Though she likely never served in the US military, Emma Stephenson was laid to rest at Marietta National Cemetery, a symbol of thanks and in commemoration of the comfort she provided to injured and dying soldiers.
Little is known about how the formerly enslaved woman came to serve as a heroic nurse in a Union Army hospital near Marietta, GA. And like countless enslaved persons, even less is known about her birth, early years and her path to becoming a free woman of color. But what we can deduce from stories like hers and learn from the few facts available is that Emma Stephenson definitely earned her final resting place in a US national cemetery among those for whom she cared.
More than 3,000 US Army soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. The Confederate Army suffered approximately 1,000 casualties.
Conflicting Records
Conflicting accounts indicate that Stephenson likely was born into slavery in either Kentucky or Tennessee. She likely was freed as a result of Civil War actions, when local occupation by Union troops resulted in the freeing of enslaved workers from the estates of their Southern masters.
A National Park Service biography indicates that she voluntarily served as a nurse with the U.S. 17th Army Corps, part of General William T. Sherman’s Army of the Cumberland which fought throughout the South. The NPS biography also indicates she may have been born and enslaved originally in Kentucky.
Other accounts suggest she was born and enslaved in Tennessee, then volunteered as a nurse when freed, accompanying the 44th US Colored Infantry as part of Sherman’s forces. Civil War Union Army records and battlefield accounts from the NPS and other sources indicate that the 44th US Colored Infantry participated in Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign and March to the Sea.
“We have a slave woman who cares for us on this floor. She has kindness and treats us with tender care.”
A film shown at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park recalls Stephenson’s recorded service as a nurse for the Union Army. A PBS miniseries, Civil War: Untold Story also includes her story.
Battle of Kennesaw Mountain
At the center of Emma Stephenson’s known story sits the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, which took place in June 1864. After several frontal attacks by the Union Army on entrenched Confederate positions, the Confederate Army withdrew to the Southern bank of the Chattahoochee River.
With more than 3,000 Union soldiers dead, wounded or missing, the Union Army established a hospital at the Masonic Lodge in Marietta for the Union wounded. It’s here that Emma Stephenson’s service was recorded. And it’s also here where she would die, her life taken by a camp and hospital disease outbreak less than one month after the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Civil War hospital conditions were horrible, often set up in hotels, homes, commercial buildings, homes or battlefield tents.
Letters of Union soldiers to their families back home provide primary sources about Emma Stephenson’s service in the hospital. Those letters often refer to her as the “slave nurse,” although she was a free woman. Often according to journals of the time, the hospital nurses wrote the letters on behalf of the injured soldiers. The family of Asa Soper, an injured soldier from the 30th Illinois, received one of those letters.
His letters states: “”Mother, I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines. I hope you are well. I am in a building and dry. The few nurses here work all day and night. We have a slave woman who cares for us on this floor. She has kindness and treats us with tender care. But my only hope is to come home to you.”
Famed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady captured this image of wounded soldiers being transported from a battlefield.
Nursing in the Civil War wasn’t the medical profession we know today. Most nurses came to the role with no medical training. Instead, they offered traditional caregiving roles that deemed appropriate extensions of their domestic duties at home. But the scale of the war and number of injuries eventually resulted in nurses providing more medical support — usually out of necessity and often over the objection of doctors. Though they didn’t assist in surgery, nurses witnessed and treated graphic wounds and amputations that were emotionally draining. Letters and articles of the time show that the work was both physically and mentally taxing, often requiring long hours in overwhelmed facilities.
Providing Care
And the hospital conditions were horrible. Often using buildings that had survived or were damaged by battles and skirmishes, hospitals occupied hotels, commercial buildings and even homes. According to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, the physical arrangements were chaotic.
Makeshift beds—often just straw or blankets on the floor—were packed closely together to accommodate the wounded soldiers. Surgeons worked at rudimentary operating tables, frequently simple wooden planks set on barrels or crates. Sanitation posed a significant issue; blood-soaked bandages, amputated limbs, and other medical waste often littered the ground nearby, contributing to a pervasive stench and the spread of infections. The air was thick with the smell of sweat, blood, and antiseptics like chloroform and ether, mixed with the nauseating odor of gangrene and other infections. Patients groaned and screamed in pain as surgeons performed amputations and other procedures, often without adequate anesthesia.
Rows of wounded men with missing limbs or severe injuries awaited surgery or suffered in agony following procedures. The constant activity of doctors, nurses, and orderlies rushing between patients added to the sense of urgency and despair.
This pencil drawing was used to illustrate the care which wounded soldiers received during the Civil War. But reality was grimly different.
Thus, without medical training and ill-equipped for the widening scope of their roles, Civil War nurses evolved in their roles or left “their soldiers” behind. Emma Stephenson stuck to her commitment, providing care and comfort.
A Hero’s Reward
After her death in the Union camp on July 16, 1864, from an unknown disease, Stephenson was buried at the Army Corps Hospital. With Marietta National Cemetery established in 1866 as the final resting place for US Army soldiers, Emma Stephenson’s remains were reinterred there. Having earned a spot in the cemetery for her care and service, Stephenson lies among those for who she gave her life.
Emma Stephenson is buried at Section F, Plot 4841, in Marietta National Cemetery. Also buried in that section are identified members of the US Colored Infantry, as well as unknown members of the unit.
Emma Stephenson’s final resting place is in Section F of Marietta National Cemetery. Also buried here are more than 200 known and unknown members of the United States Colored Infantry.
Our Growing Series on Marietta National Cemetery
Since we live nearby, we frequently walk the pathways through Marietta National Cemetery. We’re often intrigued by what we find, and develop new articles. You can find all our posts about Marietta National Cemetery and the heroes resting in its hills by clicking here.
Click the image above to find our complete (and growing) series about the heroes resting in the hills at Marietta National Cemetery.
How an enterprising amateur historian “discovered” a fallen hero at Marietta National Cemetery.
A clerical error led to a misspelling on the original headstone of Medal of Honor recipient Dennis B. Buckley. Today, this US Army hero’s gravesite is marked with a Medal of Honor headstone.
Canadian-born Private Dennis B. Buckley died a Union hero in the Battle of Peach Tree Creek near Atlanta on July 20, 1864. For his actions, he was awarded the US Medal of Honor, today the nation’s highest military honor. Then he and his bravery were buried and lost for 142 years at Marietta National Cemetery. And all because of a clerical error.
Buried with approximately 10,000 other Civil War veterans at Marietta, Buckley’s original headstone was labeled, “Dennis B. Burkley.” That’s likely because all the original service and cemetery records are handwritten in script. Add sloppy handwriting to the speed at which Civil War remains were reinterred at Marietta National beginning in 1866, and it’s easy to understand how the mistake was possible.
In 2006, amateur historian John DuBois of Caledonia, N.Y., dug deep intoCivil War records, tracing his grandfather’s 136th New York Infantry unit. According to a story in the Washington Post, DuBois “found records that listed Buckley as a member and a grave number that matched the grave at the cemetery with Buckley’s name misspelled.” He notified the cemetery, which did its own research, confirmed the error, and also certified his Medal of Honor award.
With the mistake found and corrected, Marietta National Cemetery officials set out to properly memorialize Buckley’s final resting place with a Medal of Honor designation. The original headstone crumbled when officials attempted to move it.
Today, a brilliant white marble headstone with gold lettering at Marietta National plot 59-G-17-1 memorializes Buckley’s final resting place and brave achievements. Engraving includes his status as a prisoner of war, and as Medal of Honor recipient killed in action.
Buckley’s 136th Infantry fought with General William Sherman’s Army during the Atlanta Campaign. Buckley was killed in action at Peachtree Creek.
Buckley died July 20, 1864, at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek, part of General William T. Sherman’s March to Atlanta. His 136th New York Infantry Division was attacked repeatedly that day by the 20th Division of General John B. Hood. During one of those assaults, Buckley charged the Confederate line formed by the 31st Mississippi. Knocking down the unit’s flag-bearer with the butt of his rifle, Buckley seized the flag, then waved it. His celebration was short-lived, as a bullet ricocheted off the flag’s mast, striking Buckley in the head and killing him.
Earlier in the war, Buckley had been captured and held as a POW by Confederate soldiers during a skirmish raid on January 11, 1863, at Bank’s Ford, VA. Following a Civil War parole procedure, Buckley was released back to the Union Army, with a timed promise not to take up arms. Records show he was “employed as a nurse” at the US Army General Hospital in Annapolis, MD, on June 1, 1863.
One year later, on May 31, 1864, Buckley returned to the 136th New York, and was listed for active duty. During June and July, his unit fought in Battle of Pine Hill (June 11-14), Battle of Lost Mountain (June 15-17), Battle of Gilgal or Golgotha Church (June 15), Battle of Muddy Creek (June 17), Battle of Noyes’ Creek (June 19), Battle of Kolb’s Farm (June 22), Assault on Kennesaw Mountain (June 27), Battle of Ruff’s Station/Smyrna Camp Ground (July 4),Battles along the Chattahoochee River (July 6-17) and the Battle of Peachtree Creek — where Buckley met his demise.
Our Growing Series on Marietta National Cemetery
Since we live nearby, we frequently walk the pathways through Marietta National Cemetery. We’re often intrigued by what we find, and develop new articles. You can find all our posts about Marietta National Cemetery and the heroes resting in its hills by clicking here.
See our full (and growing) series about the heroes resting in the hills at Marietta National Cemetery.
“Valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination“
At the highest point in Marietta National Cemetery flies an American flag and the POW/MIA flag commemorating those who never returned home from their service to our country.
And in the shadow of the flags, you’ll find a standard white headstone with the name of Marine Corporal Lee Hugh Phillips, recipient of our nation’s highest military honor and one of the men who never returned home from war.
Marine Corporal Lee Phillips received the Medal of Honor for his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in battle near Chosin Reservoir, Korea.
