Eugene H. Truax, Post 4393, is a non-profit Veterans organization that supports the community of Northfield through sponsorship of youth activities, families in need, local non-profit organizations, a veteran’s organizations. All profits through gambling are donated back into the community and to local veterans needs.
VFW Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
VFW Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
VFW Core Values:
- Always put the interests of our members first
- Treat donors as partners in our cause
- Promote patriotism
- Honor military service
- Ensure the care of veterans and their families
- Serve our communities
- Promote a positive image of the VFW
- Respect the diversity of veteran opinions
HISTORY:
Eugene H. Truax, Post 4393, was chartered by 115 members on September 2nd, 1945, memorializing Northfield’s first service member killed in action during a major conflict. Eugene Hilton Truax, born and raised in Northfield, joined the U.S. Army National Guard in Northfield on February 10th, 1941. After being stationed at Camp Claiborne, LA, as Second Lieutenant with the 135th Infantry, he was sent to Officers Training School at Fort Benning, GA, where he received the rank of First Lieutenant. He was transferred to Fort Dix, NJ, and from there sailed to North Ireland. In November or 1942, First Lieutenant Truax was sent to North Africa to participate in the Allied invasion of the African continent. Serving as Company Commander to E Company, 135th Infantry, First Lieutenant Truax was killed in action, while fighting in defense of his country during World War II, on February 28th, 1943, in Tunisia, Africa.
On March 23rd, 1943, Mrs. Truax received two letters, one from the War Department in Washington and the following from Colonel Robert W. Ward in North Africa:
“Dear Mrs. Truax: I regret very much that I must tell you that your husband was killed in action on the afternoon of February 28, 1943. Lieutenant Truax, as you know has served with us from February 10, 1941, until the present time as a Transportation Officer, Detachment Commander, and finally a Company Commander. His promotion to Captain, which was forthcoming, would have been an exceedingly agreeable event to us all. I fully realize how inadequate my expression of sympathy must be, but please accept, not only mine, but also that of my entire regiment. Sincerely, Robert W. Ward, Colonel, 135th Infantry.”
Eugene is buried in the North African Cemetery, Carthage Tunisia.