John Edward McFadden was born in 1920, to  Thomas McFadden and Anna McFadden of Carbondale, Pennsylvania (near Scranton).  He attended St Rose’s School in Carbondale where he played football and basketball.  John was one of five children including sisters Mary and Ann and brothers Michael and Daniel.

His father died when he was a teen and his mother moved the family to West Chester, Pennsylvania to live with their married daughter Mary.  Mary married George R. Guss of the West Chester Police force (he later became Police Chief).

 

George obtained employment at the Acme Market, on the 100 block of West Market St. (Corner of Darlington and Market), as a clerk.  He was a member of St. Agnes Church and Council 1333 Knights of Columbus in the town.

John entered service in the Army on February 2, 1943. After basic training, he volunteered for the Paratroops. After 6 months of training, he was sent to the European Theater of operations with the 82^nd Airborne Division.

Private James Edward McFadden was Killed In Action on January 30^th in Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge.

Solemn Requiem Mass was held at St. Agnes Church on Friday February 23^rd, 1945 with full military honors.

His mother Anna received a letter from John dated January 15^th from somewhere in Belgium remarking that the families Christmas packages had not yet reached him.  John did write that he did receive a Christmas package from the Knights of Columbus.

Ironically, his mother received John’s letter Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon received a telegram notifying her of John’s death from the War Department.

His brother, Sgt. James McFadden, was wounded on December 7^th in Germany and was hospitalized in England at time of his brothers death.