Phillips was awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave actions on November 4, 1950, in Korea. Phillips miraculously survived the battle for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. But he was killed in action just three weeks later, on November 27, 1950, while fighting at the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. His remains were not recovered. His Medal of Honor was presented to his mother at a Pentagon ceremony in March 1954.
Thus, Phillips, a native of Stockbridge, GA, is commemorated with a cenotaph — an empty grave and monument erected in honor of a person whose remains are lost — in Section MB, near the flag that flies over the hallowed grounds.
This cenotaph honoring — an empty memorial to a missing or lost person — honoring Lee Phillips is located near the flag pole at Marietta National Cemetery.
Each Medal of Honor award is accompanied by an official citation which describes the actions of the medal recipient. Phillips’ citation reads like a superhero movie script, except that it’s fact. Rather than describe it, here’s the citation as published by the National Medal of Honor Museum:
CITATION
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assuming the point position in the attack against a strongly defended and well-entrenched numerically superior enemy force occupying a vital hill position which had been unsuccessfully assaulted on 5 separate occasions by units of the Marine Corps and other friendly forces, Cpl. Phillips fearlessly led his men in a bayonet charge up the precipitous slope under a deadly hail of hostile mortar, small-arms, and machine gun fire.
“Quickly rallying his squad when it was pinned down by a heavy and accurate mortar barrage, he continued to lead his men through the bombarded area and, although only 5 members were left in the casualty ridden unit, gained the military crest of the hill where he was immediately subjected to an enemy counterattack.
“Although greatly outnumbered by an estimated enemy squad, Cpl. Phillips boldly engaged the hostile force with handgrenades and rifle fire and, exhorting his gallant group of marines to follow him, stormed forward to completely overwhelm the enemy.
“With only 3 men now left in his squad, he proceeded to spearhead an assault on the last remaining strongpoint which was defended by 4 of the enemy on a rocky and almost inaccessible portion of the hill position.
“Using 1 hand to climb up the extremely hazardous precipice, he hurled grenades with the other and, with 2 remaining comrades, succeeded in annihilating the pocket of resistance and in consolidating the position.
“Immediately subjected to a sharp counterattack by an estimated enemy squad, he skillfully directed the fire of his men and employed his own weapon with deadly effectiveness to repulse the numerically superior hostile force.
“By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Cpl. Phillips served to inspire all who observed him and was directly responsible for the destruction of the enemy stronghold. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”
(Signed) Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States
Additional Honors
In addition to receiving the Medal of Honor, Phillips was bestowed with Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon,Navy & Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and the United Nations Service Medal.
Our Growing Series on Marietta National Cemetery
Since we live nearby, we frequently walk the pathways through Marietta National Cemetery. We’re often intrigued by what we find, and develop new articles. You can find all our posts about Marietta National Cemetery and the heroes resting in its hills by clicking here.
Click the photo above to find our full (and growing) series honoring the heroes buried in the hills at Marietta National Cemetery.
Following World War II, the United States Armed Forces fought in two undeclared wars, joining forces from the United Nations and Allied countries. The US sent more than 1.5 million American troops to the Asian peninsula to fight combined forces of North Korea and China from 1950 to 1953. And in Vietnam, American advisors joined the fight in the early 1960s and a total of 550,000 engaged before the conflict’s end in 1974.
In this post, we’re remembering and sharing the stories of Korea and Vietnam heroes buried at Marietta National Cemetery who received the Silver Star. In a previous post, we’re written the stories of two Medal of Honor recipients and two Distinguished Service Cross recipients also buried at Marietta National. And we did a post honoring Silver Star recipients from World War I and World War II.
The Silver Star is the third-highest award, recognizing those who demonstrated “gallantry in action.” Of the 15 Silver Star Korea and Vietnam heroes buried at Marietta National, all were killed in action.
While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.”
Using FindAGrave.com and Fold3.com databases for primary research, we identified a total of 15 Korea and Vietnam heroes buried at Marietta National Cemetery who had received the Silver Star for heroism and valor. All the Korea and Vietnam heroes receiving the Silver Star died in combat.
For some, we were able to find and include the Silver Star citations or details about Korea and Vietnam heroes Silver Star, which describe in detail the harsh battle conditions and heroic actions of these heroes. But for other Korea and Vietnam heroes receiving the Silver Star, despite our best efforts, we only found scant amounts of information.
For some, Korea and Vietnam heroes, we found citations describing harsh battle conditions and heroic actions. But for others, despite our best efforts, we only found scant amounts of information.Here, Soldiers of the 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Brigade, prepare to move across a rice field in January, 1966.US National Archives Photo.
Following is the list of Korea and Vietnam heroes receiving the Silver Star that we’ve identified at Marietta National Cemetery, all of whom were killed in action:
LCPL Henry Ballew Jr., a Georgia native, died in Vietnam, 27 July 1969, while serving in the US Marines. Ballew was awarded the Silver Star “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam,” his award citation said. It continued: “ As Lance Corporal Ballew’s squad was crossing a stream, the Marines came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, he fired at the enemy and killed one of the hostile soldiers. Realizing the danger to several of his men who were still in the water, Lance Corporal Ballew unhesitatingly rushed up the stream toward the enemy firing his weapon and simultaneously directing the actions of his men. Fearlessly providing protective fire to cover the movement of squad members, Lance Corporal Ballew continued his selfless actions in the face of intense enemy fire until he was mortally wounded.” He was awarded the Silver Star, and Purple Heart, in addition to earning other honors. He is buried in Section R Site 129.
2nd Lt Earle John Bemis, a Georgia native, died 1 Jun 1969, in Chau Doc Province, Vietnam. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on June 1, 1969 while serving with the US Army Advisory Team 84, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam in Southeast Asia. He rests in Section R Site 125.
HMC Robert Lewis Brown, a Georgia native, died 26 JAN 1967, while serving as a hospital corpsman in the US Navy on a reconnaissance patrol operating deep in Viet Cong-controlled territory. When his unit was hit with intense enemy fire, Brown moved forward to aid his patrol leader. Learning that there was another wounded Marine on the trail approximately thirty meters from his position, Chief Petty Officer Brown again exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire to render assistance. Unable to move the wounded man, he remained in an exposed position and continued to give medical aid for approximately five minutes, following which he organized and assisted in the removal of the Marine casualty to a cleared area for evacuation. Shortly after arrival in the evacuation zone, Chief Petty Officer Brown was himself mortally wounded. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, along with other awards. He previously had served in the Korean War. He is buried in Section U Site 339.
“Chief Petty Officer and Hospital Corpsman Robert Lewis Brown Brown again exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire and continued to give medical aid for approximately five minutes. Following, he organized and assisted in the removal of the Marine casualty to a cleared area for evacuation. Shortly after arrival in the evacuation zone, Chief Petty Officer Brown was himself mortally wounded.” In this photo, Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division stand guard over a Landing Zone (LZ) waiting for the second wave of assault helicopters to land in July 1966.US National Archives Photo
CWO Francis Lekirklas “Toby” Griffin, a native of South Carolina, died 1 FEB 1968, while serving as a helicopter pilot for the 62nd Battalion of the 1st Aviation Brigade in the US Army in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He also was awarded the Air Medal with 28 Oak Leaf Clusters, according to his headstone. He rests in Section G, 8300-D.
Capt Lee Elridge Grimsley, an Alabama native, died 16 APR 1971, in Vietnam as a member Adv Team #162 of the US Army. Grimsley was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and other commendations. He is buried in Section 8, 8927-A.
Capt. Lee Eldridge Grimsley, pictured to the right in uniform, was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and other commendations. He is pictured here with President Lyndon B. Johnson, likely from 1969.Photo from FindAGrave.com
Corp Richard Preston Hodges, a native of Georgia, died 22 FEB 1969, while serving with the US Marines in Vietnam. According to his Silver Star citation, “On 22 February 1969, Company A was conducting a search and destroy operation in a densely wooded area of A Shau Valley in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortars, automatic weapons fire, and rocket grenades from a hostile unit occupying well-fortified emplacements. Realizing the need for immediate action, Corporal Hodges fearlessly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he initiated an aggressive assault upon an enemy machine gun position and, overrunning the objective, silenced the hostile fire from that location. Alertly observing several enemy soldiers approaching his unit’s left flank, he fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to counter the hostile threat to his comrades and was seriously wounded. Ignoring his painful injuries and mustering his last available strength before succumbing to his wounds, he threw a hand grenade which killed three enemy soldiers. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and saved his companions from serious injury or possible death. He was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart and other commendations. He rests in Section R, Site 117.
1st Lt Richard Ancil Holt, a native of Georgia, died 6 JUN 1968, while serving with the US Army near Quang Tin. Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, and honored with other military awards. He rests in Section R, Site 108
Capt Julius Patrick Jaeger, a native of California, died 6 APR 1970, in Vietnam, a pilot in the US Air Force. Capt. Jaeger was assigned to The 457th Tactical Airlift Squadron, 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing. Their mission was to support US and allied ground forces which primarily included Special Forces camps along the Cambodian border. In April 1970, one of these outposts, A-245, at Dak Seang was taken under siege. The NVA committed four regiments and several supporting battalions to the battle. CAPT Jaeger courageously volunteered to fly his unarmed C-7A transport into intense enemy fire to airdrop desperately needed supplies. After successfully delivering his valuable cargo, Jaeger’’s plane was hit and destroyed, killing all three aboard. His mission helped to repel the enemy and save the camp. He was awarded the Silver Star, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Purple Heart. He rests in Section U Site 165.
LT Travis Bertrand Lee Jr., a Georgia native, died 17 APR 1969, while serving in Vietnam with the US Army Combat Engineer Unit Command. Lieutenant Lee distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 April 1969 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a mission in Dinh Tuong Province. After setting up in a night position, Lieutenant Lee’s platoon came under enemy attack. Continually exposing himself to enemy fire, he repositioned his men in a more secure defense perimeter, and then directed air and artillery fire until the enemy was driven back. Then, later in the night, the enemy renewed their attack. Disregarding his own personal safety, Lieutenant Lee moved among his platoon giving instructions and encouraging his men, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart, along with other commendations. He rests in Section R, Site 120.
