Army PFC John Taylor Dale was born in Oak Hill, Wilcox County, Alabama on December 18, 1922, the son of Willie Dale (1882-) and his widowed mother Clemmie McBride (1893-). Clemmie supported her family as a cook for a private family while John worked as a truck driver as a "route man." The family was living in Allenton, Wilcox County, Alabama as late as 1930 where Willie was farming. Upon his death thereafter, Clemmie came to Pensacola and brought John with her. There are indications that Magnolia Stallworth Dexter, wife of Jules that was living next door to them is related to Clemmie.
After the war began, John enlisted in the US Army on February 2, 1943 and was sent to Camp Blanding, Florida for processing. After basic training, he was assigned to the 4132nd Quartermaster Service Company, most likely due to his race since these companies tended to be all African American units. His unit was shipped overseas and quartered near Wellingboro, Northamptonshire, England in March 1944. They likely were attached to the Army Air Corps squadrons since they were flying bombing missions from England at the time. A truck company's role was to transport munitions, troops, supplies and anything else that needed moving! As D-Day approached it appears that John's company was slated to his Omaha Beach right behind the initial landing force. This was because the infantry regiments would be needing trucks and supplies to support their breakout.
At some point, it appears they were attached to the 106th Infantry Division that fought its way into Germany on April 25, 1945. On May 8th, Germany surrendered to the Allied forces ending hostilities in Europe although some Nazi units continued to fight on for another week or so. However, on May 13th John was killed and his death was recorded as "DNB" (death non battle) and his remains were never recovered. There is a "Tablet of the Missing" erected at the Lorraine Military Cemetery at St. Avoid, France with his name inscribed. Somewhere in the darks confines of the Hall of Military Records, I'm sure there's a record of what happened to John but who knows. Regardless, he gave his life in the service of his country when they needed him the most, thus the eternal honor he deserves!
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