Virgil McFadden

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SSgt Virgil McFadden

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ross McFadden

KIA North Africa

February 14, 1942

S/SGT VIRGIL MCFADDIN

Major General J.A. Ulio of the War Department last week notified Mr. and Mrs. Ross McFaddin, city, that their son, Staff Sergeant Virgil McFaddin who was reported missing in action February 14, 1943, has been officially reported killed in action.

In the letter from the Department, it was stated that S-Sgt. McFaddin took part in combat operations in the vicinity of Sidi Bou Zid, Tunisia, North African Area in a defensive  action against enemy forces in superior numbers. He was not seen afterward and his name did not appear  on the official lists of prisoners of war captured on that occasion his brother Col. Russell McFaddin, was taken prisoner by the Germans in the same battle in which Virgil lost his life.

The brothers were members of the First Armored Division fighting side by side. Russell had written his parents from his prison in Germany that he had witnessed his brother’s death, but no official report had been made.

The communication from Major Ulio closed with the following paragraph:

 “I regret the necessity for this message but trust that the ending of a long period of uncertainty may give at least some small measure of consolation. I hope you find sustaining comfort in the thought that the uncertainty with which war has surrounded the absence of your son has enhanced the honor of his service to his country and of his sacrifice."

PAINTSVILLE HERALD

THURSDAY

JULY 22, 1943

VIRGIL MCFADDEN

Virgil McFadden, reported on March 11 as missing in the North African battle is now known to be dead. His brother, Russell, reported missing at the same time and later reported a prisoner of the Germans has written his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ross McFaddin, city, of Virgil’s death. Both boys were members of the same mechanized force and Russell writes that he was at his brother’s side during the battle and saw him fall.