Vernon Gustav Leppink was born on July 12, 1921, in Pine City, Pine County, Minnesota. He was the son of John Leppink. He enlisted in the army on September 13, 1939. He served in the 27th Bombardment Group, Light, as a Technician 4th Grade during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, T4 Leppink was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

T4 Leppink was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on June 5, 1942. He is now buried in the Forestvale Cemetery, Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Montana, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com