During World War II, the 94th Infantry Division activated on September 15, 1942 at Fort Custer in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They went abroad in August of 1944. They fought in northern France in September of 1944. They were in the Rhineland near the Saar and Moselle Rivers in February of 1945.

They then moved into the Ruhr Pocket along the Rhine River in April of 1945. When Victory in Europe was declared on May 8, 1945, the 94th Division was stationed in Dusseldorf. From June to November, they were in Czechoslovakia. They inactivated on February 9, 1946 at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey.

Green County soldier, James W. Durgin, served with the Anti-Tank unit of the 310st Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division.

James Wendlin Durgin was born on February 19, 1917 in Green County, Wisconsin to Arthur and Adelia (Sickinger) Durgin.

From the 1920 U.S. Census, the Durgin family lived in Monroe Township in Green County. The household included father Arthur, mother Delia Elizabeth, and children Joseph, George, Hugh, Norbert, Emerilla, Freddie, Merle, Pauline, James, and Arthur. Father Arthur worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Mail. 

Father Arthur died March 5, 1928 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin.

From the 1930 & 1940 U.S. Censuses, the Durgin family lived in Monroe. The household in 1940 included mother Delia, and children Hugh, Norbert, James, and Arthur, and grandson Norbert. Hugh was a proprietor of a Trucking Company, Norbert was a laborer in a brewery, James was an attendant, and Arthur was a salesman.

James Durgin married Betty Van Matre in Dubuque, Iowa on September 21, 1940. He was 23 and worked as a salesman. Betty was 20. They were both residing in Monroe.

On October 16, 1940 Durgin registered for the WWII Draft. He lived in Monroe with his wife Betty and worked for Kantor Bottling in Monroe.

On November 16, 1942, Durgin enlisted in Milwaukee. His civilian occupation was “salesman and sales agents, except to consumers.”

From the March 13, 1945 The Capital Times article titled “Corp. J. W. Durgin Killed in Germany,” the article stated, “Corp. James W. Durgin was killed in action in Germany Feb. 24, a war department telegram has informed his family…”

From the October 12, 1945 Monroe Evening Times article titled “Posthumous Silver Star Award Made to Cpl. James Durgin,” the article stated “To Cpl. James W. Durgin, killed in action in Germany, has been made the posthumous award of the Silver Star medal at the direction of President Truman, for gallantry in action which cost the Monroe man his life.

Corporal Durgin was with the anti-tank company, 301st infantry, of the 94th division. On Feb. 24, during the assault crossing of the Saar River a direct hit on the barge used to ferry his anti-tank gun and crew caused it to flounder.

Quickly jumping into the key current Durgin managed to keep the barge together until the far shore was reached. While performing this deed he was mortally wounded, but because of his courageous action the treacherous river crossing was made without other casualties or loss of equipment...”

From the August 19, 1948 Janesville Daily Gazette obituary for Cpl. James W. Durgin, the obituary stated “The body of Cpl. James W. Durgin, who lost his life in Germany Feb. 24, 1945, will arrive in Monroe Friday afternoon for reburial services...

Survivors are his wife and daughter; his mother, Mrs. Delia Durgin; six brothers, Norbert, Browntown; Hugh and Arthur, Monroe; Joseph, Alaska; George, Beloit; and Fred, Edgerton; three sisters, Mrs. Edward Clossey, Beloit, Mrs. Clifford Brown and Mrs. Adolph A. Ambrose, Monroe...”

Corporal James W. Durgin was repatriated and reburied in Calvary Cemetery. He received the Purple Heart and the Silver Star, awarded posthumously.

Thank you, Corporal James Wendlin Durgin, for your service to and ultimate sacrifice for this country. We honor you and remember you.