SGT. CORNETT IS CASUALTY
W. C. Serviceman Listed As Missing in Italian Sector.
Sgt. Kenneth Cornett, grandson of Mrs. Ida Cornett of this city, is missing in action in Italy, according to word received here Tuesday.
The Webster City soldier, who was located in the Anzio beachhead sector, is listed as missing since May 30, a war department message stated.
Sergeant Cornett left Webster City with the Iowa National Guard unit in February, 1941, when that infantry group received initial training at Camp Claiborne, La. Later the unit was transferred overseas to Ireland, then to England and later to North Africa
The sergeant was one of the first men of the outfit to be assigned to duty in the Italian sector. He was last heard from in a letter written May 23 and received here June 3.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, June 21, 1944
SGT. CORNETT WAR VICTIM
W. C. Soldier Killed May 30 in Anzio Beachhead Sector.
Sgt. Kenneth Cornett, 24, grandson of Mrs. Ida Cornett of this city, was killed in action May 30, in the Anzio beachhead sector of Italy, his grandmother has been notified by the war department.
Sergeant Cornett was previously listed as missing in a telegram received here in mid-June.
The Webster City soldier, who left here with the Iowa National Guard unit in February, 1941, was one of the first members of that outfit to get into the Italian fighting after seeing service in North Africa, England and Ireland.
He was last heard from in a letter written May 23, and received here June 3, at which time he was apparently in good health.
Although several members of the Iowa National Guard unit have been wounded in action, Sergeant Cornett is the first member of that company listed as killed in the Italian theatre. Other members of the unit who have died at home or abroad include Emmett J. Harris, Charles H. Harris and Ronald Silvers.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA – July 18, 1944
PLAN SERVICE FOR SOLDIER
Memorial Rites Will Be Held Sunday for Sgt. Cornett.
Memorial services will be held Sunday evening at 8 o’clock in the United Brethren church for Sgt. Kenneth Cornett, who was killed in action at the Anzio beachhead sector of Italy on May 30. The message in memory of this fine young man will come as a tribute to him as well as a challenge to the church. The Rev. J. T. Stewart will conduct the service.
Sergeant Cornett grew to young manhood in this city, attending the public schools, and was a loyal member of the local church, being very faithful to the Sunday school and young people’s work.
He leaves his grandmother, Mrs. Ida Cornett; two aunts of this city, Mrs. Otto Arnold and Mrs. A. C. Philbrook, and a number of cousins.
He left here with the Iowa National Guard unit in February 1941, and was one of the first members of that outfit to get into the Italian fighting, after seeing service in North Africa, England, and Ireland. He was last heard from in a letter written May 23, and received here June 3rd, at which time he was apparently in good health.
Although several members of the Iowa National Guard unit have been wounded previously in action, Sergeant Cornett was the first member of that company listed as killed in the Italian theater.
A cordial invitation is extended to anyone who would care to attend the memorial.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA – August 5, 1944
Kenneth Wesley Cornett was born in 1918 to Ceola F. Cornett. He died May 30, 1944 and is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy in Plot: A Row: 10 Grave: 27.
Pvt. Cornett served in the U.S. Army with the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. He was listed as missing in action and later killed in action on May 30, 1944, in the Italian theater, Anzio beachhead sector.
Memorial services were held for (Sgt.) Cornett at the United Brethren Church in Webster City.
He leaves his grandmother, Mrs. Ida Cornett; two aunts of this city, Mrs. Otto Arnold and Mrs. A. C. Philbrook, and a number of cousins.
Kenneth left here with the Iowa National Guard in Feb. 1941 and was one of the first members of that outfit in the Italian fighting, after seeing service in North Africa, England, and Ireland. He was the first member of his company listed as killed in the Italian theater. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Sources:
Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA
ancestry.com
World War II Memorial
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
