Pvt. Melvin Richard Hunker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hunker of Howell township, was killed in action on May 8, exactly one week after he landed on Okinawa.  Word was received by his parents Sunday.

    Born at Bancroft, Nebr., July 22, 1926, Pvt. Hunker came to Howell township with his parents six years ago.  He entered the army on September 27, 1944, and took his training at Camp Fannon, Tex.  His last furlough before he was sent to the Pacific area was in February. He landed on Okinawa with an infantry company on May 1st.

    Surviving his death are his parents, two sisters, Mrs. Leo Geobel of Fremont, Neb., and Mrs. James Anglin of Miller, two brothers, Pfc. Leo Hunker, in the air force at Mt. Home, Idaho, and Raymond at home.  His grandmother, Mrs. Laura Hunker, resides in Howell township, and his maternal grandfather Robert Zahnow, lives at West Point, Nebr.

    Pvt. Hunker is the eighteenth man from Hand county who has lost his life in action.