WORLD WAR I
KIA
Son of George Hampton and Dora Yancey Yarborough. George was born in Person County, NC where he lived for the first year of his life. His family moved to Mullins, SC in 1896 where his father went as a buyer for the American Tobacco Company, later establishing his own warehouses.
At the time of his death, George was engaged to be married to Kate Burch.
Cited for his bravery, First Lieutenant Yarborough received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, posthumously.
WOUNDS CLAIM LIFE OF MULLINS CAPTAIN
George H. Yarborough Succumbs in France to Injuries Received Fighting Huns
NEWBERRY - Mrs. H. M. Bryson of this city received a cablegram from France today bringing the intelligence that her brother, Captain George H. Yarborough of Mullins, Marion County, died today of wounds received in battle. Captain Yarborough went across a year ago, announcing his safe arrival in France on July 4, 1917 by cablegram.
Published in The State, June 30, 1918
GIVES LIFE FOR COUNTRY
MULLINS - Wednesday a telegram was received here by George H. Yarborough Sr., announcing the death of his son, George H. Yarborough Jr., on June 27 from wounds received in action on the battlefield in France.
Lieutenant Yarborough was a fine young man and had friends all over the state. He was graduated from The Citadel, class of 1916, and soon afterward enlisted in the service and received his commission. He was sent overseas and landed in France, June 27, 1917, and for the last six months had seen active service at the front. His letters to loved ones at home were always bright and cheerful and he frequently spoke of returning home and his plans for the future.
A mysterious message was received here about two weeks ago announcing his death, but Washington failed to confirm it and the family was encouraged to believe that it was untrue by the nonappearance in the daily casualty list of his name, but the message has at last been confirmed.
Lieutenant Yarborough was nearing his 23rd birthday. He was a member of Macedonia Church in Mullins, and lived a pious, God fearing life. He was popular with the people of Mullins, who are greatly saddened by his death.
Published in The State, July 14, 1918
IN HONOR OF MULLINS BOY
Torpedo Boat Destroyer is Named After Lieutenant Yarboro
MULLINS - Mr. George H. Yarboro, of Mullins, has received a telegram from the Hon. Josephus Daniels, secretary of the navy, announcing that the torpedo boat destroyer No. 314, now being built at Bethlehem Shipyards, San Francisco, Cal., has been named in honor of his son, Lieut. George H. Yarboro, Jr., who was wounded on June 23 in the battle of Belleau wood and died on June 27, 1918.
The secretary of the navy requested Mr. Yarboro to name a sponsor for the launching of the vessel, which is soon to take place at San Francisco. Miss Kate Burch, of Florence, was named by Mr. Yarboro.
The following is a copy of the telegram received from Secretary Daniels:
"Mr. G. H. Yarboro, Mullins, S. C.: I have today assigned the name of: Yarboro to torpedo boat destroyer jXo. 314, building at Bethlehem Shipbuilding company, California, in honor of your son, Lieut. George H. Yarboro, Jr. USMC Will you be kind enough to designate a sponsor for this vessel, which is to be launched soon at San Francisco -JOSEPHUS DANIELS.
NAMES DESTROYER FOR HERO FIANCEE
Mrs. Yarborough, mother of Lieutenant George Hampton Yarborough, and Miss Kate Burch, fiancee of the young lieutenant who gave his life in France, left San Francisco this morning, after the launching of the destroyer Yarborough at the Union plant of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation. They came all the way from their home in South Carolina to attend the launching. Miss Burch sponsoring the vessel bearing the name that was to be hers.
Published in the Oakland Tribune, June 21, 1919
RECEIVES PLATE OF SHIP NAMED FOR HER SON
MULLINS - Mrs. George H. Yarborough of Mullins recently received from the war department at Washington a nameplate bearing the inscription to her son: Lieut. George H. Yarborough Jr., lost his life in the Battle of Belleau Wood, July 1918. This nameplate was taken from the warship which was named for Lieutenant Yarborough during the World War, and which, under terms of disarmament, was included in the lists of warships owned by the US Government to be destroyed.
Published in The State, March 14, 1931
Born in Roxboro, North Carolina, he graduated from The Citadel in 1916 and enrolled in class no. 4, Marine Corps Reserve, on April 7, 1917, the day after the United States entered World War I. After instruction at the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, he reported to the Marine Barracks at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 4, 1917 and reached St. Nazaire on the 27th of June.
