Battle of World War II concluded 80 years back; Kentucky war veteran shares reflections on combat in history's deadliest conflict

Centenarian WWII Veteran Sanford L. Jones Sr. Honoured in New Orleans

Sanford L. Jones Sr., a 99-year-old veteran from Kentucky, recently attended a commemoration event in New Orleans to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event, held at the U.S. Freedom Pavilion in the National WWII Museum, was attended by approximately 300 people, mostly tourists.

Jones, born near Lost Creek in Eastern Kentucky's Perry County, served as a U.S. Army Air Forces gunner on B-24 Liberators in the European theater. He flew his first combat mission a month after joining the U.S. Army 15th Air Forces, and his missions took him over Germany, Italy, Austria, and Yugoslavia.

Jones' bravery and service were recognised with a recommendation of valor for his 35 combat missions. After the war, he received his discharge papers as a staff sergeant on Oct. 20, 1945, in Florida, where he was assigned to a parts division.

Before the war, Jones attended a one-room school in Lost Creek and later continued his education after returning home, securing his high school diploma from Robinson High School in Perry County. He then successfully applied to Eastern Kentucky State College (now Eastern Kentucky University) under the federal GI bill and earned a science degree.

Jones' life took a turn for the better when he met his wife, June Elizabeth Daugherty, at the University of Kentucky. They were married on Aug. 18, 1956.

The event in New Orleans saw Jones join fellow speakers Emily Drake and Lewis Harned. Memories of enemy flak aimed at his plane will not be forgotten by Jones, but the day was a celebration of peace and remembrance.

As Jones prepares to turn 100 on September 22, 2022, his story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the generation that fought in World War II. His life, from his humble beginnings in a one-room school in Lost Creek to his service in the war and his achievements after, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.

Battle of World War II concluded 80 years back; Kentucky war veteran shares reflections on combat in history's deadliest conflict