| Photograph
of Jesse Radcliff recalls story of Wourld War I
death of Bienville soldier A
story by Journal Correspondent Mary K. Hamner of
Castor, published in the November, 2007 edition
of The Journal chronicled the death of a young
soldier, Jessie Radcliff, who apparently was
executed by firing squad for desertion, just
hours before the Armistice ended hostilities.
That story was widely read and commented, as
one of the sad personal outcomes of war.
Radcliff's grave marker is in the Ebenezer
Cemetery in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, with the
following inscription, taken from a note found in
the young soldier's pocket when his body was
shipped home for burial:
Jessie R. Radcliff
Born October 5, 1898
Died November 8, 1918
I am a long way from
home and this is the darkest
day of my life; as if there were
never no more stars to shine
for me. Let my father know
for he will call for me.
|
