James Layman Verhelst

James Layman Verhelst was born in Kewanee, IL and moved to Mason City in 1950. He graduated from Mason City High School in the class of 1965, where he excelled at wrestling. After graduation he moved back to Kewanee and worked as a welder for the American Standard Industrial Division. In April 1966 Verhelst enlisted in the Marine Corps and completed training at Camp Pendleton, CA. LCPL Verhelst arrived in Vietnam in October 1966 and was stationed at Phu Bai. He was hospitalized for a short time after contracting malaria but returned to duty. LCPL Verhelst was fatally wounded on March 26, 1967 after suffering gunshot wounds to his chest and right thigh while involved in a firefight with enemy forces in Quang Tri Province. A funeral service for the 19-year-old was at the First Methodist Church and his body was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery, both located in Mason City. Verhelst received many honors for his bravery while in action.