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Tec3 Wilfred F. Gorius

August 25, 1917–November 12, 1944

Residence: Jones, Iowa
Education: *****
Occupation: *****
Marital Status: *****
Enlistment Date: April 5, 1942
Enlistment Place: *****
Service/Unit: 5th Army, 91st Division, 791 Ordinance Co.
Service #: 37190875
Awards: Purple Heart
Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Anamosa, Jones County, Iowa, Sect F, Row F

W. F. GORIUS LOSES LIFE ON ITALIAN S0IL

Memorial Service Set Next Monday St. Patrick's Church

Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Gorius, Anamosa, from the war department that their son, Staff Sergt. Wilfred F. Gorius, 27, was killed in action in Italy, Nov. 12. He was with the 91st division in the Fifth Army, fighting in Italy.

Gorius entered the service, April 5, 1942; was sent overseas in April, 1944, landed in North Africa, and went to Sicily and Italy where he served as technician in the ordnance company.

Graduated At Viola

He received his education in St. Paul's school at Worthington, and later graduated from Viola high school. Besides his parents, he is survived by the following sisters and brothers: Mrs. Merle Paul, Anamosa; C. J. Gorius, Marion; Pfc. Harry G. Gorius, now with the armed forces in France; Mrs. Ray Huerter, Anamosa; Joe, Walter, and Edwin at home.

Service Planned

Memorial service will be held Monday, Dec. 4, at 10 o'clock at St Patrick's church, at Anamosa, where he was a member.

Source: The Anamosa Journal, Anamosa, Iowa, November 30, 1944

HOLD SERVICE FOR SERGEANT W. F. GORIUS

Servicemen Take Part In Memorial For Slain Soldier

photoMemorial service for Staff Sergt. Wilfffred F. Gorius, 27, who was killed in action in Italy, Nov. 12. was held Monday morning at St. Patrick's Catholic church in Anamosa, Rev. J. A. McMahon officiating.

Veterans of World war II who participated in the service were James White, Arthur Marek, William Poorbaugh and Robert Miller. Lieut. John Rhody, U. S. Marine, visiting home, served as color bearer with Arthur Marek.

Served In Italy

Gorius was a member of the 91st division in the Fifth Army, fighting in Italy. He entered the service April 5, 1942; was sent overseas in April, 1944, and landed in North Africa, from where he went to Sicily and Italy, serving as technician in the ordnance company.

Surviving him are his parents, and sisters and brothers, Mrs. Merle Paul, Anamosa; C. J. Gorius, Marion; Pfc. Harry G. Gorius, now with the armed forces in France; Mrs. Ray Huerter, Anamosa; Joe, Walter and Edwin, at home.

Source: The Anamosa Journal, Anamosa, Iowa, December 7, 1944

Wilfred Gorius Awarded Purple Heart

The following letter was received by Joe Gorius from the Secretary of War

December 27, 1944

My dear Mr. Gorius:

You will shortly receive the Purple Heart medal, which has been posthumously awarded by direction of the President to your son, Technician Third Grade Wilfred F. Gorius, Ordnance. 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 one 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.

Sincerely yours,

HENRY L. STIMSON

Source: The Anamosa Eureka, Anamosa, Iowa, February 1, 1945