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Kenneth "Shorty" Laudenklos of Nebraska KIA Okinawa 5/10/1945

Looking for any information on details of friendships, acquaintances, or circumstances of his death. Our family has been give three different stories of his death from Sniper fire, Artillery fire, and jumping on a grenade. One was from the 6th Marine division and the other two from separate visits from Marines to my Great-Grandparents. Family was not allowed to examine any remains so we really don't know his resting place.

Any info would help. Thanks.

Private Kenneth K. Laudenklos, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Laudenklos, of Monroe, Nebraska, was born in Platte County on July 11, 1925, and was killed in action on Okinawa on May 10, 1945.

He received his formal education in the Monroe schools, and in 1943, during his junior year in high school, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. On October 20, 1943, Private Laudenklos went to Camp Ellis at San Diego, California, for his basic training, and was sent overseas to the Pacific Area in March, 1944. He took part in the invasion of Guam after which he was sent back to a rest camp where he received advanced training.

On Easter Sunday, 1945, the Sixth Marine Division of which he was a member, landed on Okinawa where he was killed in battle on May 10. Decorations earned by Private Kenneth Laudenklos included: The Presidential Unit Citation, with ribbon bar and one star, presented to the Sixth Marine Division Re-Enforced for service on Okinawa, Ryukyu Island, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal, the Victory medal, and the Purple Heart.

Private Kenneth K. Laudenklos had two sisters and three brothers: Ann, Mrs. Melvin Bullock; Katharine, Alex, Jr., Edward and Daniel Laudenklos. His brothers were all veterans of World War II.

Private Laudenklos was returned to the United States for burial. Services were held for him at the Union Church in Monroe, Nebraska, on May 6, 1949, when Reverend Benjamin Hillier officiated, assisted by the Reverend Wallace.