Private Cecil T. Hinson, 20, passed away on July 28, 1942. He was the son of the late Vernon T. Hinson (called Vernie) and the late Maggie Knight Hinson. He was blessed with four siblings, Frances H. Broughton, Josephine H. Carey, Howard V. Hinson, and Gynell H. Hyatt, who will celebrate her 93rd birthday in September.
He was a U.S. Army private in the Chemical Warfare Service when Japanese forces invaded the Philippines Islands in 1941. Hinson was captured when U.S. soldiers on the Bataan peninsula surrendered. He endured the 65-mile Bataan Death March to become a prisoner of war at the Cabanatuan camp where more than 2,500 prisoners died during the war. Prison camp and other records determined Hinson died July 28, 1942 and was buried in a common grave with other prisoners at the Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery. Hinson was 20 years old.
He was an unusually brave boy and carried out his duties in the Motor Section with promptness and dispatch that would have done credit to older soldiers. Knowing the anguish you have suffered for his return and knowledge of his whereabouts; I hope this will serve in consoling you and the family.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, starting at 1 PM at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29732, with a memorial service following at 2:00 PM. The burial with full military honors will take place at 3 PM at Laurelwood Cemetery, 143 Laurel Street, Rock Hill, SC, 29730.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net