James W. Rutherford
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
James W. Rutherford served during World War II.
His rank was Corporal, and he served in the U.S. Army as a technician fifth grade in the Army Air Corps communications.
He served in Sicily, Egypt, and India. In North Africa, he was at one time attached to the British Eighth Army.
Mr. Rutherford enlisted in June 1942, and served 16 months of active service overseas. He was involved in the rescue of two of his fellow soldiers in the Mediterranean, and was decorated with the Soldier's Medal and recommended for the Legion of Merit.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Rutherford and attended Duluth Central High School.
Source: Article, "Duluthian is Cited For Rescuing Two Soldiers"
"It wasn’t German bullets that gave Duluth’s Cpl. James W. Rutherford his greatest thrill in 16 months of active service overseas. It was the rescue of two of his buddies from death in the Mediterranean after they had been swept almost beyond reach in a vicious undertow. Corporal Rutherford, son of Mr. And Mrs. James Rutherford, 3600 London Road, and who now is home on furlough was swimming in the Mediterranean with two pals. Suddenly one of them ventured beyond his depth and was swept seaward by the undertow. His cry for help immediately sent the second soldier on a rescue attempt, but he too, was a victim of the currents and with the first boy was swept out some distance beyond a reef. Despite imminent danger to himself, Rutherford plunged into the sea, swam to the two boys, and fighting against dragging currents brought them to the reef. Three times they were buffeted from the rocky barrier, and each time the rapidly tiring Rutherford brought them back. Finally gaining a solid handhold the three recuperated their strength for the fight for shore and safety. To Rutherford it was a nightmare of battling currents and undertow and seemed to last an eternity. In recognition of his courageous act, Rutherford was decorated with the Soldier’s Medal and has been recommended for the Legion of Merit. Rutherford is a technician fifth grade in the army air corps communications and has served in Sicily, Egypt and India. In North Africa he was at one time attached to the British Eighth Army. He attended Duluth Central high school and was a semi-professional hockey player here for several years before enlisting in the air corps in June 1942. He was married, February 28 to Miss Virginia Snyder, 1902 London Road and will leave Duluth March 14 for active duty."
