J.B. Poland, born August 20, 1928, was the son of William C. and Lillian Talley Poland of Knoxville. He was raised at the family home on Magnolia Avenue and was a graduate of Knoxville High School Class of 1947. He had a sister, Mrs. Mary Hicks of Louisville, TN, brothers, Easton of Forth Worth, TX, and Robert Poland of Knoxville.
Private First Class Poland joined the United States Marines and was a member of the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was killed in action September 27, 1950, while fighting against the North Korean Army in Seoul, Korea. He was returned to Knoxville for burial on July 3, 1951, over the Southern Railway. Funeral services were held July 5, 1951, at Little Brick Presbyterian Church. He was interred with full military honors, provided by the United States Marine Corps, and laid to rest in the U.S. National Cemetery, Knoxville.
Private First Class Poland was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.
- Rank: Private First Class
- Date of birth: 20 August 1928
- Date of death: 27 September 1950
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Marine Corps
- Division/Assignment: 1st Marine Division
- Conflict: Korean War
- Awards: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Korean War Service Medal
- Burial/Memorial Location: Knoxville National Cemetery, Knoxville, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XXI, Top Panel
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