Early Life on the Farm

Earl J. Meyer was born on July 4, 1919, at his parents’ farm near Berwick, Kansas, the son of Louis Sr. and Sarah Harter Meyer. He was one of eleven children in a close-knit Apostolic Christian family. Earl attended Berwick Centre School and helped his father with the daily operations of the family farm.

As a child, Earl was small for his age and was known affectionately by his grandmother as “Klein-Suhs-Herzly”—a German phrase meaning “little sweetheart.” In school, he was called “Little Earl” to distinguish him from a taller classmate with the same name. He grew to be 5’6″ with dark hair, distinct from his siblings.

His family recalls a story about a near accident at home: while walking across the cistern door in the washhouse, Earl almost fell in when the door gave way, but he caught himself just in time. His father repaired the door immediately. Stories like these reflect the quiet determination and caution that would later define Earl’s military service.

A Foundation of Discipline and Learning

Earl’s father often involved the boys in mathematical exercises at the kitchen table. He would call out numbers for them to add or subtract. If all the answers matched, they were accepted as correct. This practice instilled in Earl and his brothers a sense of accuracy and cooperation.

The Meyer boys also built birdhouses—one of Earl’s creations was a miniature replica of the Berwick Centre School, proudly placed on a post by the family’s flower garden, where it stood for years.

Induction and Training

Earl Meyer was drafted into the U.S. Army on March 29, 1942, and assigned to Company E, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division—a unit activated at Camp Barkeley, Texas, in March 1942. Known as the “Tough ‘Ombres,” the 90th Infantry Division was composed of men from Texas and Oklahoma and would go on to play a pivotal role in the European Theater.

He quickly rose through the ranks, being promoted to corporal, then sergeant, and finally to staff sergeant in January 1944. He completed additional training in Louisiana, took part in desert maneuvers in California, and shipped out from Fort Dix, New Jersey, in early 1944.

The Invasion of Europe

Staff Sergeant Meyer participated in the D-Day invasion, landing on Utah Beach in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. Just five days later, on June 11, he was wounded in action near Carcemonte, reportedly while unloading equipment. After being hospitalized in England, he recovered and returned to service on July 17.

Final Action and Death in France

On July 22, Earl’s unit, Company E, launched an assault across the River Seves near Gonfreville, just southwest of Carentan, France. According to fellow soldier Wayne Louderback, Meyer was killed the next day, July 23, 1944, while leading his platoon.

He was initially buried in Monarch VII Corps Cemetery at Blosville, France, 20 miles north of St. Lô. In a letter dated July 6, 1944, his father was informed by Major General J.A. Ulio, Adjutant General of the Army, that his son had been seriously wounded in action. A second letter from August 22, 1944, confirmed Earl’s death.

Posthumous Honors and Return Home

Earl Meyer was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. In April 1948, his remains were returned to the United States aboard the U.S. Army Transport John L. McCarley, which carried 2,619 American war dead. His final burial took place at Sabetha Cemetery on May 1, 1948, with services attended by local veterans’ groups and the community.

He was remembered by many as quiet, disciplined, and dedicated—a young man who gave his life so others might enjoy peace and freedom. A letter from the Mayor of New York City, dated April 20, 1948, extended the city’s condolences to the Meyer family and praised Earl’s honorable service.

Survived By Loved Ones

At the time of his death, Earl was survived by his parents and ten siblings:

Brothers: LeRoy, Velmer, Louis, Fremond, and Ezra Glenn
Sisters: Mildred (Mrs. Alvin Strahm), Lena (Mrs. Oscar Strahm), Alberdine, Lenora, and Rosalee

Some of these family members, including Velmer and Alberdine, remained living in the Sabetha area for decades following the war. Earl’s sacrifice, like that of so many in the Greatest Generation, became part of his family’s enduring story and a point of remembrance for the local community.

Legacy

Staff Sergeant Earl J. Meyer is honored not only for his bravery in battle but also for his character, upbringing, and the values he carried from Kansas farm life to the battlefields of France. His service reflects the deep sense of duty that defined so many young Americans in World War II.

