MR. JOSEPH J. HAMMONDS, WORLD WAR TWO HERO

Mr. Joseph J. Hammonds, 92, of Thomaston, died Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 at Harborview Nursing Home.
Funeral services for Mr. Hammonds will be held on Sunday, March 19th, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Yatesville. Burial with military honors will follow in the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family of Mr. Hammonds will receive friends at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Saturday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.
Joseph J. Hammonds was born in Yatesville on February 25th, 1925, the son of the late J. B. and Alberta Blount Hammond. He was a graduate of Yatesville High School.
Mr. Hammonds was inducted into the U. S. Army in October of 1943. He was sent to Europe and soon rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the 30th Division of the 117th Infantry Regiment and was a machine gunner in a weapons platoon. He was involved in five major battles including Normandy, Saint Lo and the Battle of the Bulge. He received five battle stars, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Presidential Battalion Citation, the Combat Infantryman Badge and two Purple Hearts for injuries he sustained in two major battles behind enemy lines. Mr. Hammonds was the highest decorated soldier from Upson County.
Nearly seven decades after the end of World War II France bestowed upon Mr. Hammonds its highest honor, the Legion of Honor. The award, first created in 1802 to honor service to France, was awarded to Mr. Hammonds after an examination of his combat service during World War II. The citation read, in part, "I am pleased to inform you that by a decree signed by the President of the French Republic on February 25, 2011, you have been named a "Chevalier" of the Legion of Honor. This award testifies to the President of the French Republic's high esteem for your merits and accomplishments. In particular, it is a sign of France's true and unforgettable gratitude and appreciation for your personal, precious contribution to the United States' decisive role in the liberation of our country during World War II." This award was signed by the French President on Mr. Hammond's 86th birthday.
After his discharge from the U. S. Army he returned to Upson County. He was employed at the Bleachery Division of Thomaston Mills and worked for 45 years until his retirement. After retiring he enjoyed farming and raising cattle.
Mr. Hammonds was a member of the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and as caretaker for the New Hope Cemetery in Yatesville.
Mr. Hammonds is survived by his daughter, Jolynn Hammonds Maddox and his daughter-in-law, Teresa C. Hammonds, both of Thomaston; eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hazel Helms Hammonds, his second wife, Betty C. Stansell Cumbie Hammonds, and his son, Steve G. Hammonds.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 58 Windsweep Farm Road, Thomaston, GA 30286.
Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com