Woodbury County

 
Pvt. Charles Edward Everett

 

 

 

Memorial Sunday for Pfc. Everett, Killed in Action

Tribute will be paid Pfc. Charles E. Everett, who was killed in action February 11, 1944, in Italy, at memorial rites at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints.  Previously reported missing, he was listed as killed in a later message received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Everett, 2521 S. Alice street.

Rev. C. J. Smith, pastor of the church, will officiate at the services.

Pfc. Everett, 31, posthumously was awarded the silver star for gallantry.  The medal will presented to his parents at the Sioux City army air base at a future date. 

Details of the young man’s death revealed that he died after engaging the enemy with rifle and grenade fire in partially sheltered territory.  Although wounded and dying, he shouted warning to other members of his company who were following him, the War Department letter said.

He landed in Italy November 24 of last year.  A graduate of East high school, he was employed here by Cudahy Packing company before his induction.  Survivors are the parents and a sister, Mrs. Dalton Harding of Chicago.

Source:  The Sioux City Journal, Saturday, August 26, 1944

Charles Edward Everett was born May 13, 1913 to Charles and Lucy Everett. He died Feb. 11, 1944 and is buried in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL.

Pvt. Everett served in World War II with the U.S. Army 36th Infantry Division and was KIA in Italy.

Press Release: U.S. War Dept.

On Feb. 11, 1944, in Italy, PFC Everett, an Infantry rifleman, volunteered to hold a forward position which afforded poor cover and to observe an area from which the enemy was firing rifle grenades. For two days and nights without relief he maintained his vigil, constantly on the alert, and materially aided in repulsing repeated enemy counterattacks. He continued his aggressive fire against the enemy and frequently warned his company of Germany activity until he was severely wounded by grenade fire as he shouted a final warning to the others of his command.

Source: ancestry.com