Pfc. Rayford C. Thomas 34175193

He went to school at Wesley Chapel High School and was a member at Oak Grove Baptist Church. He helped hid daddy farm during his lifetime, but was working in the Springs Cotton Mill at Fort Mill, S.C. at the time he was drafted into the army. He was never married.

His brothers were: Ervin Thomas, Cramerton, N.C., J.C. Thomas of Matthews, N.C.; Howard Thompson, Union County; Olin and Bradley of the home. His two half-brothers were Grady Stilwell, Lee Hall, Virginia; Arthur Stilwell, Union County. His siters were: Mrs. Ernest Grant, Cramerton, N.C.;Mrs. Farl Whitley, Marshville, N.C.; Mrs. Charlie Godfrey of Waxhaw, N.C.; Miss Bleeka Thomas of the home. His two half-sisters were Mrs. J.W. East, LaGrange, Ga.; Mrs. Roy Rape, Monroe, N.C.

He was inducted in the army at Fort Bragg on Nov. 27, 1941. He took four months training at Fort Knox, Ky. Four months at Fort Benning, Ga., two months on maneuvers in North Carolina. He went overseas in Nov. 1942. He fought in North Africa and Sicily, was then moved to England. He landed in France on D. Day. He fought through France, Belgium, Holland, and on into Germany, where he was killed.

He received the purple heart for wounds in September, 1944. He served in the Infantry of the 41st Armed Inf. Regt. The Second Armd Division.

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