There is another General Nathan Bedford Forrest of which most people do not know.
Nathan Bedford Forrest III (April 7, 1905 - June 13, 1943) - was the grandson of the popular Confederate General. He was born in Memphis. This General Forrest was shot down during an American bombing raid over Germany in 1943.
Forrest graduated West Point in 1928 and was commissioned a second lieutenant with the US Cavalry. He changed to the air corp and quickly climbed in rank. He was made a brigadier general in the US Army in 1942.
By 1943, the 8th Air Corp stationed in England was flying dangerous bombing missions deep into Germany without fighter escort. On June 13, 1943, General Forrest flew as an observer on an American B-17 flying fortress. As his plane completed a bombing attack on the German submarine yard at Kiel, the B-17 was hit by enemy fire. Forrest took the controls where he remained until his crew had bailed out. The plane exploded before Forrest could bail.
His body was found a few months later and he was buried on September 28, 1943 in Wiek, Rugen. Two years after the war ended Forrest's body was exhumed and brought to the United States. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on November 15, 1949.
Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrest III was award both the purple heart and a Distinguished Flying Cross for service to the United States of America.
It is heartbreaking to hear that his hometown, the city of Memphis, is now trying to exhume and dishonor the body of his famous grandfather. Our prayer is that a sense of decency, respect and common sense might be visited upon the leadership of the city of Memphis during this time.
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