DARLINGTON — Service to community is often a family trait, and military service a family tradition. James McWilliams, Jr. served in the Wisconsin National Guard, having enlisted at the age of 17, and was honorably discharged in 1897. Sons Kenneth and Forest McWilliams both served in World War II, each earning purple hearts. 

Forest McWilliams served in the U.S. Army 11th Infantry Regiment in Europe and was honorably discharged in 1945. Kenneth McWilliams served in Company B of the 42nd Tank Battalion of the 11th Armored Division of the U.S. Army in Europe. 

Forest was able to return home after the war. Kenneth was killed in action in a fire inside the tank he was operating and is buried in the Luxembourg American Cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg.

Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society is honored to preserve and display artifacts from the McWilliams brothers’ service at the museum. Medals, artifacts of both military service, and life on the home front are on display and on the shelves of the museum. Visitors are encouraged to request assistance when seeking information on a particular person.

For additional information, contact the museum at 608-776-8340. The museum is open weekdays from 1-4 p.m. and additional hours by request in advance.