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PFC Woodrow Wilson Finley
Woodrow Wilson Finley was born Jan. 23 in either 1916 or 1917 at Leapwood, Tennessee, the youngest of six children. His mother, Ada Owen Finley, was a homemaker and his father, James Finley, a farmer.
By the time of the spring 1940 Census young Mr. Wilson was the only sibling still at home with his parents, ages 69 and 65. He had completed 8th grade but was no longer enrolled. He worked painting autos in 1939, earning $385.
Mr. Finley was 6-feet tall and 140 pounds when he enlisted in the Marines on Oct. 10, 1940. He was a private first class on the U.S.S. Arizona when he was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
There is a cenotaph in his memory at Oak Hill Cemetery in Selmer, Tennessee.
Sources: the Union City (Tennessee) Messenger; Census; Marine enlistment records and muster roll; application for military headstone or marker. Marine photo. Note: When he enlisted he said his birthdate was Jan. 23, 1917, but when his family ordered the cenotaph marker they said it was Jan. 23, 1916. The year 1916 matches his age in the 1920 and 1940 Census. The 1930 Census comports with a birth year of 1918, which is in no other record. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.