James Henderson Foster (USN-2960538) was born July 31, 1924 and died February 18, 1942 aboard the USS Pollux. He was mustered in the Navy on October 27, 1941 in Nashville, Tennessee and was assigned to the USS Pollux on December 10, 1941 as a Mess Attendant Third Class. The USS Truxton and USS Pollux ran aground near Newfoundland, broke up, and sank killing several aboard each ship.
He was the son of Mr. Elijah Dave Foster (died 12-07-1956) of 53-C West 20th Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is buried at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Chattanooga Daily Times, 25 February 1942
Seventeen-year-old James Henderson Foster, son of Dave Foster, 1715 Long street, proprietor of Armstrong’s Liquor store, lost his life “in the lie of duty Feb. 18” according to a telegram received by his father from the navy department. Young Foster, a former student at Howard High School, volunteered in the naval service last November and was in service as a mess attendant. Three weeks ago he was home on a five-day leave and reported to Norfolk at the expiration of that time, and wrote his relatives of his safe arrival. This was the last message received from him. He is survived by his father, a brother, Edward Foster, and an aunt, Texana Armstrong.
- Rank: Mess Attendant Third Class
- Date of birth: 31 July 1924
- Date of death: 18 February 1942
- County: Hamilton
- Hometown: Chattanooga
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: USS Pollux
- Conflict: World War II
- Burial/Memorial Location: Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar X, Bottom Panel
- Contact us to sponsor James H. Foster
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