Memorial

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Pfc. James G. Ellis graduated from Greenwood High School and was in his third year at Clemson College where he studied textile engineering.

He enlisted in the summer of 1943 and had been overseas about three months at the time he was killed.

This is an extract of a letter, most likely his last one, he wrote to his parents:
"Somewhere in Belgium, 9 November - Dear Folks, I am writing this as I sit in the kitchen of a Belgian home. I say without reservation that the family living here is the most pious and generous family I have ever come in contact with. They are deeply grateful to American soldiers and will do anything to show their gratitude. They have treated the men of my whole platoon as members of their own family. They have given us a free reign to their entire establishment. I like to think that some day I will have the chance to repay them for their generous hospitality."
"Rocket bombs still fly over us everyday. they make plenty of noice, but they won't change the course of the war any."
"I only wish I knew that I could write my next letter under as favorable conditions as I am doing now. My next letter may be written while sitting in this Belgian (or maybe German) mud and snow. However, I will write when I can. Maybe it won't last too much longer. I must close for now. Lots of love, Jim."