This week, we conclude our trilogy on the Anthony family by honoring the remarkable legacy of John and Ethel Foster Anthony’s children—particularly their seven sons who bravely served during World War II.
John and Ethel were blessed with ten children, including two sets of twins: eight sons and two daughters.
Nancy Elizabeth Anthony – born January 1, 1914
John Virgil Anthony III – born August 12, 1915
Clarence Edmund Anthony – born July 30, 1917
Charles Graves Anthony – born July 30, 1917
Thomas Arthur Anthony – born May 31, 1919
William “Penn” Anthony – born January 12, 1921
Douglas Mark Anthony – born December 23, 1922
Hallie May Anthony – born March 10, 1926
James Maxwell “Max” Anthony – born March 10, 1926
Richard Myron Anthony – born December 18, 1929
The oldest son, John Virgil Anthony III, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on December 10, 1940. Tragically, he was killed in a car accident on Route 11 just north of Roanoke, Virginia, on Christmas Day in 1941—shortly after being discharged from Walter Reed Hospital. He had been on leave, returning home to spend the holidays with his fiancée and family.
T/Sgt. Clarence Edmund Anthony joined the U.S. Army on October 7, 1941, serving over four years in the India-China-Burma Theater.
His twin brother, S/Sgt. Charles Graves Anthony, enlisted in January 1942 and spent 45 months serving in the Pacific.
PFC Thomas Arthur Anthony also joined in 1942 and served overseas for 40 months.
PFC William “Penn” Anthony earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Purple Heart for his service in Italy. He was later awarded the Bronze Star for bravery.
Pvt. Douglas Mark Anthony entered the U.S. Air Force in December 1944 and served until October 30, 1946.
Pvt. James Maxwell “Max” Anthony enlisted on December 22, 1944, and served in the Philippines and Japan.
Their niece, Joy, daughter of Clarence Anthony, shared a poignant story that speaks to the heart of their family’s sacrifice and unity:
“When WWII came, some of John and Ethel’s boys were already in the service, and the others quickly joined. My uncle Max was initially turned away due to a heart murmur, but he couldn’t bear the thought of staying safely at home while all his brothers were fighting. A few months later, he returned to the recruitment office and begged to be allowed to serve. He told them, ‘All my brothers are in the war — I can’t stay here.’ Eventually, they accepted him. Though he was never sent overseas, he served proudly as a payroll clerk.
The oldest brother, my Uncle Virgil, had met my mother while they were both attending Bluefield Business College. They became engaged, and he was returning home for Christmas in 1941 with her engagement ring in his pocket when the fatal car accident occurred. My mother said it was the most devastating moment of her life. But the Anthony family embraced her as one of their own—and a year later, she married my father, Clarence.”
The story of the Anthony family is one of resilience, love, and deep-rooted patriotism. Their sacrifices reflect not only a family’s contribution to a global cause, but the enduring strength of home and heart in the face of great loss.
I am so grateful for the wonderful photographs and research provided by Anthony family historian, Joy Anthony Branham. For questions, comments, or to share your own family memories, Woody can be reached at rockcastlecreek1@gmail.com or (276) 692-9626.
