WHITAKER, Manford

Source: Veedersburg News 28 Nov 1947

The casketed remains of Technical Sgt Manford M. Whitaker the first WWII deceased member of the Army from Covington to be returned from overseas for final burial will be sent to Camp Butler (Ill) National Cemetery in the next few weeks accompanied by a uniformed Army escort from the Chicago Distribution Center of the American Graves Registration Division. The body of Technical Sgt Whitaker who served overseas with the Army was interred in the Henri-Chapelle temporary military cemetery in Belgium but has been returned to this country for final interment in the Camp Butler National Cemetery at Springfield, Ill at the request of his next of kin, Mr. Merrill Whittaker (sic) 833 East Crockett, Covington, Indiana.

Note: Thanks to Bonnie H we find Manford Whitaker spelled as Manferd Whittaker - Born 6 Oct 1920 died 10 March 1945 – buried Oak Hill Cemetery Palmyra, Macoupin County, Illinois

Note 2: Manferd Merrill Whittaker enlistment papers - rank Private – white – single no dependents; b Ill 1920 US Citizen lives Warren County Indiana – farm hand; enlisted 5 Feb 1943 in Peoria, Ill. Height: 68” Weight: 145#

Note 3: 1940 census Palmyra, Macoupin, Illinois – lived Palmyra Locust Street. Occupation Clerk HS 4 years worked 72 hours/week - lives with parents Merrle 41; Enid 38 brother Gerald 17 and sister Betty age 9

Note 4: US WWII Hospital Admission File 1942-1954

Manferd M. Whittaker – white – enlisted age 24 Infantry. Diagnosis: Shoulder, causative agent: Artillery shell fragments – casualty in battle – line of duty – length in service 1 year 7 months

Note: Lafayette Journal and Courier Monday April 16, 1945 p 9

Washington, April 16 – The war department announces the following missing in action in the European area; Pfc. Robert R. Anderson, son of Mrs. Bessie Anderson Rt 1, Darlington; T-Sgt Manferd M. Whittaker, son of Mrs. Enid Whittaker 911 East Washington Street, Covington.

~~~Transcribed and Typed by kbz