World War 2 / 1941-1945

On December 8, 1941, The United States entered World War 2 by declaring war on Japan the day following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. At least eight Trigg Countians were stationed at Pearl Harbor when the attack occurred and all of them survived.

On December 11, 1941, four days following Japan’s attack, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States and within hours the United States congress unanimously declared war on Germany and Italy. This immediately became a singular global conflict because Germany, Italy, and Japan had formally formed a military and economic alliance the prior year.

World War 2 was driven by the expansionist goals of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It was fought to stop totalitarian territorial aggression, fascism, and the genocide of the Jewish population.

Four hundred twenty-two Trigg Countians valiantly served in World War 2. Purple Hearts were issued to an unknown number of Trigg Countians and at least two received multiple Purple Hearts. The Purple Heart is awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat with an enemy force. At least one Trigg Countian received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart, which are awarded for extreme gallantry, courage, and risk of life in combat. 

Twenty-eight Trigg County service members died in both theaters. Many of these fatalities were returned home for burial. Some losses were disinterred and returned home as late as December 1949. Nine are buried in cemeteries near the conflict zone, and three were lost or buried at sea. 

World War 2 concluded in Europe May 8, 1945 with Germany’s surrender, and, the war concluded in Japan on September 2, 1945, following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August.