The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PVT Ezra Lee South, who died in the service of his country on June 15th, 1945 in Luzon. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Ezra was 27 years of age. He was from Forrest City, Arkansas.

The decorations earned by PVT Ezra Lee South include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

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Burial:
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Ezra L. South was born 7 June 1918 in McNairy County, Tennessee, the son of William E. and May South. He grew up in a family with three brothers and five sisters. The South family moved to Cross County when Ezra was a young boy. It was here he learned to love hunting and attended school at Forrest City, Arkansas. Ezra married Louise Melton and began farming. He and Louise were the parents of Marie, Jessie Lee, Larry, Jeanette and Ronnie South. In 1942 Ezra entered the Army 4 September 1944 and was chosen to be a Scout Sniper in his group because of his shooting skills which he had sharpened at home in the fields and woods. His last child was born shortly before his death and it is not sure that he had received that information. This child, who never knew his dad, grew up to play football for the Razorbacks in Fayetteville. His dad would have been so proud of him and of the others.Early in May, Ezra wrote home that he would be discharged soon and to expect him home for the Fourth of July. Ezra L. South was killed 15 June 1945 while scouting on Luzon Island. At the time of his death a brother was serving on a nearby island. He is buried in the Manila United States Military Cemetery, Fort McKinley, Manila, Philippine Islands.
Paul V. Isbell