J. F. Rhodes

Personal Information

Birthplace: Abilene, KS

Service Information

Branch of Service: Army

Unit: 509th parachute Battalion

Theater of Operation: European

Battle: Battle of the Bulge

Enlisted / Commissioned: Jan 23, 1942

Highest Rank: Pvt

Military Honors: 2 Purple Hearts

Honored By: The Eisenhower Foundation

Biography

J.F. “Junior” Rhodes was born in Abilene, Kansas, in 1921. When he was two years old the family moved to Tampa, Kansas. Rhodes grew up in the Tampa area and graduated with the Tampa High School class of 1939.

He entered the Kemper Military academy in Booneville, Missouri, graduating in 1941. Rhodes moved to California and worked in a Sacramento bank until he enlisted in the Army. He became a parachuter and served in Europe, where he was involved in the invasion of Italy and fighting in Anzio, South France, Sicily, and the Battle of the Bulge. Rhodes received 2 Purple Hearts.

His parents received a letter at one point of his military career, stating Rhodes was missing in action, which was very upsetting. A few days later, a personal letter came from Rhodes telling his parents he was doing alright and living in an apple orchard, leaving his parents to believe he was safe. Soon, an official letter from the Army verified Rhodes had been able to met up with his unit and was back to serving his country.

Rhodes returned home and moved to Topeka marring his high school sweetheart.

Courtesy of the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Museum