His story continues to be shared by descendants, remembered in local memorials, and preserved in the archives of the Nemaha County Historical Society and The Sabetha Herald.

SOURCES

Local and General News

Earl Meyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Meyer is emplyed by the McGinty Motor Company.

Sabetha Herald, 8 Oct 1941, page 9

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Defense School Starts With Enrollment of 12

Sabetha Superintendent of schools W. O. Stark announces that the Defense School got underway Monday evening for the opening session under the direction of Earl Willard of Morrill. The school will meet five nights each week and this session will be held in the Lonnie Fletchall workshop building owned by Norman Morgan just north of the Methodist church. Willard will instruct 12 pupils during this session in the art of motor mechanics, fender welding and other details of machine shop work.

The twelve enrollees for this term are Gayle Snyder, Leonard Strahm, Earl J Meyer, James Wilson, Jr. Donald Williams and Wilbur Kyle of Sabetha: Ivan Wissler, Donald Elliott (husband of the former Thelma Williams), Robert Schmiedeler (son of the clerk of the district court), and Al Buser of Seneca; Marvin Hartman of Bern and Charles Dores of Morrill.

In addition to the equipment provided by Uncle Sam for last year’s defense school, $1.000 worth of tools has been bought and delivered for use by this new crop of students. The new purchases include a valve grinder, acetylene torch, grinding wheel and other important items

Sabetha Herald, 29 Oct 1941, page 1

________

Berwick Center

Mr. and Mrs. Luis Meyer entertained Sunday evening in honor of the birthday of Mrs. Belmer Myer and for Earl Meyer who will soon be inducted in the army.

Sabetha Herald, 11 Mar 1942, page 11

______________

Berwick

Earl Meyer and Lawrence Miller went to Seneca Sunday where they joined those being inducted into the army from Nemaha county.

Sabetha Herald, 1 April 1942, page 3

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Service Men’s Addresses

Pfc. early Meyer 538 Inf Co E. 90th Div. Camp Barkley, Tex.

Sabetha Herald, 22 Jul 1942, page 1

________

Berwick

Earl Meyer is home from Ft. Barkley, Texas, on a two weeks furlough.

Sabetha Herald, 18 Nov 1942, page 7

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Sgt. Earl Meyer-Home.

Sgt Earl J Meyer, son of Mr and Mrs Louis Meyer of the Ber- wick neighborhood, has been home from Camp Barkeley, Texas, on a ten day furlough. He returned to Barkeley the first of this week. He has been stationed at his camp ever since last summer (perhaps longer) except for the last-tine he was on maneuvers in Louisiana last winter. He has seen several Sabetha soldiers while at Barkelely, and saw Cpl. Joe Wicki only a few weeks ago. Sgt. Meyer was a welcome visitor at The Herald office while he was home, and the editor was most unhappy to have missed visiting with him

Sabetha Herald, 16 Jun 1943, page 1

__________________

Berwick

Sgt. Earl Meyer is at home on furlough visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Meyer.

Sabetha Herald, 12 Jan 1944, page 7

_________________

Staff Sergeant Earl Meyer left for Fort Dix, N J. Monday after having spent a furlough at home. He was informed of his promotion from buck to staff sergeant just before he left his station, so didn’t have his new stripes to wear home. He is guide of an infantry rifle platoon. His company has been stationed at Dix only a short time and is receiving new equipment and having a rest period. His outfit is equipped with M-1 rifles, and recently completed an intensive training period. “We’re all anxious to get our jobs done well so we may return to normal conditions again,” he said.

Sabetha Herald, 19 Jan 1944, page 8

_______________

Injured in France

In a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Meyer, Staff Sgt. Early Meyer writes from England: “Have just been released form the hospital. Met with a little accident in France and was returned to a hospital in England. Am ready to go back again. Feeling fine.”

Sabetha Herald, 5 Jul 1944, page 1

_________________

Men In The Service

S-Sgt. Earl Meyer Killed In France

S-Sgt. Earl Meyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis-Meyer, was killed in action in France July 23, according to a telegram received by his parents from the War Department Monday.

