Leonard Earl Vanous
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
VANOUS, Leonard Earl
Leonard Earl Vanous was born April 18th 1921 in Driscoll, North Dakota to Emil & Minnetta Vanous. He graduated from Steele High School in 1939. The family moved to Hill City, Minnesota.
Mr. Vanous served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from December 30th 1941, until October 1945 during World War II.
He served in the 479th Service Squadron in the South Pacific. They were transported to Brisbane, Australia, then sent to Charters Towers. They traveled to northern Australia, where they built a B-24 base. Mr. Vanous drove a truck in the Motor Pool. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT).
SGT Vanous' next assigment was Ward Airstrip in New Guinea, followed a year later with the assignment to build an airstrip inland. In December 1944 he returned to the United States and was assigned to the Ontario Army Airfield, California. Later, he joined the National Guard.
He was decorated with two Battle Stars.
Mr. Vanous died on January 9th 2018
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s account (below)
“Sworn in 30th December, 1941, and sailed 1st or 2nd January 1942. At sea two weeks before anyone knew about 200 recruits were on the ship. Twenty-six days on ship and landed in Brisbane, Australia. Spent a week there, then took a train to Charters Towers. After an interview, I was assigned to a motor pool driving truck. From there we went to northern tip of Australia and opened a base for B-24s. After 6 months went to New Guinea, Ward Airstrip. A year later, opened another base inland. Came back to states December 1944. Was assigned to Ontario (California) Airbase to finish service.”
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 1 WWII Draft Registration Cards - Fold3
Leonard Earl Vanous (1921-2018) - Find a Grave Memorial
