Clarke County Veterans by Fern Underwood

Carnes, Vernon D. (see also Osceola Area Part II) as told by his sister, Lila Carnes

Parents Clarence and Bessie Carnes lived in Wisconsin. They had five children. From the oldest to youngest: Leland, Vivian, Mae, Vernon,and Lila. Vernon was born in 1922.

Clarence worked in a grocery store and the mother and family ran a ferry across the St. Croix River. It was run on a 500+ foot cable. One time the water rose so high the ferry broke loose and went down river ten or 12 miles. The family did not attempt to retrieve it. The father died in September, 1944.

Bessie and the children moved to the Liberty area of Iowa, where her parents, Perry and Charlotte Trumbo lived. Vernon and Lila were about 16 and 14 years old respectively.

Previous records indicate that Vernon enlisted in the Army Paratroopers First Aid Man in December 1942. His basic training was at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas. Final training was at Fort Benning, Georgia. He went overseas in May 1943, landing in North Africa. He saw action on the Sicilian and Italian Fronts and was sent to England for a rest. He jumped in France on D-Day, and left England for the last time September 17, landing in Holland where he was killed in action. One report says that he was killed when parachuting from a plane to aid his fellow soldiers, but his sister says he was on the front lines and was killed by fragments from an enemy shell. Word of his death was brought to the family by employees at the Liberty store. The government officials reported to them.

Lila Carnes married Orval Coffman and took back her maiden name after their divorce in 1960. She has lived in her home on McPherson Addition until recently when she moved to Evelyn's Guest home in Osceola.

FRANK THOMAS TRUMBO
Company I 318 Infantry Reg.
80th Division 3rd Army.

Served in France and was killed in action September 24, 1944 at the age of 21 years 3 months and 25 days.

CHARLES J. FRAME

Born Oct. 10, 1912, South Heart, North Dakota. Entered service May 7, 1942, at Camp Dodge. Killed in action September 23, 1943, in the invasion of Sicily at Salerno, Italy.

He attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. His is buried in the American Legion Plot, Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola. He served in the 45th Infantry Division, Co. G. 180th Infantry.

His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Frame, Liberty Township, Clarke County, Iowa. No picture obtainable.

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C. E. WILKINS

Services Thurs.

For C. E. Wilkins

Died From Wounds Received In Action In 1944 At New Guinea; Formerly Lived In Liberty Community

Funeral services in charge of The Rev. W. N. Browning were held this afternoon from Webster Funeral home for Clarence E, Wilkins, who lost his life May 10, 1944 at Saidor, New Guinea after being wounded in action.

Burial was in the Bethel Chapel cemetery.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wilkins of Woodburn, Clarence was born in Lucas county and came with his family to a farm the Liberty community, where he spent the greater part of his life. He was a member of the Union Sunday School of Center United Bretheren church.

Clarence entered the service of his country January 1, 1942, tak. ing his basic training at Camp Roberts, Calif. with Co. L of the 126th Infantry. He never received a furlough.

Sent from Camp Roberts to the South Pacific, first Australia and then New Guinea, Clarence died May 10, 1944 as the result of wounds in action at Saidor.

He was credited with saving the lives of two buddies during the action which claimed his life

Survivors include his parents; five brothers, Chester of Osceola, Arthur of Murray and Vernard Dwight and Raymond of Woodburn; six sisters, Mrs, Charles Shelton of Chariton, Mrs. Clarence Cook of Osceola, Mrs. Frank Gillaspy of Lacona, Mrs. Bob Denly and Edith and Edna of Woodburn; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. S. A. Baker of New Virginia and many other friends and relatives.