After more than 80 years, PFC Blanchard Pruitt was laid to rest with full military honors on Tuesday, September 30 at 2 p.m.at Anacoco Pentecostal Church, burial followed at Mitchell Cemetery in Anacoco beside his beloved parents. Visitation took place in the evening prior at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many, Louisiana With deep reverence and enduring gratitude, we remember the life and sacrifice of Pvt. Blanchard Pruitt, United States Army, who gave his life in service to his country on January 1, 1943, while held at Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp in the Philippine Islands during World War II. He died of pellagra, a disease caused by severe malnutrition and the brutal conditions endured as a prisoner of war.
Blanchard was born on August 20, 1923, in Jasper, Texas, and raised in Florien, Louisiana, where he graduated from Florien High School. Known for his quiet strength, deep faith, and devotion to family, he answered the call to serve his country during one of history’s darkest hours.
He served honorably during the defense of the Philippines. Following the fall of Bataan in April 1942, he survived the horrific Bataan Death March, a 65-mile forced trek under extreme abuse and starvation. He was later imprisoned at Cabanatuan, one of the largest Japanese POW camps in the Philippines, where he continued to endure hardship until his death on New Year’s Day, 1943, at the age of 19.
He was the beloved son of John Lee Pruitt and Quincy Louise Sims Pruitt of Florien, Louisiana. At the time of his death, he was survived by both parents and all seven of his siblings: Samuel L. Pruitt, Lois Lee Pruitt Manasco, James Eugene Pruitt, Johnny Ray Pruitt, Titus Nathaniel Pruitt, Mark Allen Pruitt and Luke Lamar Pruitt. All have since passed on.
PFC Pruitt is lovingly remembered by four living first cousins and numerous nieces and nephews, and generations of great-, great-great- and great-great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom carry forward his legacy with honor and pride. His memory is cherished by the extended Pruitt, Manasco, Lee, Sandel and Sims families, and by all who honor the service and sacrifice of America’s heroes.
Though he died far from home, PFC Blanchard Pruitt returns at last to his native soil, surrounded by family and embraced by a grateful nation.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13