John T. Dillon was born in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland on December 17, 1895. He arrived in New York in August 1896 with his mother and older... Show moreJohn T. Dillon was born in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland on December 17, 1895. He arrived in New York in August 1896 with his mother and older brother to join his father. The Dillon family moved to the Fair Haven section of New Haven where John was raised. Dillon enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard on June 23, 1917 attached to Co. C, 102nd Infantry Regiment, a company known as the Sarsfield Guard. He arrived in France on October 17, 1917 where he served in the trenches at Chemin des Dames and Toul sectors before being on the front lines at the Battle of Seicheprey. Dillon was gassed on June 8, 1918 and suffered a permanent loss of smell. Dillon was promoted to Sergeant and moved to Château-Thierry on July 5, 1918. On July 18 he was informed he would be "going over the top" and might not return. Four days later he was wounded by shrapnel in fighting near Vaux and Epieds and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism. He was treated for his wounds and returned to the trenches until the Armistice ended the war. Dillon received numerous citations from the 26th Division as well as a Purple Heart for his actions at Château-Thierry. He received an Honorable Discharge on April 5, 1919. While still in France awaiting discharge and transport back to the U.S. he was told by a senior officer "You know you did not have to be here - you are not a U.S. citizen." Dillon rectified that by becoming a naturalized citizen on September 3, 1919. Dillon went home and worked at the family business, New Haven Burial Case until 1930 when he started his own business, Dillon Brothers Casket Company. He married Marie Reilly in 1930 and had three children and four grandchildren. He was a member of the Legion of Valor, Yankee Division Veterans Association, Last Man's Club and Maples Athletic Club. He died January 7, 1977 at the age of 82. Show less