The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC James P. Finn, 33709241, who died in the service of his country on March 8th, 1945 in Luzon, The Philippines. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death James was 31 years of age. He was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The decorations earned by PFC James P. Finn include: the Combat Medical Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Burial:
Calvary Cemetery
Pittsburgh
Allegheny County
Pennsylvania, USA
(Letter of Condolence)
MEDICAL DETACHMENT THIRTY FIFTH INFANTRY
20 March 1945
Mrs. Esther A Finn
665 S Main St.
Pittsburgh, PA.
Dear Mrs. Finn
I am writing to express my sincere sympathies of the death of your husband, Pfc. James Finn, who was killed in action at Putlan, Luzon, Philippines Islands on 8n March 1945. It is with regret that it has been necessary for young men to sacrifice their lives for our country, but we are proud of these men and very grateful for what they have given. As James wife you can be justly proud of your husband and what he has done.
James duties as a company aid man took him into combat with his comrades. He courageously, and with little concern for his own personal safety, helped wounded comrades by rendering medical attention on the field of battle, always in a superior manner. It was while rendering first aid to a wounded comrade that James was instantly killed by enemy fire. Let me assure you that the reports from his comrades and his officers were of high praise and that he conducted himself according to the highest standards of our soldiers in battle.
James was buried with full military honors in the United States Armed Forces Cemetery at Santa Barbara, Pangasian Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands. The cemetery is being landscaped, and rows of palm trees enhance its solemn beauty.
James is missed by all of us who know him and of his fine deeds. All of his friends would like to write to you. Some may do so, but most of them look to me to express to you for them, their deep regrets at the passing of one of their comrades. They join me in expressing to you our sentiments.
Respectfully Yours,
Benjamin F Gordon, Major (MC), 35th Infantry Commanding
(Obituary)
Requiem mass will be sung at 9 a.m. Wednesday in St James Church, West End, for Pfc James P Finn who was killed in action on Luzon March 8,1945.
Pfc Finn, son of the late Henry and Annie Finn, leaves his wife Esther Mooney Finn, 663 South Main Street, a 19-month old son, James P Jr; a brother Henry; and five sisters.
Pfc Finn attended St James School and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School. Prior to entering the service, he was employed by Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company.
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