Private Melvin Fouts Missing Since March 1
Fighting on Belgian Front with Army
Pvt. Melvin C. Fouts, son of Ross Fouts of Estherville, is reported missing in action since March 1, in Belgium. Word from the government was received this week by Mrs. Melvin Fouts who lives at Fairmont. She notified Mr. Fouts of the message.
Private Fouts, who attended public schools of Estherville, joined the signal corp three years ago in November and attended a signal corp school at Des Moines. Shortly after completing his work in the signal corp school, Fouts enlisted in the regular army service. He was first stationed in California, then in Pennsylvania and later was sent overseas.
Private Fouts has been stationed overseas almost a year. He was first in England, later transferred to France and most recently has been in Belgium. The last letter received by Mr. Fouts from his son was written almost four months ago.
Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, March 22, 1945
MELVIN CLARENCE FOUTS
Entered Service: February, 1943, Des Moines, Iowa – active service.
Branch of Service: Army – Signal Corps
Trained at Camp Crowder, Missouri; Pittsburgh Replacement, Pittsburgh, California.
Overseas: February, 1944, Pennsylvania
Theatre of Operations: England, France, Belgium.
Decorations: European Theatre Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/2 Clasps, Expert Rifleman’s Badge, American Theatre Medal.
Rank: Private First Class
Served: 25 months
Father: Ross M. Fouts, 1102 Second Avenue North, Estherville, Iowa
Lost his life in Meuse River near Dinant, Belgium on March 1, 1945. Buried in American Military Cemetery #1 at Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium. Body will be returned to States and reinterred at Oak Hill Cemetery, Estherville, Iowa, in family plot.
One son: Donald, five years old.
Source: Unknown American Legion publication (includes photo)
