MERRILL'S MARAUDERS Eckert, Johnnie Theodore

[John Robertson]

• SURNAME

Eckert​

• FORENAME

Johnnie Theodore​

• UNIT

3 Bn (Khaki Combat Team)​

• RANK

Private​

• NUMBER

38010483​

• AWARD

Bronze Star​

• PLACE

Burma 1944​

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

from Cimarron County, Oklahoma​

born 04.06.1920 Texas (see note from Grand-daughter)​

farm hand in civilian life​

grammar school education​

single without dependents upon enlistment​

18.1.1941 enlisted Santa Fe, New Mexico​

14 Infantry (Company H)​

Merrills Marauders​

475 Infantry Regiment (Companies L,C and A) (Corporal) 1945​

10.08.1945 discharged​

married Bobby Kathryn Bobbitt (1929-2003)​

2 daughters Sandra & Linda​

1 son Alan Wesley Eckert (1950-1985)​

died 23.12.1952 (Aged 34) due Nephritis​

Liberty Cemetery, Carson County, Texas​

​

 

[Elektra]

This is my grandfather. I was born after his passing, so I never got a chance to meet him. His information here is incorrect. His middle name is Theodore and his birthdate was 4 June 1920, per his birth certificate. Not sure where the date 18 November 1918 came from. A relative told me she remembered something about him not being old enough to join, but at the date of his enlistment, he would have been 21, so not sure.

 

[Craig Robertson]

This is my grandfather. I was born after his passing, so I never got a chance to meet him. His information here is incorrect. His middle name is Theodore and his birthdate was 4 June 1920, per his birth certificate. Not sure where the date 18 November 1918 came from. A relative told me she remembered something about him not being old enough to join, but at the date of his enlistment, he would have been 21, so not sure.

Thanks have updated his record.
The wrong dates of birth is shown on draft card, discharge, headstone, obituaries, but probably all based on original draft card.
Do you have a photo of him that i could attach to his record?
Best regards, Craig

 

[Elektra]

I don’t have any in my possession, but can ask other family members. Interestingly enough, I found TWO birth certificates. His original had the name “George Theodore Eckert” and the subsequent “corrected” one was filed 29 October 1943 with the name changed to “Johnnie Theodore”, 23 years after his birth, both having the birthdate 20 June 1920. Completely baffled! Is there any way I could get a copy of his draft card? Fascinating to me. And thanks for the corrections! I am very proud and honored to have descended from this brave man and want others to be able to easily find him. I appreciate what you do!!

 

[Craig Robertson]

Here you go, birth certificate (guess this is the one you have), discharge + draft card.

 

[Elektra]

Thank you!! Yes, that is the corrected birth certificate. I’ve attached his original. What is super interesting is the birth certificate you have was filed approximately 1 month (9-2-43) after his separation from the military (8-43), according to the discharge paperwork. No one in the family is aware of any name change or discrepancy in birthdate. Trying to piece the puzzle together. I can’t figure out where that 11-18-18 came from or why.

 

[Craig Robertson]

Here is headstone application too.