After 80 years, local organizations will recognize a Clarksburg native for his service during World War II.
Acording to a release sent to Democrat, Ned Stinson, a Technician 5th grade in the U.S. Army Air Corps, died on Nov. 27, 1943, after an enemy attack destroyed the ship, the HMT Rohna, in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Algeria.
"(Stinson) died along with over 1,000 of his comrades on the troopship HMT Rohna," the release said. "Two important but virtually unknown historical events occurred at that time. It was the first successful hit of a vessel at sea carrying U.S. troops by a guided missile, and it resulted in the greatest loss of troops at sea in U.S. history."
"The death toll from that single missile was so devastating that the U.S. government placed a veil of secrecy upon it. The events which followed were so shameful that the secrecy continued for decades until recently, when documents were grudgingly released under pressure of the Freedom of Information Act," the release continued. "For years, Stinson was listed as missing in action and then the status changed to killed in action, but no information was released to his family."
Although Stinson's name is placed alongside his shipmates on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Tunisia, it is not shared on his family's grave in Clarksburg. Organizations such as the Hickman Cemetery Board, VFW Post #4245 of Moniteau County, American Legion Post #304 of Tipton, California Lodge #183 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Army Honor Guard will recognize Ned Stinson at 11 A.M. on May 29 at Hickman Cemetary for his service.
The event will memorialize him as living family members place a new grave stone next to that of his parents.