by Davyne Hughes-Davis

Milton Eugene Hughes was born on January 13, 1890, in Norfolk, Virginia to Zachariah and Martha Hughes. The family lived in a small neighborhood called Tanner’s Creek . According to the 1910 U.S. Census, Milton Hughes attended Matthew Fontaine Maury High School and graduated in 1909. After graduation, he enrolled at Howard University for two years to obtain a bachelor’s degree, however, he did not graduate due to joining the military.

On September 16, 1917, he enlisted in the Army as one of many privates in the Infantry Corp division in Alexander Virginia. He served as a Rifleman and was assigned to the 355th Labor Battalion; Company 38, 154th D.B. He began his training at Camp Alexander, Virginia but soon transferred to Camp Meade, Maryland to continue his training. After the completion of his service as a Corporal, he returned to Newport News, Virginia where he was discharged on June 25th, 1919 due to medical reasons.

After being discharged, he worked at the Norfolk Navy Shipyard and married Estelle Turner of Newport News, Virginia. The couple had four children: Milton Jr., Elwood, Maurice, and Estelle Hughes. He continued his career at the Norfolk Navy Shipyard until his retirement. On August 28th, 1966 he passed away from Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease at the age of 76. He was buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia. Though he may seem like a simple man, his legacy will continue throughout this world from his heroic behavior by joining the National Army to fight and serve the United States of America.

Sources:

“Milton Eugene Hughes” World War I History Commission, Library of Virginia

United States Census, 1900-1940

“Milton Eugene Hughes” Death records, 1900-2000

“Milton Eugene Hughes” U.S., World War I Draft registration card 1917-1918