Pfc. William Durbin Drowns on Mindanao
Pfc. William E. Durbin, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Durbin, 3400 Park ave., drowned on Mindanao island in the Philippines, Nov. 15, the War Department has reported.
The youth attended Des Moines Technical school before entering the army in November, 1943. He went overseas in May, 1944, serving in New Guinea, Morotai and on Mindanao.
Surviving are his parents; one brother, Robert, and three sisters, Mrs. Erma Speck, Audrey and Lucille.
Source: The Des Moines Register, December 16, 1945 (photo included)
William Elmer Durbin was born July 29, 1925 to Ernest E. and Helen Gretchen Elings Durbin. He died Nov. 15, 1945 and has a cenotaph in Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, IA.
Pvt. Durbin served in World War II with the U.S. Army Headquarters Battery, 655th Field Artillery Battalion and died on Mindanao Island, Philippine Islands as a result of drowning.
Source: ancestry.com
