Background information
Name: James Edward Simmons
Born: October 10, 1922
Died: June 6, 1944
Hometown: Long Beach, MS
Entered the Military: June 30, 1942
Branch of Service: United States Naval Reserve
Org Unit: USS LTC-5 Flotilla 12
Serial No: 8435477
Rank: Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class, US Navy
Awards: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Navy Expeditionary
Cemetery: Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France and Long Beach Cemetery
Background Information:
James Edward Simmons was born in Long Beach, MS on October 10, 1922. He was born to Benjamin (April 29, 1888-November 28, 1978) and Anne Elizabeth Sugden (October 13, 1896-December 10, 1988). His father was born in Louisiana, but his mother was born in Mississippi. James’ family lived off his father’s income, who worked as an Agt. Operator in the railroad industry. Despite his father going to high school for only two years, James grew up in a nice home worth about forty-five thousand dollars, located near modern downtown Long Beach. James grew up as the third oldest in a family of six. His siblings included Benjamin Simmons Jr., Robert Louis Simmons, and William D. Simmons.
Unlike his parents, James had a form of education that served him well. However, he had entered the military so early on in his life that his formal education was used to complete basic training rather than to enter the workforce.
Born: October 10, 1922
Died: June 6, 1944
Hometown: Long Beach, MS
Entered the Military: June 30, 1942
Branch of Service: United States Naval Reserve
Org Unit: USS LTC-5 Flotilla 12
Serial No: 8435477
Rank: Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class, US Navy
Awards: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Navy Expeditionary
Cemetery: Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France and Long Beach Cemetery
Background Information:
James Edward Simmons was born in Long Beach, MS on October 10, 1922. He was born to Benjamin (April 29, 1888-November 28, 1978) and Anne Elizabeth Sugden (October 13, 1896-December 10, 1988). His father was born in Louisiana, but his mother was born in Mississippi. James’ family lived off his father’s income, who worked as an Agt. Operator in the railroad industry. Despite his father going to high school for only two years, James grew up in a nice home worth about forty-five thousand dollars, located near modern downtown Long Beach. James grew up as the third oldest in a family of six. His siblings included Benjamin Simmons Jr., Robert Louis Simmons, and William D. Simmons.
Unlike his parents, James had a form of education that served him well. However, he had entered the military so early on in his life that his formal education was used to complete basic training rather than to enter the workforce.