MOUNT VERNON — Around 130 Knox County men were killed in action or died in the line of duty between 1941 and early 1946. Knox County native Debi Lehman is helping preserve the veterans’ stories.
Lehman, who now resides in California, will discuss her work with Stories Behind the Stars at the Wednesday, May 6, Knox County Historical Society meeting.
Stories Behind the Stars is a nonprofit volunteer organization of researchers and writers who are working to tell the stories of all 420,000 U.S. service members who died during World War II. The organization’s goal is to one day make accessible the life story of all of those men and women to anyone with a smartphone.
Of the 130 men from Knox County, Lehman has completed about 70 of their stories.
During her presentation, she will highlight local veterans to show how their individual stories deepen our understanding of history and reveal the profound impact the war had on every community in Knox County.
The stories include a Mount Vernon man who joined the RAF even before the United States entered the war, and the way that events after his death added to his family’s grief.
We will hear about a radio operator who heroically remained with the injured men aboard his crippled B-24 bomber, passing up the opportunity to parachute to safety.
Those attending will also hear about the only Knox County serviceman killed on D-Day at Omaha Beach.
By bringing their stories to life, Lehman helps ensure the community never forgets their sacrifice and properly honors their service.
Learning about those who sacrificed their lives
Attendees can also share their own stories or those of their loved ones who served in the conflict. Lehman is always looking to supplement her research with photographs, anecdotes, or other material that will allow others to know more about the lives of those who sacrificed so much for their country.
The presentation and discussion starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Knox County Historical Society Museum, 875 Harcourt Road, Mount Vernon.
As always, the museum will be open to visitors before and after the program. For more information, email knoxcountyhistory@gmail.com or call (740) 393-KCHS.