John Francis Meyers

John Francis Meyers passed away June 12, 2021, at the age of 92. John was born in Dubuque Iowa to Paul and Viola Meyers on February 10, 1929. John, also known as Jack, was 1 of 10 brothers and sisters. And while his brothers said that his birth foretold the start of the great depression, the family held together and prospered during this time. John worked as a newspaper delivery boy, messenger, and various jobs with the Dubuque Packing Company while attending school. In 1947, shortly after his graduation from Dubuque Senior High School, Jack joined the US Marine Corp. He completed boot camp and in 1949 he was shipped to China where his unit evacuated the last Americans out of Shanghai. He then reported to Camp Pendleton, California and shortly after was assigned to the 1st Marine Division 1st Marine Regiment 1st Battalion Charlie Company; destination Korea. Jack arrived in Korea September 1950 and participated in the following operations: • Landing at Inchon • Battle for Seoul • Landing at Wonsan • Battle of the Chosin Reservoir and Defense of Hill 307 Horseshoe Ridge. From November 27th to December 13th the 1st Marine Regiment was tasked with defending Koto-Ri (Chosin Reservoir) with orders that it be held at all costs. For the entire battle they were surrounded by the Chinese 66th and 77th Divisions. By the 8th day of fighting, they were low on ammunition, food, water, and medical supplies. Day time temperatures averaged -20°F; while nighttime temperature dropped as low as -40°F. In mid-April 1951 Jack’s Company got thrown in the gap on Hill 307; better known as “Horseshoe Ridge”. Again, surrounded by overwhelming forces Charlie Company held off the Chinese for two days and nights [April 23rd and April 24th] before they were able to breakout. Much of the fighting was hand to hand and his company suffered 60% casualties. While wounded twice with shrapnel injuries, Jack refused to put in for a purple heart. He told the corpsman who was treating him “look around at the dead Marines, the Marines shot to pieces, and the Marines with limbs blown off; there is no way I put in for a Purple Heart”. During the war Jack went from the rank of Lance Corporal to Corporal, and then promoted a 2nd time to Sergeant. He returned to the States in late 1951. Over his 20-year career in the Marines Jack held various assignments and was promoted numerous times; ultimately retiring as a Captain. In 1952 during an assignment in Barstow California he met a public service clerk by the name of Frances Gray. It was love at first sight. They married in March 1953 and were together for 66 years and 10 months before her death of Covid in January 2021. They had 3 children: Barbara, Patrick, and Joseph.

After his first retirement, Jack began working at Bank of America as a teller. Like in the Marines, Jack received numerous assignments and promotions; ultimately retiring again as regional manager after 19 years. Despite two retirements, Jack stayed active; attending Charlie Company reunions, traveling in the US with his wife Frances, participating in church choir, and most importantly spending time with his family and many friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, John is preceded in death by his sons Patrick and Joseph, and brothers Paul, William, Donald, and Tom. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Meyers, daughter-in-law Beverly Meyers, grandchildren John and Joshua Meyers and sisters and brothers, Dorothy, Mary, Adele, Robert, and Richard.

A memorial service will be held Friday August 20th 2021 at St. Michaels Episcopal Church at 9:30am followed by an internment ceremony at Eternal Hills 1999 S El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054 at 11am. A small reception will follow at the family home in Oceanside.