January 14, 2018 – In mid-July of 2017, while attending the Truckee American Legion meeting, the Post Commander reported he had learned of a veteran with an unmarked grave in a local cemetery and requested help to get the veteran the military headstone that he deserved. Partnering with a local historian, the Nevada County Veterans Services Office was able to gather a few muster roles from his time in the service and the newspaper article of his death that stated he received an honorable discharge from the United States Marines. It was also learned that his discharge papers were on him when he passed away in the small town of Floriston outside of Truckee.
Joseph J. Dugan separated from Mare Island, CA on November 11, 1918 after serving four years in the Marine Corps. He immediately moved to the town of Floriston. Within a month he became ill and died of pneumonia on December 12th. He had no known relatives and was buried in an unmarked grave of the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Truckee.
The Veteran Service Office submitted the claim in November of 2017 and the Truckee Cemetery took possession of Mr. Dugan’s military headstone in mid-December. The cemetery plans to set the headstone and have a formal military graveside ceremony for Mr. Dugan in the spring of 2018, almost 100 years after his passing. We should never forget those that have served our country.
For more information, Veteran Services Officer Kevin Edwards can be contacted directly at (530) 265-1446 or via email at kevin.edwards@co.nevada.ca.us.