The telegram gave no details of the death, but stated that a letter would follow. Meyer was wounded in France June 11, but apparently he had recovered and was back in action at the time of his death July 23. He entered the army in December, 1942 and received his basic training at Camp Barkeley, Texas. He was on maneuvers in Louisiana in the first part of 1943 and returned to Camp Barkeley in April. 1943. Then he trained with his infantry outfit in California before going to Fort Dix, N. J. in January, 1944. From Fort Dix he went over- seas the latter part of January or the first part of February.

Sabetha Herald, 23 Aug 1944, page 1

_____________

Men In The Service

Memorial for Sgt Earl Meyer.

A memorial service for Sgt. Earl Meyer, son of Mr and Mrs Louis Meyer, who lost his life in battle in France on July 23, will be held at the Apostolic Christian Church northwest of Sabetha on Sunday, October 22 at 1:30 p. m. The public is invited to attend this service and pay tribute to the memory of one who gave his life for his country. Earl was an exemplary young man. He was reared on the home farm near Berwick and lived there until called into service.

Sabetha Herald, 18 Oct 1944, page 1

_______________

Memorial for Sgt Earl Meyer. A memorial service for Sgt. Earl Meyer, son of Mr and Mrs. Louis Meyer, who lost his life in battle in France on July 23, will be held at the Apostolic Christian Church northwest of Sabetha on Sunday, October 22 at 1 30 p. m The public is invited to attend this service and pay tribute to the memory of one who gave his life for his country Earl was an exemplary young man He was rear- ed on the home farm near Berwick and lived there until called into service.

Courier Tribune, 2 Nov 1944, page 6

________________

Remains of Sgt. Earl Meyer En Route Here For Burial

The remains of Staff Sergeant Earl J. Meyer, who was killed in action in France July 23, 1944, are en route to this country, according to a telegram received this week from the quartermaster depot in Kansas City by Sergeant Meyer’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Meyer. When they reach the distribution center they will be brought to Reinhart Funeral Home, designated by the family, accompanied by military escort The family does not plan to request military services at the funeral.

Sergeant Meyer was born on his parents’ farm near Berwick July 4, 1919 He attended the neighborhood school and assisted on the farm until he was called into service and sent to Camp Barkeley, Texas, March 29, 1942, to receive his training. He remained there until April, 1943, when his group was moved to Shreveport, La. From there he was sent to California for desert maneuvers. In January, 1944, he was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey, and April 1 was sent overseas. He was wounded in action in France June 11, 1944, but was back in service July 17. On July 23, he was killed in action.

Soon after his induction Earl was made a corporal, then in January 1943 was made sergeant, and less than a year later was promoted to staff sergeant.

Sabetha Herald, 31 Mar 1948, page 1

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Body of S-Sgt. Earl Meyer Reaches Port at New York

Kansas City, Mo. April 5.-Accompanied by appropriate military escort, the body of the late Staff Sergeant Earl J. Meyer which arrived April 3 at the port of New York aboard the United States Army Transport John L. McCarley, will be forwarded through the American Graves Registration Distribution Center here to Sabetha, Kan. for final interment. Louis Meyer, 216 Main Street, Sabetha, father of Earl has been informed.

The McCarley, which sailed from Cherbourg, carried bodies of 2,619 Americans returned at request of next of kin from the D-Day military cemeteries at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mar, Blosville and LaCambe, Normandy.

A period of two weeks is expected to elapse after arrival of the transport before remains are started from the Kansas City Center to the final destination. Forwarding of bodies will continue from that time over a period of six weeks. Before remains leave the Center for final destinations next of kin will be notified in time to make final plans for services

Military escorts accompanying bodies from the Center to final destinations are from the same branch of service as the deceased and of comparable rank or grade.

