Vernon was inducted into the Army on March 26, 1943. He was assigned to Camp Roberts, California and Camp Adair, Oregon for infantry training. He qualified for the
Combat Infantryman Badge on June 10, 1944. Vernon served in Company D, 361st Infantry,
91st Division. He served in Africa and later fought in Italy from Anzio to the Austrian border, seeing action in three major campaigns; Rome-Arno, North Apennines and the Po Valley. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars and two Overseas Service Bars. Vernon attained the grade of Private First Class during his tour of duty. He was discharged from the Army at the Separation Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas on October 27, 1945.
