ELYWN MCPHERSON

David McPherson had three children: Maxine (Kimball), Eileen, and Elywn. Elywn was a prominent businessman in Osceola, Iowa. Details of his activities have been provided by Maxine's son, Dr. Jim Kimball:

Elywn had been in the International Harvester truck and farm machinery business in addition to Pontiac, Buick, and Cadillac dealership before he went into military service. He was in the building later used by Max Oliver, then replaced by Wycoff, on the west side of the square. Warren Kimball operated the business while Elywn was in the service. Warren opened his own business in Murray when Elywn returned.

Several years after the end of WWII, the Osceola Sentinel Tribune published a section titled "News of our Clarke County Yanks." These were kept by Mrs. Dale (Dorothy) Jones and loaned for use in the current books of veterans' stories. They give items regarding Elywn's service years:

PFC. ELYWN MCPHERSON has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered May 21, while acting as a stretcher bearer on Okinawa, according to information received by his wife here last week.

Serving with the 77th division as a rifleman, Elywn volunteered as a stretcher bearer when most of the medics attached to his company were wiped out. He was then detached to the medics permanently and was wounded shortly thereafter. Fully recovered, he is now serving as regimental clerk on Cebu, in the Philippines.

MCPHERSON, Pfc. Elywn, who was slightly wounded while fighting with his company on Okinawa is now in the Philippines and is fine, according to his wife.

A release to the Tribune from headquarters of the 77th Infantry Division gave particulars surrounding the action in which PFC ELWYN MCPHERSON, Osceola implement dealer, was cited:

In operations against the enemy near Ishimmi, Okinawa, on May 17, 1945, without thought of his own safety, Private McPherson, a litter bearer, exposed himself to enemy machine gun, rifle and mortar fire to aid in evacuating wounded to the battalion aid station.

During the night he volunteered to carry supplies to an isolated infantry company, and to aid in the evacuation of their wounded. While attempting this movement, heavy enemy fire was encountered and when told to seek a more favorable position, Private McPherson crawled to a foxhole, taking a wounded man with him.

He continued to assist in dragging wounded comrades to our lines. Jap infiltrators opened fire on him when flares illuminated the area. Disregarding this fire, he walked upright, carrying the wounded to a place of safety. His courage and determination saved many lives in this action and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. As a result of this action, McPherson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal to add to his other ribbons, which include the Central Pacific Area, Philippine, Purple Heart, Good Conduct and Combat Medical Badge.

After Elywn came back, he continued his business on the west side of the square, and in 1950, moved to north Main and built the building on the corner of Townline Road and Highway 69. Circle B Lumber was there and now a storage facility operated by Kevin Emanuel. The opening was a big event and WHO country musicians came to the open house. Elywn built houses for his employees in the McPherson Addition.

Elywn also was interested and became involved in aviation. He was one of the founders of the airport on Highway 69 across from what is now the Osceola Rehab Center. Other founders were Tom Barr, Toad Mumper and Dr. Boden. Elywn gave Dr. Dean his first plane ride when Dr. Dean was 99 years old.

In 1953, the farm crisis struck, and the business was closed. Elywn went to Minnesota and invested in Norge Launderamas.

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Last Revised June 8, 2015