Yarborough, promoted to first lieutenant on August 11, 1917, served two tours of detached duty while assigned to the 5th Regiment, first at Cosno, France, between December 8, 1917 and January 4, 1918 and then at Gondrecourt, France, between February 22, and April 29, 1918.
On June 23, 1918, the height of the Battle of Belleau Wood, Lt. Yarborough arrived on the front lines. The next day, intense enemy fire from skillfully placed machine guns pinned down Yarborough's unit, a platoon in a support position in the American lines. The young lieutenant dashed from one shell hole to another, in the open, steadying his men, until a burst of machine gun fire hit him. Severely wounded, he refused aid until other wounded men in his unit received medical attention. Finally moved to shelter, he succumbed to his severe gunshot wounds on June 26, 1918. Cited for his bravery, First Lieutenant Yarborough received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, posthumously.
Ceremony Will Dedicate Roadway to WWI hero
Posted Saturday, November 16, 2019
By Johnny Whitfield
Person County native and World War I hero George Yarborough Jr. will be immortalized next week, as the N.C. Department of Transportation dedicates a portion of roadway in his name.
The stretch of Mt. Harmony Church Road from U.S. 158 to Allen Creek Road will be named the Lt. George H. Yarborough Jr. Highway.
At 2 p.m. Monday, DOT representatives, local leaders and, perhaps, a descendant of Yarborough's will be on hand at the Person County Museum of History where the sign will be displayed. New signs also should be in place on Mt. Harmony Church Road by Monday.
Yarborough, 22, died in action in the aftermath of the Battle of Belleau Wood in France when he was shot on June 24, 1918 by the enemy as he ran from foxhole to foxhole encouraging his men. Despite his wounds, Yarborough refused treatment until all the men under his command had been treated. He died two days later, on June 26 after he had been removed from the battlefield for additional care. Yarborough, who joined the U.S. Marines the day after the United States officially entered World War I, was a 1st Lt. His actions that day brought commendations and citations for the Citadel graduate. He was awarded posthumous medals including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross and the Silver Star Citation.
The process of naming the roadway after Yarborough has been a lengthy process spearheaded by Person County commissioner Gordon Powell.
KIA
Son of George Hampton and Dora Yancey Yarborough. George was born in Person County, NC where he lived for the first year of his life. His family moved to Mullins, SC in 1896 where his father went as a buyer for the American Tobacco Company, later establishing his own warehouses.
At the time of his death, George was engaged to be married to Kate Burch.
Cited for his bravery, First Lieutenant Yarborough received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, posthumously.
WOUNDS CLAIM LIFE OF MULLINS CAPTAIN
George H. Yarborough Succumbs in France to Injuries Received Fighting Huns
NEWBERRY - Mrs. H. M. Bryson of this city received a cablegram from France today bringing the intelligence that her brother, Captain George H. Yarborough of Mullins, Marion County, died today of wounds received in battle. Captain Yarborough went across a year ago, announcing his safe arrival in France on July 4, 1917 by cablegram.
Published in The State, June 30, 1918
GIVES LIFE FOR COUNTRY
MULLINS - Wednesday a telegram was received here by George H. Yarborough Sr., announcing the death of his son, George H. Yarborough Jr., on June 27 from wounds received in action on the battlefield in France.
Lieutenant Yarborough was a fine young man and had friends all over the state. He was graduated from The Citadel, class of 1916, and soon afterward enlisted in the service and received his commission. He was sent overseas and landed in France, June 27, 1917, and for the last six months had seen active service at the front. His letters to loved ones at home were always bright and cheerful and he frequently spoke of returning home and his plans for the future.
A mysterious message was received here about two weeks ago announcing his death, but Washington failed to confirm it and the family was encouraged to believe that it was untrue by the nonappearance in the daily casualty list of his name, but the message has at last been confirmed.
Lieutenant Yarborough was nearing his 23rd birthday. He was a member of Macedonia Church in Mullins, and lived a pious, God fearing life. He was popular with the people of Mullins, who are greatly saddened by his death.
Published in The State, July 14, 1918
IN HONOR OF MULLINS BOY
Torpedo Boat Destroyer is Named After Lieutenant Yarboro
MULLINS - Mr. George H. Yarboro, of Mullins, has received a telegram from the Hon. Josephus Daniels, secretary of the navy, announcing that the torpedo boat destroyer No. 314, now being built at Bethlehem Shipyards, San Francisco, Cal., has been named in honor of his son, Lieut. George H. Yarboro, Jr., who was wounded on June 23 in the battle of Belleau wood and died on June 27, 1918.
