Skip to Content

103-year-old Jamaican author shares story of working on farm for WWII soldiers

By Steve Maugeri

Click here for updates on this story

    MIAMI, Florida (WFOR) — John McHugh kept a diary of his travels during World War II. The 103-year-old grew up in Jamaica.

“My trade was a printer,” McHugh said.” I was a printer for 20 years.”

But, he volunteered to help feed the Americans fighting in World War II as a farmer. Warships escorted him as he sailed to the United States.

He worked at an onion farm in Upstate New York.

“My contribution to America,” McHugh said. “Because America at that time needed help.”

He turned his diary into a book called “The Forgotten Reapers of World War II.” His family helped him put the book together, which included photos and excerpts from his diaries.

John came to the States a day before D-Day, and he arrived when Jim Crow segregation laws were still in effect.

“They would go into places that were deemed not allowable for people of color, they went in any,” said Emily McHugh, John’s Daughter. “And they helped integrate a lot of places that were historically segregated.”

McHugh now lives in Fort Pierce with his two daughters.

Sunday was the official launch of the second edition of his book. McHugh once again told his story of how critical of a role Jamaicans played in the war, by helping feed our troops overseas.

A fitting story for Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

“Wonderful to meet you,” McHugh said to the crowd. “Wonderful, wonderful.”

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Regional

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content