Grave marker for Merle W. Blethen in Plot: W, 1002 of the
Willamette National Cemetery, Portland (Multnomah county), OR.
Merle, although born in Mane, enlisted at Fresno, CA on 28
October 1942. By 2 October 1943, Sgt Blethen was a member of a
group on Detached Service at Camp Mackall, NC.
He received the Purple Heart and one
Oak Leaf Cluster for wounds sustained in Normandy and Holland.
He also was awarded the Bronze Service Arrowhead device for his
participation in the Normandy assault |