John Francis Burns

Roberta Truempler2025-06-01T14:45:55-05:00

Marine Corp Badge

Name: John Francis Burns
Location of Birth: Graceville, Minnesota
Date of Birth: September 28, 1925
Date of Death: May 18, 1945 (19 years old)
Parents: Robert Burns and Marina B. (Matzdorf) Burns Haynes
High School and Class:
College:
Highest Rank: PVT (Private)
Branch: Marine Corp
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: July 22, 1944 (Enlistment Date)
Place Sworn In:
Date of Discharge: May 18, 1945 (Killed In Action)
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:
Purple Heart

Military Highlights:
John enlisted in July, 1944 and was killed in the battle of Naha on Okinawa on May 18, 1945.

He served in the 3rd Battalion, 22nd Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division.

Information in the United States, World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947:
Name: John Francis Burns
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 18
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: September 28, 1925
Birth Place: Graceville, Minnesota, USA
Residence Place: Grand Rapids, Itasca, Minnesota, USA
Registration Date: September 28, 1943
Registration Place: Grand Rapids, Itasca, Minnesota, USA
Employer: None
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 155
Complexion: Other
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Next of Kin: Marina B. Haynes (mother)

News article in Grand Rapids Herald Review, dated May 30, 1945:
Dies in Okinawa
Word has been received by Mrs. Wallace Haynes of the death of her son, John Francis Burns, who died in action on Okinawa, May 17.
This young man, who would have been 20 years old this fall, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps about a year ago. He trained at Parris Island, South Carolina, before being sent overseas in November. This was his first campaign.
Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Haynes, two sisters, Mrs. G. S. Kilkenney, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Suzanne at home, and two brothers, Robert L. Burns, Seaman 1st Class of the United States Navy and Private First Class William R. Burns stationed with the Marines at Oceanside, California.

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:
Killed In Action
Died during the Battle of Okinawa

Civilian Life:
John came to Grand Rapids as a boy. He attended local grade schools and the high school.

Survivors are his mother, Mrs. Wallace Haynes of Grand Rapids and his stepfather, Wallace Haynes; two brothers, Robert and William; two sisters, Estelle and Mary Jane Lachenmayer; and a half sister, Susan Haynes.

Final burial services were held in March, 1949. John is buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot C-B-46-2-8)

Tribal Affiliation(s):