Amunson, Leo V. - July 28, 1944
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Amunson Was Injured By Mine of Biak.
Technician Fifth Grade Leo V. Amunson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Amunson of Soldier, died in an advance hospital July 28 from wounds received on Biak Island in the southwest Pacific from an exploding anti-personnel mine, suffered in the line of duty.
This shocking news came from Capt. LeRoy L. Milliren, Commanding Company “B” of which Leo was a member. The letter, which was undoubtedly intended to arrive after notification by the War Department arrived by ordinary mail Tuesday morning. A telegram was sent to the Adjutant General at Washington for confirmation and this was received in about an hour.
The death notice was a terrible shock to the family, for they had hoped Leo would be returned to the United States soon, having served nearly 30 months overseas.
His last letter to his parents was written July 22 and was published in The Sentinel August 10.
(Letter and Telegram contents listed.)
Leo Victor Amunson was born May 15, 1918. He was baptized on June 7, 1918 by Rev. Sunner and was confirmed on December 3, 1933 by Rev. Gabriel Tweet. After graduation from Soldier High school in 1937 he helped his father on the farm most of the time before entering the service of his country on May 7, 1941. He sailed overseas on January 20, 1942, landing in Australia, later going to New Guinea and then to Biak Island where he died. He had three furloughs during his time in the service, the last one on January 2, 1942 just before sailing. His overseas service was two years, five months and 26 days.
Left to mourn his death besides his loving parents, are four sisters and five brothers, namely, Mrs. Wallace Hanson, Mrs. Paul Flynn of Ute, Mrs. Glen Norby, Loreen, Merrill, Kermit, who is in France, Lowell, Clifford of Kirkman, and Milton, besides a host of other relatives and friends.
Leo was one of the finest young men of our community, his character and ideals being second to none. He was ambitious and worked hard and skillfully at what ever he undertook. He was faithful to his church and took part in the activities of the Young Peoples League.
Yes, Capt. Milliren spoke truthfully when he said Leo was a credit to his family and country. He most certainly was a credit to the community in which he lived.
The Sentinel joins with the entire community in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents, sisters and brothers.
Source: The Sentinel, (unknown issue date)
Leo Victor Amunson is buried in Soldier Lutheran Church Cemetery, Soldier, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
