PRIVATE WALTER KETTLER KILLED WHILE IN ACTION
Cited For Bravery On Battle Field In North Africa
Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Kettler, 303 Central Avenue SW received a telegram Tuesday night from the War Department saying “The Secretary of War desires that I extend his deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your son, Private First Class Walter B. Kettler, who was previously reported missing in action. Report now received states that he was killed in action May 29. Letter follows.”
Mrs. Kettler, mother of the young solider, recently underwent an operation for a serious malady at the Sacred Heart Hospital, and had just been returned to her home Wednesday afternoon. The news was withheld from her until after she was home from the hospital.
The last time the Kettlers heard from their son was May 22, when he said he was well. It is reported he was killed while fighting near Rome.
Walter Kettler was a member of Company K and went with the company to Camp Claiborne, La. He went to Ireland in 1942, and then to the front line. He was wounded November 4, 1943, while fighting at Tunisia and received a citation for bravery and the Purple Heart decoration.
Walter Kettler was born in Alton, Sioux County, March 18, 1919, where he attended school and came to LeMars with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Kettler, and attended St. Joseph’s school in LeMars. He was employed in various jobs and at the LeMars Recreational Parlors for some time.
He is survived by his parents, and five brothers and four sisters: Mrs. Loretta O’Connell of Salt Lake City, Utah; Lloyd of Remsen; Milo, Albert, Mary Ann, Bobbie, Florence and Cleo at home; and Clarence Kettler of Sioux City.
Source: LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, July 21, 1944
Pvt. Walter B. Kettler is buried in Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy.
He served in World War II with the U.S. Army 133rd Infantry, 34th Division.
Sources: ancestry.com; abmc.gov
