World War II Honoree

James E. Free

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Collierville, Tennessee

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private 1st Class. Inducted into the United States Marine Corps December 31, 1943 and received his Basic Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Served in the Pacific Theater of operations and experienced combat with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, a subordinate unit of the Third Marine ‘the Fighting Third’ Division. He participated in the amphibious assault on the Volcanic Island of Iwo Jima (Battle Dates: February 19-March 26, 1945), Code Name: Operation Detachment. Killed in Action Thursday, March 8, 1945 and buried in the Third Marine Division battlefield cemetery on Iwo. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his family, with interment in the Magnolia Cemetery in Collierville, Tennessee. This Marine, an American Patriot, so gallantly gave his life for his country.