LaVern Brugger Killed

LaVern Brugger, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Brugger, of Lexington has been killed in action.

He was a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Coast Guard, and his wife, who lives at Oakland, California, telephoned his parents here that she had been notified of his death. He is thought to have been aboard a destroyer in the Atlantic ocean.

He graduated from Lexington high school in 1934. On September 19, 1939, he enlisted in the Coast Guard. Prior to December 7, 1941, he spent considerable time on duty in the Pacific Islands, and on the above date was stationed at Pearl Harbor.

On March 9, 1943, he was united in marriage to Miss Rita DeDeaux of Oakland, California. Besides his parents and wife, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Robert Hecox, of Gothenburg. - Lexington Clipper.

The Brugger family were residents of the Farnam community for a few years prior to three years ago.

The Farnam Press, 18 May 1944

Quite a large crowd attended the memorial services at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon in honor of LaVern Brugger, who is reported killed in action, presumably aboard a destroyer in the Atlantic ocean. The program consisted of songs, a sketch of his life while residing at Farnam, and an interesting and appropriate talk by Rev. Tipton. Several members of the American Legion attended the service.

The Farnam Press, 25 May 1944

Notes:
LaVern C. Brugger, Chief Motor Machinist's Mate, USCG
10 Mar 1917 - 3 May 1944
son of Charles and Elsie Brugger
buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Lexington, Nebraska
Destroyer Escort Sailor aboard USS Menges (DE 320)
On 3 May 1944, U-371 fired an acoustic torpedo which ripped off the stern of Menges and killed 31 crewmen.