Obit: Lightfoot, Lt. Marion S. (1921 - 1945)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Lightfoot, Meredith, Klanchar, Green

----Source: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Clark Co., Wis.) 11/30/1946

Lightfoot, Lt. Marion S. (31 MAR 1921 - 1 JUN 1945)

A memorial service was held for 1^st Lt. Marion Sanford Lightfoot in the Methodist Church in Fairchild on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 10^th, conducted by Rev. Fred J. Smith.  Lt Lightfoot was reported missing in action.  On June 1, 1945, his plane failed to return from a mission over Osaka, Japan, and after being listed for a year as "missing in action," the war department on June 2, 1946, declared he "must be presumed to be dead."

Marion Lightfoot, only son of Francis and Effie Lightfoot, was born on March 31, 1921, on the family farm east of Fairchild.  His mother died when he was nine years of age.  He was employed at Winnetka, Ill. after finishing school, and in March 1942, enlisted in the army air corps.  Promotions came to him rapidly until he reached the rank of first lieutenant, and in March 1944, he was assigned to the India-China theatre.  Early in the spring of 1945 he was transferred to a B29 base on Tinian Island of the Marianna Group.

Marion was awarded the Air Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary skill and courage in combat.  He was also awarded four bronze battle stars for participation in the following campaigns: India-Burman, China, air offensive over Japan and over Palumburg Sumatra.

As a youth Lt. Lightfoot attended school for a couple of years in Humbird (Clark Co., Wis.) and had many friends and acquaintance here.

He is survived by his father, Francis Lightfoot of Fairchild, and three sisters, Mrs. Maybelle Meredith of Neillsville; Mrs. Frances Klanchar of Willard; and Mrs. Zelda Green of Marshfield, besides numerous other relatives, and many young friends.