Pvt; Zufelt is Reported Dead In Action

Twice within period of five days last week telegrams from the War Department brought sorrow to this community. To Mrs. Doris Zufelt on Friday came the message that her son, Pvt. Rex F. Zufelt, 19, had been killed in France on September 5. On Monday Mrs. Harold Gilbert had received notice that her husband had been killed in France.

Pvt. Zufelt was inducted into the service on March 18, 1943 and assigned to Camp Gordon, Ga., where he received his training with the 3rd Cavalry M.A.C.V. Before leaving for overseas duty early this summer, he was on maneuvers in the southern states. He arrived in England in July and his latest letter from France, dated September 2 and received by his mother last Wednesday, stated that he had been in France about a month. On Monday of this week, Mrs. Zufelt received a letter from the War Department concerning the death of her son and stating that he had been buried in France.

Pvt. Zufelt was born in the town of Sandy Creek on December 2, 1924, the son of the late Edwin Zufelt and Doris Howard Zufelt, his father having been killed in an automobile accident in August 1931. He attended Sandy Creek high school and previous to entering the service was employed at the Blount Lumber Company.

Surviving besides his mother are one sister, Mrs Mary Russell of Syracuse, a brother, Bert Zufelt, Sancy Creek, and his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Howard of Sandy Creek. His brother was enroute home on leave following five and one half months in the South Pacific, not receiving the telegram sent him at San Diego, Calif., telling him of his brother's death and learning of it only on his arrival home.

Source: Sandy Creek News, Sept 27, 1944
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Memorial Service Planned Sunday For Pvt. Zufelt

A memorial service for Pvt. Rex Zufelt who was killed in action in France on September 5, will be held at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Sandy Creek Methodist church.

Surviving besides his mother, Mrs. Doris Zufelt and brother, Bert Zufelt, S 2/c are one sister, Mrs. Mary Russell of Syracuse; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Howard, an uncle, George Howard and nephews and nieces

Source: Sandy Creek News, Oct 4, 1944
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MARKSMANSHIP MEDALS WON BY PVT. ZUFELT

Before going overseas Pfc Rex Zufelt who was recently filled in action in France, sent to his mother, Mrs. Doris Zufelt three medals awarded,him for marksmanship.

The medals are in the shape of a maltese cross, black outlined in silver with the bars suspended, designating type of award. The first of these medals awarded him indicates,
that he met service proficiency standards in rifle and machine gun. The second medal, a maltese cross with target superimposed, one more difficult to attain, was presented for proficiency in submachine gun and carbine. The third, and highest of the three, is in apearance like the second, only smaller with a wreath around it; awarded for expertness in tank destroyer 37 MM gunnery and grenade throwing

Source: Sandy Creek News, Oct 11, 1944
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Mother of Pvt. Zufelt Receives Purple Heart

On Tuesday Mrs. Doris Zufelt received the Purple Heart, which was awarded posthumously to her son, Pvt. Rex Zufelt who was killed in action in France on September 5.

A few weeks ago she received a letter from the War Department a letter notifying her that she would be sent the Purple Heart, and at that time she also received a memorial to her son and a certificate authorizing the award of the Purple Heart bestowed by President Roosevelt for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death. The certificate was signed by Secretary of War Stlnson and Major General Ulio

Source: Sandy Creek News, Nov 29, 1944