In Memory of
Second Lieutenant of Infantry
Carl Fredrick Ruth
Hurley, South Dakota
Turner County
February 3, 1917 – November 10, 1942
Killed in Action in North Africa

Carl Fredrick Ruth was born on February 3, 1917, in Hurley, South Dakota.  He was born to John F. Ruth and Lula Krantz Ruth.  Before joining the army, Carl worked for a company in Chicago, Illinois.  He was a defense worker at the International Harvester Company.

He enlisted in the army on August 22, 1941.  He was sent to Camp Claibourne, Iowa, to train for the war.  After his training was complete, Carl was sent to North Africa and appointed to a Second Lieutenant rank.

On November 8, 1942, Second Lieutenant Carl Fredrick Ruth was killed in battle.  His farther was the following message in a letter from the war department:

The official casualty report states that your son died of wounds received in action in defense of
his country.  The date and place of burial or other particulars are not given.  Casualty reports
contain few details.   They are of necessity meager as the circumstances and pressure under
which forces operate during warfare do not permit the collection and reporting of full details of
a casualty.  In the event additional information is received, you will be notified promptly.

Though there was not a lot of information available about Lt. Ruth’s death, his family did receive the flag that was draped over his casket, his original duffle bag that carried his personal belongings.  Also, the family received a signed certificate from Franklin Roosevelt and Lt. Ruth’s original certificate appointing him Second Lieutenant.  Lt. Ruth was also awarded the Purple Heart, posthumously.

Carl F. Ruth was a great soldier.  He gave his life for his country.  We will always remember him as a great soldier who sacrificed his life for the United States.

This entry was respectfully submitted by Tim Plucker, 11^th Grade, Parker High School, Parker, South Dakota, April 30, 2002.  Information for this entry was provided by John C. Ruth.