PFC. SMART, 22, WAR VICTIM
W. C. Marine Died on Saipan Parents Have Been Notified.
Pfc. Wendle Smart, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Smart of this city, was killed in action during the invasion of Saipan, his parents were notified Wednesday morning by the government
The Webster City marine was serving as a member of a heavy gun crew and had been overseas since January 16. Details of his death not included in the brief government telegram.
Entered in 1943
Private Smart, 22 entered the marine corps Feb. 25, 1943, and took his early training at San Diego, Cal., and also at Camp Pendleton in that state.
He was last heard from in a letter written July 5 at which time he was apparently in the best of health.
Active in Athletics
A graduate of the Webster City schools, the marine was very active in athletics and also in the Boy Scout troop of this city.
Besides his parents he leaves two sisters and one brother; Mrs. Grace Swanson of Waterloo, Beryl Nelson, PhM. 3/c, now at Tucson, Ariz., and Pfc. Earl Smart who is an instructor in mechanized transport at Fort Sill, Okla.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Aug. 2, 1944
Wendle Dale Smart was born Sept. 3, 1912 to Earl A. and Hazel V. Kelsey Smart. He died July 9, 1944 and is buried in the Westmoreland City Cemetery, Westmoreland, KS.
Pfc. Smart served with the 4th Marine Division, 14th Marines and was killed in action during the invasion of Saipan (June 15-July 9, 1944). He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Source: ancestry.com; World War II Memorial
