John R. Rowe
John R. Rowe was the first of Hawaii’s sons to die in France as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces.
A few days before going into the battle in which he was killed, he wrote to his mother a letter containing these words:
“Don’t worry, Mother dear. We have got to win this war. If I fall do not mourn for me as I will have done only my duty. All of us won’t come back. I hope I shall. However, if I do not, always remember me as having done my full duty for my country.”
Excerpt from “Hawaii in the World War”by Ralph S, Kyukendall, Honolulu, The Historical Commission, 1928
Other Information:
Private, Army
Died on 7/31/1918 in France
Other Information:
Listed on the plaque outside the War Memorial Natatorium for giving his life in the Great War.
