PFC James Arthur Dandridge was born in Senatobia, Mississippi, on July 12, 1918, to James Dandridge and Willa Dandridge, and had one brother. The family lived in Cleveland, Ohio and then resided at 824 South 13th Avenue, Maywood, Illinois. At some point, it appears his parents divorced. He graduated from Washington School and later graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1936. He married Hughetta Payne and living with his wife’s family at 1928 South 15th Avenue, Broadview, Illinois. He also became the father of a son, James. He worked at the National Malleable Steel Casting Company in Melrose Park, Illinois.
On October 16, 1940, he registered when the Selective Service Act took effect and named his wife as his contact person. On May 16, 1944, he was drafted into the US Army and received the serial number 36 979, 108 and sent to Fort Sheridan. On May 27th, he was sent to Camp Ellis, Illinois, near Table Grove, Illinois. This was a camp for the Army Service Forces. The camp had various units training including three African-American units.
At some point, he was assigned to the 3119th Quartermaster Service Company. The service companies delivered supplies to field units. Unfortunately, not much is known about his unit. According to records, James was in the Broadbruchen, Germany area, on April 1, 1945, when a enemy shell exploded near him resulting in him being hit by shell fragments which resulted in wounds on both his arms and legs. He also apparently was hit by a shell fragment in his head and died from the wound. He was buried the next day at the US Military Cemetery, Bensheim, Germany in Plot A, Row 7, Grave 84.
His wife received a telegram from the War Department.
HUGHETTA DANDRIDGE 1928 SOUTH 15 AVENUE BROADVIEW ILL
THE SECREATRY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEPEST REGREAT THAT YOUR HUSBAND PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JAMES A DANDRIDGE WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON ONE APRIL IN GERMANY LETTER FOLLOWS
ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
A confirmation letter followed, but its content is not known.
James was moved to the US Military Cemetery, Saint Avold, France, and his received a letter informing her of his burial.
7 October 1946
Mrs. Hughetta Dandridge
1928 South 15th Avenue
Maywood, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Dandridge:
The War Department is most desirous that you be furbished information regarding the burial location of your husband, the late Private First Class James A. Dandridge, A.S.N. 36 979 108.
The record of this office discloses that his remains are interred in the U. S. Military Cemetery, St. Avold, plot LL, row 7, grave 84. You may be assured that the identification and interment have been accomplished with fitting dignity and solemnity.
This cemetery is located fifteen miles northwest of Strasburg, France, and is under the constant care and supervision of the United States personnel.
The War Department has now been authorized to comply, at Government expense, with the feasible wishes of the next of kin regarding final interment, here or abroad, of the remains of your loved one. At a later date, this office will, without any action on your part, provide the next of kin with full information and solicit his detailed desires.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in your great loss.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
T. B. Larkin
Major General
The Quartermaster General
Hughetta Dandridge received another letter, dated October 17, 1947, giving her the options she had for James’ final burial. She was asked to fill-out and return an enclosed form indicating her wishes for his burial. The Office of Quartermaster General received the completed form on December 2, 1947. Hughetta indicated that she wanted her husband returned to the United States for burial.
On July 15, 1948, his remains were exhumed and by train sent to Antwerp, Belgium, where they were casketed on July 19th. On August 5, 1948, his casket was placed on the USAT Lawrence Victory and sailed for the US. The ship arrived in the New York Port of Entry on August 19th and appear to be held there until his casket was put on a train to the Quartermaster Corps Distribution Canter #8 in Chicago. In a military hearse, with a military escort, his casket was taken to the Metropolitan Funeral Parlors in Chicago on September 30, 1948. PFC James A. Dandridge was buried in Burr Oak Cemetery, Blue Island, Illinois.
