James Homer Pratchard was born in Texas, the son of James Homer Pratchard Sr. and Lillian McBride.
He Died non Battle in the Philippines.
Pvt Pratchard was taken Prisoner by Japanese on 7 May 1942. He was sent to camp 14-121 at the Philippines and transported on a ship, the Shinyo Mary, which sank not too far out, swam to shore but died of Pneumonia on the shore.
Buried at Manila American Cemetery, Philippines, D, 16, 151.
The Chattanooga Daily Times, 25 September 1943
Pvt. James H. Pratchard Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Pratchard, 2101 East 24th Street, is held as a prisoner of war by the Japanese, according to a card received by his parents Thursday. The card, which was printed with the exception of the signature, read as follows: “I am interned in the Philippines Military Camp No. 2. Health is excellent, well. Please don’t worry am OK and doing fine. Please give my best regards to Cleo, Christine, Dr. Record and John.”
John is a brother of James and is stationed at Camp Roberts, Calif.; Dr. Record was the family physician and the girls mentioned are neighbors. The card was the first word received from Pratchard since Nov. 23, 1941, when he first went to the Philippines and was stationed on Corregidor.
Pratchard is a native of Chattanooga and attended the East Lake Schools. He was employed by the Standard – Coosa – Thatchar Company and was a member of the National Guard Band before he enlisted in the army.
- Rank: Private
- Date of birth: 16 November 1919
- Date of death: 17 September 1944
- County: Hamilton
- Hometown: Chattanooga
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: Mine Planter Harrison
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart, Prisoner Of War Medal
- Burial/Memorial Location: Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XII, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor James H. Pratchard
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