Lenord N.C. Gunnerson
Humboldt Standard
Saturday, February 3, 1945 pg. 2 “Purple Heart: For Hero’s Parents” A scroll signed by President Roosevelt in grateful memory of Staff Sgt. Lenord N.C. Gunnerson. Who died in October 18, 1944, in service of his country in the North Africa area, and the Purple Heart medal from Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of War, have been received by the war hero’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nels Gunnerson of Kneeland. The President citation reads in part: “He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.” The citation with the Purple Heart, issued January 26, 1945, reads: “for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death October 18, 1944”. Another treasured expression of homage and sympathy is the letter received by the Gunnersons from Secretary Stimson. It reads: “You will soon receive the Purple Heart medal which has been posthumously awarded by direction of the President to your son, Staff Sgt. Lenord N. C. Gunnerson, Infantry. It is sent as a tangible expression of the country’s gratitude for his gallantry and devotion. “It is sent to you, as well, with my deepest personal sympathy for your bereavement. The loss of a loved son is beyond man’s repairing and the medal is of slight value; not so, however the message it carries. We are all comrades in arms in this battle for our country, and those who have gone are not, and never will be, forgotten by those of us who remain. I hope you will accept the medal in evidence of such remembrance”. Sgt. Gunnerson entered the Army in March 1941, with the California National Guard's. He was home on his last furlough in March, 1944, had been overseas three months when he was wounded. In civilian life he worked in Scotia for the Pacific Lumber Company and at Samoa for the Hammond Lumber Company. |