Pfc. Chas. Vanlandingham
Is Wounded In Action
Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Vanlandingham have received word that their son, Pfc. Charles Vanlandingham, has been wounded in action. He is serving with the Fifth Army in Italy. The brief word stated that a piece of shrapnel had injured his back but that he is now progressing nicely.
Source: Moulton Weekly Tribune, October 12, 1944
Another Local Boy
Killed In Action
Pfc. Charles Vanlandingham, age 23, member of the famous “Red Bull” division which has seen constant action in Italy since the invasion of that country, has been killed in action according to word received here, Saturday by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan E. Vanlandingham. Charles is the second Moulton boy who left here with the Appanoose county National Guard unit to be killed in the war.
The message received here by Mr. and Mrs. Vanlandingham read:
“The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Pvt. First Class Charles E. Vanlandingham, was killed in action on October 17th in Italy.
Letter will follow.” The telegram was signed by J. A. Ulis, Adj. Gen.
Charles enlisted in Co. G, Iowa National Guard, about two years before United States entered in the war. In March 1941, he went to Camp Claiborne where his company engaged in maneuvers and the last time he was privileged to come home was in October 1941, when he spent a short furlough here with his parents and friends. Shortly after his return to camp, he was moved to a port of embarkation and in January 1942 he was sent overseas taking his final training in Ireland and England. A member of the 133rd Infantry (a part of the Fifth Army) he took part in the African campaign and followed through with the invasion of Italy where he was until he met his death.
Charles had been in the thick of the fight in Italy and had distinguished himself as a good
soldier. On one occasion he was wounded but following his convalescence he was returned to the front lines. He was a friendly lad and the report by the war department of his death comes as a deep blow not only to his parents and other relatives but to his many friends as well. Surviving relatives are his parents, one sister, Mrs. Harold Howard, of Bloomfield, one brother, Raymond, of Centerville, seven nieces and one nephew.
Source: Moulton Weekly Tribune, November 9, 1944
In Memorium
In memory of our dear son and brother, Charles, who lost his life in Italy, October 17, 1944, serving his country:
There shines a gold star
In our window.
It can be seen from afar,
In memory of our dear Charles
Our loved one we lost in this war.
Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Vanlandingham,
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Howard and family,
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Vanlandingham and family.
Source: Moulton Weekly Tribune,October 18, 1945
