Latham Harrison Wells of Shreveport and formerly of Nacogdoches died Tuesday, May 6, 2014.
He was born to Latham and Virgie Nix Wells in Nacogdoches County June 22, 1925. He was a Methodist. Mr. Wells attended Central Heights schools, graduating in the 1943 class.
Following graduation, Mr. Wells entered the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division. He participated in the Normandy campaign, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, occupation of Germany and was in the 82nd Airborne Division Honor Guard during the occupation of Berlin. During his military service, he received a number of decorations and citations including EAME Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, and World War II Victory Medal. In addition, he was honored for his service in 2001 with a Certificate of Recognition from Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and also by the Republic of France with a Certificate Diplome for his actions in the Normandy Campaign.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Mr. Wells returned to Nacogdoches where he attended Stephen F. Austin and later Texas A&M University and was a partner with his father in the family dairy for a time.
His business interests took him to Dallas, Denver and various Texas cities. He returned to Nacogdoches following his retirement and was active in several veterans organizations including the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, and was a Lifetime Member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association.
Mr. Wells was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Durward Wells and Glen F. Wells; and sister, Lessie Wells Watkins.
He is survived by a sister, Omie Dell Harrod of Lone Star, several nieces and nephews and close friends, the Rev. and Mrs. James Eames of Shreveport.
The family would like to thank the staff at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home for their kind, concerned care. |
Latham registered for the draft on his 18th birthday,
22 June 1943, in Nacogdoches, TX.
He enlisted in the Army at Tyler, TX on 2 September
1943.
He volunteered for parachutist duty and was assigned
to the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, which was attached to the
508th during WWII/.
Pfc Wells served in Company A of the 320th from 1942
to 1946. |
