HERMISTON â Kermit Bellesâ parents never knew how he died.
The Hermiston man, serving his country during World War II, died in one of the worst naval calamities in United States history. But the sinking of the HMS Rohna was classified, and so details of its demise didnât become public knowledge until the 1990s.
Instead, the Hermiston Herald reported on Jan. 6, 1944, that Mr. and Mrs. Claude Bellles had received the following telegram:
âThe Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Pvt. Kermit A. Belles, has been reported missing in action since November 26 in the North African area. If further details or other information are received you will be promptly notified.â