Ross Arthur Colvin was the son of Arthur Parker Colvin (b 9-10-1871, d 3-29-1951) and Mary Ellen "May" Duncan (b 9-27-1882, d 11-20-1976). His siblings included Mary G. Colvin (b 12-7-1900, d 1-7-1994), Bertha F. Colvin (b 1-14-1903, 11-3-1994), Mabel A. Colvin (b 11-15-1907, d 9-29-1999), and Charles D. "Dunk" Colvin (b 5-3-1918, d 2-5-1977; a WWII US Navy Veteran, with whom he had an ongoing sibling and interservice rivalry). He was close to his cousin, Johnnie M. Griffin (b 4-11-1913, d 2-15-1991), and was referred to by Johnnie's children and grandchildren as Uncle Ross. On 4-8-1941, he enlisted in the US Army and subsequently fought as a Ranger in the China-Burma-India region of the Pacific Theater as part of the 5307th Composite Unit ("Merrill's Mauraders"). While assigned to that command, he marched over 1,000 miles through impenetratable jungle along the Ledo Road beginning in central India, over the Himalayan Mountains and throughout Burma with the mission of engaging, disrupting and damaging the battle hardened Japanese 18th Division, and opening the Burma Road. His battles against the 18th included Walawbum, Shaduzup, Inkangahtawng, Nhpum Ga, and Myitkyina (during which the only Japanese airfield capable of supporting the Japanese 18th Division was captured), as well as over 30 minor engagements against the Japanese. He was honorably discharged on 11-7-1945 and returned home to Ozark County, Missouri severely dibilitated with malaria and jungle rot, and his health was never completely restored. His awards included the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 bronze service stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He loved fishing, limb lining for catfish, and gigging on Lake Norfolk, and I remember him "supervising" his cousin's sons and grandchildren in setting up camp, deploying the limb lines and maintaining the camp fire. He always set up his hammock (referred to it as his "ham hock") and would usually sleep in it unless forced under one of the john boats due to heavy rain. I deeply respected him, his sterling code of honor, his combat service during World War II and have many wonderful memories of Uncle Ross visiting Johnnie Griffin's home and fishing at Lake Norfolk. He was a hard working, honorable Missouri "Ozarks" native who reflected to me what is great about Americans.
Ross Arthur Colvin was the son of Arthur Parker Colvin (b 9-10-1871, d 3-29-1951) and Mary Ellen "May" Duncan (b 9-27-1882, d 11-20-1976). His siblings included Mary G. Colvin (b 12-7-1900, d 1-7-1994), Bertha F. Colvin (b 1-14-1903, 11-3-1994), Mabel A. Colvin (b 11-15-1907, d 9-29-1999), and Charles D. "Dunk" Colvin (b 5-3-1918, d 2-5-1977; a WWII US Navy Veteran, with whom he had an ongoing sibling and interservice rivalry). He was close to his cousin, Johnnie M. Griffin (b 4-11-1913, d 2-15-1991), and was referred to by Johnnie's children and grandchildren as Uncle Ross. On 4-8-1941, he enlisted in the US Army and subsequently fought as a Ranger in the China-Burma-India region of the Pacific Theater as part of the 5307th Composite Unit ("Merrill's Mauraders"). While assigned to that command, he marched over 1,000 miles through impenetratable jungle along the Ledo Road beginning in central India, over the Himalayan Mountains and throughout Burma with the mission of engaging, disrupting and damaging the battle hardened Japanese 18th Division, and opening the Burma Road. His battles against the 18th included Walawbum, Shaduzup, Inkangahtawng, Nhpum Ga, and Myitkyina (during which the only Japanese airfield capable of supporting the Japanese 18th Division was captured), as well as over 30 minor engagements against the Japanese. He was honorably discharged on 11-7-1945 and returned home to Ozark County, Missouri severely dibilitated with malaria and jungle rot, and his health was never completely restored. His awards included the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 bronze service stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He loved fishing, limb lining for catfish, and gigging on Lake Norfolk, and I remember him "supervising" his cousin's sons and grandchildren in setting up camp, deploying the limb lines and maintaining the camp fire. He always set up his hammock (referred to it as his "ham hock") and would usually sleep in it unless forced under one of the john boats due to heavy rain. I deeply respected him, his sterling code of honor, his combat service during World War II and have many wonderful memories of Uncle Ross visiting Johnnie Griffin's home and fishing at Lake Norfolk. He was a hard working, honorable Missouri "Ozarks" native who reflected to me what is great about Americans.
