“…that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Abraham Lincoln
Soldiers’ National Cemetery dedication
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
19 Nov 1863

Pvt. Thomas McBurnett (1841-6 Aug 1862)- Co B, Cobb’s Legion, Georgia Volunteers, CSA

Brother of Pvt Joshua McBurnett
Enlisted 30 Jul 1861 at Bowden, Carroll, GA
Died at Brigade Hospital, Richmond, VA

Pvt. Joshua McBurnett (1843-30 Jul 1863)- Co B, Cobb’s Legion, Georgia Volunteers, CSA

Brother of Thomas McBurnett
Enlisted 30 Jul 1861 at Bowden, Carroll, GA
Died at General Hospital No 27, Richmond, VA

Pvt. Wesley Paul McBurnett (20 Nov 1895- 8 Oct 1918)- Co K, 141st Infantry, USA

Nephew of Thomas & Joshua McBurnett.
Killed in France during Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Capt. Jerry Roy McDonald (11 Jan 1924- 28 Feb 1945)- 338th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, USAAF

13 Dec 1944 – Awarded 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal
02 Feb 1945 – Awarded 4th Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal
16 Feb 1945 – Promoted from 1st Lieutenant to Captain
17 Feb 1945 – Awarded 5th Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal

28 Feb 1945 – Killed in Action

Flew 58 missions, crashed over Munich, Germany.

Buried at Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France.

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.
They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”

Harry S Truman
Address Before a Joint Session of Congress.
April 16, 1945