Pvt John Earnest Washington

Our Hometown Heroes

John Earnest Washington

Killed in Action in Iwo Jima

John Earnest Wallace III, was 30 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Born on July 7, 1912, the private worked at Highland Mills before his military service began. The Marine Private would quickly find he was a part of one of the fieriest battles in all of World War II. Washington would fight alongside other Marines of his 3rd Marine Division to capture the island of Iwo Jima. The 36-day battle to take the island, was one of the most brutal in all of World War 2. American casualties totaled 6,800. Another 21,000 Japanese were estimated to have died in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Married to Verlula Stapleton Washington, the couple had three children; Harold, Douglas and Edna. The family lived at 315 Hammock Street. Only 9 days before Iwo Jima was retaken by the U.S. Marines and victory was declared, Private Washington was killed in action, March 17, 1945. He is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Although Washington did not come home alive, a thankful community now honors the World War II, soldier. An individual plaque will be installed in Historic Downtown Griffin. The plaque is proudly sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Valdon Smith.