Melvin Dubbs Reported Killed In Italian Fight
Sgt. Melvin Dubbs, a graduate of the Monticello High school in 1929, was killed in Italy April 9, according to word received by his father Wm. Dubbs, of Marion, last Thursday. Sgt. Dubbs was born July 18, 1907 on the farm of his grandfather, Jacob Meyers, near Alburnett and was working for the Cedar Rapids Manufacturing Co. before entering the service. His mother died in 1937 at Marion.
The message to his father gave no further details, but stated a letter would follow with particulars.
The last letter from Sergeant Dubbs to his father was mailed April 4, and he was known to be doing important clerical work at the time. The father cannot help but connect his death with the terrible accident April 9, in which an American ammunition ship blew up in an Italian harbor, causing a very heavy loss of life. The father knowing the nature of his son's work, had preliminary misgivings, and had a clipped story of that accident on hand.
Sergeant Dubbs was last home on furlough in July 1943, and went overseas in August that year. He entered service in April 1941, and was later discharged, arriving home on that fateful day, December 7, 1941, when Japan started things. He knew that day that he would be immediately recalled into service. Shortly the army called for him.
Source: The Monticello Express, April 26, 1945, pg. 1, col. 2
Melvin F. Dubbs was born July 18, 1907 to William C. and Clista R. Maier Dubbs. He died Apr. 9, 1945 and is buried in Cedar Memorial Park, Cedar Rapids, IA.
Sgt. Dubbs served in World War II with the U.S. Army and served in Africa and Italy.
Sources: ancestry.com
