The following profiles honor the 12 servicemen from Juniata Terrace whose lives, service and ultimate sacrifice are documented in Rick Bodenschatz’s book, “The Juniata Terrace Monument: A Community’s Story of Service and Sacrifice:”

Private William Platt Allen Jr.

3rd Army, 80th Division, 319th Infantry Regiment Died of Wounds – Jan. 18, 1945

Pvt. William Platt Allen Jr. was a Lewistown native whose service in the Battle of the Bulge ended in sacrifice. Born in 1915 in State College, Allen grew up in Lewistown where he worked at the Viscose before entering the Army in 1944. Assigned to Company G of the 319th Infantry Regiment, Allen joined the 80th Division during one of the most brutal winters in European history. His unit fought through deep snow, freezing temperatures and relentless German counterattacks as the Allies struggled to halt the last major German offensive of the war.

On Jan. 7, 1945, near Goesdorf, Luxembourg, Allen was struck by enemy mortar fire during fierce fighting along the front. He was evacuated to the 60th Field Hospital where doctors worked to save him, but his wounds proved too severe. He died 11 days later at age 29. His loss was felt deeply in Lewistown where his family and friends remembered him as a hardworking young man who answered his country’s call without hesitation.

Allen was awarded the Purple Heart for the wounds that took his life. He is buried at Saint Mark’s Cemetery in Lewistown where his grave remains a quiet reminder of the local men who fought and died in Europe’s final winter of war.

Pvt. First-Class Franklin James Dukes

361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Division Killed in Action – April 14, 1945

Pvt. First-Class Franklin James Dukes was a Juniata Terrace native whose life ended during one of the final battles of the Italian campaign. Born in 1919 in Cambria County, Dukes moved with his family to the Terrace where he grew up among the tight-knit community of mill workers and their families. He entered the Army and was assigned to the 361st Infantry Regiment of the 91st Division, a unit that fought its way up the rugged spine of Italy.

In April 1945, as the Allies launched their final offensive to break the German Gothic Line, Dukes’ regiment was ordered to seize Mt. Adone, a heavily fortified peak north of Florence. The fighting was intense as German forces defended the mountain with artillery, mortars, and machine guns. On April 14, 1945, during the assault, Dukes was killed by enemy mortar fire. He was 25 years old.

His death came only weeks before the German surrender in Italy. Dukes was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge for his service and sacrifice. He is buried at the Florence American Cemetery where thousands of American soldiers who fought in Italy are laid to rest. His name remains etched in the memory of Juniata Terrace as one of its sons who never returned home.

Pvt. Richard Elder

115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division Killed in Action – Dec. 4, 1944

Pvt. Richard “Dick” Elder was a Clearfield County native whose service with the 29th Division carried him into the heart of the Rhineland Campaign. Born in 1913 in Osceola Mills, he grew up in a large family that later moved to Juniata Terrace. Elder married Frances Harbst and worked as a railroad truckman before entering the Army in March 1944.

After training and a brief hospitalization for a fungal infection, Elder joined the 115th Infantry Regiment as a replacement in October 1944. The regiment had already fought through Normandy and northern France and was now pushing toward the Roer River in Germany. The terrain was cold, wet, and heavily defended as German forces fought desperately to slow the Allied advance.

On December 4, 1944, near Kirchberg, Elder was killed in action during heavy fighting along the Roer River line. He was 31 years old. His death came during a critical phase of the campaign as the Allies prepared for the final push into Germany.

Elder is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten where his grave is cared for to this day by a Dutch citizen sponsor He was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice. His story remains one of quiet service, family devotion, and the ultimate price paid by so many young men from central Pennsylvania.

Pvt. First-Class Abram Heane

23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division Died of Wounds – Oct. 5, 1944

Pvt. First-Class Abram Heane was a Juniata Terrace resident whose service with the 2nd Infantry Division carried him from Omaha Beach to the German border. Born in 1915 in Somerset County, Heane moved with his family to Lewistown where his father worked at the Viscose. He enlisted in the Army in January 1941, nearly a year before the United States entered World War II.

Heane landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day plus one with the 23rd Infantry Regiment. The landing was still dangerous as German forces continued to shell the beaches and surrounding fields. On June 13, 1944, Heane was wounded by shrapnel and evacuated to England. After recovering, he returned to his unit and continued fighting through France, Belgium and toward the German border.

