Merle E. Mahler, Jr. (1921-1944)

Killed In Action in Philippines

Mrs. Paul Mahler received the sad news Friday that her grandson, Lt. Merle E. Mahler, was killed in action Dec. 10th in the invasion of Ormoc, in the Philippines, where he has been the past nine months. He also took part in the invasion of Guam.

He was the son of the late Merle E. Mahler of Lowell, and was born March 20, 1921. He was graduated from Michigan City high school in 1939 and took an active part in athletics, playing basketball with the Northern Indiana Steelers in the national championship games in Chicago in 1942, and was an outstanding member of the Softball association.

He was employed in the Hossier factories when he was called into the service, June 30, 1942. He was graduated from Officers Candidate school at Ft. Benning, Ga., April 17, 1943, and was attached to the 305th infantry of the 77th division. He had served overseas for nine months.

He is survived by his wife and son, Merle, Jr., 16 months old. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Peckat, a brother, M/Sgt. Paul, in New Guinea with an Ordnance Depot Co., and three sisters, Mrs. Edna Imes, Jacqueline and Shirley, and another brother, James.