Sabetha Herald, 7 Apr 1948, page 1

________________

Services for Earl Meyer Will Be Held Saturday

Graveside funeral services for S-Sgt Earl J Meyer, who was killed in action in France July 23, 1944, will be held in the Sabetha cemetery Saturday morning at 10 00 o’clock. The remains will reach Hiawatha at 4 14 Friday afternoon, accompanied by military escort, and will be brought by the Reinhart Funeral coach to the Reinhart funeral home, where they will lie in state Friday night. There will be no services at the funeral home. The coach will be escorted to the cemetery Saturday morning by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and after the brief graveside services taps will be sounded.

In accordance with custom, business houses in Sabetha will remain closed from 9 30 to 10 30 Saturday morning in tribute to Sergeant Meyer

Sabetha Herald, 28 April 1948, page 1

____________________

partially illegible

Killed in Action in WWII

Earl Meyer (1919-1944)

Compiled by Patty Locher

Sabetha Herald Staff

Staff Sergeant Earl Meyer, son of Louis Sr. and Sarah Hartter Meyer of rural Sabetha, participated in the invasion of Europe in June 1944.

On June 11, he was wounded while unloading equipment and, after recuperating, he was again sent into action on July 17.

Six days later, on July 23, 1944, he was killed in battle near Gonfreville, France, one of more than 291,000 American service members who died as a result of combat action during World War II.

Meyer was born at the farm home of his parents near Berwick on July 4, 1919. He attended Berwick Centre School and assisted his dad on the farm.

His siblings provided the following memories of his growing up years.

Earl was small for his age when he was young. He grew up to be 5’6′ and had darker hair than anyone else in the family. Grandma Hartter called him “Klem Suhs Herzly” (little sweetheart).

In school he was called “Little Earl,” because he was small and there was another Earl in school who was taller and older.

Our cistern of rainwater was under the wash house the milk separator was also in this building. There was a little door on the floor over the cistern. One day Earl was walking across this door carrying a bucket with a little milk in it, the corner of the door went down, Earl’s feet went down with it.

He caught himself just in time. This door was fixed as soon as possible so this wouldn’t happen again.

In the fall when dad had lots of book work and adding to do, he would gather the boys around the table with paper and pencil. He gave them figures, they would add them, subtract or whatever, if they all got the same answer he took that for the correct answer. If someone got a different answer they had to do it over. I think he worked it too. Dad was good in math himself, but this was good training for the boys and something to do.

The boys all made birdhouses at different times, some as school projects. One that Earl made was a miniature Berwick Centre School.

It was put on a post by the rock flower garden and was there for many years.

Earl was usually quiet and conservative, thought things out for himself, and believed in giving his best. He helped with the farm work until at the age of 22 he was called into service on March 29 1942.

The 90th Infantry Division was activated at Camp Barkeley near Abilene Texas on March 2 1942. That summer the members of the Division began their training in preparation for deployment to the European Theater of Operations.

As a private Meyer was sent to Camp Barkeley on April 6, 1942 and was assigned to Company I 358th Infantry Regiment 90th Infantry Division (Texas Oklahoma) Third Army.

According to articles printed in The Sabetha Herald after his de[ath] soon after induction Meyer was promoted to corporal and in January 1943 was promoted to sergeant. Less than a year later he was promoted to staff sergeant.

His infantry unit went on maneuvers in Louisiana in the first part of 1943 and returned to Camp

Column 2

ILLEGIBLE

Column 3

north to assist capturing the port of Cherbourg, then turned back south towards the Carentan area.

Earl rejoined the action on July 17 and was killed in action on July 23 at Gonfreville, about five miles southwest of Carentan.

