World War II Soldier From Galeton Memorialized

More than 75 years after he lost his life in service to his nation, a Galeton soldier is properly memorialized with a grave marker. Family members of U.S. Army Private James F. Platt contacted Potter County Director of Veterans Affairs Michael Pepper for assistance in securing a bronze marker. Working with Commissioner Barry Hayman and the Pa. Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, the marker was obtained for placement in Galeton’s West Hill Cemetery. Pvt. Platt had been serving in Belgium when he lost his life on Dec. 20, 1944. At the time, the Western Allies forces were steadily gaining ground in the liberation of Belgium, which was completed just six weeks after his passing. Director Pepper (left) and Commissioner Hayman display the marker before delivering it to Pvt. Platt’s survivors. In appreciation for the county’s assistance, the family donated an accompanying cash stipend to LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve in Oswayo to support services for disabled military veterans.