Blue Star Service Flag -- WWII
A service flag, in the United States, is an official banner that a family of a service member can display. Service flags are defined as a white field with a red border, and a blue star is included for each family member serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war. However, engagements with the enemy followed by official notices of the servicemen either killed in action, missing in action, or taken prisoner means gold stars replaced those of blue on service flags in the community.
 |
Blue Star Flag placed in a front window of this home, LeMars, Iowa, 1943. The flag remained there until the son Vernon's return at the end of WWII, October 1945. |
The Charles & Gladys Ewin family of LeMars, Plymouth County, Iowa, displayed this flag during the long 31 months & 17 days that their only son, Vernon, served in the Army during WWII. Vernon spent 21 months and 26 days overseas with Army infantry forces in Europe. Vernon received his honorable discharge in October 1945. Vernon wrote, "My train arrived in LeMars, at 8:30 a.m. October 27, 1945. The folks were standing on the platform waiting for me. What a sight! Loved it and them!"
