John P. Skillern was born in Boise, Idaho in 1920 and enlisted in the Army at Portland, Or. on August 3, 1942. At the time of enlistment he was married, had completed four years of college, and working as a transportation agent. Skillern joined the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale, Colo. and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Cavalry. He was later with the Mountain Training Group, Service Company, and finally with Company A of the 86th Infantry Regiment. Skillern transferred to Camp Swift, Tex. before being sent to Italy where he engaged in combat operations against the Germans. He attained the rank of Sergeant. Skillern died in Soctia, N.Y. on April 29. 1998.
From the description of John P. Skillern papers, 1942-1980 1942-1943 [manuscript]. (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 451276414
