John Jack Poe was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on 10 July 1925 to John James Poe and Mildred E Maxie.
Died 5 May 1945
Cpl. Poe was killed in an attack on a fortified Japanese position near Dakeshi village on Okinawa. He was serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division.
Cpl Poe was initially buried at Okinawa, 1st Marine Division Cemetery. Buried at Chattanooga National Cemetery, Y, 524.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. James Poe, 3519 North Orchard Knob Avenue, Chattanooga
The Chattanooga Times, December 18, 1945:
The posthumous award of the Silver Star Medal was made yesterday to the parents of First Sgt. William F. Eldridge and Cpl. John Poe, Marine Corps who lost their lives in the fighting at Iwo Jima and at Okinawa.
Sgt Eldridge was the son of Dr. and Mrs. J.C. Eldridge of 1015 Hanover Street and Cpl. Poe was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Poe of 3519 Orchard Knob Avenue. Presentation of the medals was made by Capt. James B. Carpenter Jr., officer in charge of Marine Corps recruiting in Tennessee.
Sgt Eldridge was killed in the fighting on Iwo Jima March 2, 1945, while Cpl. Poe was killed at Okinawa on May 4. Sgt Eldridge was killed when fierce hand-to-hand fighting caused a shortage in his company’s grenade supply. He was mortally wounded when he exposed himself to enemy fire to direct his men towards an ammunition party. Cpl. Poe was killed in an attack on a fortified Japanese position near Dakeshi village on Okinawa. Sgt. Eldridge served with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, while Cpl. Poe was serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division.
- Rank: Corporal
- Date of birth: 10 July 1925
- Date of death: 5 May 1945
- County: Hamilton
- Hometown: Chattanooga
- Service Branch: Marine Corps
- Division/Assignment: Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division.
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Battles: Okinawa
- Awards: Purple Heart, Silver Star
- Burial/Memorial Location: Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XI, Middle Panel
- Sponsored by: John B. Romeiser
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