The secretary of the navy requested Mr. Yarboro to name a sponsor for the launching of the vessel, which is soon to take place at San Francisco. Miss Kate Burch, of Florence, was named by Mr. Yarboro.
The following is a copy of the telegram received from Secretary Daniels:
"Mr. G. H. Yarboro, Mullins, S. C.: I have today assigned the name of: Yarboro to torpedo boat destroyer jXo. 314, building at Bethlehem Shipbuilding company, California, in honor of your son, Lieut. George H. Yarboro, Jr. USMC Will you be kind enough to designate a sponsor for this vessel, which is to be launched soon at San Francisco -JOSEPHUS DANIELS.
NAMES DESTROYER FOR HERO FIANCEE
Mrs. Yarborough, mother of Lieutenant George Hampton Yarborough, and Miss Kate Burch, fiancee of the young lieutenant who gave his life in France, left San Francisco this morning, after the launching of the destroyer Yarborough at the Union plant of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation. They came all the way from their home in South Carolina to attend the launching. Miss Burch sponsoring the vessel bearing the name that was to be hers.
Published in the Oakland Tribune, June 21, 1919
RECEIVES PLATE OF SHIP NAMED FOR HER SON
MULLINS - Mrs. George H. Yarborough of Mullins recently received from the war department at Washington a nameplate bearing the inscription to her son: Lieut. George H. Yarborough Jr., lost his life in the Battle of Belleau Wood, July 1918. This nameplate was taken from the warship which was named for Lieutenant Yarborough during the World War, and which, under terms of disarmament, was included in the lists of warships owned by the US Government to be destroyed.
Published in The State, March 14, 1931
Born in Roxboro, North Carolina, he graduated from The Citadel in 1916 and enrolled in class no. 4, Marine Corps Reserve, on April 7, 1917, the day after the United States entered World War I. After instruction at the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, he reported to the Marine Barracks at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 4, 1917 and reached St. Nazaire on the 27th of June.
Yarborough, promoted to first lieutenant on August 11, 1917, served two tours of detached duty while assigned to the 5th Regiment, first at Cosno, France, between December 8, 1917 and January 4, 1918 and then at Gondrecourt, France, between February 22, and April 29, 1918.
On June 23, 1918, the height of the Battle of Belleau Wood, Lt. Yarborough arrived on the front lines. The next day, intense enemy fire from skillfully placed machine guns pinned down Yarborough's unit, a platoon in a support position in the American lines. The young lieutenant dashed from one shell hole to another, in the open, steadying his men, until a burst of machine gun fire hit him. Severely wounded, he refused aid until other wounded men in his unit received medical attention. Finally moved to shelter, he succumbed to his severe gunshot wounds on June 26, 1918. Cited for his bravery, First Lieutenant Yarborough received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, posthumously.
Ceremony Will Dedicate Roadway to WWI hero
Posted Saturday, November 16, 2019
By Johnny Whitfield
Person County native and World War I hero George Yarborough Jr. will be immortalized next week, as the N.C. Department of Transportation dedicates a portion of roadway in his name.
The stretch of Mt. Harmony Church Road from U.S. 158 to Allen Creek Road will be named the Lt. George H. Yarborough Jr. Highway.
At 2 p.m. Monday, DOT representatives, local leaders and, perhaps, a descendant of Yarborough's will be on hand at the Person County Museum of History where the sign will be displayed. New signs also should be in place on Mt. Harmony Church Road by Monday.
Yarborough, 22, died in action in the aftermath of the Battle of Belleau Wood in France when he was shot on June 24, 1918 by the enemy as he ran from foxhole to foxhole encouraging his men. Despite his wounds, Yarborough refused treatment until all the men under his command had been treated. He died two days later, on June 26 after he had been removed from the battlefield for additional care. Yarborough, who joined the U.S. Marines the day after the United States officially entered World War I, was a 1st Lt. His actions that day brought commendations and citations for the Citadel graduate. He was awarded posthumous medals including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross and the Silver Star Citation.
The process of naming the roadway after Yarborough has been a lengthy process spearheaded by Person County commissioner Gordon Powell.
