WAR SERVICE NEWS
Enrolled in preflight school at the San Antonio aviation cadet center with the latest class were 166 cadets from Iowa, who are now undergoing a rigorous course designed to fit them for the controls of America’s war planes. After successful completion of the studies, they will be sent on for more training in flying schools and finally will be awarded the silver wings of a pilot in the air forces of this country. Included in the class were three from LeMars: Charles R. Clarke, 700 Central Ave SE; Harley J. Rollinger; LaVerne C. Varenhorst, 430 7th Ave. SW.
Source: LeMars Globe-Post, August 16, 1943
SOLDIER NEWS
Lubbock, Tex.: Aviation Cadet LaVerne C. Varenhorst of 430 7th Avenue SW, LeMars, arrived here this week for the final phase of flight training before winning “wings” and being commissioned as an Army air forces flying officer. LAAF is an advanced pilot training school, a part of the nationwide army air forces flying training command. Located in the flat plains of west Texas, it was early chosen as an ideal location for the intensive training necessary to equip cadets, who come here from basic training, as pilots of the army’s giant fortresses, Mitchells, Marauders, and other mul-to-motored ships now spreading destruction on enemy installations in all theaters. The commanding officer is Col. Ralph E. Holmes, a command pilot with 17 years experience in the air forces.
Source: LeMars Globe-Post, January 1, 1944
PLYMOUTH COUNTYANS COMMISSIONED SECOND LIEUTENANTS
Lieut. Charles R. Clark, LeMars (Moore Field, Texas)
Lieut. Wayne Dack, LeMars (Marfa Field, Texas)
Lieut. Elvit W. Falk, LeMars (Altus Field, Oklahoma)
Lieut. Laverne H. Klemme, Akron (Pampa Field, Pampa, Texas)
Lieut. Harley J. Rollinger, LeMars (Moore Field, Texas)
Lieut. La Verne C. Varenhorst, LeMars (Lubbock Field, Texas)
Source: LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, March 24, 1944 (Six servicemen photos included)
LT. VARENHORST, FLYING LIBERATOR OVER GERMANY, HAS BEEN GIVEN CITATION
Flown Numerous Missions Over Enemy Territory
Shown at the controls of his B-17 Flying Fortress “Luscious Lady,” is Second Lieutenant LaVerne C. Varenhorst, 24 year old co-pilot from LeMars.
Lt. Varenhorst has recently been awarded the Air Medal of “meritorious achievement” during Eighth Air Force bombing attacks on vital German industrial targets and military installations. The official citation accompanying the award commented on the “courage, coolness and skill displayed by Lt. Varenhorst upon these occasions” as reflecting “great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.” The presentation was made by his group commander, Lieutenant Colonel Wm. J. Wrigglesworth of Eau Claire, Wis.
As a member of the 447th Bomb. Group, a unit of the Third Bombardment Division, the division that was cited by the
President for the now historic England—Africa shuttle bombing attack on the Messerschmitt factories at Regensburg, Germany, Lt. Varenhorst has flow numerous missions in this toughest theatre of aerial warfare.
Source: LeMars Sentinel, January 19, 1945
LaVerne Christ Varenhorst was born Oct. 26, 1922 to Frank Benjamin and Lydia Michael Varenhorst. He died Nov. 3, 2017 and is buried in Storm Lake Cemetery, Storm Lake, IA.
Source: ancestry.