On Aug. 22, 1944, Meyer’s parents received the following message, which was reprinted in the Oct. 25, 1944, issue of The Sabetha Herald:

“It is with regret that I am writing to confirm the recent telegram informing you of the death of your son, Staff Sergeant Earl J. Meyer, Infantry, who was killed in action on 23 July 1944 in France

“I fully understand your desire to learn as much as possible regarding the circumstances leading to his death and I wish that there were more information available to give you

“Unfortunately, reports of this nature contain only the briefest details as they are prepared under battle conditions and the means of transmission are limited

“I know the sorrow this message has brought you and it is my hope that in time the knowledge of his heroic service to his country, even unto death, may be of sustaining comfort to you

“I extend to you my deepest sympathy Sincerely yours, JA Uho, Major General, The Adjutant General of the War Department’

Meyer’s body was recovered and was buried in Monarch VII Corps Cemetery at Blosville, France, 20 miles north of St Lo

The Rev Theo Beer of Akron, Ohio, a cousin of Louis Meyer, conducted a memorial service on Oct 22. 1944, at the Apostolic Christian Church southeast of Bern

Meyer was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart

In April 1948 his remains were brought back to Sabetha for burial in the Sabetha Cemetery Graveside services were held May 1, 1948

In addition to his parents, Meyer was survived by five brothers, LeRoy, Velmer, Louis. [F]remond and Ezra Glenn, and five sisters, Mildred (Mrs Alvin) Strahm, Lena (Mrs Oscar) Strahm, Alberdine, Lenora and Rosalee, all of the local community

Currently. Velmer, Louis, [F]remond, Ezra Glenn and Lena of Sabetha and Alberdine of McPherson still survive

Several of Meyer’s cousins also served in the military during World War II, including Elgin Strahm who in July 1943 also made the supreme sacrifice

Sources The Sabetha Herald articles from 1944, Earl Meyer’s family members, a 90th Infantry website and 2194 Days of War An Illustrated Chronology of the Second World War compiled by Cevare Salmaggi and Alfredo Pallavasını published by Wind ward New York and London

Sabetha Herald, 19 May 2004, page 28

__________________

WAR DEPARTMENT
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

6 July 1944

IN REPLY REFER TO:
Meyer, Earl J. 37,155,385
PG-N ETO 114

Mr. Louis Meyer,
Rural Free Delivery Number Four,
Sabetha, Kansas.

Dear Mr. Meyer:

I am sorry it was necessary to send my recent telegram, which this letter is confirming.

Your son, Staff Sergeant Earl J. Meyer, was seriously wounded in action on 11 June 1944, in France.

Theater Commanders are instructed to submit to the War Department periodic reports of progress and accordingly you will be kept informed of his progress promptly as these reports are received. However, as I am sure you will realize, such reports must of necessity be brief and therefore will contain information on his condition or progress, but will not include information concerning the nature of wounds in the case of wounded personnel.

I can assure you that our hospitalized soldiers serving overseas are receiving the very best medical care and attention and it is hoped that a favorable report in his case will be received in the near future.

Knowing your desire to have a letter reach him as soon as possible, you should use the following temporary address until a different address is furnished by him or this office and so advise all interested relatives and friends who might also want to write him:

Staff Sgt. Earl J. Meyer, 37,155,385 (Hosp.),
Central Postal Directory,
APO 640, c/o Postmaster,
New York, New York.

Sincerely yours,
J. A. Ulio
Major General,
The Adjutant General.

1 Encl.

INFORMATION TO EMERGENCY ADDRESSEE CONCERNING
MESSAGES OF CHEER TO ARMY PERSONNEL

Meyer, Earl J. 37,155,385
PG-N ETO 114

Arrangements have been made to transmit messages of cheer by radiogram, as conditions permit, to hospitalized wounded, injured, or seriously ill patients. It is necessary to limit the number of messages sent; however, you will be advised if and when it becomes possible to send additional messages.

If you desire to send such a message, it is necessary that the form below be filled in and returned to this office. The following instructions are for your guidance:

ONLY MESSAGES WHICH ARE CONTAINED ON THIS FORM WILL BE TRANSMITTED.
ALL MESSAGES MUST BE LIMITED TO FIVE WORDS AS INDICATED IN FORM BELOW.
YOU ARE THE EMERGENCY ADDRESSEE NAMED BY THE SOLDIER AND ARE THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN AUTHORIZE THE SENDING OF THIS MESSAGE.
THE MESSAGE SHOULD BE CHEERFUL.
THE EMERGENCY ADDRESSEE MUST SIGN THIS FORM IN THE SPACE PROVIDED. HOWEVER, THE SIGNATURE TO BE TRANSMITTED MAY BE INFORMAL AND CONTAIN NOT MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
WHEN COMPLETED, THIS FORM SHOULD BE MAILED TO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, WASHINGTON, D. C. PLEASE FOLD AND SEAL—NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED.

