The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SGT Vernon E. Mansfield, 15059379, who died in the service of his country on September 10th, 1943 in Vella Lavella, Kokolope Bay. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Vernon was 22 years of age. He was from Lennox, South Dakota.

The decorations earned by SGT Vernon E. Mansfield include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

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Birth: Jul. 21, 1921
Death: Sep. 10, 1943

Killed in action on a Pacific island on September 10, 1943, Vernon E. Mansfield was among the first from the Lennox, SD, community to make the supreme sacrifice in World War II. Enlisting in the Army in July, 1939, Vernon was at Pearl Harbor with the 35th Division at the time of the surprise Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. Writing home shortly before his death, Vernon stated "We are trying to carry on the traditions for which our forefathers fought . . . and to teach the world that freedom, humanity and Christianity is the only way for man to live. I hope, for Gods sake, we succeed."

Born July 16, 1921, Vernon Mansfield attained the age of 22 years, one month and 24 days. He made his home with the Henry Buse family for six years previous to his enlistment.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Mansfield of Kokomo, Indiana.


Note: d South Pacific

Burial:
Crown Point Cemetery
Kokomo
Howard County
Indiana, USA
Plot: Sec: 220, Lot: 27, Sp: 9