Jesse enlisted at Fort McPherson, GA on 15 July 1942.

Pvt Evans was appointed as Cpl on 6 November 1943.  Cpl Evans was wounded in action in France on 14 June 1944 [Jesse wrote home that it was just an arm wound]. He was transferred back to Service Co on 15 July 1944.for rest and relaxation. 

Cpl Evans was kicked up another notch on 21 July when he was given a third stripe to sew on.

Sgt Evans was later wounded in action in Holland on 19 September,. a period that coincides with his being listed as missing in action. He was subsequently listed as a POW on 24  December 1944.  On 12 June 1945 he is recorded as liberated from Stalag 2D Stargard Pomerania, Prussia 53-15.

The big sigh of relief fell on 13 Sept 1945 when he was discharged from duty at Ft. McPherson, GA, as Platoon Sgt, MOS 7745, with a Good Conduct medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign medal with three Bronze Campaign Stars, a Purple Heart with one OLC, and the Combat Infantryman Badge,