Vernard Ross Murray was born on 19 May 1922, the son of Frank Houston Murray and Lucy Ann Cash.
Died 4 October 1944
Private
115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, Company C
Pvt Murray was found in the vicinity of Geilenkirchen, Germany during the clearing of forested land being prepared for farming. The remains were recovered on August 8, 1959, together with both his ID tags. On January 27, 1960 the remains were identified as those of Pvt Vernard R. Murray. Pvt Murray was Missing in Action since October 4, 1944 and presumed dead on October 5, 1945.
The action in which Pvt Murray was reported as missing in action occurred near the town of Geilenkirchen, Germany. Company C launched an attack through a wooded area and became cut off by the enemy. The company ran into a terrific fire from tanks, small arms, artillery and mortars. Company C withdrew and it is presumed that the enemy then moved into the area. Personnel with Company C had no knowledge of the appearance or condition of Pvt Murray when last seen. Since no information to the contrary had been received by the headquarters, either through hospitals, graves registration or Prisoner Of War (POW) channels, it was believed that Pvt Murray was Killed in Action. He may have been buried in an isolated grave by the Germans.
He is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at Margraten American Cemetery, Netherlands, and buried at Hillcrest Cemetery, Cleveland, Tennessee.
The Chattanooga Daily Times, March 4, 1960
The body of Pvt. Vernard R. Murray, removed from an unmarked grave on a World War II battlefield in Germany arrived here Wednesday afternoon for burial after funeral services Friday afternoon. Pvt. Murray, son of Mrs. Frank Murray, 1765 Harle Ave. was reported missing in action Oct. 4, 1945. One year leter his next of kin was notified that he was legally presumed dead. In January, workmen clearing a wooded area to convert it into farmland discovered the unmarked grade and the body was identified by the soldier’s identification tag, teeth and personal effects. Arrangements were made for return of the body to the United States. Pvt. Murray is survived by his mother; three sisters, Mrs. Irene McAmis, Mrs. Melvin Young, Mrs. Danny Stanfield, all of Cleveland; two brothers, Norris Murray, Dalton, Ga., and O.D. Murray, Cleveland. The body is at the Buckner Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held. Burial will be in Hill Crest Cemetery with full military honors.
Photo courtesy; Mr. Jon Strupp
- Rank: Private
- Date of birth: 19 May 1922
- Date of death: 4 October 1944
- County: Bradley
- Hometown: Cleveland
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Hilcrest Memorial Gardens, Cleveland, Bradley County, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar VII, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Vernard R. Murray
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