Multiple citations for Korean and Vietnam Heroes who received the Silver Star refer to those who “continually exposed” themselves to enemy fire and “disregarding their own personal safety.”This US National Archives photo is from Tuy Hoa, Vietnam, in January 23, 1966.
Capt Roy Marshall “Butch” McWilliams, died 20 JAN 1967, while serving as an infantry unit commander in the Army Rangers near Quang Tin, Vietnam. McWilliams had served eight years in the Army, and was qualified as a member of the Army Rangers special forces, expert marksman and paratrooper. He was awarded with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart, along with other honors.
Maj Larry Gene Powell, a native of Georgia, died 22 NOV 1967, while serving in the 44th Medical Brigade of US Army in Vietnam. He had been in the service for eight years at the time of his death. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters, and an Army Commendation Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster, along with other commendations. He rests in SECTION U SITE 310.
1SGT Joseph Wilfred Rounseville, a native of Rhode Island, died 9 FEB 1968, while serving in the US Army in Vietnam with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. He was cited for extraordinary heroism in close combat. While moving his platoon through dense jungle and into an assault position, Platoon Sergeant Rounseville received intense hostile fire. He immediately maneuvered his platoon up a hill against an estimated Viet Cong squad which was supported by a machine gun. Platoon Sergeant Rounseville repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire by moving along the assault line and directing his men. He then led his platoon forward while firing his weapon and throwing hand grenades. Platoon Sergeant Rounseville killed at least three Viet Cong, and his platoon completely routed the insurgents from their fortified positions. Sgt Rounseville was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and Purple Heart, along with receiving other military honors. He is buried in Section G, 7836-A
“Platoon Sergeant Rounseville repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire by moving along the assault line and directing his men. He then led his platoon forward while firing his weapon and throwing hand grenades.” This US National Archives photo is from Quang Ngai Province in October 1967.
HN James Curtis Tarrance, a native of Florida, died 4 DEC 1968, while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in Vietnam. Company I was participating in Operation MEADE RIVER south of DaNang when the Second Platoon came under a heavy volume of machine gun fire from a hostile bunker complex approximately twenty meters to their front and sustained numerous casualties. Reacting immediately, Hospitalman Tarrance left his position of relative safety and fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of a wounded Marine. Placing himself between the source of enemy fire and the injured man, he ignored the hostile rounds impacting around him and was skillfully administering first aid when he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions and calm presence of mind inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of his companion. He was awarded the Silver Star Bronze Star and Purple Heart, along with other commendations. He is buried in Section U, Site 477.
“Participating in Operation MEADE RIVER south of DaNang, the platoon came under a heavy volume of machine gun fire. Reacting immediately, Hospitalman Tarrance left his position of relative safety and fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of a wounded Marine.” This US National Archives photo from a river landing in September, 1967.
Capt Arthur Henry Truxes Jr., a native of Tennessee and resident of Georgia, died 30 NOV 1950, while serving in the US Army in the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division of the US Army in Korea.. Previously, he was stationed in Tokyo in 1950 and had received orders to return to the U.S. to train for the 1952 Olympic Games as he had been selected as the Army’s entry in the pentathlon. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he requested that his orders be changed to an assignment in Korea.Truxes, commanding officer of “F” Company, 1st Cavalry Division through the fighting around Sinchang, for was killed in action as U.N. forces continued to resist the Chinese assault. He was awarded the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart and other commendations. He rests in SECTION Q SITE 120-A.
Cpl William Overton Winston, a native of Connecticut and resident of Georgia, died 1 AUG 1967, as a forward observer with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division of the US Marines in Vietnam. Corporal Winston unhesitatingly assumed control of the second platoon’s left flank when he observed that the platoon commander and a squad leader had sustained wounds. While the platoon sergeant was heavily engaged on the right of the platoon sector, Corporal Winston ably directed a heavy volume of fire against the enemy. On four separate occasions during the action, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to carry wounded Marines to positions of relative safety. After removing the casualties from the unprotected area, he continued to expose himself to the heavy fire to deploy his men in the center of the company’s defenses. His heroic and timely actions at great personal risk were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing further injury to four Marine casualties. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart along with other commendations. He is buried in Section D Site 2363-D.
Other Marietta National Cemetery Posts
This is one of a series of stories we’ve done about US service personnel buried at Marietta National Cemetery. You can find our other stories at this link:
With the approach of Memorial Day, we are called upon to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country while protecting our freedoms.
In this post, we’re remembering and sharing the stories of World War I, and World War II Silver Star recipients buried in or commemorated at Marietta National Cemetery. We’re including both those who were killed in action and those who returned from duty to resume civilian lives.
In a previous post, we’re written the stories of two Medal of Honor recipients and two Distinguished Service Cross recipients also buried at Marietta National. And we’re posting an article later honoring Silver Star recipients from Korea and Vietnam.
We identified a total 19 Silver Star recipients who served in World War I and World War II buried at Marietta National Cemetery. Of those, 12 died in combat or as a direct result of wounds received in fighting and are remembered in this post.
Using multiple databases, websites and other research, we identified 19 veterans of World War I and World War II buried at Marietta who had received the Silver Star.
We used FindAGrave.com and Fold3.com databases for primary research. We conducted supplemental research through Newspapers.com, homeofheroes.com, valor.defense.gov and in individual newspaper archives. For some, we were able to find and include details of their Silver Star citations, which describe in detail the harsh battle conditions and heroic actions of these heroes. But for others, despite our best efforts, we only found scant amounts of information.
While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.”
Following is the list of Silver Star recipients we’ve identified at Marietta National Cemetery who served in World War I and World War II:
PVT James Alton Ayers, a Georgia native, died 9 OCT 1942, in North Africa serving as a member of the 343rd Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group in the US Army Air Forces. The 98th Bombardment Group supported the British Eighth Army in its westward advance across Egypt into Libya and Tunisia. It bombed and strafed German and Italian land targets, air fields, railroad lines, enemy shipping and harbor installations in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Crete and Greece, to cut supply lines to Africa and to prepare for the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy. Ayers, an aerial gunner, was killed in action on October 9, 1942, while participating in a mission over the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, along with other honors. He is buried in SECTION G SITE 8314-C
With a canvas tarpaulin for a church and packing cases for an altar, a Navy chaplain holds mass for Marines at Saipan. The service was held in memory of brave buddies who lost their lives in the initial landings. The photo and original caption are from 1944, recorded in the US National Archives.
PFC Louis Alfred Brannon, a Georgia resident, died 8 JUL 1944, in Saipan, a member of the US Marines. Brannon voluntarily enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps in August, 1942, at the age of 17. In January 1944, he shipped out with the 4th Marine Division. According to his citation, Brannon was awarded the Silver Star “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as radio operator for the *24th Marine Regiment, Fourth Marine Division, during action against the enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from June 15 to July 8, 1944. With his radio put out of action and his company pinned down by intense hostile machine-gun fire, Private First Class Brannon fearlessly crawled to territory more advantageous for defense and promptly repaired his damaged set, thereby establishing a communications line which, for a short but crucial period of the operation, was the only system available. Steadfast in his performance as a Forward Observer Radio Operator, PFC Brannon rendered valiant service during the ensuing twelve days, carrying on in the face of grave danger until mortally wounded by enemy fire on July 8. His cool courage and initiative throughout this period were an inspiration to those who served with him and in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.” In addition to the Silver Star, Brannon was awarded a Purple Heart and other honors. He rests in Section G, 8303-F
PFC Perron W Butler, a Georgia native, died 15 MAR 1945, in Germany while serving in the US Army with the 778th Tank Battalion. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He rests in Section K, 4044-C
Lewis Alvis Cleveland, a Mississippi native, died 12 OCT 1943, in Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua, New Guinea, while serving as a pilot in the 405th Bomb Squadron, 38th Bomb Group of the US Army Air Force. According to Cleveland’s award citation, his plane was attacked by five Japanese Zeros as it flew on the right flank of a bomber squadron. Cleveland’s plane shot down one of the Zeroes, but was set ablaze by enemy fire. While the crew could have aborted its attack and made a crash landing, they continued on their mission. After completing the bomb run, the B-25 burst into flames and disappeared into the hills. The entire crew was lost and declared killed in action. The remains of Cleveland and two crew mates, TSgt. Robert E. Hannan, Jr. and SSgt. James J. Patrick, were recovered after the war and buried in a group grave at Marietta National Cemetery. Cleveland, Hannan and Patrick were each awarded the Silver Star and other honors. They rest in SECTION Q SITE 125.
Three Silver Star recipients at Marietta National Cemetery were honored for their role in a bombing attack in 1943 in Papua, New Guinea. Their B-25, similar to this one taking off from the USS Hornet, crashed after being attacked by 5 Japanese Zeroes. When their remains were recovered following the end of World War II, Lewis Cleveland, Robert Hannan and James Patrick were buried in a common grave in Section Q, Site 125 in Marietta. Photo from US National Archives.
Capt Edwin Boyd Ellison, a Georgia native, died 2 JUN 1945, at Okinawa, Japan, as a member of the US Army Infantry. He enlisted at Atlanta in January 1942, then was selected for and completed Officer Training School. His unit engaged Japanese forces at Leyte and Okinawa. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for service while at Okinawa. He rests in SECTION Q SITE 39
CPL Charles Francis Fain, a Georgia native, died 14 MAY 1945, in Okinawa, Japan, as a member of the US Marines. Fearlessly leading his squad through dense jungle terrain and heavy enemy machine-gun, rifle and mortar fire in a fierce assault upon the strongly defended Japanese village of Dakeshi, Corporal Fain directed the activities of his men with outstanding tactical skill and, when the advance was retarded by relentless blasts from an enemy machine gun, risked his life to employ a nearby tank in neutralizing the opposing installation, thereby enabling his group to accomplish its objective. He was awarded posthumously the Silver Star, and Purple Heart. He is buried in Section G, 8319-F
USServicemen Edwin Ellison and Charles Fain were awarded Silver Stars for the heroism on Okinawa. Both were killed in Action there during May and June 1945. Photo from beach landings at Okinawa, US National Archives.
