Wayne 'Doug' Austin
Feb. 25, 1921-April 7, 2005
Wayne "Doug" Austin, 84, died April 7, 2005, at Community Hospital of McCook.
He was born Feb. 25, 1921, in McCook to Charles M. and Blanche E. (Hawkins) Austin. He graduated from McCook High School in 1940.
He served during World War II in the U.S. Navy from February 1941 to 1956 during the Korean Conflict. He was a chief hospitalman. During the Korean Conflict he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division beginning March 1950. He was committed to action with the United Nations Forces on Aug. 3, 1950, in the Pusan Defense Perimeter. He was with the assault forces in the Inchon Landing. On Sept. 22, 1950, during the attack on Seoul, the South Korean capital, he was hit by mortar fire which broke his right ankle and left him with shrapnel in the face, chest and upper arms. There were seven killed and 17 injured. He assumed control and treated the injured for pain and organized evacuation of the injured. He subsequently received the Purple Heart and was awarded the Navy Cross.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Eugene Willard in 1922.
Survivors include a sister, Vernelle Austin of Salida, Colo., and a brother Charles "Mac" Austin and wife, Lois of Gothenburg; and two nephews.
Memorial services were Friday (April 15, 2005) at 2 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook with Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating. Inurnment was in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.