John Sefton went off to World War II at an early age

As Veterans Day, approaches, we again honor all veterans from all branches of the United States of America. We obtained permission to feature John Sefton’s photo and story in a tribute to our veterans.

When this country became involved in World War II, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, many young men, like John, joined the fight for our country’s freedom, at the young age of 18. Again, like John, many were fresh off the farm, or from small communities like Brownstown, St. Elmo and Mulberry Grove, and small towns like Vandalia.
Approximately 69 years ago, young “Johnny” Sefton, left his family home in the rural area of Brownstown and  joined the Army. He was just 18, and like so many of America’s best, was willing and eager to go overseas to protect this country from the cruel, intolerant powers who were oppressing, enslaving and killing without compunction and mercy.
Today, we honor all veterans and thank them for the free country we live in today. They preserved our freedom, and saved us and others from insane, vicious tyrants.
Although history and the veterans themselves have revealed much of the cost of the wars, we who did not experience it first-hand, cannot possibly realize the terrible cost to the veterans who fought for our country. Nor do they want us to; they fought and died to protect us from the horrors they faced.
From Sefton Township to the Army
John Sefton shared some of his story after going on the Honor Flight sometime ago. When asked what impressed him most about the Honor Flight, he immediately answered, “the Memorial.” That part of the journey obviously left him very emotionally beset with memories.
When he joined the Army, he was sent first to Fort Knox, Ky., for basic training, then to Ft. Campbell for more training.
He was a gunner on an M-24 tank.
He said that he saw, “a little, not a lot, of action.” However, his service records and documents prove differently. He received an honorable discharge on April 20, 1946, and received the following honors: American Theatre Ribbon, Bronze Battle Star, Victory Medal, Good Conduct medal, European African Middle Eastern and Overseas Service Bar.
However, the memories John shared were on the lighter side.
“I went to France, Germany, and ended up in Yugoslavia, in the Alps. We waited around for two weeks, waiting for old Tito to give up or fight,” he said.
“I was a corporal part-tome, when I wasn’t on K.P. (kitchen patrol),” he said, with a grin. “Another guy and I got in trouble, so they gave me a toothbrush and some paint. I painted the steps of the barracks, and he had to stand there and guard me.”
At home in Sefton
John grew up in rural Sefton, north of Brownstown. John began working as a farmer in rural Sefton, where he has lived all his life.
He and his late wife, Mary Ann, raised seven children: Lynn, David, Phil, Matt, Susie, Steve, and Mike.
Later, John got into the construction business, beginning in partnership with Kenny Sefton and then on his own.
“I dropped out of farming,” he said, “I never could make the farm work, because I never did have enough money to buy the (farm) equipment.”
 The (construction) heavy equipment business grew into a family affair and, at one point, “Sooner or later, all of my sons were involved in it,” he said.
“They all learned how, anyway. Dave was so young, when I took him, he rode on the toolbox.”
Sefton Construction business went all over Fayette County, digging ponds and, “I did a lot of work for the Natural Gas Pipeline plant station, north of St. Elmo,” he said.
His decision to quit farming was a wise one, because the family construction business thrived.
Retirement
John found it very difficult to “retire.” He continued to show up for work, although his family
him to take it easy. He still visited the Natural Gas Pipeline post almost every day.
As for leisure time, John admitted he never cared for fishing, but he did enjoy playing on the Sefton baseball team years ago.
John celebrated his 87th birthday last month (October 2011). He is well-respected and well-liked, and is pleasant to talk with.
He declines to talk about the war, but said that sometimes when he closes his eyes, he “can still see those people.”
Our gratitude can not be expressed enough or adequately, to Sefton and the men and women who have served, and are serving, alongside one another.
 

John Sefton