World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas Record
Name: Hubert A Reynolds Inducted From: Iowa Rank: Gunner's Mate First Class
Combat Organization: United States Navy Death Date: Jul 11 1944 Monument: Sicily & Rome, Italy
Last Known Status: Missing U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal
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Leon-Journal Reporter
Son of Mrs. May Reynolds of Leon Killed in Action On Ship That Was Bombed and Sunk While Screening a Transport off the Southern Coast of Sicily July, 1943
Hubert Allison Reynolds, 27, gunner's mate first class of the United States navy has been declared as officially dead by James Forrestal, secretary of the navy after being listed for over a year as missing in action. Reynolds is the son of Mrs. May Reynolds of Leon and Harry Reynolds of Burlington. He was first reported as missing in action following the sinking of the ship on which he was serving. He was on the U.S.S. Maddox which was bombed and sunk while screening a transport area off the southern coast of Sicily July 10, 1943. The weather conditions at that time included a slight sea and a northeasterly wind, according to the secretary of the navy in his letter to Mrs. Reynolds.
The survivors remained in the water about an hour before they were picked up by a tug boat that searched the area thoroughly. In view of the length of time that elapsed without any indication Reynolds survived and because of the strong presumption that he lost his life at the time of the explosions or was drowned shortly thereafter, the navy department has declared him as deceased.
Reynolds leaves a wife, Doreen Reynolds, and a two year old son Roland, who live in Jamaica, New York. Mrs. Reynolds suffered so from shock with the notice of her husband missing in action, she has been a patient at the Triboro hospital since.
Besides his wife and son and parents, he leaves six sisters and five brothers. The sisters include Mrs. Nadine Baker, Des Moines; Mrs. Retha McLain, Des Moines; Miss Edith Reynolds, Burlington; Mrs. Iva Judd, Cisco, California; Miss Teresa Reynolds, Des Moines; Dolly Reynolds, 13, Leon. The brothers are Elmer Reynolds, Chico, California; Staff Sgt. Clair Reynolds, England; Corporal Richard Reynolds, Italy; Harley Reynolds, A.C.M. 2/c Italy and Max Reynolds, 9, Leon.
Reynolds was a graduate of the Leon high school. He had been in the navy eight years when he lost his life in action for his country. He received the following citations; Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, World War Victory Medal. In addition to the above campaign he served in the Yangtze Patrol, Asiatic FK 1935-1940 Offensive and Defensive engagements.