Javis Melvin East was born on January 25, 1920 in West Warren, Utah. His parents Alfred and Cora Ann were also both born in Utah. His father worked as a farmer and later as a dairy laborer. Still later he was supervisor of city streets. Javis had three older sisters, three younger brothers, and one younger sister. By 1940 Javis had completed one year of high school and was still living at home. He found work in construction and at the local airport.

He enlisted in the army in October 1941. Eventually he volunteered for the 1st Special Service Force, where he served in the 1st Regiment. His service number was 39679327. He reached the rank of staff sergeant. This elite American-Canadian commando unit was created in the summer of 1942 with a goal to be deployed in winter combat, likely in Norway. The Americans in this unit were all volunteers but they joined up not knowing any details about the unit, only being told it was a parachute unit. The men were trained to fight behind enemy lines and worked on specialized skills like skiing, rock climbing, and demolitions.

The 1st SSF's first combat assignment in July 1943 was to retake the Alaskan island of Kiska from the Japanese, but the enemy withdrew before it happened. It was next sent to fight in the Italian mountains in November 1943. The attack on a peak known as La Difensa was considered impossible by the Germans, but the 1st SSF was able to do this in early December. It became the basis for the 1968 movie The Devil's Brigade.

A month later the 1st SSF was still fighting in the Italian mountains. It assaulted Monte Majo and Monte Vischiataro on January 8. The commando unit held on to its hard fought gains, but not without furthers losses. Sgt. East as killed on January 14, 1944. Unit losses in the mountains were an unbelievable 76% killed, wounded, or hospitalized due to exposure, illness and frostbite.

His grave is at Ogden City Cemetery in Ogden, Utah.

Thank you Sgt. East for your sacrifice.

References:

Ancestry.com

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29432960/javis-melvin-east

Wikipedia

Javis M East