2 LT Robert E Hannan Jr., a native of Ohio, died 12 OCT 1943, as a member of the US Army Air Force when his B-25 bomber was shot down in Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Hannan and other members of the bomber crew were awarded the SIlver Star for their heroic actions in the air battle and subsequent bombing run that resulted in major enemy losses. The remains of the crew were recovered after the war, and Hannan and two crewmates, Capt. Lewis Cleveland and SSGT James Justice Patrick, are buried in a group grave in SECTION Q SITE 125.
Lt Mark Lafon Orr, a native of Texas, was reported missing in action 13 APR 1945, while serving as a pilot in the US NAVY aboard the carrier USS Intrepid. According to unit records, “Lieut. M.L. ORR and Ensign T.E. STIXRUD were launched for a DADCAP [Dawn to dusk combat air patrol] at 1810. Half an hour later approximately 15-20 Jap Betty’s [Mitsubishi G4M bomber] appeared on the radar screen apparently bent on a dusk torpedo attack. ORR and STIXRUD were immediately vectored to their positions and discovered one Betty approaching the Task Force 40 miles away. They made a coordinated attack with STIXRUD getting credit for the kill. Shortly afterward ORR was vectored onto another Betty along. The Betty was low on the water and, despite many hits from ORRs guns, would not deviate from its course toward the Task Group. ORR chased it into the Group screen where he was advised to use his discretion in following the Jap in. As the Jap was heading directly for the U.S.S. Yorktown, ORR followed it in through all of the ships A/A fire in the dark. Despite guns that were by that time so hot they were practically shooting in circles, ORR finally managed to splash the Betty just short of Yorktown and again safely run the gauntlet of ships A/A fire to get away. This was a very courageous attack, witnessed by a number of “Reapers” from the ship and it was a great shock to everyone in the Air Group when Lieut. ORR failed to return from a night mission several nights later.” Orr was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, Purple Heart. As his remains were not recovered, he is honored with a cenotaph in SECTION MB SITE 32
Lt Mark Orr, a Texas native and resident of Atlanta, is honored at Marietta with a headstone cenotaph. Orr was reported missing after a dusk-to-dawn patrol, and his remains were not recovered. He was awarded the Silver Star after shooting down a kamikaze plane threatening the USS Yorktown.
SSGT James Justice Patrick, died 12 OCT 1943, as a member of the US Army Air Force when his B-25 bomber was shot down in Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua, New Guinea. Patrick and other members of the bomber crew were awarded the SIlver Star for their heroic actions in the air battle and subsequent bombing run that resulted in major enemy losses. The remains of the crew were recovered after the war, and Patrick and two crewmates, Capt. Lewis Cleveland and 2nd Lt. Robert Hannan, are buried in a group grave in SECTION Q SITE 125.
1LT Donald C. Roman, a native of West Virginia, died 11 July 1944, while serving in the US Army Field Artillery as a Liaison Officer with the 793rd Field Artillery Battalion during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 793rd Field Artillery Battalion during World War II.” Lt Roman was originally buried at La Cambe-Isigny, France, then returned to the US for interment in 1949. He rests at Section Q, Site 20.
PFC John Thomas Shockley, a native of Alabama, died 25 JUL 1944, in England following wounds received two days earlier in France as infantry, artillery and tank units worked together to break through the thick hedgerow terrain near Saint-Lô, France. Fighting with the 216 Field Artillery Battalion of the US Army, Shockley sustained wounds from artillery shell fragments. He was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart and other commendations. Originally buried in a cemetery at LaCambe, Isigny, France, near Omaha Beach, Shockley’s remains were later returned to the US and, on July 25, 1950, were buried at Marietta National Cemetery, Cobb County, Georgia, Section G, Site 7100-A.
COL William Francis Curren Jr. was awarded a Silver Star for his heroic actions at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Curren survived the war. But fellow servicemen Donald Roman and John Shockley, who also landed on Normandy beaches and were awarded Silver Stars for combat heroism were killed in action after the landings.Photo from June 6, 1944 at Omaha Beach, from US National Archives.
1LT John Henry Wilbanks, a native of Georgia, died 16 JAN 1944, while serving in the 1st Tank Battalion of the 1st Marine Division of the US Marines in Papua, New Guinea, during World War II. He was awarded a Silver Star, Gold Star and Purple Heart for his valor at Arawe, New Britain,where he attempted to rescue a tank crew while under heavy Japanese fire. He rests in SECTION Q SITE 47.
Following is the list of Silver Star recipients we’ve identified at Marietta National Cemetery who were survived their heroic feats in World War I and World War II and died following their service:
COL William Francis Curren Jr., a native of Boston, MA, died 21 FEB 1997. He served in the US Army during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Col. Curren was awarded a Silver Star for his actions at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He continued his WWII service as a battalion commander in the World War II European Theater. He is buried in Section T SITE 212.
Lt Col Edgar Byron Hilley, died 10 JAN 1963, served in the US Army in World War II. Awarded the Silver Star. Buried in SECTION U SITE 127. While we couldn’t find further information on Lt. Col Hilley’s service, we note that it was his headstone that started us on our search for Silver Star recipients buried at Marietta National Cemetery.
We spotted the headstone of Lt. Col. Edgard Byron Hilley one day while walking near the Rostrum at Marietta National Cemetery. We started our Silver Star journey trying to find his story. Unfortunately, we have yet to find any details, but we haven’t stopped trying.
CPL Charles M Idrau, died 1 FEB 1963. He served in 26 Infantry of the US Army during World War I. He was awarded the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and a Purple Heart. Cpl Idrau rests in Section Q Site 17-C.
1LT John Valentine Lehnerd, a Georgia native, died 9 AUG 2009. He served as a first lieutenant under General Leland L Hobbs in the US Army during WWII. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on Jan. 10 1945, in Belgium. When a sudden concentration of enemy mortar fire fell on advancing troops and set an ammunition vehicle ablaze, Lt. Lehnerd left his sheltered position and went out into enemy fire to shovel snow on the vehicle in which the ammunition was exploding. After the blaze had diminished, he helped detach the trailer and drove the vehicle into an open field, where he succeeded in extinguishing the flames. He was also awarded the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart with one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and multiple other commendations. He is buried in SECTION U SITE 204
Lt Col Clifford Edgar Mize, a Georgia native, died 2 OCT 1966, after serving in the US Army during WWII and Korea. During WWII, Lt Col Mize was a member of the 3rd Armored Division of the First Army (Spearhead) and served as a tank commander. He participated in several major battles in Europe including The Battle of the Bulge. Lt. Col. Mize was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, and Purple Heart along with other commendations. He is buried in Section U, Site 365
Lt Col Gerald Charles Sola, a native of New Mexico, died 31 OCT 1969, after serving in the US Army, during WWI and WWII. According to his headstone, he was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, though no other details were found. He is buried in SECTION K SITE 3313-A
SGT Fred Martin Taylor, died 20 JAN 1965, after serving in the US Marines during WWII. A Marine for 10 years, Sgt Taylor completed assignments in Shanghai, China, and Guam before transferring to the Philippines. There, his unit defended Cavite, and was the last Marine outfit to surrender. In an article in the Atlanta Constitution on May 1, 1945, Taylor recounted his experiences at three Japanese prison camps. He and fellow prisoners at the Hilibid prison in Manila were freed on Feb. 5, 1945, according to the newspaper account. Taylor was awarded the Silver Star. He is buried in Section U, SIte 129.
Each Memorial Day, community volunteers place American flags at each headstone in Marietta National Cemetery to remember all who have served.
One of Georgia’s most successful football coaches was a field general on the gridiron, nearly doubling the team’s all-time victories and coaching the school’s first All-American. And as a Captain in the US Army on the French battlefields of World War 1, he was awarded the country’s second highest miliary honor for bravery and leadership.
(In the 1910 team photo above, Cunningham is in the first row to the far right, wearing a sweater with a large V.)
The rolling hills of Marietta National Cemetery are the final resting place of more than 15,000 American soldiers and their family members. Each headstone hides stories of how brave men and women served to protect our freedoms. And some made the ultimate sacrifice in their service. As Memorial Day approaches, we’ll be sharing stories of these heroes in the Marietta hills.
Ask any Bulldog fan to name the top coaches to lead the University of Georgia football team, and three names come rapid fire: Kirby Smart, Vince Dooley and Mark Richt. And indeed, those three coaches won the most games and have the highest winning percentages during their coaching tenures.
But if you’re looking for a former Georgia head coach who was a football field general and a decorated hero on the battlefields during war, that distinction goes to Colonel William A. Cunningham. He coached the Bulldogs for eight seasons over a 10 year span between 1910 and 1919. During his tenure, Cunningham’s Bulldogs won 43 games, nearly doubling the total wins UGA had achieved in its first 18 seasons. And his all-time winning percentage of 68% puts him in fifth place among Georgia coaches who coached at least 10 games – and only one place behind the legendary Vince Dooley.
William Cunningham was hired as Georgia’s football coach after his visiting Gordon Military Institute baseball team beat the Bulldogs 11-0. Georgia athletic director Steadman Sanford offered Cunningham a $1,350 contract, and the deal was sealed.
Cunningham was hired by Georgia Athletic Director Steadman Sanford after Sanford watched Cunningham coach his Gordon Military Institute baseball team to an 11-0 victory on a visit to UGA. Published reports indicate that after a brief conversation, Sanford offered Cunningham a $1,350 contract on the spot.
