Vince Rolves Live-in caretaker Donna Burklow confirmed that Wilbert "Vince" Rolves passed away at 3 a.m. Tuesday at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese.
Rolves celebrated his 102nd birthday on Feb. 23. A Carlyle resident, Rolves is believed to be the last living World War II prisoner of war in Illinois.
Burklow said Rolves had been ill for a long time and died of natural causes.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of SGT Vincent ‘Vince’ Rolves," Veterans Assistance Commission of Clinton County Superintendent Colbey Voss said. "It was truly an honor and a privilege to have known Vince, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to spend time with a man who represented so much of what we honor in our veteran community. Vince’s service and sacrifice during World War II were extraordinary, but what I will remember just as much was the person behind that incredible story. Even after everything he endured, he continued to give back, share his experiences, and remind future generations of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today."
Mayor Judy Smith said the city of Carlyle residents were saddened to hear of Rolves' passing.
"We give our deepest condolences on the passing of Vince Rolves," Smith said. "His military service and sacrifices, as the service and sacrifices of every veteran, will be remembering by those who knew and loved them."
Clinton County Board member Greg Riechman said one of the greatest privileges of being actively involved in supporting local veterans has been the opportunity to know and spend time with true American heroes like Rolves.
"Year after year, whether at Memorial Day ceremonies, Veterans Day observances, or other community events, Vince was always there, greeting everyone with a warm smile, a sharp sense of humor, and a humble spirit that never sought recognition for the extraordinary sacrifices he made," Riechman said. "Beside him, as always, was his devoted friend and trusted caregiver, Donna, whose companionship and support meant so much to him."
Rolves was one of the most decorated and celebrated veterans in southern Illinois.
He was drafted into the Army on March 23, 1943. He served until May 1945.
Rolves enlisted in the 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard, which would transfer to the European Theater of World War II.
His basic training was done in Alabama. After that, he got nine days off before boarding a ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean and go to war.
Rolves and his unit, Company C, were deployed to Italy. He was promoted to sergeant in the field. Rolves' role was reassignment, due to the military's loss of so many personnel in the war.
In December of 1943, Rolves was shot and wounded in Italy as his unit was captured by German forces. Rolves' unit was trying to take a hill and every time they started going up the hill, the Germans would start shooting.
His unit tried another approach the following morning when the Germans opened fire on Rolves' unit again. Rolves said all of a sudden, something hit his ankle. He thought a bullet had hit a rock and shattered, and the pieces were what hit him.
The lieutenant and other solders in his unit got hit, and Rolves and his unit mates were captured.
The unit was taken to an Italian hospital in Cartene DeEmpazo and Rolves was treated by a Siberian doctor, also held as a prisoner of war.
For 18 months, Rolves and his fellow soldiers were sent to Poland and endured the harsh East Prussian environment as American prisoners of war within the European Theater of World War II.
Rolves and other prisoners were forced to work hard labor within a prison camp and were under threat of death and subjected to bitter and icy environments and extreme malnutrition. Rolves lost 83 pounds while being held captive.
Rolves and the other prisoners of war would eventually be liberated by Russian soldiers.
For his actions, Rolves received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.
"I was honored to attend Vince's 100th birthday celebration two years ago, where I came to fully appreciate the remarkable depth of his service to our nation," Riechman said. "A decorated World War II veteran, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War Medal, honors that reflect not only bravery in combat but also uncommon courage, resilience, and devotion to duty. After being wounded and captured by enemy forces, Vince endured 18 months of unimaginable hardship as a prisoner of war, surviving conditions that few of us can even begin to comprehend.
"Yet what stands out most about Vince was not the medals he earned, but the character he displayed throughout his life. Despite the suffering he endured and the sacrifices he made in defense of freedom, he remained humble, kind, and deeply committed to his fellow veterans and his community. He represented the very best of the Greatest Generation. His life was a testament to courage, perseverance, and patriotism, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him."
When he returned home to Illinois, Rolves married his late wife, Loretta Thouvenin, on Oct. 24, 1946. Their marriage lasted 50 years until Loretta's passing due to Alzheimer's disease in 2012.
Rolves was born Feb. 23, 1924, in Albers.
"Clinton County has lost one of its true heroes," Voss said. "Vince’s legacy will live on through his family, our veteran community, and the countless people whose lives he touched. On behalf of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Clinton County, I extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was an honor to know you, Vince. You will be greatly missed, and you will never be forgotten.”
Riechman said men like Rolves secured the freedoms we enjoy today through their sacrifice and steadfast service.
"Men like Vince Rolves secured the freedoms we enjoy today through their sacrifice and steadfast service," Riechman said. "We owe him a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid, but we can honor his memory by remembering his story, cherishing the values he embodied, and ensuring that his example of selfless service is never forgotten.”
Zieren Funeral Home in Carlyle is in charge of Rolves' arrangements. Check the funeral home's web site for visitation and service information.
