Sergeant John F. "Jack" Aylward, Jr.

Sergeant John F. Aylward Jr., also known as Jack, was born in 1912 in High Springs, Florida. Jack had two older sisters, Ruby and Hazel, as well as a younger brother named Joseph. Jack’s father, John F. Aylward Sr. was born in Massachusetts after his parents immigrated from England and Ireland respectively. John F. Aylward Sr. married Jack’s mother, Orrie Alline Aylward, and worked as a mechanist for a railroad shop. Orrie, who often went by her middle name Alline, was born in Georgia. [1]  Census documents between the years of 1920 and 1930 show evidence of non-family members living with the Aylwards suggesting that they opened up their home on First Avenue South to lodgers throughout their time in High Springs as well as their future residence in Ocala, Florida.[2]

            In 1930, Jack and the Aylwards moved to Ocala in Marion county, Florida which became their permanent residence. Jack graduated from High school and became a porter operator. Both of his sisters married and moved out of the household while Joseph and Jack stayed. Ruby became Ruby Parks and Hazel became Hazel Herrin. The household by 1940 was not taking in lodgers anymore.[3]

            On February 24, 1942, Jack enlisted into the U.S. Army, prior to that his civilian career was in the hospitality industry as a manager. It is likely that Jack never married or fathered any children.  He became a Technician 4^th class in the Headquarters Company of the 6th Armored Division often referred to as the “Super Sixth,” under General Patton.[4]

The “Super Sixth,” was the name given to the 6^th Armored division under General Patton during World War Two. The “Super Sixth,” is most famous for battles such as; Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge.[5]  It is likely that Jack was involved in the Seille River Campaign from September 18^th to November 7^th 1944 with the “Super Sixth,” during the time of his death. The Seille river campaign was a mission given to the U.S. Third army under General Patton to contain the Lorient and protect the flanks of both the 9^th and 3^rd armies. Over the month-long campaign, the 6^th armored division held their position and pushed the German forces back across the Seille river.[6]

Two years following his enlistment, Jack was listed as both KIA (Killed in Action) and DOW (Dying of Wounds) on various pieces of evidence. He passed away on November 3, 1944 and his superiors awarded him the Purple Heart posthumously.[7] The Epinal Cemetery in Lorraine, France Plot B, Row 38, Grave 43 is the location of Jack’s interment.[8]