TO _____________________________________________
ASN _____________________________________________

(One word)

(Signature to be transmitted)

Full signature of emergency addressee

Do Not Write Below This Line

Dispatched to ______________________________________
On ________________________________________________

W.D., A.G.O. Form No. 222
27 April 1944
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16—39404-1
FILE IN CASUALTY BRANCH

WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
WAR DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

CASUALTY BRANCH – W
NOTIFICATION SECTION

16–39449–1

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Branch Office No. 9
Room 1133, Boatmen’s Bank Building
314 North Broadway
420 Locust St.,
St. Louis 2, Mo.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS

LOUIS MEYER
R D 4
SABETHA
KANS

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300
(GPO)

BUILD YOUR FUTURE
WISELY. SAFELY
U.S. SAVINGS BONDS

Postmark:
WASHINGTON, D.C.
JAN 6
9 – PM
1947

23-N-2325024

NOTICE!

This is to advise you that the records of the Veterans Administration pertaining to your claim are being transferred to

BRANCH OFFICE NO. 9
Room 1133, Boatmen’s Bank Building, 314 N. Broadway, St. Louis 1, Mo.
Boatmen’s Bank Bldg., 420 Locust Street, St. Louis 2, Mo.

Future communications relative to your claim should be addressed to that office and should include the veteran’s name as well as the XC number.

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16–48068–1

CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
NEW YORK 7, N.Y.

April 20, 1948

Dear Mr. Meyer:

As Mayor of the City of New York, and on behalf of the citizens of this city, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family of S/Sgt. Earl J. Meyer, who so honorably gave his life that others might enjoy peace and freedom. I trust and pray his sacrifice will not have been in vain.

Sincerely yours,
(Signature)
Mayor

Mr. Louis Meyer
216 Main St.
Sabetha, Kansas

Right side (Page 1):

Dear Morris and Louis,

I have been busy trying to get the painting done on the garage before winter. Also want to paint a few new pictures for the Nov. arts & crafts fair, In Sept. I had 3 jobs, cleaning houses. One was just every 3 weeks, the other two I did every week. Also did some baby sitting. I thought I could use a little extra income.

I think we all had some of our information wrong about Earl and the war. We didn’t remember everything right. The information I have in my book is on opposite page. I would like to see Fremont’s book, to see if it is the same.

If someone got a good picture of us in the parade, I would like to have one, or the negative.
Love, Bea & Allison

Left side (Page 2 – military timeline and notes):

1944

June 6 – Earl arrived at Normandy beach, France.
D-Day invasion.

June 11 – Injured in service near Carcemonte, France

July 17 – Back in service.

July 22 – Co. E launched an attack on an island, after crossing River Severs, near Gonfreville, France (note ?)

July 23 – Killed in Action
(Information from a buddy, Wayne Louderback)
“He was killed leading his platoon.”
Buried in Monarch VIII Corps Cemetery at Blosville, France, 30 miles north of St. Lo.
358 Inf., 2nd Platoon, Co. E, 3rd Army
TX-Okla, 90th Div.

Sgt. Don Atkinson escorted body to Sabetha.
(If someone has a big map of Europe maybe you could look up some of these places)

It is possible that some of the words, like names of cities might be misspelled.

Leon and Fremont may have other information that I don’t have.

Earl’s General was George Patton.

————————–

THE SABETHA HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2004, PAGE 14B

Killed in Action in WWII

Earl Meyer (1919–1944)

Compiled by Patty Locher
The Sabetha Herald Staff

Staff Sergeant Earl Meyer, son of Louis Sr. and Sarah Harter Meyer of rural Sabetha, participated in the invasion of Europe in June 1944.

On June 11, he was wounded while unloading equipment and, after recuperating, he was again sent into action on July 17.

