James Lester Chase was the son of Mahlon Preston Chase and Mollie Elizabeth Rodgers.
He was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, Company E, 2nd Battalion and was killed in action on Okinawa. Pvt. Chase had returned to action after recovering from hip wounds received from shrapnel. He entered the service in May 1944 and received training at the Marine Base in San Diego. He had been serving with the First Marine Division in the South Pacific since November 1944.
The Kingsport Times 19 July 1945:
Greeneville – Pvt James Lester Chase, 20, was killed in action on Okinawa June 12 according to official notice received from the War Department last week by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.P. Chase, Route 12, Greeneville. Pvt Chase had just returned to action after recovering from hip wounds received from shrapnel. He entered the service in May 1944 and received his training at the Marine Base in San Diego. He had been serving with the First Marine Division in the South Pacific since last November.
The Greeneville Sun, July 3, 1945:
Private James Lester Chase, aged twenty, was killed in action on Okinawa on June 12th. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.P. Chase of Greeneville, Rt. 12, received official notice from the War Department last week. Pvt. Chase had been severly wounded in the hip by shrapnel and had just recovered and gone back in action. Pvt. Chase attended Baileyton High School. He was much interested in all types of farming, especially live stock, and had a herd of 45 registered Hereford cattle which he had built up himself. He gave promise of becoming one of the ablest agricultural leaders in the county and was most anxious to get the war over so he could be able to return to the work he loved on the farm.
He entered the service in May 1944 and had been serving with the First Marine Division in the South Pacific since last November. He received his training at the Marine Base in San Diego and had been able to return home only once since leaving, having been here for two days last summer.
He was a young man of sterling worth and his likable disposition won for him a host of friends. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.P. Chase and one sister, Miss Almita Chase of Kingsport.
The Greeneville Sun, Friday April 29, 1949:
Body of James Lester Chase to lie in state. Remains to arrive Tuesday. Rites to be held Wednesday.
- Rank: Private
- Date of birth: 21 December 1924
- Date of death: 15 June 1945
- County: Greene
- Hometown: Greeneville
- Service Branch: Marine Corps
- Division/Assignment: 1st Marine Division
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Battles: Okinawa
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, Greeneville, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar IX, Bottom Panel
- Sponsored by: John B. Romeiser
Image Gallery
Click a thumbnail below to view at full size.
