Washington County, Mississippi
|
Early LifeErnest S. Tatum Jr. was born in Washington county in Mississippi around 1915. He was born to Ernest S. Tatum (1899-1942) and Lelia Burt (1898-1928) The Tatum family has four children: Ruth Tatum (1908 - ???), Kathleen Tatum (1911-1973.), John B. Tatum (???-???), and Ernest S. Tatum Jr. (1915-1943).
Before enlistment, he finished his fourth year of high school on May 1937, and he worked as a mechanic and a repairman on motor vehicles. He was single when he enlisted to the military. His father dies on December 15, 1942. |
Military LifeTatum enlisted on June 26, 1941 at Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was first stationed for a short time in California near San Francisco. Then, he is sent to Clark Field to serve as part of the 745 Ordnance Company (Aviation) in the 20th Air Base Group. Tatum was assigned to defend the airfield and to maintain aircraft. After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the Japanese has attacked his station. This attack was intended to minimize the interference from the Far East Air Force during the invasion. The Far East Air Force was the first to participate in the extended operation in World War II. Even though the defenders knew they were going to lose, the fight was important to delay the enemy plans to conquer the Philippines. Tatum squad was assigned to help the 2d Observation Squadron, 17th Pursuit Squadron, and 34th Pursuit Squadron. However, Tatum was overwhelmed and was forced to be captured.
|
Clark Field
|