Everly Freedom Rock and Memorial

This memorial honors Veterans of all wars. In the center a white pillar in honor of eight area WWII Veterans killed in action. In 2003, a 105 4” Howitzer was dedicated to all who have served in war and in peace. A Blue Star memorial metal sign honors the Armed Forces that have defended our country.

This county memorial has one of 99 hand-painted “Freedom Rocks” in Iowa. The huge rock displays a western union telegram, American Flag, a ship and a sailor. It also displays a painting of medal of honor recipient Merlyn Dethlefsen and his war plane. Dethlefsen was a U.S. Air Force officer of nearby Greenville, Iowa.

In 1967, Major Air Force Captain Merlyn H. Dethlefsen, was flying in a badly damaged aircraft. He was commissioned to return to the air base but under constant fire, he continued to fly the injured plane, destroying the enemy steel works site before flying back to base. On another mission, several pilots were to attack the enemy surface to air missile complex. Several planes received severe damage or were crippled from warfare. Though Dethlefsen’s plane was also crippled, and though the smoke made it impossible to see the enemy, he made more repeated strikes, and destroyed two missile sites. He received the Medal of Honor from President Johnson for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Two displays portray the story of Dethlefsen and of Howard G. Roberts, Fireman 1^st Class for the US Navy. Roberts was aboard the Asheville ship was en route with other ships, that received orders to retreat from their current location to the outer lying islands. But the Asheville had engine trouble and soon found itself floating alone until three enemy destroyers attacked it. The ship went down taking the crew with her except for one member. He was taken prisoner and later died as a Prisoner of War.