John Dunham Futch, Jr.

JOHN DUNHAM FUTCH, JR.

John Dunham Futch, Jr., Pfc., 34601296, of World War II, the son of Emma Julia Plyler Futch and John Dunham Futch, was born in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, January 3, 1923. He has one sister, Emma Doris Futch, and one brother, Louis Kendrick Futch. His great grandfather, Captain Brinkley Franklin Richardson of Union County, fought in the Confederate War.

John, Jr. was a member of Central Methodist Church. He was a Boy Scout for several years. He attended Monroe High School where he was a member of the band. He entered Porter Military Academy at Charleston, S. C., in 1940, where he continued as a student until inducted into service. During summer vacations, John, Jr. played with several orchestras.

On January 15, 1943, John, Jr. was inducted into service and sent to Fort Jackson, S. C. While at Fort Jackson, he volunteered for paratroop service and was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, Company C, 511th Parachute Infantry. He trained at Camp Taccoa, Ga., Camp Mackall, N. C., Fort Benning, Ga., Camp Polk, La., and Camp Stoneman, Calif. He received his "Boots and Wings" at Jump School, Fort Benning, Ga. His outfit was sent to the Pacific in April 1944 and landed in New Guinea. He fought in the Battle of Leyte, and his first combat parachute jump was made on February 3, 1945, on Luzon in the battle for Manila. He died of wounds received in action on February 5, 1945, and was buried at Nasugbu, Luzon, Philippine Islands.

A memorial service conducted by Rev. J. H. Armbrust was held at Central Methodist Church on June 3, 1945. His body was returned to the States and buried on October 7, 1948, in the Monroe Cemetery. Dr. E. P. Billups and Rev. F. B. Drane officiated at the graveside service.

John Dunham Futch, Jr. received the following decorations:

American Theater
Asiatic-Pacific (3 stars)
Philippine Liberation
Good Conduct
Purple Heart
Expert RiflemanExpert Combat Infantry
Presidential Unit Citation

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