WORLD WAR I
KIA
Son of George Hampton and Dora Yancey Yarborough. George was born in Person County, NC where he lived for the first year of his life. His family moved to Mullins, SC in 1896 where his father went as a buyer for the American Tobacco Company, later establishing his own warehouses.
At the time of his death, George was engaged to be married to Kate Burch.
Cited for his bravery, First Lieutenant Yarborough received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, posthumously.
WOUNDS CLAIM LIFE OF MULLINS CAPTAIN
George H. Yarborough Succumbs in France to Injuries Received Fighting Huns
NEWBERRY - Mrs. H. M. Bryson of this city received a cablegram from France today bringing the intelligence that her brother, Captain George H. Yarborough of Mullins, Marion County, died today of wounds received in battle. Captain Yarborough went across a year ago, announcing his safe arrival in France on July 4, 1917 by cablegram.
Published in The State, June 30, 1918
GIVES LIFE FOR COUNTRY
MULLINS - Wednesday a telegram was received here by George H. Yarborough Sr., announcing the death of his son, George H. Yarborough Jr., on June 27 from wounds received in action on the battlefield in France.
Lieutenant Yarborough was a fine young man and had friends all over the state. He was graduated from The Citadel, class of 1916, and soon afterward enlisted in the service and received his commission. He was sent overseas and landed in France, June 27, 1917, and for the last six months had seen active service at the front. His letters to loved ones at home were always bright and cheerful and he frequently spoke of returning home and his plans for the future.
A mysterious message was received here about two weeks ago announcing his death, but Washington failed to confirm it and the family was encouraged to believe that it was untrue by the nonappearance in the daily casualty list of his name, but the message has at last been confirmed.
Lieutenant Yarborough was nearing his 23rd birthday. He was a member of Macedonia Church in Mullins, and lived a pious, God fearing life. He was popular with the people of Mullins, who are greatly saddened by his death.
Published in The State, July 14, 1918
IN HONOR OF MULLINS BOY
Torpedo Boat Destroyer is Named After Lieutenant Yarboro
MULLINS - Mr. George H. Yarboro, of Mullins, has received a telegram from the Hon. Josephus Daniels, secretary of the navy, announcing that the torpedo boat destroyer No. 314, now being built at Bethlehem Shipyards, San Francisco, Cal., has been named in honor of his son, Lieut. George H. Yarboro, Jr., who was wounded on June 23 in the battle of Belleau wood and died on June 27, 1918.
The secretary of the navy requested Mr. Yarboro to name a sponsor for the launching of the vessel, which is soon to take place at San Francisco. Miss Kate Burch, of Florence, was named by Mr. Yarboro.
The following is a copy of the telegram received from Secretary Daniels:
"Mr. G. H. Yarboro, Mullins, S. C.: I have today assigned the name of: Yarboro to torpedo boat destroyer jXo. 314, building at Bethlehem Shipbuilding company, California, in honor of your son, Lieut. George H. Yarboro, Jr. USMC Will you be kind enough to designate a sponsor for this vessel, which is to be launched soon at San Francisco -JOSEPHUS DANIELS.
NAMES DESTROYER FOR HERO FIANCEE
Mrs. Yarborough, mother of Lieutenant George Hampton Yarborough, and Miss Kate Burch, fiancee of the young lieutenant who gave his life in France, left San Francisco this morning, after the launching of the destroyer Yarborough at the Union plant of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation. They came all the way from their home in South Carolina to attend the launching. Miss Burch sponsoring the vessel bearing the name that was to be hers.
Published in the Oakland Tribune, June 21, 1919
RECEIVES PLATE OF SHIP NAMED FOR HER SON
MULLINS - Mrs. George H. Yarborough of Mullins recently received from the war department at Washington a nameplate bearing the inscription to her son: Lieut. George H. Yarborough Jr., lost his life in the Battle of Belleau Wood, July 1918. This nameplate was taken from the warship which was named for Lieutenant Yarborough during the World War, and which, under terms of disarmament, was included in the lists of warships owned by the US Government to be destroyed.
Published in The State, March 14, 1931
Born in Roxboro, North Carolina, he graduated from The Citadel in 1916 and enrolled in class no. 4, Marine Corps Reserve, on April 7, 1917, the day after the United States entered World War I. After instruction at the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, he reported to the Marine Barracks at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 4, 1917 and reached St. Nazaire on the 27th of June.
