Story jogged memories

The article “Making sure So. Md.’s fallen aren’t forgotten,” published in the May 24 edition, prompts me to make several comments. I was surprised to see the name Francis V. Adams listed among those killed during the Korean War. He was better known as Vernon. I believe my brother Walter and I, both in our nineties, are the only ones that remember Adams in Charles County. His military record among others were destroyed by fire many years ago.

A poor quality photo I have, taken while he was in Australia just prior to going to Korea, shows Adams with other soldiers with their heads shaven with the word VICTORY printed on their heads. This was to remain until the war in Korea was over.

The Adams family moved from Cross Roads (Nanjemoy) in the early ‘30s to Washington, D.C. Later in the ‘40s, members of the family returned to the Doncaster area. He entered military service from Donacster. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I was among those attending his funeral and burial.

Thirty-five or more years ago I visited the Harry White Wilmer Memorial and the town hall in Indian Head seeking to have his name engraved on their memorials. I failed in my effort.

His sister is buried at Old Durham Church. His grandmother, Annie J. Adams, and my mother, Marie L. Willett, were the instigators in securing and building of Adams/ Willett Road in Nanjemoy.

As we remember those fallen in battle on Memorial Day, another dear friend, Marvin C.L. Rye, comes to mind. He is buried in the Nanjemoy Baptist Church Cemetery. He was killed in action on April 6, 1945, in Germany. Arthur E. Willett, Indian Head