In Africa
Pfc. Truman Sharkey of this city is now stationed somewhere in North Africa with a U. S. infantry unit. He writes that he is feeling O. K. but would rather be back in Iowa hunting rabbits or pheasants rather than axis enemies. He hopes by next year he can be back to enjoy a little fried pheasant or rabbit rather than army corn beef.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Apr. 3, 1943 (picture included)
PFC. SHARKEY DIED SEPT. 15
Second W. C. Death on Same Day Reported by War Dept.
Pfc. Truman Sharkey, 25, son of Mrs. Laura Sharkey of this city, was killed Sept. 15, in the Italian war theater, his mother has been notified by the war department.
Private Sharkey was serving as an automatic rifleman with the 133rd infantry of the 34th “Red Bull” division—a unit which has taken part in some of the toughest fighting of the entire Italian campaign and in which the casualty rate has been high.
The Webster City serviceman was killed the same day as Staff Sgt. Don Shelton, whose death was reported Friday. When last heard from by his mother he wrote that he was in Rome the last of June receiving treatment for malaria but expected to be back at the front by July 8. He was hospitalized for three weeks.
Private Sharkey left Webster City with the Iowa National Guard in February, 1941, and has been overseas since January, 1942 having served in Ireland England and North Africa before transferring to Italy.
Private Sharkey’s is the eighth death among members of the ING company from this city. The others include: Kenneth Nichols, Charles Meyers, Charles Harris, Donald Shelton, Kenneth W. Cornett, Roland J. Silvers and Emmett J. Harris.
Private Sharkey has one other brother, Virgil, who is serving with the armed forces in Australia.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Sept. 30, 1944
Truman David Paul Sharkey was born Aug. 31, 1918 to David Paul and Laura Adelia Brock Sharkey. He died Sept. 15, 1944 and is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Webster City, IA.
Source: ancestry.com; World War II Memorial
