Sending a feeling of real shock and deep sadness throughout the entire community, the news was received here Saturday that Cpl. Irwin E. Axline, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Axline, had been killed in action while performing his duty in the service of his country in the South Pacific.

Details are lacking as to where or when he was killed, the telegram stating that owing to censorship regulations the information could not be released at this time but that a letter would follow later.

"Young Chick" as he was familiarly known volunteered for service with the United States Marines in September, 1942. He took his boot training at San Diego, Calif., and was later transferred to Mare Island, Calif., for several months of training. He then received a furlough which he spent here with his parents, leaving Medicine Lodge to assume his duties in the South pacific. His last letter to his parents was written on July 11.

Cpl. Axline has a brother, Pvt. Wm. Axline, also a member of the Marine Corps, who is stationed at Paris Island, S. C. He had an uncle, "Cart" Axline, who was the first soldier from Medicine Lodge to be killed in action in World War I. His father also was a member of the armed forces in that war.

The young marine was born in Medicine Lodge July 14, 1923. He attended the Medicine Lodge schools and was a popular graduate of the class of 1941. He was an outstanding athlete and served as captain of the Medicine Lodge football team. Following his graduation, he accepted employment with the Cudahy Packing Company in Wichita and was working there when he enlisted in the Marine Corps.

In addition to his parents and brother in the service, he leaves a sister, Carolyn and brother, Jack of the home.

Barber County Index, September 7, 1944>

KILLED IN GUAM

Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Axline have received further details from the Navy comcerning the death of their son, Cpl. Irwin E. Axline. He was killed July 26 on the Island of Guam.

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From American Battle Monuments Commission: Irwin Earl Axline, CORPORAL, U.S. Marine Corps. Service # 463611, United States Marine Corps, Entered the Service from: Kansas. Died: 26 July 1944, Buried at: Plot M, Row 1, Grave 255; Honolulu Memorial; Honolulu, Hawaii. Awards: Purple Heart.

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Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

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