun fire, treated wounded men and
was responsible for saving many lives. The brave act was an
inspiration to the members of the command.”
The Distinguished Service Cross is the highest medal that can be
awarded an American soldier without congressional action and very
few of them have been awarded in this war. The award earned by
T/5 Mahler is probably the highest honor ever accorded a
serviceman from Guthrie county and this should be an inspiration
to all who knew him.
A Former Grocer
Everett was born and raised in Bagley and was graduated from high
school in the Class of 1937. In 1940 he purchased a grocery
store, which he operated until his call to service in 1942. He
was first attached to a commando unit but later was transferred
to a line company with which he served until his untimely death.
[transcribed by L.Z., August 2017]
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The Bayard News
Bayard, Guthrie co. Iowa
Thursday, March 30, 1944
A memorial service in honor of First Lieutenant Jack Stiles will
be held in the Bayard High School auditorium Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Lieutenant Stiles was killed in action last July 10, 1943, over
Sicily and he is the only Guthrie county pilot to have given his
life in combat during this war.
General Charles H. Grahl, director of selective service for Iowa,
will deliver the memorial address and Major Wayne Wade of the
Drake University air school will present the Stiles family with
the air medal which Lieutenant Stiles earned the night he was
killed. The Yale post of the American Legion will be in charge of
the ceremony.
[transcribed by L.Z., August 2017]