James Leonard Durden was born on January 19, 1918, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Leonard H Durden and Ida Cotter Whitlock. He was the husband of Tabatha Hutcheson Stephens.

James served in the 15th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Division, as a Second Lieutenant during World War II. He was Killed in Action on August 5, 1944, during the liberation of Huelgoat, France. He is now buried in the Brittany American Cemetery, Montjoie Saint Martin, France.

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Distinguished Service Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING World War II
Service: Army
Battalion: 15th Tank Battalion
Division: 6th Armored Division
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 59 (1944)
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James Leonard Durden (ASN: 0-1018134), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 15th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 August 1944.

Second Lieutenant Durden's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 6th Armored Division, and the United States Army."

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.abmc.gov