Hozie Milford Harris 1916 - 1945

Hozie Harris, a native Oklahoman was born at Pauls Valley, Jan 18, 1916, but moved with his family to the Goodwell community where he began his school career. He attended Gould High School, graduating with the class of 1935.

Hozie joined the Army early in the war, volunteering his services to his country Sept. 10, 1940. A member of the unsung heros of the Army, The Medical Corps, Hozie received his training at Ft. Douglas, in Utah. He was assigned to overseas duty to the Wm. McKinley Hospital in Manila, P.I. before the United States became involved in the war.

Following the "Day That Will Live in Infamy", Dec. 7, 1941, the Japs attacked the Philippine Islands and in the dark days that followed, the fate that befell so many American soldiers - Hozie became a Prisoner of War to the Japanese. But not until such great pages of heroism had been written from Battan and Corrigidor.

Hozie became a prisoner of war May 6, 1942.

Then followed days that ran into months, with very meager news until July 25, 1945, when word was received that Corporal Harris was killed in action, in the bombing of a Japanese prisoner of war vessel Dec. 15, 1944. An error was found by the War Department and Hozie had been transferred to another ship which was subsequently sunk by allied planes on January 9, 1945

Surviving Hozie are his mother, Mrs. Roxanna Harris; two sisters, Mrs. Lexie La Foy Robinson and Mrs. Esther Ethel Copeland.

Hozie's father Richard E. Harris preceded him in death in 1918.

Hosie Milford Harris