Brothers Served Their Country Proudly

During World War II, many individuals served their country proudly in a war that saw a much higher degree of support from the civilian population. While there are many stories such as the one I'd like to share, I'd like to preserve the memories of the brave men who I can proudly call my family.

My grandfathers family called Floyd County, Kentucky home. Floyd County is in the heart of Appalachia in Eastern Kentucky. My grat-grandparents Buck Elam and Julia Hicks had six sons- five of whome volunteered for service in the military and a sixth who chose to remain home with his wife and children yet served nonetheless in a civilian capacity training young men in defense work.

Of the five brothers serving in the military, three chose the navy and two chose the army.

My grandfather, Leonard Hicks, was a member of the 6th Air Base Squadron, Albrook, Canal Zone, serving as overseas tactical sergeant with the Army Air Force. Fortunately, his service never put him into a combat situation.

A brother, James Hicks, served in the European theater and was a part of the 3rd Co., 4th Training Battalion, Ft. Benning,GA. James was injured in battle in Sicily and again and more seriously while serving in France.

Preston Hicks served in the navy aboard the USS Thornton based in Pearl Harbor. His primary duty was a lab technician. The Thornton was among the ships surprised by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, but sustained no casualties, although it did engage the enemy.