Pvt. M. Sammons, One of 7 Sons of Widowed Mother, In Service, Dives to Death

Inducted into the service only on May 24, 1943 and given a 24-hour leave from Ft. Snelling, Minneapolis, Minnesota to enjoy a reunion of his family at Currie, Minnesota over the last weekend, Pvt. Marvin L. Sammons, one of the seven Sammons boys who are in the service, had a tragic accident at Lake Shetek State Park last Sunday, June 21, 1943.

Attending a picnic at the park, Pvt. Sammons, with others, was about to refresh himself in the cool waters of Lake Shetek. Making every minute count during-his short leave, he ran down the park bath house steps and raced into the water, taking a water-line dive. He hit a sharp rock beneath the water head-on, rendering him unconscious and causing wounds from which he died in the Tracy hospital about 1:30 a.m the next morning.

Many people were standing on the shore watching the merry-makers in water when Pvt. Sammons rushed into the water. Among them was Night Marshal Julius Remstad, of this city. He saw Sammons hit the water and a moment later a clear blood stain at the spot. Without a word he rushed into the water with his clothes on and soon brought the ill-fated young soldier to shore. Blood was streaming from his head, an examination later showing that the force of the impact had burst open the head and laying the scalp open half way around his head.

By this time help had arrived, and with the scalp replaced and head covered with towels, Sammons was rushed to the Tracy hospital. The trip was in vain, however, for an examination revealed that in addition to the serious scalp injury, he had suffered a concussion of the brain and a broken neck. He was paralyzed from the waist down and never regained consciousness.

Pvt. Sammons was one of seven of Mrs. Anna Sammons of Currie, who have entered the service, and in the edition of June 3, 1943 the Herald carried a picture of the mother and the seven stalwart soldiers, with a story of their service.

Three older brothers had earned furloughs to return home and visit their mother, and Pvt. Marvin, the nearest to home, succeeded in getting a 24 hour leave in order that he might see them. Thus did fate decree that the homecoming to which he had so eagerly looked forward, and the happiness of the reunion, should turn to his untimely passing and heart-rending sorrow to all.

The three brothers who were home on furlough were Sgt. Melford "Ki" back home from active service in North Africa; Pvt. Raymond "Ray", stationed at Fort Williams, Maine, and Pvt. Floyd "Speed", now stationed at Brookings, South Dakota, and who also was home on a 24-hour leave.

The unfortunate young man was but 18 years of age last March. He was born in Holly Township, Murray County Minnesota, and spent all of his life in this county, until going into the service on May 24, and since which time he has been stationed at Fort Snelling.

Besides his grief stricken mother, he leaves nine brothers, Clarence, of Tracy, the three brothers above named; Pvt. Freeman, now stationed at Battle Creek, Mich. and who arrived home for the funeral; Pvt. John Henry, still reported missing after the heroic defense of Bataan; Second (Class, E-5) Cook James, overseas, Leslie and Vernon at home, and four sisters, Marie his twin sister; Mrs. Alfred Oshlager (Ahlschlager), of California; Mrs. Wm. Glatz, of Tracy, and Angeline at home.

Funeral services took place at 1 o'clock from the home of the brother Clarence "Pete", at Tracy, and from St. Olaf's Church, near Walnut Grove, in Ann Township in Cottonwood County, Minnesota at 2 o'clock, after which the remains were laid at rest near those of the father, the late Wm. Sammons, who preceded him in death.

Marvin L Sammons