Cunningham recruited one of his GMI baseball players to join him at Georgia. That baseball player, Bob McWhorter, became Georgia’s first football All-American in 1913.
The Atlanta Georgian and News Monday newspaper described Georgia’s 1912 offensive attack as “bush league,” and noted that coach William Cunningham “needs some assistants in Athens.” Despite the negative editorializing, Georgia won this game and went 6-1-1 in the season. George McWhorter, shown at the right running the ball, had a stellar year. In 1913, he was named Georgia’s first All-American.
College football then wasn’t the multi-million dollar, full-time enterprise it is today. So when he wasn’t coaching UGA football, Cunningham attended Georgia’s law school and served as faculty advisor to the Delta Chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, Cunningham served as Georgia’s head basketball coach during the 1910–1911 season and again from 1916–1917, compiling a 62% winning percentage.
Under Cunningham, Georgia’s football team were top-rated in the region. In his eight seasons as head coach, Cunningham had seven winning campaigns. His 68% winning percentage puts him in fifth place among coaches who completed at least at least ten games — one spot behind the legendary Vince Dooley.
According to published accounts, Cunningham’s Bulldogs were fierce competitors and among the top teams in the region. But compared to the determination and bravery of their coach, the Bulldogs were mere pups playing together on a peaceful field.
In 1917 and 1918, University of Georgia and many other colleges suspended their sports programs as World War I required young men to serve their countries on a foreign battlefield. Although he was over 30 years old and not subject to being drafted, Coach Cunningham joined the US Army with his football players as new recruits headed to France.
Cunningham served with 321st Machine-Gun Battalion, 82d Division, A.E.F., near Sommerance, France, participating in battles of the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Rain dampened the battlefields in early October. German bombs fell heavily on the US and Allied positions across the front as the Germans fought fiercely to stem the slowly advancing Allied offensive which had broken out of the trench war stalemate.
Georgia’s new Sanford Stadium was empty in 1917 and 1918, as many players and Coach William Cunningham were serving in the US Army during World War 1. Though he was over 30 years old and not a prime Army recruit, Cunningham volunteered for service.
On Oct. 12, 1918 – on a day when Cunningham likely would have been coaching his team on Georgia’s new Sanford Field – Captain Cunningham led his unit in an attack on the German lines. Painfully wounded in the face by shrapnel when his battalion was seriously engaged in battle, Cunningham continued leading his men through the heavy shell fire.
On a battlefield like this near Summerance, France, Georgia football coach lead his unit against German troops, advancing through a hail of machine gun fire and bombs despite a severe shrapnel injury to his face. Cunningham was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross, with the citation commending him for “leading his men with skill and inspiring them with courage.”
For his outstanding service, Cunningham was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest military honor. The citation lauded Cunningham for his efforts “leading his men with skill and inspiring them with courage” despite his serious head wounds. He also was inducted posthumously into the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Fame.
After the war, Cunningham returned to his coaching position at Georgia and led the Bulldogs on another winning campaign in the 1919 season. He left UGA after the 1919 season having compiled a final football record of 43–18–9.
Rejoining the US Army, Cunningham also served during World War 2. He ended his Army career with the rank of colonel. Cunningham later served as the professor of military studies at Clemson University from 1943 to 1946.
Colonel Cunningham is buried at Marietta National Cemetery at gravesite Q 181-C
Frank Simmons Leavitt, AKA, Man Mountain Dean, was an Army Veteran, professional wrestler, professional football player, movie star, policeman and known friend of Chicago mobster Al Capone. But unbeknownst until top secret records were declassified, Leavitt also trained immigrant Europeans to spy in World War II. With his training in close quarters and hand-to-hand combat, the American spies were sent behind enemy lines with a license, and training, to kill.
When reading the story of Frank Simmons Leavitt, it’s nearly impossible not to be confused by the plot twists in his life’s story line.
Let’s just start with the names. Born in New York as Frank Simmons Leavitt, he was best known by his final wrestling moniker, Man Mountain Dean. But before that tag stuck, he also wrestled under the names Hell’s Kitchen Hillbilly, Soldier Leavitt and Stone Mountain.
By way of life experience, Leavitt twice joined the US Army. He traveled the world as a professional wrestler. He served as a police office in Florida then was kicked off the force for his friendship with Chicago mobster and frequent Florida visitor Al Capone. While an officer, he stopped a young woman on a traffic violation, later married her, and she became both his business manager and occasional fight accomplice. He once said he attended five colleges to play football and never attended a single class. He had a brief stint in the young National Football League.
Fake It to Make It
Before his wrestling days, Man Mountain Dean — then using his real name of Frank Leavitt — paid a New York street bum to impersonate his father so he could join the US Army.
As an underaged youngster, Leavitt reportedly paid a New York street bum to impersonate his father so he could join the US Army on the eve of World War 1. He went on to be stationed in Texas, then fought with the US Army in France under General John Pershing.
After the war, those colorful chapters of his life that included football, police work, mobsters, professional wrestling, acting and top-secret service began playing out.
In 1921, he played football for the New York Brickley Giants in what would later become the NFL. In one game, he faced off against the legendary Jim Thorpe.
Later, with his enormous size – he was 5-11, and listed at 310 pounds – Leavitt tried his hand at professional wrestling, He reportedly loved the blend of athletics, theater and crowd interaction. Some of that may have been inherited from his father, who was a New York theater stage manager for the legendary Broadway producer George M. Cohan.
The Cop and Capone
After a fledgling start and laboring under a variety of identities, his schtick didn’t work and gigs dried up. So, he moved to Miami and joined the police force. That’s where he met his future wife, Dorris Dean, literally by accident when she bumped him with her car.
Shortly after, he was fired from the police force for “conduct unbecoming an officer” after he admitted making visits to the Miami home of frequent-Florida visitor and well-known Chicago mobster, Al Capone.
Newly married and jobless, the couple moved to Dorris’ home of Norcross, GA. Eventually the lure of wrestling brought him back to the ring, this time with a new manager and new name: Man Mountain Dean. Dorris encouraged the new name, concerned that his real last name – Leavitt – might sound “too Jewish” if he wrestled in Germany.
Dorris turned out to be more than a supportive wrestling wife. She also served as his business manager and booking agent. And, as described in the Tallahassee Democrat: “When opponents get too rough, she goes into the ring herself with chair, or water bucket, or whatever impromptu weapon comes handy.”
World Wide Fame
In his second try at professional wrestling, Leavitt gained world wide fame and fortune at a top draw on the circuit. For a comparison today, think Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and The Undertaker.
This time, Leavitt’s wrestling career as Man Mountain Dean took off. He became an international figure, traveling the country and world as a top-billed draw. He was immensely popular on the wrestling circuit (For a modern comparison, think Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and The Undertaker).
He was getting rich, too. Mountain Man Dean commanded up to $1,500 for each appearance, which was higher than the average income in the US at that time in the 1930s. By the time his wrestling career ended due to a broken leg inflicted by a bitter and revenge-minded rival, Man Mountain Dean had appeared in nearly 7,000 matches.
Setting the future stage for wrestling stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, he parlayed his wrestling fame into an acting career. From 1933 to 1938, he appeared in seven movies, then concluded his acting career in 1949 in the original “Mighty Joe Young.”
(To get a sense of Man Mountain’s acting and wrestling skills, check out this movie clip from the 1938 film, The Gladiator. Or, to see him in a “real” wrestling match, watch this YouTube video of a converted 16mm film from the 1935 International Wrestling Championships in Los Angeles.)
Home Again to Georgia
With his wrestling and acting careers mostly behind him due to that leg injury, the Leavitts returned to their Georgia home. In Norcross, Leavitt was an international man of leisure, literally living large. He liked performing feats of strength and stunts (like lifting cars), often driven by bets and dares from town folk. He ran for the state legislature and won, then resigned. He studied journalism. Plus, he refereed wrestling matches.
While on the road and back in Georgia, Leavitt loved to perform stunts on a dare or a bet. One of his favorites was lifting a car, this one from a stop in Los Angeles.
That is, until the Japanese attacked Pear Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Leavitt reportedly told a friend, “I know what I need to do,” then re-enlisted in the Army. Over 50 and with a body worn from football, wrestling and life, the Army didn’t quite know what to do with their newest mountain of a recruit. Then came an inspired and novel idea.
Leavitt was assigned to a former mountain retreat and resort, hidden in the Maryland countryside. It had been converted to a top-secret training camp. Today, a portion of that decommissioned camp is the presidential retreat, Camp David.
Spies and A Secret Mission
But in 1943, it was known as Camp Ritchie. The camp was secluded, and everything that happened there was top-secret and remained that way well into the 1950s, 60s and beyond. Thus, if you were to read the many well-documented accounts of Frank Leavitt’s life or his obituary from 1959, you would find no mention of his assignment or role there at Camp Ritchie. But based on declassification of some documents, the following is a summary. Some of this is documented in the book, Immigrant Soldier, by K. Lang-Slattery.
Recognizing the need for translators and culture experts, the US Army recruited recent European immigrants from Germany and other Axis countries to serve in a special unit assigned to Camp Ritchie. Many were German-born Jews who had fled Hitler’s terror. Most were well-educated, and reported for duty equipped with their musical instruments and books in addition to their Army-issued gear. Consistent with Europeans of the age, the recruits were slight of build, with an average height of five feet, four inches.
Eventually, many of the Immigrant Soldiers would be deployed not as translators working safely in offices front lines. Rather, they were developed into spies assigned to penetrate deep into their original Axis-controlled countries. With their local knowledge, average builds and American training, they were detailed to gather critical intelligence, occasionally perform commando tasks, and protect themselves – and their secrets – if discovered. They needed training in spy craft and self-defense, plus the kind of close quarters, hand-to-hand combat which might be required to carry out stealthy missions.
While at Camp Ritchie, Man Mountain Dean, left, with his trademark beard shaved per US Army regulations, used his acting chops to portray Nazis and good guys in Department of Defense propaganda films.