On Oct. 5, 1944, near the St. Vith sector of the Ardennes, Heane was mortally wounded by artillery fire. He died later that day at age 29. His death came only weeks before the Battle of the Bulge erupted across the same region.

Heane is buried at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds and is remembered as one of the Terrace’s earliest volunteers and bravest sons.

Staff Sgt, James “Frank” Franklin Jones

Marine Fighting Squadron 452 (VMF-452), USS Franklin Missing in Action – March 19, 1945

Staff Sgt. James “Frank” Franklin Jones was a Lewistown High School graduate whose service as a Marine aircraft armorer placed him aboard one of the most storied carriers of World War II. Born in 1915 in Houtzdale, Clearfield County, Jones moved with his family to Juniata Terrace where his father worked at the Viscose. He married Rachel Catherman in 1939 and worked as a surveyor before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1943.

Jones trained at Parris Island, Mojave Desert and Camp Kearny before joining Marine Fighting Squadron 452, known as the “Sky Raiders.” The squadron flew F4U Corsairs from the USS Franklin, an Essex-class carrier operating in the Pacific.

On March 19, 1945, while the Franklin was operating only 50 miles off the coast of Japan, a single enemy aircraft broke through cloud cover and dropped two bombs on the ship. The explosions ignited fires that tore through the hangar deck and set off ammunition, rockets, and fuel. More than 800 sailors and Marines were killed.

Jones was among those lost at sea. He was 29 years old. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice.

Seaman First Class Harry Sheldon Leeper Sr.

USS Mahan (DD-364), U.S. Naval Reserve Killed in Action – Dec. 7, 1944

Seaman First Class Harry Sheldon Leeper Sr. was a Lewistown and Yeagertown resident whose service aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Mahan ended during one of the most dramatic naval attacks of the Pacific war. Born in 1914 in Johnstown, Leeper moved with his family to Lewistown where he worked at the Viscose and later at Standard Steel. He married Mary Loudenslager and had two children, Patty and Harry Jr.

Leeper enlisted in the Naval Reserve in January 1944 and was assigned to the USS Mahan, a veteran destroyer that had seen action across the Pacific. By late 1944 the ship was operating off Leyte in the Philippines during the American effort to retake the islands.

On Dec. 7, 1944, the Mahan was attacked by a swarm of Japanese aircraft. The ship shot down several attackers, but three kamikazes crashed into her, igniting fires that spread rapidly toward the magazines. The order to abandon ship was given. Leeper was among the seven sailors lost at sea.

He is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice.

Aviation Ordnanceman 3C Wayne Harvey Stewart

Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-146, U.S. Navy Killed in Action – Oct. 20, 1944

Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Wayne Harvey “Stew” Stewart was a Lewistown High School honor student whose service as a naval aircrewman carried him into the forward areas of the Pacific. Born in 1924 in Hastings, Stewart moved with his family to Juniata Terrace where he excelled academically and worked at Middletown Airport after graduation.

Stewart enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1942 and trained in Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Florida before joining Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-146. The squadron flew PV-1 Ventura patrol bombers from the escort carrier U.S.S. Anzio before moving to a forward base on Morotai Island.

On Oct. 20, 1944, only his third day on Morotai, Stewart was serving as the rear gunner on a mission over the Philippines when his aircraft was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire. The plane crashed and exploded, killing all six crew members. Stewart was 20 years old.

His remains were later recovered and interred at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Kent. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice.

Pvt. First-Class James Lewis Clark

272nd Infantry Regiment, 69th Infantry Division Died in Service – June 19, 1945

Pvt. First-Class James Lewis Clark was a Juniata Terrace resident whose service with the 69th Infantry Division carried him through the final months of the war in Europe. Born in 1922 in Grampian, Clark moved with his family to Delaware Avenue where he grew up in a large household of eleven children. He worked at the Viscose before enlisting in 1942.

Clark trained with the 272nd Infantry Regiment at Camp Shelby before deploying to Europe in late 1944. The 69th Division fought through the Siegfried Line, crossed the Rhine, and advanced deep into Germany. In April 1945 the division made history when it linked up with Soviet forces at the Elbe River, effectively cutting Germany in half.

After V-E Day on May 8, 1945, the division transitioned to occupation duties in Leipzig. It was there, on June 19, 1945, that Clark died in service at age 22. The circumstances of his death were not recorded in surviving documents, but his loss came during a period of intense postwar instability.

He is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten where his grave is cared for to this day by a Dutch citizen sponsor. His grave stands among thousands of Americans who helped bring the war in Europe to an end.

