James Boyd McCain 34433062

Pfc. James Boyd McCain Serial Number 34433062, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. T. McCain of Route 2, Waxhaw was born in Union County on April 8, 1921. He graduated from Jackson High School and was a faithful member of the Walkersville Presbyterian Church where he was an active member of the Youth group during most of his civilian life. After graduation from high school he was employed by the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Charlotte, and then the U.S. Rubber Co. when he volunteered for the army.

He was married to the former Miss Lois Hemby of the Weddington Community. He has two brothers, Donald and Fred McCain, both of whom also served in the army.

Pfc. McCain entered the U.S. Army in September, 1942, was trained at Camp Blanding, Florida, engaged in maneuvers in Tennessee and was stationed at Camp Atterbury, Indiana prior to going overseas to England. His division went into the Normandy beachhead with the invasion forces and subsequently fought through France, Belgium and Holland and into Germany. He was a member of the 30th Division, Field Artillary.

He was killed in Germany October 6, 1944 in the battle of Aachen at the age of 23. He was buried in the Henri Chappelle cemetery in Belgium and was later returned to the States. Graveside services were conducted at the Lakeland Memorial Park by the Rev. James Carson. Pallbeareres were members orf the Huey McCain Legion Post No. 359 and the body was laid to rest in the family plot. He received the Silver Star Award for gallantry in action, and the Purple Heart.

 

WAR DEPARTMENT
The Adjutant General’s Office
Washington, D.C.

20 February 1945

Mrs. Lois McCain
Route #3
Waxhaw, North Carolina

My dear Mrs. McCain:

I have the honor to inform you that, by direction of the President, the Silver Star has been posthumously awarded to your husband, Private First Class James B. McCain, Field Artillery. The citation is as follows:

SILVER STAR

"For gallantry in action on 6 October 1944 in *****. Private McCain was serving as a driver with a field artillery battalion. During a fierce engagement with the enemy it was necessary for the artillery forward observer party to move forward to an exposed position along roads under enemy oberservation and over areas not your cleared on mines. Private McCain unhesitantingly volunteered to enter this area with his vehicle and lost his life in the attempt when his vehicle struck an enemy mine and he was instantly killed. His fearlessness and gallantry were a source of great inspiration to his comrades at a time when the situation was most critical."

The decoration will be forwarded to the Commanding General, Fourth Service Command, Atlanta, Georgia, who will select an officer to make the presentation. The officer selected will communicate with you concerning your wishes in the matter.

May I again extend my deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement.

Sincerely yours,

ROBERT H. DUNLAP
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General.

 

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