Yarborough, promoted to first lieutenant on August 11, 1917, served two tours of detached duty while assigned to the 5th Regiment, first at Cosno, France, between December 8, 1917 and January 4, 1918 and then at Gondrecourt, France, between February 22, and April 29, 1918.
On June 23, 1918, the height of the Battle of Belleau Wood, Lt. Yarborough arrived on the front lines. The next day, intense enemy fire from skillfully placed machine guns pinned down Yarborough's unit, a platoon in a support position in the American lines. The young lieutenant dashed from one shell hole to another, in the open, steadying his men, until a burst of machine gun fire hit him. Severely wounded, he refused aid until other wounded men in his unit received medical attention. Finally moved to shelter, he succumbed to his severe gunshot wounds on June 26, 1918. Cited for his bravery, First Lieutenant Yarborough received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, posthumously.
Ceremony Will Dedicate Roadway to WWI hero
Posted Saturday, November 16, 2019
By Johnny Whitfield
Person County native and World War I hero George Yarborough Jr. will be immortalized next week, as the N.C. Department of Transportation dedicates a portion of roadway in his name.
The stretch of Mt. Harmony Church Road from U.S. 158 to Allen Creek Road will be named the Lt. George H. Yarborough Jr. Highway.
At 2 p.m. Monday, DOT representatives, local leaders and, perhaps, a descendant of Yarborough's will be on hand at the Person County Museum of History where the sign will be displayed. New signs also should be in place on Mt. Harmony Church Road by Monday.
Yarborough, 22, died in action in the aftermath of the Battle of Belleau Wood in France when he was shot on June 24, 1918 by the enemy as he ran from foxhole to foxhole encouraging his men. Despite his wounds, Yarborough refused treatment until all the men under his command had been treated. He died two days later, on June 26 after he had been removed from the battlefield for additional care. Yarborough, who joined the U.S. Marines the day after the United States officially entered World War I, was a 1st Lt. His actions that day brought commendations and citations for the Citadel graduate. He was awarded posthumous medals including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross and the Silver Star Citation.
The process of naming the roadway after Yarborough has been a lengthy process spearheaded by Person County commissioner Gordon Powell.
KIA
Son of George Hampton and Dora Yancey Yarborough. George was born in Person County, NC where he lived for the first year of his life. His family moved to Mullins, SC in 1896 where his father went as a buyer for the American Tobacco Company, later establishing his own warehouses.
At the time of his death, George was engaged to be married to Kate Burch.
Cited for his bravery, First Lieutenant Yarborough received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, posthumously.
WOUNDS CLAIM LIFE OF MULLINS CAPTAIN
George H. Yarborough Succumbs in France to Injuries Received Fighting Huns
NEWBERRY - Mrs. H. M. Bryson of this city received a cablegram from France today bringing the intelligence that her brother, Captain George H. Yarborough of Mullins, Marion County, died today of wounds received in battle. Captain Yarborough went across a year ago, announcing his safe arrival in France on July 4, 1917 by cablegram.
Published in The State, June 30, 1918
GIVES LIFE FOR COUNTRY
MULLINS - Wednesday a telegram was received here by George H. Yarborough Sr., announcing the death of his son, George H. Yarborough Jr., on June 27 from wounds received in action on the battlefield in France.
Lieutenant Yarborough was a fine young man and had friends all over the state. He was graduated from The Citadel, class of 1916, and soon afterward enlisted in the service and received his commission. He was sent overseas and landed in France, June 27, 1917, and for the last six months had seen active service at the front. His letters to loved ones at home were always bright and cheerful and he frequently spoke of returning home and his plans for the future.
A mysterious message was received here about two weeks ago announcing his death, but Washington failed to confirm it and the family was encouraged to believe that it was untrue by the nonappearance in the daily casualty list of his name, but the message has at last been confirmed.
Lieutenant Yarborough was nearing his 23rd birthday. He was a member of Macedonia Church in Mullins, and lived a pious, God fearing life. He was popular with the people of Mullins, who are greatly saddened by his death.
Published in The State, July 14, 1918
IN HONOR OF MULLINS BOY
Torpedo Boat Destroyer is Named After Lieutenant Yarboro
MULLINS - Mr. George H. Yarboro, of Mullins, has received a telegram from the Hon. Josephus Daniels, secretary of the navy, announcing that the torpedo boat destroyer No. 314, now being built at Bethlehem Shipyards, San Francisco, Cal., has been named in honor of his son, Lieut. George H. Yarboro, Jr., who was wounded on June 23 in the battle of Belleau wood and died on June 27, 1918.