Six days later, on July 23, 1944, he was killed in battle near Gonfreville, France, one of more than 291,000 American service members who died as a result of combat action during World War II.

Meyer was born at the farm home of his parents near Berwick on July 4, 1919. He attended Berwick Centre School and assisted his dad on the farm.

His siblings provided the following memories of his growing up years.

Earl was small for his age when he was young. He grew up to be 5’6″ and had darker hair than anyone else in the family. Grandma Hartert called him “Klein-Suhs-Herzly” (little sweetheart).

In school he was called “little Earl,” because he was small and there was another Earl in school who was taller and older.

Our cistern of rainwater was under the wash house; the milk separator was also in this building. There was a little door on the floor over the cistern. One day Earl was walking across this door carrying a bucket with a little milk in it, the corner of the door went down; Earl’s feet went down with it.

He caught himself just in time. This door was fixed as soon as possible so this wouldn’t happen again.

In the fall when dad had lots of book work and adding to do, he would gather the boys around the table with paper and pencil. He gave them figures; they would add them, subtract or whatever; if they all got the same answer, he took that for the correct answer.

If someone got a different answer they had to do it over. I think he worked it too. Dad was good in math himself, but this was good training for the boys and something to do.

The boys all made birdhouses at different times, some as school projects. One that Earl made was a miniature Berwick Centre School. It was put on a post by the rock-flower garden and was there for many years.

Earl rejoined the action on July 17 and was killed in action on July 23 at Gonfreville, about five miles southwest of Carentan.

On Aug. 22, 1944, Meyer’s parents

received the following message, which was reprinted in the Oct. 25, 1944, issue of The Sabetha Herald:

I fully understand your desire to learn as much as possible regarding the circumstances leading to his death and I wish that there were more information available to give you.

Unfortunately, reports of this nature contain only the briefest details as they are prepared under battle conditions and the means of transmission are limited.

I know the sorrow this message has brought you and it is my hope that in time the knowledge of his heroic service to his country, even unto death, may be of sustaining comfort to you.

I extend to you my deepest sympathy. Sincerely yours,
J.A. Ulio, Major General, The Adjutant General of the War Department.”

Meyer’s body was recovered and was buried in Monarch VII Corps Cemetery at Blosville, France, 20 miles north of St. Lo.

The Rev. Theo Beer of Akron, Ohio, a cousin of Louis Meyer, conducted a memorial service on Oct. 22, 1944, at the Apostolic Christian Church southeast of Bern.

Meyer was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

In April 1948 his remains were brought back to Sabetha for burial in the Sabetha Cemetery. Graveside services were held May 1, 1948.

In addition to his parents,

Meyer was survived by five brothers, LeRoy, Velmer, Louis, Fremond and Ezra Glenn, and five sisters, Mildred (Mrs. Alvin Strahm), Lena (Mrs. Oscar Strahm), Alberdine, Lenora and Rosalee, all of the local community.

Currently, Velmer, Louis, Fremond, Ezra Glenn and Lena of Sabetha and Alberdine of McPherson still survive.

Several of Meyer’s cousins also served in the military during WWII.

Top photo: Staff Sergeant Earl Meyer, center, was awarded posthumously a Silver Star.
Above photo: Temporary grave marker, Blosville, France.
Photo supplied by: Veterans Administration.

The 90th Infantry Division
As a member of the 90th Infantry Division, Earl Meyer was part of the legendary unit formed at Camp Barkeley, Texas, on March 25, 1942. The unit began training in preparation for deployment to the European Theater of Operations.
Meyer was promoted to corporal, then to sergeant. He was promoted to staff sergeant in January 1944.
Meyer’s division was sent overseas on January 22, 1944. He prepared for the invasion in England. On June 6, 1944, Meyer landed on Utah Beach, part of the D-Day invasion.
After 37 days in combat, Meyer was wounded on June 11. He was recuperated while his wounds were still healing. He was returned to combat duty after 37 days and was killed in action July 23, 1944. Meyer was serving as a squad leader.