Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
A Dutch couple, Martien and Maria Lemmerling, have adopted the grave of a soldier from Monticello who was killed in action during World War II and was buried in the American Military Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands. Aside from sparse information from former issues of the Monticello News regarding his service, little is known about Corporal Samuel T. Jenkins.
Cpl. Samuel T. Jenkins was known to be Monticello native, born to parents J.T. Jenkins and Josephine Jenkins. He reportedly entered the National Guard in 1941 and was later inducted into the army, serving in the 117th infantry, 30th division. He went abroad, served in the European Theater, and sustained injuries during June 1944, spending just over six months afterward in a hospital in England. After Cpl. Jenkins recovered, he was sent back into action in Germany.
Cpl. Jenkins was killed in action on Feb. 27, 1945. Originally reported as missing in action, notice of his death was sent to his parents by Colonel Walter M. Johnson only a few days later. A Memorial Service was held for him on May 27, 1945, at the Salem Free Will Baptist Church.
Since Cpl. Jenkins' grave in the American Military Cemetery has been adopted by the Lemmerlings, they regularly place flowers there in his honor. They would like to learn more about his life, family and character. They especially want to know the face of the man they honor, and as such, the Lemmerlings are seeking any photographs of him that may exist.
If you have information on Cpl. Samuel T. Jenkins, especially including photographs, or you are a living relative, please contact us via email at reporter4@ecbpublishing.com.
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