Dewhirst, Leonard Vincent

Other Events and Attributes:

• Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Newton, Jasper County, Illinois
• Reference Number: DEWH.L005
• _FGRAVE: 2552731
• Military Service: World War II, Second Lieutenant, Company K, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army

Notes:

Lt. Vincent Dewhirst was killed June 12, 1944, in the battle of Utah Beach in the Normandy invasion. He was the first known casualty in WWII, from Jasper county. Lt. Dewhirst was born August 7, 1918 near shamrock Illinois. After completing his work in rural schools in his home community, He attended Newton Community High School for two years then went to Chicago where he graduated from the Sullivan high school of that city with the class of 1938.
Besides his parents , he is survived by his grandfather, O.T. Dewhirst of Newton and a grand-mother, Mrs. George Birk. One sister, Kathryn of Chicago, one brother, Clifford of Newton. A sister, Frankey preceded him in death.

He was the first known casualty in WWII, from Jasper county.

After completing his work in rural schools in his home community, He attended Newton Community High School for two years then went to Chicago where he graduated from the Sullivan High School of that city with the class of 1938.

May 13, 1948
Olney Advocate, IL

The casketed remains of 2nd Lt. Leonard V. Dewhirst of Dundas, being returned from overseas for final burial will be sent to the Camp Butler National cemetery within the next month accompanied by a uniformed Army escort from the Chicago Distribution center of the American graves registration division.

The body of 2nd Lt. Dewhirst was interred in the St. Mere Eglise No. 1 temporary military cemetery in France, but has been returned to this country for final interment at the request of his next of kin, Leonard C. Dewhirst, of Dundas, IL.

Died:
Lt. Vincent Dewhirst was killed June 12, 1944, in the battle of Utah Beach in the Normandy invasion.