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Veterans Day is a time to honor the brave individuals who served in the military, celebrating their sacrifices and unwavering dedication. In recognition of this special day, we highlight these Trojans who heroically served their country.

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n 1917, Robert Whidby, after two years of experience with the French army on the French front, fighting the Bosches, is at home again.  He has an honorable discharge from the French army and a record of valiant service.

Some months ago, a monster shell burst near Whidby, and though it did not strike him, the concussion was such that it seriously injured him and sent him to the hospital for four or five months, after which he was discharged.

     Mr. Whidby had some exciting experiences on the way home, as well as at the French fronts, the vessel upon which he was returning being attacked by a submarine, but fortunately escaped.

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In 1943, friends of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin McKinney, of Banks, Route 2, will regret to hear that they have been notified that their son, Lamar, died in Japan on the sixteenth of June.  Lamar was previously reported as a prisoner of war in Japan.

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In 1918, Matthew Gibson was wounded to an undetermined degree in France.  Matthew was a member of the Troy Rifles, went to the border with the troops, came back to Montgomery, and afterward went to Camp Wheeler.

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Mrs. Mary Balako, Mother of Lt. Jimmy Balako, who has been previously reported by the Navy Department as killed in action on October 10, 1942, is in receipt of the Purple Heart medal and Certificate, which has been awarded her son posthumously.

Lt. Balako was a pilot with the U. S. Navy forces and was reported killed in action somewhere in the South Pacific.  He was a graduate of Troy High School and Troy State Teachers Collect.  He received his pilot training at Pensacola, Fla., early in the war.

In 1945, Pfc. Walter G. Spivey, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Spivey of Ansley, was killed in action in Germany last December 14th, according to a message received by the family.

Drafted in August 1941, Pfc. Spivey saw 18 months’ service in the Panama Canal Zone before being returned to the States and thence to the battle zone across the Atlantic on the Western front.

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In 1918, the Brundidge News had the following to say about a Pike County boy, a soldier who gave his life in the wreck of the ship Otranto.

Mr. and Mrs. W. J.  Sharpe received a telegram Saturday informing them of the sad death of their son, John Henry Sharpe, who was among the lost on the British transport Otranto, which was wrecked off of Scotland.  The Otranto came in collision with the steamer Kashmir while the storm was raging. They ran on the rocks and went to pieces, and only a few on board were saved owing to the terrific weather.  John Henry enlisted as a volunteer in the coast artillery several months ago and was in training at Fort Screvin, Ga., until a short time after he was sent overseas.  He was always a steady, industrious boy, devoted to his parents and home and glad to be able to help them and his younger brothers and sisters.

He was a member of the Methodist Church and tried to live up to its teachings.  He was a true loving son, a brave soldier, and gave his young life f or the defense of his country, and has gone to his reward.

All of these articles can be found in previous editions of The Troy Messenger.  Stay tuned for more.  Dianne Smith is the President of the Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society.