Vernon K. Neufeld was born on August 30, 1922 in Reedley County, Fresno California. Vernon was married to Marjorie Catlin and had two children. He joined the armed forces for World War II on March 19, 1943 as an Aviation Cadet. On December 24, 1943, Vernon transferred into the Air Force to be sent overseas to Europe to assist in fighting Germany. He was deployed May 1, 1944. He served with the 364th Bomb Squadron in the 305th Bomb Group. Once in Europe, Vernon started gaining popularity as he was noticed for being able to shoot down multiple German airplanes. 

August 6, 1944 Vernon received his first 2 Oak Leaf Cluster as well receiving the Air Medal the previous month. The day of August 24, 1944 Vernon became a prisoner of war. He was missing in action until located on September 28, 1944. During his stay as a Prisoner of War he was tended to his injuries when his plane crashed. He suffered a broken Pelvis and Frack injuries to his head. Vernon received a Purple Heart medal the following year. Vernon was honorably discharged July 1, 1949 – June 30, 1951 as he was in Air Force Reserve. Vernon died in San Mateo, California at the age of 67 on June 8, 1990.

Link to the collection's Descriptive Finding Guide.