SERVICE MEDAL TO MISSING WALNUT BOY
WALNUT – The war department has conferred the distinguished service medal to Orville Beckendorf, no reported as missing in action, according to information received by his father, Ira Beckendorf.
“The war department has conferred the distinguished service medal to Orville Beckendorf for showing outstanding courage in rescuing survivors under fire in shark infested water at Cape Esperance. This action occurred before he was reported missing,” said a telegram to his father.
Source: The Council Bluffs Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Tuesday, October 05, 1943, Page 17
WALNUT SOLDIER NOW LISTED AS DEAD
WALNUT – Ira Beckendorf has received word that his son, Orville, of the U. S. navy, reported as missing Nov. 13, 1942, is presumed by the government to have been lost at sea.
Orville had served in the navy for eight years. His wife has received the Purple Heart and distinguished service medal for achievement since the inception of the war. His wife lives at Jacksonville, Fla.
Source: The Council Bluffs Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Tuesday, June 12, 1944, Page 9
