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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 11:11:02 GMT 8
These pictures are of my great uncle Verlin R. Stewart of "H" Co., 503rd PRCT. He was from Etowah, Tennessee, born there on April 14, 1919, so he was a little over 20 years old when the war started. Wanted to share these 3 pictures of him here where it seems they belong. Also because of the other 6 guys in two of them that maybe someone else will recognize and appreciate. My dad has these pictures and there is nothing wrote on the back of any of them so ANY comments about names, location, details, etc... would be much appreciated. These are the only pictures of him. His home burnt to the ground around 1957 and everything he owned was lost. He died in his hometown on September 11, 1966, a lifelong bachelor with no children, and is buried with his parents in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Etowah, McMinn County, Tennessee. Above-Verlin R. Stewart's on the right-From looking at some other pic's on the website I'm wondering if this may be at Ft. Benning. Above-Verlin R. Stewart is 3rd from the left. Wondered if this could actually have been on Corregidor? Hope someone can offer some identification or just some keen observation on these. Above-Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Etowah, McMinn County, Tennessee Verlin Roy STEWART's obituary from his hometown newspaper The Etowah Enterprise. He died on Sept. 11, 1966. My dad say's that full military honors were performed at his funeral. The obituary states that he was overseas for 3 years. Wondering about the best way to find out where and what else he did while over there, before and after Corregidor. I've seen in the unit history what the 503rd was involved in but is there a way to confirm all what he was a participant in?
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Post by tmayer on Jun 11, 2014 10:32:22 GMT 8
Welome to the forum! Thanks for sharing the photos. I plan on attending the 503rd 58th Annual reunion. I'll take copies of these photos with me. Perhaps someone who was in H Co, may be in attendance.
Todd
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2014 11:51:40 GMT 8
Thanks Todd, that would be great! Would love for anybody who recognized him or any of the other guys in these to get access to them and have copies for themselves. Look forward to hearing back after the reunion.
Bob
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Post by EXO on Jun 12, 2014 6:42:21 GMT 8
I have received the following e-mail from "Jungle Jim" Mullaney, who was with "H" Co., initially as 2d Lt., and eventually commanded it on Negros. Jim lives in Louisville, KY. Jim is pictured with the sword surrendered to him on Negros. (Picture courtesy Steve Foster's collection)
My two cents worth on Verlin Stewart...... For a start I knew Verlin very well. We were in H company for about three years. I think they are older than we at first thought. I went through jump school in April 1942, Class 18A.... Verlin was already a qualified trooper at that time. In the first flick he wore a Summer flying helmet. These "flying helmets" were no longer used when I trained. Plastic helmets similar to football gear were then being used ..... They were much safer and prevented many head injuries..... You might note that Verlin wore jump wings in that photo. In the group I remember the rather short man as the left front as you view the picture.. I cannot recall his name. But he was with us in Australia.... Others I cannot name so this leaves me to believe the shot was made before I arrived on the scene... Wish I could be of more help to you and the Stewart family.... Jim _______________
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2014 11:13:29 GMT 8
Thanks EXO for passing that along and pass along my sincere thanks to "Jungle Jim" for his memories. They are greatly appreciated! Great photo of him with the surrendered sword. Thanks for including that as well.
Bob
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Post by tmayer on Aug 5, 2014 9:16:54 GMT 8
Hello, blbarnes
I passed your photos around to the guys. Unfortunately, the men in the photos were not recognized. The men at the reunion were from the 2nd BN, 462d and 161st. But please, don’t get discouraged. I learned a lot from this reunion… I went looking for information about my grandfather and found it, but it’s much greater than that. Even though the men there did not recognize or remember your great uncle, Your Family, and that’s the way you will be treated. It’s much more than just the war stories (and I heard a few), it’s about the life and families these men had and the common thread that ties it all together.
While In Terra Haute, I visited a Veterans museum. In the museum was a copy of G Co members KIA. The top said “That others May Live, These Died”. And the fact that you’re here and I’m here….. That’s what it’s all about. I hope to meet you at the next reunion.
bradjudy... that goes for you too! And all other 503rd PRCT family members and Friends\Supporters who participate or regularly view these posts.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2014 12:47:24 GMT 8
Thanks tmayer for showing the pictures and asking around at the reunion about Verlin Stewart. Someone may still recognize him one of the guys with him as long as they are available to people to find and see like they are here in the forums. I appreciate all that has been and is being shared on here. Really helps to fill in some of the detail about his experience there. It would be nice to make the reunion as well.
I've sent off for Verlin's Service Record and hope that I can end up with a little more info. about his service from whatever they send me. I have a little enlistment info stating that he enlisted on Oct. 17, 1941 at Ft. Oglethorpe, GA. I'll add additional info if I come up with any.
Thanks again!
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