Private Franz John Brenner

World War II US Army 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division Service Number: 37709680 Born: September 23, 1918 Inducted: May 30, 1944 Killed in action March 3, 1945 near Florence, Italy Buried: Saint Johns Cemetery, Idalia Purple Heart

Son of Charles I. and Minnie Helling Brenner of Idalia.

Wray Rattler April 5, 1945

The whole community was saddened last Wednesday morning when the following telegram was received by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. L. Brenner: "The Secretary of War desires to express his deepest regret that your son, Private Franz J. Brenner, was killed in action March 3rd in Italy. Confirming letter following."

Wray Gazette April 5, 1945

Idalia Youth Reported as War Casualty
Franz Brenner, Son of Chas. Brenners, is Killed In Action.

It was reported in Wray yesterday that Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Brenner of near Idalia were notified by a telegram yesterday that their son, Franz Brenner, had been killed in action. The youth was serving with the infantry and had been overseas only a short time. He was believed to be serving in Italy.

Wray Gazette April 26, 1945

CHAPLAIN TELLS OF IDALIA YOUTH'S DEATH IN ITALY

Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Brenner of Idalia have received from Major Day B. Werts, chaplain with the United States forces in Italy, a letter concerning their son, Franz Brenner, recently killed in action. The letter follows:

Dear Mr. Brenner, We who have lived with your son and who are in a position to understand the sacrifice he made, find it extremely difficult to express in words our appreciation for the part he has had in the accomplishments of our Division and the sorrow occasioned by his death. It was a great loss to us and to our country when he was killed in action March 3, 1945, in Northern Italy. His unit was in operation against the enemy in our sector of the lines when he was struck by enemy small arms fire and died almost instantly, thus suffering none of the pains that frequently accompany battle wounds. Rest assured that our doctors and first aid men are never but a short distance from our fighting men, and all medical aid possible is rendered at all times.

We know the sadness and grief caused by Pvt. Brenner's death, and we wish to extend to you and his loved ones the sincerest and heartfelt sympathy of his Commanding General and of his comrades-in-arms. Comparatively few people will ever be able to understand just bow much he has sacrificed for his country, but we who lived with him realize that he was a hero in the fullest sense of the word and know that in giving his life for his country he made the "supreme sacrifice."

Your son was buried in a U.S. Military Cemetery In Northern Italy, and a Protestant battlefield service was conducted at his graveside. I am sure that if you could have been present you would have been pleased with the service, and satisfied with the "Resting Place."

Your loved one has "slipped away and deprived us of his shade," but we who are left take inspiration from him and will carry on for final peace and security and freedom. Now May God bless and comfort and keep you un your great loss.

Most sincerely, Day B. Werts, Chaplain (Major) USA.

A memorial service for Pvt. Brenner was held on Good Friday. He was inducted into the army last summer, received five months training and spent a furlough at home. He sailed for Italy in October of last year. He was born on September 24, 1918. In addition to the letter from Italy, the Brenners also received a letter from a chaplain at his place of embarkation which praised Pvt. Brenner for his active interest in religious services and said, "I am certain he will be a good soldier - a soldier of whom you'll be proud."

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