James McRacken

Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: In an article in The Charlotte Observer dated 8-6-1961, James McRacken was described as a hero that saved a 9th century town, Mayenne, France, from destruction. The Germans had blown up the other bridges into town. In an effort to save the last bridge, Private McRacken cut the demolation wires and faced certain death from the artillery and small arms fire. He fell dead in the severed wires.In 1961, the citizens of Mayenne invited Mrs. McRacken and his daughter, Myrtis, to attend a ceremony honoring Private McRacken. Kays Gary, of The Charlotte Observer, also attended. Mrs. McRacken presented a Charlotte flag to the town. The town honored her husband with a plaque, wreath, band and procession. There was also a book presented entitled Mayenne Through The Ages, which had two pages on Private McRacken.

Age at Death: Unavailable

Image Source: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library