Pvt Ira. G. Goolsby, Jr.

Our Hometown Heroes

Ira. G. Goolsby, Jr.

Attended School in Sunnyside

Ira. G. Goolsby, Jr. was born in Monticello, August 6, 1921, but he attended grammar school in Sunnnyside. Both the son and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ira G. Goolsby, worked in textiles at Highland Mills, Experiment. His father died in 1937, when Ira was only 16 years old. This may explain why the young man did not finish school and went to work during his teenage years.

Enlisting in the U.S. Army on November 21, 1942, Goolsby was a Private in the 5th Infantry, which saw plenty of action in Italy.

Listed as Missing in Action, October 1, 1944, in Italy, presumably the body was found. His mother, Berta L. Waits Goolsby, requested a headstone marker be placed in the Old Hebron Cemetery in Monticello. This is where Ira. G. Goolsby, Jr. lies today with full military honors for service to his country.