The story of George Fox is both a history lesson and the story of a forgotten soldier. Recognition for this Alaska Native soldier comes almost 80 years after he died in action in World War II. His name was recently added to the World War II fallen soldier monument on the downtown Anchorage park strip on 9th Avenue, just in time for Memorial Day.
George Fox was one of the forgotten soldiers of World War II. Alaska wasn't even a state when he left his Aleutian Island village to serve in the military. He died in combat on June 1st, 1944. Almost 80 years later, his service is finally being recognized.
Private George Fox was the only Unangax soldier killed fighting in World War II and any war since. But for nearly 80 years, he rested in an unmarked grave in Unalaska … until May 30th.Fox was finally honored for his sacrifice in a special Memorial Day celebration.
For nearly 80 years, a small American flag placed by an old friend was the only thing that stood above the tundra, marking the plot of Army Pvt. George Fox in Unalaska’s cemetery.But on Monday, that all changed when the decorated fallen veteran’s resting place was finally recognized.Fox is the only known Unangax̂ soldier killed fighting in World War II and any war since, and for decades he was buried in an unmarked grave. This Memorial Day, he was finally honored with a gravestone in a long-awaited burial ceremony, which drew crowds from across the state and Lower 48 to the remote Aleutian community.