“The most important part of the training was that they learned to do interrogation of civilians and prisoners of war,” wrote David Frey, a history professor at West Point. “But they also did terrain analysis . . . photo analysis and aerial reconnaissance analysis. They did translation. They did night operations. They did counterintelligence.”
Despite the top-secret status and black outs on news, a rumor spread through Camp Ritchie: A famous American wrestler and celebrity would be coming to camp to teach the recruits hand-to-hand combat. And one day, a mountain of a man was spotted at camp, trying to jam himself into a phone booth.
Making an Entrance
Frank Simmons Leavitt, aka, Man Mountain Dean, had arrived at Camp Ritchie. With a gregarious personality borne of the theater and wrestling circuit, the Man Mountain was a force of nature in camp. Like he had done at home in Norcross, he welcomed challenges about his strength and skills, often putting on power and tactical demonstration on a bet or a whim. He regaled the European recruits with his wrestling adventures throughout Europe in locations that were familiar to them. He taught them American slang. And he put on what were described as “heroic eating demonstrations” worthy of his huge frame.
Among Man Mountain Dean’s activities at Camp Ritchie: “Heroic eating demonstrations.”
The Immigrant Soldiers and Americans stationed at Camp Ritchie were infatuated with Man Mountain Dean. And they quickly learned the range of his skills. Lang-Slattery wrote in her book that everyone “soon got over their awe of the huge and famous instructor. From him, they learned how to fight the enemy, individual against individual.”
License to Kill
With knowledge gained from wrestling and life – and some with untraceable origins – Leavitt was the camp’s specialist in hand-to-hand combat. Since the small Europeans didn’t have the Man Mountain’s size, it’s clear that his focus was on the use of close-in and intimate fighting techniques.
Lang-Slattery related the experience of Camp Ritchie graduate Gerd Grombacher. He credited Leavitt with teaching him how to kill an enemy at close quarters with a stiletto knife — “and how to make it so clean that it wouldn’t even hurt.”
Leavitt remained at Camp Ritchie through the end of the war. The recruits were shipped to Europe, and are credited with gaining an enormous quantity and high quality of critical intelligence, essential to the Allied battle plans and victory.
After the war ended, Leavitt returned to Norcross and the family farm. On May 29, 1953, Leavitt died of a heart attack while listening to a baseball game at his home.
Frank Simmons Leavitt is buried at Marietta National Cemetery in Section J, Site 9672-D.
The legendary lore of West Georgia passenger train service reads like a adventure novel, filled with tales of mysterious wrecks, daring robberies and even snakes slithering loose on a train.
This is the fourth part of our blog series exploring the history of passenger train service in West Georgia and the end of the passenger train era in April 1971.
Newspapers reported smash ups, collisions, and maimed or mutilated bodies as a result of riding the rails.
In the earliest days of West Georgia passenger train travel, train wrecks, derailments and accidents occurred commonly. According to the Etowah Valley Historic Society, “Newspapers reported frequent smash ups, run offs, collisions, turn overs, loss of life and maimed or mutilated bodies as a result of riding the rails. . . Letters of protest from passengers printed in regional newspapers claimed bad management and careless operations by state authorities. Disasters became so bad and so frequent that tabloids commonly reported disparaging headlines.” The article continued, stating that the route between Chattanooga and Atlanta “become known as the Valley of the Shadow of Death,” as reported on January 15, 1852 by Augusta’s Daily Chronicle.
We dug up stories of West Georgia passenger train wrecks and other tales by combing the newspaper archives of the Library of Congress. Following is a sampling of train wrecks and other stories we found, most including links to PDF files of the original newspapers as digitized in the Library of Congress archives.
Explosion in Marietta
In 1891, engineer W.A. Woolbright of Atlanta stopped his train at the Marietta Station. As he ran inside to get his instructions, the train’s engine exploded. “The noise was fearful and will never be forgotten by the citizens who heard it,” recounted the Feb. 7, 1901, Marietta Journal. The engine was destroyed, and nearly 200 window lights were broken at the Kennesaw House Hotel.
A clip from the Marietta Daily Journal in 1901 recounted the 1891 downtown explosion of a steam engine near the Kennesaw House Hotel.
Baby Swept from Train
In May 1908, rushing winds swept a baby from a Western & Atlantic passenger train traveling from Acworth to Marietta. When Mrs. Dora Deitch realized what had happened to her child, she prepared to jump from the train to find the baby. Another passenger stopped her and pulled the emergency chord. The Marietta Journal reported the rest of the story:
“Reuben Jackson, a Western & Atlantic switchman, was in the lead of the searching party, and nearly a mile from where the train was stopped, he found the baby standing by the track and softly crying. It was hurriedly carried back to its mother and, after she had sufficiently recovered her composure, it was once more placed in her arms. The train reached Atlanta shortly after 7 o’clock Wednesday night, and, after examination by a physician, the baby was pronounced sound and well, with the exception of a few slight scratches on its head and arm.”
The Marietta Daily Journal described the aftermath of a baby being swept from a passenger train near Acworth. Despite the worst fears, the baby was unharmed except for a few scratches.
An Engineer’s Sacrifice
In May 1912, the L&N No. 4 Northbound left Marietta on a Monday morning, then derailed near Canton. Reports indicated the tender car, with the engine ahead and passenger cars trailing, jumped the tracks while doing 25 mph as it approached the Etowah River crossing. Engineer Joe Latimer remained at the controls, fighting to stop the train while the engine and baggage cars also derailed. As passenger cars crossed a small trestle over a ravine, the trestle gave way, dropping the passenger cars and stopping the train. The crash killed Latimer, and the Marietta Daily Journal reported his heroic efforts. “The fact that Engineer Latimer stuck to his post and stopped the train in the face of certain death saved the lives of practically everyone on the train,” the newspaper reported. It also noted that had the train not stopped with Latimer’s efforts “the passenger coaches would have rolled down the embankment into the Etowah River.”
This train engineer’s heroic actions were credited with saving the lives of many in a 1912 train wreck.
Cobb Train Robbery
The Great Cobb-Fulton train robbery occurred in January 1914, on the county line. A lone gunman surprised a conductor, then robbed nervous passengers of their belongings at gunpoint. The robber took about $300 from the men and women on the train, then jumped into the darkness as the train slowed. (In 2025 dollars, that would be equivalent to just under $10,000.)
Working on a tip a week later, the sheriffs of Fulton and Cobb counties sought several accomplices in the robbery at the Kennesaw House Hotel in Marietta. The lawmen found the suspects had fled the hotel, leaving behind luggage that helped to identify them. Later, authorities arrested two accomplices in Atlanta.
Police identified the robber as John Nolan. In December 1914, a judge and jury sentenced Nolan to 20 years in prison.
Train robber John Nolan was twice sentenced for his gunpoint hold-up of passengers on a Southbound train in Cobb County in 1914.
Lost Governor Returns
A more somber passenger train arrival ocurred in Marietta in April 1923. The remains of former Georgia Governor and Revolutionary War soldier John Clark returned to Marietta from St. Andrews, FL. After his burial in 1832, the Daughters of the American revolution discovered his grave abandoned and in disrepair. The Georgia chapter worked to return the governor to the Peach State. Their efforts resulted in the reinterr,ment of Clark, his wife and two of their grandchildren at Marietta National Cemetery following transport.
The Gold Wreck
In the aftermath of this April 1933 train wreck of the northbound Flamingo, reports surfaced about a purported gold robbery.
On April 18, 1933, one of the most suspicious passenger train wrecks occurred after the northbound Flamingo passed through Marietta and crashed three miles south of Cartersville. The Flamingo left the tracks while traveling between 40 and 50 mph, a high speed for trains of the period. Two train crew and two riders died in the crash. Among the shaken-but-uninjured passengers was actress Laura Hope Crews, best known for her role as Aunt Pittypat in the movie, “Gone With the Wind.”
The Atlanta Journal described the wreck this way: “The engine and tender went over on their sides on the curve at the top of the grade, just out of the cut. The mail car jammed against the tender and the side of the cut, with the express car, baggage car and two day coaches zig-zagged just behind.”
Rescuers and recovery personnel who reached the wreck first praised the engineer, who died in the crash. “His brake hand was found clutching the brake lever, and his foot had not been moved from the pedal he had been attempting to operate in the brief moment allowed him before the fatal crash,” the Atlanta Journal reported.
At the time of the accident, the newspapers didn’t report a cause for the crash. But, an intriguing report appears on the website of the Etowah Valley Historical Society. That account claims that a robbery may have been a part of the wreck story, citing a subsequent report in the Atlanta Journal
The Etowah Valley Historical Society website reports, “The Flamingo . . . was well known to often transport gold to points across the South. Witnesses reported seeing three men attempting to break into the express car that was directly behind the engine and tender car. The suspected robbers escaped, but detailed descriptions were given to the railroad police and local sheriff.”
Images of the 1933 “serpentine” wreck of the northbound Flamingo show the engine and smashed cars, plus the two riders who were killed.
(We searched microfilm copies of the Atlanta Journal newspaper at the Cobb County Library Georgia Room, but have yet to find the subsequent-referenced story about the potential gold robbery connection.)
Snakes on a Train
And one of the more humorous incidents occured on May 1, 1936, reported by the Washington DC Evening Star. As the L&N Flamingo sped through Georgia, with its daily stop in Marietta, several snakes escaped from captivity. The snakes were being shipped from Fort Lauderdale, FL, to a new home at the Detroit Zoo. But somewhere in Georgia, passengers reported hearing a hissing sound that was first dismissed as a steam leak. When the train reached Cincinnati, confirmations came that snakes had been among the cargo, including some poisonous. A search ensued, with cautious workers nervously passing items from the train. Finally, three non-venomous snakes, each about seven feet long, were found near the steam pipes and captured by a representative of the Cincinnati Zoo. With the gopher, pine whip and coach snakes captured, one railroad employee was quoted, “you’re liable to see anything in this business.”
