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Gold Star Veterans
Gold Star Veterans
When World War II ended in 1945, many of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina's servicemen came home, but some could not. To insure that those who had given their lives to preserve our freedom would not be forgotten, volunteers created files of information about these veterans. These files were used as the foundation for the Gold Star Veterans Exhibit.
James Wilson
Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: He was on a Liberator bomber that left from the British Isles on a combat mission to Northern Europe. His plane crashed with another plane. It fell into the ocean and was being pursued by 4 enemy fighters. He is buried in Steele Creek Presbyterian Cemetery. There were memorial services on 10-15-1944 and 12-30-45 at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.
Age at Death: 28
Image Source: The Charlotte Observer 5-21-1944
Ernest Yarboro
Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: Killed off of Kerama Retto, islands west of Okinawa, where his ship, the Whitehurst DE, was supporting landings. During enemy fire he was blown or fell overboard and his body was not found. Memorial marker in Honolulu, HI.
Age at Death: 20
Image Source: Charlotte News 10-3-45
William Wilson
Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: Details of his death were sketchy because there was no street named Landis at the time. The military was having trouble locating his wife. He was killed in action.
Age at Death: Unavailable
Image Source: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Samuel Yelton
Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: Unavailable
Age at Death: Unavailable
Image Source: Charlotte Observer 3-16-45
Lowry Pinky Wilson, Jr.
Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: While on a recon mission, his jeep struck an anti-tank mine and all the occupants were killed. Buried in the military cemetery in Bensheim, Germany.
Age at Death: Unavailable
Image Source: Davidson College Bulletin
Frank Ziglar
Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: Listed as a First Presbyterian Church member who died in service in World War II. Not on the YMCA or NC Honor Lists.
Age at Death: Unavailable
Image Source: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library