Elroy Edward Latta
Elroy E. Latta
(Source: Latta Family Photo
Galen and Thelma Latta)
(Source: Latta Family Photo
Galen and Thelma Latta)
Elroy Edward Latta was born February 17, 1921 near Marysville, the son of Frank Marion and Carrie (nee Joseph) Latta.(1) Elroy had two siblings, Albert who was nine years older and a sister, Bertha who was seven years older. (2) The children attended the Bommer School District. The Lattas had moved to Kansas in the mid 1870's first to Jewell County before finally settling Oketo.(3)
The following is Private Latta's obituary
Private Latta
(Source: Latta Family Photo
provided by Thelma and Galen Latta)
(Source: Latta Family Photo
provided by Thelma and Galen Latta)
PFC. E. E. Latta Is Killed In Action. Former Local Man Was A Veteran of African, Sicilian Campaigns
Pfc. Elroy Edward Latta, 23, former Marysville transport driver, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Latta, Axtell, was killed in action July 10 in France.
Word was received from the War Department Saturday by his wife, Mrs. Leona Latta, who lives in Kansas City. He had been on the front lines in France with the Ninth Division from June 9 to June 28 taking a rest and gone back to the front July 4. Six days later he lost his life as a bazooka gunner.
Vet of Africa and Sicily. A veteran of the African and Sicilian campaigns, he was a machine gunner there but in letters written to his relatives it was indicated that he was promoted to the bazooka section. As late as July 7, he wrote his wife that he was in a fox hole in France as he wrote. He was transferred last December from Africa to England and was in the invasion D-Day.
Born February 17, 1921 near Marysville, he attended the Bommer district school. August 12, 1942 he was inducted and trained at Camp Wolters, Tex., and Ft. Meade, Md. It was at the latter for that he underwent an operation for appendicitis. He was married two years ago Tuesday to Miss Leona Younger of Basehor. She has lived in Kansas City since he went overseas March 3, 1943.
Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are his brother, Albert Latta, Axtell, and his sister, Mrs. Richard Hofeling, Marysville. (4)
(Thank you to Galen Latta family of Marysville, Kansas for sharing this obituary and other papers.) See the clipping that contains this obituary
Pfc. Elroy Edward Latta, 23, former Marysville transport driver, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Latta, Axtell, was killed in action July 10 in France.
Word was received from the War Department Saturday by his wife, Mrs. Leona Latta, who lives in Kansas City. He had been on the front lines in France with the Ninth Division from June 9 to June 28 taking a rest and gone back to the front July 4. Six days later he lost his life as a bazooka gunner.
Vet of Africa and Sicily. A veteran of the African and Sicilian campaigns, he was a machine gunner there but in letters written to his relatives it was indicated that he was promoted to the bazooka section. As late as July 7, he wrote his wife that he was in a fox hole in France as he wrote. He was transferred last December from Africa to England and was in the invasion D-Day.
Born February 17, 1921 near Marysville, he attended the Bommer district school. August 12, 1942 he was inducted and trained at Camp Wolters, Tex., and Ft. Meade, Md. It was at the latter for that he underwent an operation for appendicitis. He was married two years ago Tuesday to Miss Leona Younger of Basehor. She has lived in Kansas City since he went overseas March 3, 1943.
Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are his brother, Albert Latta, Axtell, and his sister, Mrs. Richard Hofeling, Marysville. (4)
(Thank you to Galen Latta family of Marysville, Kansas for sharing this obituary and other papers.) See the clipping that contains this obituary
9th Infantry in Normandy, 1944
9th Infantry at Omaha Beach
(Source: National Archives
and Records Administration)
(Source: National Archives
and Records Administration)
The 9th Infantry deployed to Normandy beaches on July 10th, 1944.(5) After helping mop up Omaha Beach, the 9th Division crossed the Douve River pushing towards Cherbourg in hedge row to hedge row fighting. In just one day the division gained twelve and one half miles, reaching the coast on June 17. The battle for Cherbourg continued with the 9th supporting the fight. By July 1, the 9th cleaned up resistance near Cap de la Hague. The 9th had a brief rest from fighting before returning to battle July 9th in the St. Lo region.(6) July 10th, Private Elroy E. Latta was killed.
Fallen Soldier
Private First Class Elroy E. Latta, Service #37216999 of 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division is buried Plot C, Row 26, Grave 34 at Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-mer, France. He was awarded the Purple Heart. (7)
Sources:
1. Obituary for PFC EE Latta ca. July 14, 1944 Marysville. Provided by Galen Latta family of Marysville, Kansas
2. 1925 Kansas Census <http://www.ancestry.com>
3. 1930 Federal Census <http://www.ancestry.com>
4. Obituary for PFC EE Latta
5. "The Normandy Campaign," The 9th Infantry Division. <http://www.9thinfantrydivision.net/normandy.htm> 2011
6. "Hitler's Nemesis: The 9th Infantry Division. G. I. Stories. Stars and Stripes Paris 1944-1945.
7. American Battle Monuments Commission <http://www.abmc.gov/search/detailswwnew.php>
1. Obituary for PFC EE Latta ca. July 14, 1944 Marysville. Provided by Galen Latta family of Marysville, Kansas
2. 1925 Kansas Census <http://www.ancestry.com>
3. 1930 Federal Census <http://www.ancestry.com>
4. Obituary for PFC EE Latta
5. "The Normandy Campaign," The 9th Infantry Division. <http://www.9thinfantrydivision.net/normandy.htm> 2011
6. "Hitler's Nemesis: The 9th Infantry Division. G. I. Stories. Stars and Stripes Paris 1944-1945.
7. American Battle Monuments Commission <http://www.abmc.gov/search/detailswwnew.php>