John Garland Dopson was born on November 18, 1912, in Elmore County, Alabama. He was the son of Marshall Lonnie Dopson and Dora Mary "Susie" Teel Dopson. He served in the 19th Bombardment Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group, Light, as a Private First Class during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, PFC Dopson was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

PFC Dopson was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 24, 1942. He is now buried in the Strong Cemetery, Strong, Union County, Arkansas, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com