Garrard was born and raised outside of Louisville, Mississippi in 1909. He lived with both of his parents as well as his seven siblings, of which he was neither the youngest nor oldest. Throughout his youth, Garrard was helping out on the family farm. He eventually dropped out of school after getting his basic education, only the elementary level academics, so that he could work full time on the family farm with his aging parents.
Mississippi was going through World War II just like every other state, with rationing and military production being increased; it was in 1942 when Garrard still chose to enlist in the United States Army. It was no surprise to Garrard that he would be subject to war and combat because of the time he enlisted. It almost felt mandatory for him to join the military due to the modernization of farming and the decreasing need of hands on labor on farms. Little did Garrard know that this would be no ordinary experience and no training would ready him for the arduous task ahead that would sadly end his days on this Earth.
Garrard became part of the 315th Infantry Regiment of the 79th Infantry Division, Company B. He reported to Camp Shelby, outside of Hattiesburg, MS upon joining the Army. He then completed summer training in Yuma, AZ and winter condition training in Kansas. Garrard and his Division arrived in Liverpool, England in April of 1944. His division was then part of the Omaha Beach invasion, arriving on D-Day +6. The 315th landed further up Omaha Beach than the main group of Infantryman. It was shortly thereafter that John F. Garrard died due to heavy opposition on the approach to Cherbourg, France. He died via a gunshot wound in his throat on June 22, 1944. He is now resting between these two individuals at this site who also gave their lives for freedom.
Mississippi was going through World War II just like every other state, with rationing and military production being increased; it was in 1942 when Garrard still chose to enlist in the United States Army. It was no surprise to Garrard that he would be subject to war and combat because of the time he enlisted. It almost felt mandatory for him to join the military due to the modernization of farming and the decreasing need of hands on labor on farms. Little did Garrard know that this would be no ordinary experience and no training would ready him for the arduous task ahead that would sadly end his days on this Earth.
Garrard became part of the 315th Infantry Regiment of the 79th Infantry Division, Company B. He reported to Camp Shelby, outside of Hattiesburg, MS upon joining the Army. He then completed summer training in Yuma, AZ and winter condition training in Kansas. Garrard and his Division arrived in Liverpool, England in April of 1944. His division was then part of the Omaha Beach invasion, arriving on D-Day +6. The 315th landed further up Omaha Beach than the main group of Infantryman. It was shortly thereafter that John F. Garrard died due to heavy opposition on the approach to Cherbourg, France. He died via a gunshot wound in his throat on June 22, 1944. He is now resting between these two individuals at this site who also gave their lives for freedom.
Photos courtesy of Al Wheat