MERRILL'S MARAUDERS Lockner, John Howard

[John Robertson]

• SURNAME

Lockner​

• FORENAME

John Howard​

• UNIT

2 Bn (Green Combat Team)​

• RANK

Private​

• NUMBER

06948509​

• DATE OF DEATH

30th March 1944​

• AGE

31​

• GRAVESITE

Beals Cemetery,Erwin,Washington County,Tennessee​

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

from Embreeville,Washington County,Tennessee​

born 28.2.1913 Embreeville,Tennessee​

son of Joseph Phillip and Mary (nee Tucker) Lockner​

graduated Lamar High School​

attended Washington College Academy (2 years)​

employed by Embreeville Iron Works in civilian life​

enlisted 19.7.1939​

434 Infantry Regiment (Company I) 20.6.1941​

Merrills Marauders​

DOW India (received in Burma)​

​

 

[mcox]

I believe your information to be mostly correct, but with errors. John Lockner died in the West Indies, Saint Lucia according to a historian who did research for the East Tennessee Veterans memorial. John was my Great Uncle and the dates are correct. I could be wrong, and you could be right--I'm just citing what the historian put together. For years the family thought John died in India, and that was the narrative. The historian was working for the Veterans association to put together a memorial in East Tennessee. He borrowed the image you have on the site from me. If you have good valid records that John served in Merrill's Marauders I would love to know this, and add it to my records.

 

[mcox]

I believe your information to be mostly correct, but with errors. John Lockner died in the West Indies, Saint Lucia according to a historian who did research for the East Tennessee Veterans memorial. John was my Great Uncle and the dates are correct. I could be wrong, and you could be right--I'm just citing what the historian put together. For years the family thought John died in India, and that was the narrative. The historian was working for the Veterans association to put together a memorial in East Tennessee. He borrowed the image you have on the site from me. If you have good valid records that John served in Merrill's Marauders I would love to know this, and add it to my records.

Your information is 100% correct. I have cross verified, double/triple checked, cross referenced everything including service number. His service record is somewhat sketchy as to how and when he was asked to volunteer for the 5307th. We know he was assigned to Saint Lucia in 1943. In January of 1944, he is on the roster of the 5307th. Green combat team, 2nd btn. No doubt about it , he was there, he served there, he fought there, and he died there in May of 1944. I am so proud that he served with such a group of hard-core, dedicated soldiers. Thank you for all you do, so much.