Not many people in Meridian would recognize this person or even know his name. Hal Granberry was born on January 4, 1898, in Meridian. His father was Simeon S. Granberry, son of the Simeon S. Granberry who was the Supt. of the Confederate Orphans Home in Lauderdale. Hal Granberry did prep work at Marion Military Academy before going to New York and getting appointed to West Point after 4 attempts. He graduated in the Class of 1923, number 210 out of 261 cadets. On graduation day, he married his West Point sweetheart, Molly Andrews Cary, in the Chapel at West Point. Sadly, four years later they were divorced while he was stationed at Fort Collins. On January 26, 1928 Granberry married Marion Virginia Watt of Denver. During his army career, Granberry served with distinction, earning promotions and serving in many important positions. His second tour of duty in the Philippines began in eary 1941 after being promoted to Major. His assignment was Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 57th Philippine Division, the Philippines Scouts. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel on December 24, 1941. He was mentioned in orders for his fierce defense of positions during retreat into the Bataan Peninsula. After the army was surrendered to the Japanese, Colonel Granberry was on the "Death March" and suffered the most horrible conditions at the hands of the Japanese at Cabanutuan and Camp O'Donnell, before being put on three different "Hell Ships" to be sent to Japan as slave labor. 1,619 of our soldiers left the Philippines on December 13, 1944; 1,348 were killed or died en route, and 161 died after arrival. Only 271 were liberated at war's end. Colonel Granberry was on of the several that died aboard the Brazil Maru on January 27, 1945. He was awarded two Silver Stars, a Legion of Merit, Distinguished Service Cross, and a Purple Heart. There is a memorial marker in the family plot at Historic Rose Hill Cemetery. Another from Meridian, Mississippi.