When several snakes escaped from cages on a train passing through Marietta, panic ensued at a later stop.
(This is part of a series on the history of passenger trains serving Marietta. )
Once, passenger trains brought visitors, new residents, a host of business opportunities and future historic legends to Marietta. Then, passenger train service ended quietly with Marietta’s last passenger train on April 30, 1971.
With the completion of the Western and Atlantic line from Atlanta to Chattanooga, the sleepy town of Marietta became a tourist destination thanks to passenger trains. Marietta celebrated the arrival of the first of many passenger trains on Christmas Eve, 1842. Then, an excursion train traveled from Marthasville (now Atlanta) to Marietta. Dignitaries and celebrants enjoying the historic occasion filled the train. But many of the passengers proved uncertain and somewhat fearful of the newfangled technology.
A national railroad map shows that Marietta and Atlanta were connected by rail to other Southeastern cities (inset, upper left). But the network still remained isolated from most of the US.
By 1860, Marietta and Atlanta were well connected to the national railroad network via the Western and Atlantic line to Chattanooga.
According to published reports, when the engine reached the trestle over the Chattahoochee River, passengers demanded the engineer stop the train, fearful the bridge would collapse. They disembarked and walked across the bridge, with the train following once they were safely across. When the train finally reached Marietta, the town celebrated with a party.
In the early years of passenger trains, riders enjoyed the convenience of a regular schedule while receiving only the most basic transportation amenities. New steam engines required frequent stops for water and fuel. Smoke and ash from the engines often filled the trailing passenger cars. The rail cars offered more comfort than a stage coach. But train travel required patience, endurance and determination in the hot wooden cars seated on hard bench seats.
Early trains were often equipped with bench seats in a wooden passenger car. As rail travel grew in popularity, passenger car amenities gradually improved. Still, rail travel required endurance and determination.
Marietta’s Tourism Growth
By 1845, the Western and Atlantic operated passenger trains and freight service from Atlanta to Adairsville. In 1850, the line reached Chattanooga. As the line extended, the number of passenger trains increased. And Marietta grew as a bustling railroad stop.
At nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, wealthy residents from Georgia’s coastal plantations traveled on passenger trains to Marietta. They sought the town’s cooler summer climate, lower risk of summer diseases (carried by coastal mosquitoes) and natural springs.
Local resident Dix Fletcher converted a trackside warehouse into the Kennesaw House hotel in 1845. The hotel became a convenient and popular stop for travelers on the growing number of passenger trains. And it served as a temporary residence for the wealthy coastal vacationers who made Marietta a favorite summer destination.
Marietta’s appeal as a tourist destination was widely known. To reach wealthy travelers from South Carolina, Marietta entrepreneur Thomas Markley advertised his new store in Greenville, SC.
Advertising to Travelers
In Fall of 1857, entrepreneur Thomas Markley opened a book, music and jewelry store in the Dunn’s Hotel, located on the corner of Marietta Square. Hoping to reach the traveling class arriving on passenger trains from South Carolina, Markley purchased several advertisements in the Southern Enterprise newspaper in Greenville, SC. Markley advertised “melodeons, violins, flutes and guitars,” as well as watches, silver pens and pencils, books and stationary.
Businessman (and later, a reputed Union spy) Henry Greene Cole opened a bed and breakfast. Later, he operated the Marietta Hotel on the south side of the square, described as the finest in Marietta.
Boasting a water cure for a wide variety of ailments, Dr. Carey Cox operated a combination resort and sanitarium just outside of Marietta. Passenger trains delivered visitors from throughout the Southeast to enjoy the restorative waters and excellent foods.Illustration from Reverend George White’s 1855 book, Historical Collections of Georgia
Capitalizing on Marietta’s growing reputation as a summer retreat, Dr. Carey Cox built a resort in the shadow of Kennesaw Mountain. The location specialized in “water treatments” from a local spring, reputed to deliver restorative effects for the tired and sick. By 1861, the location attracted visitors in what the city’s website describes as “a substantial tourist industry.”
Passenger Trains and Recovery
Rebuilding after the Civil War, passenger trains again brought new residents and tourists to Marietta. And the railroads actively promoted Marietta as a preferred stop.
The Western and Atlantic Railroad promoted Marietta as an easy visit from Atlanta. The railroad sponsored an April 1867 press tour to Marietta, described as a “delightful little suburban village” just 36 minutes from Atlanta by train.
In April 1867, the Western and Atlantic Railroad sponsored a press tour to Marietta, promoting the railroad’s newest equipment and featuring the city’s amenities. According to a report in the Atlanta Intelligencer, the tour included “about 20 of the press gang, and several of the city’s most prominent gentlemen.” The report described the visit to Marietta as “pleasantly passed in our delightful little suburban village.”
By 1868, Marietta was served by six passenger trains daily along the Western & Atlantic route. A through fare from Atlanta to Chattanooga cost $8 — the equivalent of approximately $180 in 2025 dollars.
Promotions worked well, and the Marietta Journal joined in the cheerleading. A June 1870 edition of the newspaper stated: “No better place on the globe than Marietta to find all that is desirable in a summer resort . . . so come on.”
A June 1870 edition of the Marietta Journal said there was “no better place on the glove than Marietta to find all that is desirable for a summer resort.”
By 1885, Marietta again gained a regional reputation. The city was an ideal retreat for both Southerners escaping summer heat and Northerners seeking milder winters. Promotional materials highlighted its “splendid atmosphere, pure water, lovely scenery, and associations with a resident population noted for culture and refinement.”
By 1871, Atlanta’s Union Station was a regional hub for rail travel. Trains from the station could reach Marietta is under 40 minutes, then continue on to Chattanooga and beyond.
Western and Atlantic Railroad continued as a major promoter of Marietta. A brochure published by the company in described Marietta as “The Gem City of Georgia,” and promoted the town’s “pure atmosphere, historic scenery and beautiful drives,” all at an altitude of 1,150 feet above sea level.
This line drawing of Marietta and Kennesaw Mountain appeared in a turn-of-the 20th century brochure produced by the Western and Atlantic Railroad. The cover described Marietta as “The Gem City of Georgia.”Today’s Glover Park at Marietta Square is in the lower right. A Western Atlantic Train is crossing todays’s Whitlock Street.
Read Our Series on Marietta Passenger Trains
This is part two of a series on Marietta’s historic passenger train service. Read the complete five-part series as it’s available:
Among the most notable trains and cars traveling along the Marietta line, sleek streamliner trains heralded the Golden Age of passenger railroads. From the 1940s through the 1960s, L&N’s shiny streamliner trains in Marietta included the Flamingo, the Southland, and The Georgian.
L&N introduced The Georgian in 1946. It originally operated between St. Louis and Atlanta on a trip that required just over 12 hours. By 1948, passengers could continue to Chicago and Miami on the line, too. A cooperative effort with the Chicago and Eastern Illinois line completed the route.
Twin Streamliner Trains
The Georgian was a twin to The Hummingbird. L&N inaugurated the two all-coach streamliner trains in the fall of 1946. The Hummingbird operated between Cincinnati and New Orleans, according to a Facebook post written by passenger train enthusiast Ron Flanary.
The Georgian and The Hummingbird (shown here leaving New Orleans) were twin streamliner trains introduced by L&N Railroad in 1946.
Both streamliner trains were initially seven cars total—all coach class – with full diners and lounges. Within a short time, the railroad added Pullman sleepers to the streamliner trains. This accommodated those who wanted first class sleeping space for the overnight runs. The E7 engines for both trains sported dark blue paint, with silver used as the highlighting lighter color. A patch of gray in the back of the roof blended the rear of the engine into the car roofs.
On the ninth anniversary of the Georgian’s Chicago connection service, Chicago and Eastern Illinois railroad produced a publicity photo promoting the event. The photo description released by the railroad included Pullman conductor James Byers, “pretty Chicago model, Julie Jarrett, 19″, L.W. Henson, dining car steward, and John Higgins, Atlanta passenger agent. As part of the celebration, dining car patrons received a slice or Georgia peach shortcake, according to a Facebook post from a relative of the Pullman conductor.
This 1957 photo celebrated the 9th anniversary of the Georgian’s Chicago connection on the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad, following the route’s extension from St. Louis.
Color Changes
Later in its history, the Georgian’s sleek stainless steel coaches featured blue trim. The trim matched the blue and cream color of the L&N engines. L&N applied the line’s trade dress colors on its other streamliner trains, including the Dixie Flyer, Dixie Limited and Hummingbird. During another period, the passenger cars were blue, with the route names painted on the sides of the car. L&N employees at major stations took great care to keep the exteriors of these streamliner trains sparkling and bright. At larger stations, crews washed the cars with long brushes during longer stops.
The Georgian streamliner trains stopping in Marietta in 1958 included coach, sleeper, club-lounge and dining cars for passenger convenience and comfort.
For their time, the streamliner trains offered travelers a wide range of accommodation and services. A 1960s-era schedule and timetable book listed coach cars with reserved seats, sleeper cars with “roomettes” and double bedrooms, a club car and a dining car available on The Georgian route through Marietta.
In 1968, the northbound Georgian derailed at 60 mph near Hopkinsville, KY. After the wreck, large cranes lifted the damaged cars back on the tracks for repairs and return to service.
On January 29, 1968, the L&N’s northbound “Georgian” derailed near Hopkinsville, KY. According to P.H. Croft, superintendent of the Evansville Division for L&N Railroad at the time, the train was going about 60 miles per hour when it derailed. Reports indicated that 30 passengers sustained injuries when thirteen of the 15 cars left the tracks. The most serious injury was a broken leg and by the end of the day all but 9 passengers had been released from the hospital. Following the accidents, huge cranes lifted cars back onto the tracks, with repairs following to the tracks and cars. Accounts of the wreck are recounted with photos on the Facebook page of the Illinois Central Railroad Scrapbook group.
