Each November the Polk County Historical Association honors the county’s military warriors for their service to their country. On November 12 at 2:30 p.m. inside the Polk County Museum there will be a program entitled “The Ones Who Died in WWII.” 

 

Forty-three soldiers left Polk County for the battlefield that never returned. Like many small towns and communities across America, many young men in the prime of their life left home to protect our country that lost their lives. 

 

The list of native sons who paid the ultimate sacrifice includes Keith Arledge, Otis Arledge, Henry Blackwell, Alfred Bobo, Lionel Byars, Walter Cannon, Marion Carson, M. C. Chandly, Charlie E Cochran, John B Denton, Ted Dimsdale, Garson Durham, Morris Durham, James Foster, Horace Gibbs, Rufus Gosnell, Duran C Harris, James Hines, Albert Jackson, Henry Jackson, James W. Jackson, Raymond Jackson, Allen Jervy, James Paul Jolley, John Lavender, Benny Lynch, Ray McGraw, Broadus McKinney, Earl McKinney, Howard McQuinn, Pinckney Mills, Oliver Patton, Ralph Porter, King Ruff, William Shields, Ray Swain, Lewis Tessneer, Charlie Walker, Randolph Ward, Torrance White, James Williams and Marion Williams.

 

Hopefully this presentation will be a time of sharing about these men’s shortened lives. Participants are encouraged to bring photographs and stories of their lost relatives. Plans include reading a few letters written by Polk County men on the battlefield and bases around the world.

 

The public is invited to attend the program. There is no cost to attend. It is located at 60 Walker Street in downtown Columbus.

 

Submitted by John Vining

 

Photo Caption:  Local World War II veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice will be the PCHA November program. Polk County native Keith Arledge (far left) was later killed in action.