By Deborah Larsen
John James Patton
John James Patton was born in Rochester, Michigan, on May 14, 1920, the son of Frank and Alma Largent Patton. John attended Rochester High School and graduated in the class of 1938. Before the war, he was employed by the Detroit Edison Company.
In June 1944, John entered the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 52nd Armored Infantry Battalion of the 9th Armored Division. His unit was sent to Europe and participated in the Rhineland and Ardennes campaigns. On March 7, 1945, John was wounded in action during the advance toward Remagen, Germany, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. He was released from military service in May 1945.
After the war, John raised a family and continued his career with Detroit Edison, retiring after 45 years of service. He was active in several veteran service organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.
John James Patton died at age 90 on August 21, 2010, and was laid to rest in Waterford, Michigan.