Carl H. Mullis – On September 1, 1939 Germany’s invasion of Poland marked the beginning of World War II in Europe. Two days later on September 3, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany. For the next two years fighting would escalate in Europe, but this fighting was a world away. It was a world away from Tennille Georgia. According to airmilescalculator.com Warsaw, Poland is 5016 miles from Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, which is another 136 miles from Tennille. So approximately 5152 miles away, the fighting carried on in Europe and Asia. Finally on December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy”, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and thus the United States was pulled into World War II.
Young men began being sent to Europe and Asia after training to join the fight. It seemed the fighting was now closer to home. This was true in tiny Tennille Georgia, with a population of 1758 in 1940 (https://www2.census.gov/…/decennial/1950/pc-02/pc-2-34.pdf). It was very true for one family. Brothers Harold, Carl and John Mullis all entered the service. Harold and Carl Mullis both joined the United States Army in March of 1943. Private Harold Mullis was killed in action less than a year later on February 27, 1944 in Italy. In June of 1944, brother John Mullis joined the United States Marine Corps. Private First Class Carl Mullis was killed in action on March 4, 1945 in Germany. Three days later on March 7, 1945, and less than a year after he joined, Private John Mullis of the 3rd Marine Division was killed in action at Iwo Jima. World War II was now very close to home for this family and the small town of Tennille, Georgia. When these young men returned home they were laid to rest in Tennille Zeta Cemetery. Despite the fact that these three young men lost their lives over 80 years ago, we must always remember their sacrifice and not forget to honor them. On National Wreaths Across America day these young men will be remembered by having a wreath placed on their graves and their names being said. They will not be forgotten. We must Remember and Honor all veterans, as they have fought and served to maintain our freedom. “Lest we forget”