MEMORIAL RITES HELD FOR TWO VERNAL HEROES TRIBUTES PAID TO VALOR OF LELAND HATCH AND EDGAR THOMAS. Memorial services were conducted Sunday evening at the Vernal Second Ward Chapel for Pvt Leland Hatch, 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Hatch, who died of wounds received in action February 10th while serving on the Italian battle front. The services were originally planned for Pvt. Edgar Thomas, also killed in action and when Pvt. Hatch's death was reported, the combined service was held. Bishop Owen Slaugh conducted the services. The opening song was by the congregation, "Tho Deepening Trials" Jesse A. Haws offered the invocation. Mrs. Elnora Vernon of Maeser paid tribute to Pvt. Thomas following Mrs. Vernon's remarks, a girl's chorus, composed of Patty Lewis, Audrey Jones, Lucy and Rachel Calder, Beth Pope, Marietta Williams and Marva Walker, sang, "My Buddy," accompanied by Douglas Jones. LaMond Tullis paid tribute to Pvt. Hatch, Alvin E. Weeks pronounced the benediction. The congregation sang, "Come Let Us Anew." Members of the American Legion and Legion Ausilliary were present at the services in a body, Vern McCarrell, Jennie Workman, Effie Hall and J. S. Milburn were the color bearers and presented the flags. Pvt. Hatch participated in the North African and Sicilian campaigns. He was wounded in action Nov. 25, 1943, but recovered fully and reported back to active duty. He entered military service February 26, 1941 and after completed training at Fort Lewis, Washington, was sent overseas in November of 1942. He was born in Vernal June 4, 1918. In addition to his parents he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Iona Richens, Midvale; Mrs. Fontella Tomlinson, Willow Creek and five brothers, Monroe and Earl of Jensen; Dee and Ennis Ray of Vernal and LaVern of Hawthorne, Nev. -Vernal Express, March 30, 1944, transcribed by Rhonda Holton