WWII - KIA - ESKRIDGE, Lester Earl
Eskridge, Lester – Cpl Army (Missing in Action)
May be Cpl. Lester Earl Eskridge b 1 July 1921 Frankfort, Clinton County, Indiana died 14 Feb 1943 in Tunis, Tunisia and buried in North Africa American Cemetery at Carthage in Tunis, Tunisia – listed on tablets of the Missing – he was in the Tank Artillery Division and died after his tank was exploded by enemy gunfire. Age 21 Years 7 Months 13 Days –
please let us know if this is NOT this person
Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier 17 Jan 1945 Wed p 6
Attica, Jan 17 – Two gold stars and several blue ones were added to the service flag of the Methodist Church, in an impressive service. The gold stars were dedicated to the memories of George Melvin Walter and Frank Ellis Divine, with both boys’ parents and Lt. Walter’s wife of Lafayette present. Pictures of the young men were placed upon the altar, flanked by lighted candles and matched floral tributes. Taps and echo were played by Donald and Normal Martin. “On the Wings of a Prayer” was sung by the choir and Judge Roy C. Fenters of Covington made a talk. Lt. Walter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Walter of this city was a member of the Methodist Church here and a graduate of Purdue University and member of the Elks and Masonic Lodes. He entered the service in 1942 and became a bombardier on a B-17, with the 8th Air Force in England. He was killed Feb 22, 1944 in action over the English Channel at the age of 26. Lt. Frank Ellis Divine, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Divine, was a member of the Methodist Church, attended Attica HS and went with the National Guards to Hattiesburg. Miss Jan 17, 1940. He served with General Patton in the 2nd Army in the European Theater, commanding a platoon of tanks. He was found wounded in Germany, Oct. 6, 1944 causing his death at the age of 23. Frank was the son of James and Ethel Divine, one of six children, including his twin sister, Frances. - kz