Honoring Pima’s Greatest Generation: Town Dedicates Expanded World War II Memorial Highlighting the ‘Pima 27’

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

PIMA — Under clear skies on Veterans Day, the Town of Pima formally dedicated its newly expanded World War II Memorial at 116 S. Main St., fulfilling a multi-year community vision honoring the profound sacrifices of Pima’s Greatest Generation.

The poignant morning ceremony drew a large gathering of local residents, veterans, and families to the site directly across from Pima Elementary School. The event featured musical tributes by the Pima High School Marching Band—including the National Anthem and a stirring trumpet solo of “Taps” by Dillon Casey—as well as a dramatic flyover by Erik Swanson, who piloted a 1941 North American T-6 Texan airplane.

A Heavy Toll: The Backstory of the Pima 27

The newly enhanced memorial serves as a solemn tribute to the “Pima 27”—the 27 local young men from the small agricultural community who gave their lives in service during World War II.

Historical records underscore the conflict’s staggering impact on the town. Of a population of just 867 residents recorded in the 1940 U.S. Census, Pima lost about 3% of its population, giving the town one of the highest per-capita casualty rates of any community in the United States during the war.

Years in the Making: Vision, Funding, and Construction

Pima Town Manager Vernon Batty, who addressed the crowd during the ceremony, noted that the project has been decades in the making.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Batty said, explaining that initial community efforts began in the late 1970s with a smaller memorial near the library and fire station.

The momentum for a larger monument ignited roughly nine years ago when an anonymous donor contributed $10,000 to establish a more prominent tribute. That initial funding secured the property’s flagpoles and flags. A design contest was then held at Pima High School, with student winners Hannah Lothgren and Anelicia Sanchez laying out the foundational circular concept used today.

While an anonymous crew previously volunteered their time and labor to pour the concrete and set the poles free of charge, the project required significant additional resources to fully realize its artistic vision. That financial turning point arrived when the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties awarded the town a $113,400 grant, making the extensive artwork and final build-out possible.

Bringing the Vision to Life: Local Artistry and Landscaping

The completed memorial features a rich array of collaborative contributions from local businesses and artists:

• Landscaping: Peterson Landscaping designed and installed the intricate circular brick walking paths, grass, and rockwork surrounding the site.
• Granite Monument: Mark Vining provided the custom-built monument inscribed with the names of all 27 fallen servicemen.
• Metal Sculptures: Local artist and welder Rick Merrill crafted striking silhouette metal sculptures and centerpiece monument features integrated into the grounds.
• The Mural: Muralist Brandt Woods painted a powerful backdrop along the back block wall, depicting scenes of community life, agriculture, and freedom.
• Custom Benches: Patty Craig of Twisted Logic created decorative benches featuring detailed war scenes and the Pledge of Allegiance.

“A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into making this for the town of Pima,” Batty reflected. “I hope it’s something that lasts forever, and that we can all be proud of.”

Family Legacies and Personal Remembrances

The dedication ceremony featured emotional presentations by family members connected to the fallen soldiers. Jared Mattice shared the remarkable wartime history of his great-uncle, Lieutenant Rue J. Mattice.

Born in Pima in 1924, Rue Mattice was a standout athlete who played football for the University of Arizona before joining the Army Air Corps Reserves in 1943. He piloted a Curtiss C-46 Commando in the Pacific theater, moving supplies to retake Okinawa. On August 22, 1945—just days after the armistice was signed—Mattice’s plane suffered engine failure shortly after takeoff. Faced with a crash, Mattice deliberately steered his heavily loaded aircraft away from a camp where over 200 service members were lined up for breakfast, sacrificing his own life to save them. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Mattice also spoke of his great-uncle’s enduring romance with his sweetheart, Elaine McBride, whom he married right before leaving for war. Elaine never remarried and passed away at 101 after spending 80 years cherishing his memory.

Steve Taylor, great-nephew of fallen serviceman Lavon Taylor, also addressed the audience.

“He has inspired, not only me but other family members, to do things that they normally wouldn’t do: to get out of their comfort zone, to help others, and to think of others,” Taylor said.

Just Serve Heart of Service Awards

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Just Serve—in partnership with America 250—utilized the gathering to present Heart of Service Awards to six local individuals whose community leadership exemplifies the spirit of service:

• Kathy Grimes, Executive Director of the Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition, recognized for over 25 years of substance abuse prevention, youth programs, and transitional housing initiatives.
• Kristin Johnson, project director and reentry coordinator, honored for helping individuals leaving incarceration navigate housing, employment, and rehabilitation.
• Lynn Smith, community organizer, recognized for her quiet, consistent efforts feeding the homeless, visiting care centers, and organizing youth service projects.
• Clint Woods, Eastern Arizona Museum board member and youth mentor, whose great-uncle is among the Pima 27.
• Herbert and Karen House, honored for a lifetime of selfless caregiving, supporting struggling neighbors, and assisting military families in need.

As the ceremony concluded, community members joined together to unveil the monument, ensuring that the names and sacrifices of Pima’s Greatest Generation remain permanently embedded in the conscience and heart of the Gila Valley.

Click here to view the Gila Herald’s Photo Album of the event.