Rutherford County gave generously and selflessly to World War II. Local men and women participated in every significant engagement of the war, in every imaginable capacity, and in every branch of service-from the infantrymen, to the sailors, to airmen, to Marines. These individuals gave their best, distinguishing themselves with bravery, dignity, and unselfishness. At Pearl Harbor, Seaman Mark Alexander Rhodes died on the USS Arizona, and sacrifices continued from December 1941 through 1945. One hundred forty-nine men from the county died and nearly 5,000 others-almost a quarter of the...

This highly anticipated follow-up to Rutherford County in World War II continues to illustrate the tremendous contributions of a brave community to the World War II effort. Rutherford County residents participated in almost every major campaign of the war, including Pearl Harbor, the air offensive in Europe, and D-Day, and those on the home front did all they could to support the troops. These patriotic photographs-many of which were collected by the authors during personal interviews with local veterans and other dedicated residents-memorialize this proud county's service and commitment to...

Spartanburg County gave generously and selflessly to World War II. Local men and women participated in almost every significant engagement, in almost every imaginable capacity, and in every branch of service. Distinguishing themselves with bravery, dignity, and loyalty, county veterans received every commendation, including the Medal of Honor. At Pearl Harbor, Carpenter's Mate Wayne Alman Lewis and Seaman Vernon Russell White died on the USS Arizona and Fire Controlman First Class Hubert Paul Clement died on the USS Oklahoma. Such sacrifices continued from December 7, 1941, through 1945. At...

Forest City has long been Rutherford County's center of commerce, but it also has other distinctions. Originally known as Burnt Chimney, the town was named Forest City in 1887. The new name came from the remains of the McArthur home near the crossing of the Shelby - Rutherfordton and Spartanburg-Lincolnton Roads. Forest City proudly remembers its rich history. There is a burnt chimney replica in the square, a muster grounds monument, an avenue of trees for local World War II dead, and the Memorial Gardens honoring those who have died in battle. In 1927, the U.S. Department of Agriculture...