Verdun Covert Myers

Tech Sergeant Verdun Covert Myers was born 23 June 1919 in Tecumseh, OK. A 1938 graduate of Macomb High School, he enlisted in the Army at Fort Sill in 1942.

After basic training, Myers joined G Company, 34^th Infantry Regiment, 24^th Infantry Division in Hawaii and moved to Camp Caves near Rockhampton QLD, Australia, for intensive training. On 22 April 1944 the 24^th ID landed at Tanahmerah Bay, New Guinea, and seized Hollandia Airdrome. The 34^th Regiment was soon moved to Biak where the 34^th captured two airfields from the Japanese.

On 20 October 1944, the American 24^th ID and the 1^st Cavalry Division Platoon and G Company returned to the Philippines with an assault landing on Leyte. During a Japanese night attack on 2^nd Platoon and G Company, Myers carried two wounded foxhole defenders to safety then returned to his position. A second Japanese attack at dawn killed 2^nd Platoon’s PFC Harold Moon. Myers and remaining platoon members “fixed bayonets” and charged through the confused Japanese. For this action, Myers was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. His citation reads in part: “… Without regard for his own personal safety he evacuated his comrades through heavy enemy fire to the center of the perimeter…and returned to his position…the following morning the platoon attacked the enemy…his courageous devotion to duty was an inspiration to all…and a credit to the Armed Forces.”

In addition to his Silver Star, his awards include the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Returning home in 1946, Myers was elected for two terms as Pottawatomie County Sheriff and worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Transportation. He was a member of American Legion Post 260 in Tecumseh and was its commander in 1956, 1959, 1963, and 1967. He died on 3 November 1968, age 49, and is buried in Tecumseh Cemetery.