Pvt. First-Class James Robert Allen

Company D, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division Killed in Action – Feb. 12, 1951

Private First-Class James Robert “Jim” Allen was a Juniata Terrace native whose service in Korea ended during one of the deadliest battles of the war. Born in 1931, Allen grew up at 30 Terrace Boulevard, the first home occupied on the Terrace. He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1949 where he played football, wrestled, and sang in the glee club.

Allen enlisted in the Army shortly after graduation and served with The Old Guard at Fort Myer where he participated in ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknowns. In 1950 he deployed to Korea with the 38th Infantry Regiment as a heavy-weapons infantryman.

He fought in several major engagements including the brutal Battle of Chosin Reservoir. On Feb. 12, 1951, during the Battle of Hoengsong, Chinese forces launched a massive counterattack that overwhelmed elements of the 2nd Division. Allen was killed in action at age 19. A fellow soldier later told his parents that Allen died while pushing other men out of danger.

He was awarded the Purple Heart and is buried at Lind Memorial Cemetery in Lewistown. His service stands as one of the Terrace’s most poignant wartime losses.

Technical Sgt. Donald James Johnston

1409th Army Air Force Base Unit, 8th Air Force Died in Service – Oct. 20, 1944

Technical Sgt. Donald James “Jim” Johnston was a Lewistown High School graduate whose service as a radio operator placed him in one of the most secretive air operations of World War II. Born in 1921 in Warriors Mark, Johnston moved with his family to Juniata Terrace where he worked at the Viscose before enlisting in 1942. He married Mary Jane Mayhue that same year and became a father in 1944, though he never met his daughter.

After training in several states, Johnston was assigned to the 1409th Army Air Force Base Unit, a clandestine transport group supporting resistance fighters in occupied Norway. Flying C-87 Liberator transport from Scotland to neutral Sweden, the unit delivered supplies and personnel under strict secrecy. If captured, crew members risked execution as spies.

On Oct. 20, 1944, Johnston’s aircraft crashed in heavy fog near Alingsås, Sweden, killing all six crew members. He was 23 years old. His remains were later moved to Luxembourg American Cemetery.

Johnston earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart. His name is honored both overseas and at the Mifflin County Historical Society.

Technician Fifth-Grade Earl Joseph George

131st Anti-Aircraft Gun Battalion, 79th Division Died of Non-Battle Wounds – March 28, 1945

Technician Fifth-Grade Earl Joseph George was a Juniata Terrace resident whose final act was one of courage and selflessness. Born in 1922 in Jamestown near Portage, George moved with his family to Terrace Boulevard where his father worked at the Viscose. He registered for the draft in 1943 while working for the Press Steel Car Company in Pittsburgh.

George enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 131st Anti-Aircraft Gun Battalion of the 79th Division. The division fought through Normandy, northern France, Belgium, and into Germany. On March 24, 1945, during the massive Allied crossing of the Rhine, a damaged American B-24 bomber crashed near George’s unit. Several soldiers rushed toward the wreckage in an attempt to rescue the crew.

George was gravely injured when the ammunition dump ignited. He died of his wounds four days later at age 22. He is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten where his grave is cared for to this day by a Dutch citizen sponsor. Though his death was classified as non-battle, many believe he deserved the Soldier’s Medal and the Purple Heart for his heroism.

Technician Fourth Grade John “Jack” Blessing

187th Glider Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division Killed in Action – Dec. 7, 1944, Leyte, Philippine Islands Awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action.

John “Jack” Blessing was born July 25, 1924, in Duncannon, Perry County, and moved with his parents, Harry and Elizabeth, and his many siblings to 130 Terrace Blvd. by 1930. He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1942, where he was active in school life, and later worked as a clerk at G.C. Murphy & Co. in Lewistown. After graduation, he lived in several rental apartments in town before entering the service.

Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army at Altoona on Feb. 25, 1943, and entered active duty at New Cumberland on March 4. After basic training, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment, part of the 11th Airborne Division. Activated in 1943 at Camp Mackall, N.C., the regiment trained as both glider and parachute troops and later moved to Camp Polk, La., for advanced glider operations.

The 187th served with distinction in the Pacific and became the first American unit to set foot in Japan at the end of the war. Jack was killed in action on Dec. 7, 1944, during operations on Leyte in the Philippine Islands. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action.

The Blessing family remained part of Juniata Terrace for decades, with Jack’s brother Harry Jr. later raising his own family at 111 Terrace Blvd.