Vernon B. Huntsman was born in Nebraska on December 3, 1920, to Mr. and Mrs. Huntsman; his mother's name was Hazel. He and his three brothers LeRoy, Luther and Robert and four sisters Viola, Connie, Rosie and Mrs. John Owens later joined their parents in a move to the Pajaro Valley. Vernon lived in Watsonville for three years and briefly attended Watsonville High School. After dropping out of school, he worked locally as a farm hand until the family moved to Niles, California.

Vernon Huntsman joined the US Army in San Francisco on December 22, 1942, and was sent to an unspecified camp for his basic and specialized training. While in the army, Vernon married Mary, who remained in Niles during his absence.

On June 3, 1944, Vernon Huntsman was serving with the 3025 Army Air Force Base Unit at Hicks Field in Fort Worth, Texas, when he was killed in an auto accident. His body was returned to Watsonville and following a funeral service, was interred in Pajaro Valley Memorial Park Cemetery.

(NARA2; WRP May 5, 1944 1:2, May 8, 1944 1:5, Pajaro Valley Cemetery Survey 5/12/08)