Vernon served as a Private First Class, 32nd Photographic Squadron, 5th Reconnaissance Group, U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

He resided in Douglas County, Oregon prior to the war.

He enlisted in the Army on January 14, 1942 in Portland, Oregon. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a lumbermen and also as Single, without dependents.

Vernon was a passenger on the S.S. Paul Hamilton (Hull Number 227).

On her fifth voyage the S.S. Paul Hamilton left Hampton Roads, Virginia on April 2, 1944 as part of convoy U.G.S. 38, carrying supplies and the ground personnel of the 485th Bombardment Group and the 5th Reconnaissance Group of the United States Army Air Forces to Italy.

On the evening of April 20th the Hamilton and other ships in the convoy were attacked 30 miles (48 km) in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Cape Bengut near Algiers by 23 German Ju 88 bombers.

One aerial torpedo struck the Paul Hamilton and detonated the cargo of high explosives and bombs, and the ship and crew disappeared within 30 seconds. A total of approximately 580 men where lost.

Vernon was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 39305218

( Bio & Family Link by: Russ Pickett )

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The U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426) and the S.S. Royal Star were also sunk in this attack.
The Lansdale had a loss of Forty-seven officers and men.
The Royal Star lost only one member of their crew.

The Lansdale received four battle stars for World War II service.

Vernon served as a Private First Class, 32nd Photographic Squadron, 5th Reconnaissance Group, U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

He resided in Douglas County, Oregon prior to the war.

He enlisted in the Army on January 14, 1942 in Portland, Oregon. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a lumbermen and also as Single, without dependents.

Vernon was a passenger on the S.S. Paul Hamilton (Hull Number 227).

On her fifth voyage the S.S. Paul Hamilton left Hampton Roads, Virginia on April 2, 1944 as part of convoy U.G.S. 38, carrying supplies and the ground personnel of the 485th Bombardment Group and the 5th Reconnaissance Group of the United States Army Air Forces to Italy.

On the evening of April 20th the Hamilton and other ships in the convoy were attacked 30 miles (48 km) in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Cape Bengut near Algiers by 23 German Ju 88 bombers.

One aerial torpedo struck the Paul Hamilton and detonated the cargo of high explosives and bombs, and the ship and crew disappeared within 30 seconds. A total of approximately 580 men where lost.

Vernon was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 39305218

( Bio & Family Link by: Russ Pickett )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426) and the S.S. Royal Star were also sunk in this attack.
The Lansdale had a loss of Forty-seven officers and men.
The Royal Star lost only one member of their crew.

The Lansdale received four battle stars for World War II service.