Cast iron memorial plaque for George J. Hontos presented by the American Legion post # 1117 named after him. The plaque is pentagonal with a rectangular base and pointed top. Just under the peak is a star on a laurel wreath. Underneath the wreath, the dedication is written in large metal letters raised so high off the plaque's face that they are very easy to read. The dedication reads "In memory of George J. Hontos presented by Geroge J. Hontos Post 1117 American Legion". The name George J. Hontos is written in the largest letters. There are two identical squares on the back of the plaque with holes where a screw could be attached.

The American Legion is a veterans association for aiding veterans and creating a community outside of the military. The Legion was created by veterans returning from WWI in 1919. Currently, the group has over three million members and 14,000 posts worldwide. There is currently no record of Post No. 1117 but based on the inscription on this plaque the post must have been named after him.

George James Hontos was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 27th, 1920. The son of James and Cornelia Hontos, brother of Dimitra, Arthur, and John, who also served in the United States Navy. Two weeks following the Pearl Harbor disaster, he was called to serve his country in the Army. He trained for six months at Camps Yulen and Wallace, Tex. On March 1, 1942, the 434th Coast Artillery Battalion (Anti-Aircraft) was activated. With this outfit, he was sent to England. After the completion of training, they took part in the liberation of Africa. George died from a landmine left by the Nazis, trying to aid some wounded women and children in Tunisia, on May 24th, 1943. Private George J. Hontos was posthumously awarded the Soldier's Medal and the Purple Heart.

The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.

Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org