The Upper Sumner Press - January 8, 1943
©2004
JOE DAVID LANE EDITORIAL
We will, in all probability, never know the circumstances connected with the death of Portland's own boy, Joe David Lane, on the burning sands of North Africa, but of one thing we can be quite certain, he died as he had lived - a good soldier.
Joe David's youthful years among us had been peaceful and quiet. We hope that the end came in the same way - like the close of a beautiful summer day, when daylight fades into darkness with increasing loveliness. Too, We hope that Joe David died with that smile on his face with which he captured the hearts of kindred and friends while he was yet with us.
Poet nor artist has ever been able to portray the grave or death in colors of brightness and beauty. Bryant, in the Hymn of Death," could not make the subject beautiful. And while we would not attempt to glorify the tragic ending of this youthful life, his heroic devotion to his country is mellowing and uplifting in its influence. Thus the third gold star is added to Portland's service flag in World War II. Their deaths must be - they will be - avenged. The more than a hundred fine Portland boys who are already on the battlefronts of the world, or who are in training to go, will see to that, their friends on the home front must make sure that nothing is left undone here that can be done to make retribution sure and complete. We would not give a Joe David Lane for a thousand, yea ten thousand, Nazis and Japs.
Bon voyage, Joe David. Hearts are broken because you passed on in the springtime of your enthusiasm and tenderness, ere the sunshine of hope and joy was extinguished. If tonight in the elysian fields your spirit encounters the spirits of James Harold Harper and M. J. Law, tell them in the name of all that is decent and right and noble that we still make war.
Joe David Lane Dies From Wounds Received On North African Front
Corp. Joe David Lane died November 29, from wounds received in action in North Africa, according to word received here from the War Department last week. Young Lane was the son of Herbert Lane of Gallatin. His mother, who died several years ago, was the daughter of the late George Brizendine and Mrs. Elizabeth Brizendine.
Other survivors are a sister, Betty Lane, of Portland; a brother, Larry Lane, of the United States Marines; and grandfather, H. B. Lane, Sr., of Portland; and several uncles and aunts. Corpal Lane was born and reared in Portland and attended school here. He joined the service November 18, 1940. He was connected with an armored unit and received his training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He spent about three months in Ireland previous to his transfer to the North Africa theater of war. Lane is the third casualty from Portland since May in World War II. Lt. James Harold Harper, a pilot instructor, was killed in Georgia in mid-air plane collision in May. A few days later M. J. Law was killed in Australia.
Genealogist's Companion to Research in Sumner County, Tennessee