KILLED IN ACTION.
Oto, Ia.—Special: Pvt. Walter J. W. Steffen, 20, was killed in action December 4, in Germany, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Steffen of Oto, have been informed by the War Department. The news followed a telegram, stating he was missing action two weeks ago. Pvt. Steffen entered the service April 12, 1944, and took his basic training at Camp Roberts, Cal. He was home on furlough in August, prior to going overseas October 24. Pvt. Steffen received his schooling at Climbing Hill where he was also a member of the Lutheran Church. He is survived by his parents, one brother, Alvin and a sister, Clara, all at home.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, Wednesday, January 17, 1945 (photo included)
Pvt. Steffen served with the 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division and is buried in Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Hombourg, Belgium. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Sources: abmc.gov; fieldsofhonor database