Private First Class James R. Glidewell, deceased, was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Private First Class Glidewell hailed from Rural Route 5, Jonesboro.

Among his notable awards are the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious combat achievement, and the Purple Heart. Private First Class Glidewell was a farmhand when he was called to active duty in the U.S. Army following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Three years later, as a member of Company I, 63rd Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division on Luzon Island, Philippines, Private First Class Glidewell distinguished himself by earning the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy near a classified location on February 4, 1945. He located an enemy pillbox from which troops were subjected to intense machine gun fire. Crawling forward of the frontlines, he killed several enemies with his Browning Automatic Rifle and progressed until he could throw grenades into the pillbox. Before he had the opportunity to destroy the enemy installation, he was fatally wounded by sniper fire.

Private First Class Glidewell's cool courage and unselfish devotion to duty reflect great credit upon the military service.