Black Hawk County

Pfc. Lyle N. Francis

 
 

 

Service News

Pfc. Lyle N. Francis, Waterloo, who was killed in action in the attack on Saipan island, has been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, according to word received Saturday by his mother, Mrs. Della M. Nesbit, 421 Vine street.

Private Francis, a marine machine-gunner who enlisted in May, 1943 when 17 years old, had shared in the Marshall islands’ attack also. He had never been back on leave since enlisting.

Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Sunday, September 24, 1944, Section Two, Page 23

Service News

Mrs. Lee Nesbit, 421 Vine street, Tuesday had received the Order of the Purple Heart which was awarded posthumously to her son, Marine Pfc. Lyle N. Francis, 19, who died as a result of wounds  he suffered June 16 while fighting on Saipan. Private Francis has been overseas since February of this year. Apparently for reasons of military security, no details concerning his death have been disclosed.

Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Tuesday, December 05, 1944, Page 3