This 1970 Train Schedule lists the last two passenger trains serving Marietta, the Southbound No. 3 and the Northbound No. 4.
Shortly afterwards, L&N would officially discontinue the Georgian as a named route. When passenger service along the line through Marietta ended in 1971, the final trains were represented only by numbers: Number 3 Southbound and Number 4 Northbound. The Number 4 Northbound was the last passenger train out of Marietta, departing the station Friday evening, April 30, 1971. For an account of the last train from Marietta, read Part 1 of this series.
Our “Last Train” Series
We’re working on a 5-part series on the Last Train from Marietta. Here are links to previous posts:
On Friday evening, April 30, 1971, the storied era of passenger train service ended for Marietta, GA. At approximately 5:51 pm, Louisville and Nashville (L&N) train number four departed the deserted Marietta passenger and freight station. The locomotive and a few passenger cars headed north to Chattanooga and Nashville, TN, then on to Evansville, IN, and St. Louis, MO, never to return.
Northbound No. 4 was Marietta’s last passenger train.
Unlike the celebratory Christmas Eve 1842 when the first excursion train ran between Marthasville (later, to become Atlanta) and Marietta, this last passenger train simply slipped away from the station. The flashing lights of the crossing warnings and the sounds of the steel wheels called out to those nearby. But the ghostly specter faded from view, likely without any notice and certainly without fanfare.
When Marietta’s last passenger train departed in 1971, a railroad official was quoted in the Marietta Journal: “There’s not much use made of the stop in Marietta now.” Later, the station was converted to the city’s visitors center.
Marietta’s Passenger Service
Over its history, Marietta’s long-distance passenger service included numerous trains stopping daily at its downtown station. Plus, from 1905 to 1947, the Atlanta Northern Railway ran an interurban commuter line connecting the two cities by rail.
Train numbers often designated key routes on printed schedules of the day. However, several famous named passenger routes passed through and stopped in Marietta, too. Some of those included the Flamingo, Southland, Dixie Flyer, Dixie Limited, Dixie Flagler and Georgian. These named trains most often served long-distance routes between larger cities. And they featured the finest cars, best amenities and top services for their riders. For example, The Georgian included sleeping cars, a club-lounge, dining cars and regular coach service on its route from Chicago to Atlanta, then on to Miami.
As recently as April 1963, eight passenger trains stopped at Marietta daily. A schedule of northbound service showed the Dixie Flyer left Marietta at 9:15 am. An unnamed passenger train No. 2 followed at 10:38. Then, in the afternoons, two more named trains left Marietta heading northbound. First was The Georgian at 6:19 pm. Finally, the northbound Flamingo left Marietta at 7:48 pm.
But by April 1971, Marietta’s last passenger train was known simply as Northbound No. 4. Earlier in the day, Southbound No. 3 completed its own final journey.
“The Georgian” was one of the streamliner trains that served Marietta along a popular route that stretched from Chicago to Miami.
An Unnoticed Milestone
Local officials and media barely took notice of the passing of the passenger rail era. On March 25, 1971, the Marietta Daily Journal included a report at the bottom of page 1, reported the upcoming discontinuation of passenger rail service. One line referenced the end of historic passenger train service to Marietta. An unnamed L&N representative at the Marietta station noted, “There is not much use made of the stop in Marietta now.” The report also noted that Marietta was the only remaining passenger stop in Cobb County. Earlier consolidations eliminated passenger former stops at Acworth and Kennesaw.
During the heyday of passenger service through Marietta, L&N railroad’s “The Georgian” included sleeping cars, a club-lounge, dining cars and regular coach service.
Amtrak Impact
The official cause of the termination was the formation of Rail-Pax, later renamed Amtrak. Brainchild of Secretary of Transportation John Volpe, the government-back, quasi-public corporation would take over passenger rail services from the nation’s 22 railroad companies. Passenger rail service proved chronically unprofitable for the rail companies. Officials envisioned the Rail-Pax system to save some passenger rail service.
On May 1, 1971, the US government initiated AMTRAK to take over passenger rail service. The before and after maps illustrate the impact on passenger rail service, including the loss of the L&N line St. Louis to Atlanta, through Marietta. That was the official end to passenger service in Marietta.
Amtrak launched May 1, 1971. The new national rail system connected 114 cities utilizing 184 trains over approximately 2,200 miles of passenger rail routes. But 184 routes were discontinued immediately, including the L&N route through Marietta.
The Marietta Daily Journal noted the upcoming Amtrak take-over of passenger rail with a story on March 28, 1971. One line referenced the end of historic passenger service to Marietta.
Distractions and News
Perhaps Marietta and its residents were too distracted to notice the end of passenger rail service. Front pages and lead TV stories of the day focused on two major trials. A jury convicted US Army Lt. William Calley of war crimes for leading a massacre of Vietnamese civilians. The country was divided by the decision, hotly debated by journalists, politicians and citizens. And, another jury fixed the penalty as death for all four defendants in the infamous murders led by Charles Manson.
The verdict in the William Calley Case, sentencing in the Manson Murders and debate about using Dobbins AFB as a second passenger airport dominated the front page on the day the last passenger train ran in Marietta.
Closer to home, other transportation decisions captured headlines, overshadowing the loss of passenger train service. Locals and the federal government fought over the routing of Interstate 75. An unfinished 24-mile stretch from Marietta and running over Lake Allatoona generated controversy, focused on the least-harmful path for crossing the lake. And in the era of the automobile, that new concrete ribbon garnered more attention than an old-fashioned passenger train.
Meanwhile, Marietta’s giant Lockheed manufacturing facility, employing more than 32,000 people at the end of 1969, was shrinking quickly. The company announced that its workforce would number approximately 17,000 by the end of 1971. Workers and their families focused on securing a future after the massive reductions at the aerospace company, with no time to worry about rail services.
First in A Series
This post is the first in a series of four remembering Marietta’s passenger train service, its impact on Marietta, railroad stories, and the passing of an era. Check out the rest of the series:
As native Louisianians, we have a firm rule: don’t eat in a “Cajun” restaurant or “New Orleans bistro” anywhere outside of Louisiana. We’ve been known to ignore the rule on occasion, and usually to our regret.
But with the official opening of D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro in January, we marked our calendars to make a visit after the one-month mark. Thus, for a pre-Valentine’s outing, the wife and I made the short drive to Highlands of West Village in Smyrna to see if we’d find a true taste of Louisiana.
D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro is located in the Highlands of West Village in Smyrna, relocating from the original location in Vinings.
Now, to be fair, it wasn’t as if we were going in blind. New Orleans native Donald Williams, Jr., enjoyed great success at his Vinings-area original location. Neighborhood business conditions there contributed to his seeking a more spacious, upscale atmosphere designed to transport diners straight to the French Quarter.
Homework First
Before our visit, we checked out some of the online reviews, and made a list of our “most likely” order items. Walking in to D’Juans New Orleans Bistro, we felt transported immediately to New Orleans, meeting face-to-face with a giant jester apropos of the New Orleans Mardi Gras spirit.
Walking in, we met face-to-face with a giant jester apropos of the New Orleans Mardi Gras spirit.
While the online reviews raved about the chargrilled oysters and crawfish mac and cheese, we decided not to tempt fate with these more delicate seafoods. Nothing against D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro, but we’ll reserve those for a trip back home.
We chose other crowd favorites, and were glad we did. For starters, we selected the Stuffed Crab Cake Egg Rolls. This unique and addictive fusion starter was lightly fried then served sliced in an open-face presentation.
We read great things about the Stuffed Crab Cake Egg Rolls, so we couldn’t resist them as a lunch starter.
Entree Selection
The fried catfish po-boy featured a huge serving of tender, moist fried catfish, laid across a soft, fresh loaf of French bread. We went with a “fully dressed” version, featuring lettuce, tomato and pickle. The moisture from the toppings caused a bit of sogginess with the fish filet. But the banging flavor trade-off was fully worth the minor texture change. The po-boy came with a side of home-made remoulade sauce. That added a bit of sweet and heat to the sandwich concotion. Plus, that sauce was excellent for those (like me!) who like to dip their fries in sauces other than ketchup.
The lunch-sized fried catfish poboy was served on fresh French bread, and accompanied by a home-made remoulade sauce that proved great for dipping my fries.
Our second entree, the D’Juan’s take on jambalaya, wasn’t a traditional New Orleans presentation. It packed an excellent flavor combination with chicken, shrimp and andouille sausage. Unlike our down-home jambalaya, D’Juan’s included a savory tomato sauce. It played well with the mushy rice, adding another rich flavor profile to the dish.
We fully intended to finish with a serving of the Beignet Bites. At D’Juan, they’re dusted with a signature blend of powdered sugar and cinnamon, earning rave reviews from the dessert lovers. But we had put away too much food already, so we’ll just have to reserve those for another visit.
D’Juan’s jambalaya was a bit non-traditional, including a savory tomato sauce mixed with the mush rice, chicken, sausage and shrimp.
Excellent Service Experience
We’ll add here that our service was excellent. Our waiter, Michael, was a new transplant to the Atlanta area. He arrived about the same time as D’Juan’s opened in Smyrna. Despite being a recent transplant, he was helpful in describing dishes for our selection.
D’Juan’s also features a full bar service, including New Orleans specialties along side the usual and regional favorites. Parking is easy, either on the street front or in the carpark directly behind the restaurant. And while our February visit was made during cooler days, the outdoor patio looks like it will be perfect with warmer weather arrives.
You’ll find D’Juans in the heart of the West Village development in Smyrna at 4500 West Village Place, Suite 1017, Smyrna, GA 30080. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, with slightly later opening hours on weekends. The restaurant also features a soulful Sunday brunch service. And we’ve spotted several promotions for daily specials plus special public events.
For reservations or more information, call 678-653-9885 or visit their website at www.djuans.com.
More New Orleans-related Posts
If you want more from our New Orleans experiences, check out these other posts:
