Decades after his last battle, the name of a 12th man has been added to the Juniata Terrace Monument. Technician Fourth Grade Jack Stanton Blessing was added Wednesday.

Erected by the Juanita Terrace Civic Association in the early 1960s, the monument honors Terrace residents who gave their lives in battle for our nation and our freedom. Blessing is now honored along with William Allen, Jr., Franklin Dukes, Richard Elder, Abram Heane, Donald Johnston, Franklin Jones, Harry Leeper, Wayne Stewart, James Clark, Earl George and James Allen.

Nearly 82 years after making the ultimate sacrifice, Blessing’s name has been forever etched alongside his Terrace brothers.

“The memories never fade, as another is honored.” Juniata Terrace Mayor John Wagner said.

Blessing was born in Duncannon with at least seven of his eight siblings. After moving to Lewistown, the family lived at 130 Terrace Blvd., Juniata Terrace. Jack graduated from Lewistown High School in 1942 in the general studies curriculum. After high school and prior to enlistment, he became a clerk at G. C. Murphy & Co. in Lewistown.

He enlisted in the Army at Altoona on Feb. 25, 1943 and entered active duty at New Cumberland, on March 4, 1943. After completing basic training, Private Blessing was assigned to the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division. There were two battalions making up the 187th. Blessing was in the 1st Battalion. In addition to being a fighting paratrooper, he was a radio and communication specialist.

On Nov. 22, 1944, the 11th Airborne was ordered to be dropped into Leyte to assist in the ongoing invasion of the Philippines. Blessing was killed in action Dec. 7, 1944 in Leyte, Philippine Islands. He was awarded the Silver Star posthumously, for his “gallantry in action” and for “his great courage, daring initiative and zealous devotion to duty.” His remains were repatriated to the United States and were laid to rest at Lind Memorial Cemetery in Lewistown.

Research by Terrace historian Rick Bodenschatz helped pave the way for Blessing to be added to the monument. Bodenschatz is the author of “Honor…Sacrifice — Juniata Terrace, Pennsylvania.” A copy is available at the Mifflin County Library.

“It is an honor to learn and share about our heroes who have preserved the freedom of our country,” Bodenschatz said.

The 12 men on the Juniata Terrace Monument are remembered today and everyday beneath the monument’s inscription: “In honor of the men of this community who gave their lives in the service of their country.”