PFC. DARNELL KILLED NOV. 29
W. C. Soldier Had Been in Action in Europe Since D-Day.
Pfc. David LeRoy Darnell, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Darnell of this city, was killed in action Nov. 29, in Germany, his parents have been notified by a war department message.
No other details were given by the telegram from the secretary of war, but a letter is expected to follow.
With Hodges Troops
The Webster City soldier, who went into service in March, 1943, had been engaged in fighting in Europe since D-Day. He was attached to a mortar squad with General Hodges’ First army—the unit which has seen some of the toughest fighting in the entire European campaign and is even now battling to stem a great nazi counter blow.
Last direct word received from the soldier was a letter written Nov. 15, to his uncle, Lacey Darnell, of this city. He was fighting in Germany at that time.
Before entering the army, Private Darnell was employed at the L. Mills plumbing shop in this city. Upon completion of training in this country he was transferred to England in November, 1943.
Brother in Service
Besides his parents, he is survived by one brother and one sister: Harold O. Darnell, shipfitter third class, who is serving in the south Pacific aboard a repair ship, and Mrs. John Haase, now living in Burbank, Cal.
A graduate of the Webster City schools in 1940, Private Darnell was prominent in musical activities in both school and church organizations.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Dec. 18, 1944
Harold Orville Darnell was born Oct. 24, 1924, to John David and Lucille E. Kinser Darnell. He died Mar. 6, 1998 in Springdale, AR.
Petty Officer Darnell served with the U.S. Navy in World War II aboard the USS Oglala (ARG-1).
Obituary:
Harold O. Darnell, Springdale, Arkansas
Harold O. Darnell of Springdale, AR, died Friday, March 6, 1998, at a Springdale hospital.
Cremation is under the direction of the Memorial Funeral Home of Springdale. No services or visitation is planned.
Harold Orville Darnell was born Oct. 24, 1924 in Reedsburg, WI to John and Lucile Kinser Darnell. He was preceded in death by one brother, Leroy, and a sister, Melva Fry.
He retired from the U.S. Navy and the San Diego Zoo and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Springdale.
Survivors are his wife Barbara, Springdale, AR, seven sons, Richard, Mark of Spokane, WA, John of Omaha, NE, Patrick of El Cajon, CA, Todd of Austin, TX, Tom of El Paso, TX, Charlie of San Diego, CA; one daughter, Erin Frankle of San Diego, two step-sons, Kenneth Greenwood of Eagle Grove, and George Greenwood of Springdale, AR; one step-daughter, Mary Schmidt of Woolstock; 17 grandchildren.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - March 10, 1998