The secretary of the navy requested Mr. Yarboro to name a sponsor for the launching of the vessel, which is soon to take place at San Francisco. Miss Kate Burch, of Florence, was named by Mr. Yarboro.
The following is a copy of the telegram received from Secretary Daniels:
"Mr. G. H. Yarboro, Mullins, S. C.: I have today assigned the name of: Yarboro to torpedo boat destroyer jXo. 314, building at Bethlehem Shipbuilding company, California, in honor of your son, Lieut. George H. Yarboro, Jr. USMC Will you be kind enough to designate a sponsor for this vessel, which is to be launched soon at San Francisco -JOSEPHUS DANIELS.
NAMES DESTROYER FOR HERO FIANCEE
Mrs. Yarborough, mother of Lieutenant George Hampton Yarborough, and Miss Kate Burch, fiancee of the young lieutenant who gave his life in France, left San Francisco this morning, after the launching of the destroyer Yarborough at the Union plant of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation. They came all the way from their home in South Carolina to attend the launching. Miss Burch sponsoring the vessel bearing the name that was to be hers.
Published in the Oakland Tribune, June 21, 1919
RECEIVES PLATE OF SHIP NAMED FOR HER SON
MULLINS - Mrs. George H. Yarborough of Mullins recently received from the war department at Washington a nameplate bearing the inscription to her son: Lieut. George H. Yarborough Jr., lost his life in the Battle of Belleau Wood, July 1918. This nameplate was taken from the warship which was named for Lieutenant Yarborough during the World War, and which, under terms of disarmament, was included in the lists of warships owned by the US Government to be destroyed.
Published in The State, March 14, 1931
Born in Roxboro, North Carolina, he graduated from The Citadel in 1916 and enrolled in class no. 4, Marine Corps Reserve, on April 7, 1917, the day after the United States entered World War I. After instruction at the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, he reported to the Marine Barracks at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 4, 1917 and reached St. Nazaire on the 27th of June.
Yarborough, promoted to first lieutenant on August 11, 1917, served two tours of detached duty while assigned to the 5th Regiment, first at Cosno, France, between December 8, 1917 and January 4, 1918 and then at Gondrecourt, France, between February 22, and April 29, 1918.
On June 23, 1918, the height of the Battle of Belleau Wood, Lt. Yarborough arrived on the front lines. The next day, intense enemy fire from skillfully placed machine guns pinned down Yarborough's unit, a platoon in a support position in the American lines. The young lieutenant dashed from one shell hole to another, in the open, steadying his men, until a burst of machine gun fire hit him. Severely wounded, he refused aid until other wounded men in his unit received medical attention. Finally moved to shelter, he succumbed to his severe gunshot wounds on June 26, 1918. Cited for his bravery, First Lieutenant Yarborough received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross, posthumously.
Ceremony Will Dedicate Roadway to WWI hero
Posted Saturday, November 16, 2019
By Johnny Whitfield
Person County native and World War I hero George Yarborough Jr. will be immortalized next week, as the N.C. Department of Transportation dedicates a portion of roadway in his name.
The stretch of Mt. Harmony Church Road from U.S. 158 to Allen Creek Road will be named the Lt. George H. Yarborough Jr. Highway.
At 2 p.m. Monday, DOT representatives, local leaders and, perhaps, a descendant of Yarborough's will be on hand at the Person County Museum of History where the sign will be displayed. New signs also should be in place on Mt. Harmony Church Road by Monday.
Yarborough, 22, died in action in the aftermath of the Battle of Belleau Wood in France when he was shot on June 24, 1918 by the enemy as he ran from foxhole to foxhole encouraging his men. Despite his wounds, Yarborough refused treatment until all the men under his command had been treated. He died two days later, on June 26 after he had been removed from the battlefield for additional care. Yarborough, who joined the U.S. Marines the day after the United States officially entered World War I, was a 1st Lt. His actions that day brought commendations and citations for the Citadel graduate. He was awarded posthumous medals including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross and the Silver Star Citation.
The process of naming the roadway after Yarborough has been a lengthy process spearheaded by Person County commissioner Gordon Powell.
