Graves Morgan Shotwell

Private Graves Morgan Shotwell died on September 30, 1945 in Yokohama, Japan while on active duty in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was 22 years old.

Graves Morgan Shotwell was born in Vance County, North Carolina on June 10, 1923, the son of George Baker Shotwell and Ellen Cooper Shanks Shotwell.  He graduated from Dabney High School and was engaged in farming prior to his induction into the U.S. Army.

Private Shotwell was inducted into the U.S. Army in November, 1944.  After receiving training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, he was deployed to the Pacific Theater of War in July, 1945 serving with the 132nd Infantry Regiment.

The surrender of Japan was announced on August 14, 1945, and the formal surrender was signed on September 2, 1945. The 132nd Infantry Regiment, part of the U.S. Army's Americal Division (23rd Infantry Division), was actively involved in the occupation of Japan, landing in Yokohama on September 10, 1945. The regiment participated in the post-surrender, initial occupation efforts in the Japanese home islands following the fighting in the Philippines.  Private Shotwell died in Yokohama on September 29, 1945 while serving on active duty. 

Private Graves M. Shotwell is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Last edited: 8 June 2026