James Wilbert Slatton

March 12, 1932 - April 11, 2023

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Major James W. Slatton, a distinguished veteran whose remarkable life was dedicated to serving his country. At the age of 91, Major Slatton passed away in The Villages, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of valor and commitment to duty. In recognition of his exceptional service, he will be laid to rest with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC.

Born on March 12, 1932, Major Slatton’s early years were marked by adversity, as he navigated the challenges of growing up in various orphanages in the Northwest United States. At the tender age of 15, he ran away and embarked on a year-long journey of survival, and at just 16 years old, altered his birth certificate to join the ranks of the US Army.

The military became Major Slatton’s calling, and he began a career that would span decades and earn him admiration and respect. At 17, Private Slatton landed in Korea as part of the Seventh Infantry Division, a unit that would become the most decorated during the Korean War. Wounded in action, he received medical treatment in Japan and was awarded his first Purple Heart, among other commendations.

Returning to the United States, now a Corporal, Slatton demonstrated his competitiveness as a boxer for the Army team. Later, he completed jump school and was assigned to the 82nd airborne division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After is promotion to Sergeant, he bepπcame a member of the Army Special Forces and attended intensive language training, becoming fluent in Chinese Mandarin and proficient in Japanese, Vietnamese, and German.

In the early 1960s, now E7, Slatton was deployed to Vietnam as part of a surveillance team. After completing officer training school and receiving his commission as a Captain, Major Slatton decided, for personal reasons, to temporarily leave the Army.

In 1967, after two years of civilian life, the Vietnam war drew him back to service. He served a 12-month tour of duty with the Special Forces, and now as a Major, a six-month extension. Tragically, during this extended period of service, Major Slatton’s aircraft was shot down, resulting in his transfer to Okinawa for medical treatment. For his bravery, he was honored with his second Purple Heart. Following a nine-month recovery period at Fort Bragg, Major Slatton received orders for another 12-month tour in Vietnam and arrived in Saigon amidst the historic Tet Offensive. Assigned to special operations, Major Slatton completed the tour and return to the US.

In November 1972, Major Slatton retired from active duty and moved to Ohio for a more stable life. After a decade, he divorced and relocated to California. There, he achieved success in contracting and real estate. In the early 1990s, he moved to Oklahoma before finally settling in Florida. Major Slatton is survived by his son and wife, James and Anne Slatton, grandchildren Olivia and Max, and his former wife, Marilyn Slatton.

On a personal note, it is with a deep sense of pride that I reflect upon my dad’s immense accomplishments (much of the information from my mother). Among the medals, merit badges, ribbons, Bronze Stars, Purple Hearts, and silver wings, it is abundantly clear how deeply he loved his country and identified with the Army. May his indomitable spirit rest in peace, knowing that his extraordinary life of bravery will continue to inspire us all.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/ocala-cremation for the Slatton family.