PFC James Clayton Dowell Jr.

courtesy of Debbie Hamilton

PFC James Clayton Dowell Jr was born 5 Apr 1924 in Beach Haven, New Jersey to James Clayton and Florence G. (Johnson) Dowell.  His father supported the family of 7 by working as a carpenter and truck driver.

When drafted in April 1943, James was working as a truck driver as well and he had only completed 3 years of high school.  James went overseas in 1944 and was transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry on 3 Sep 1944.  He suffered a non-battle injury on 12 Sep 1944 and had to be evacuated to the hospital.  He returned from the hospital on 21 Sep 1944.  On 5 Oct 1944 PFC Dowell was killed in action.

PFC Dowell was repatriated and is buried in West Creek Cemetery in West Creek, New Jersey.