John McKernan was born on August 2, 1921, the son of John McKernan and Eva May (nee Wells, born in Kent, Ontario) McKernan, of Sarnia. John had two sisters, Annie and another one. John was single at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army, recording his occupation as labourer and his place of residence as P.O. Dresdan. John McKernan became a member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, R.C.I.C., with the rank of Private. On August 19, 1944, John McKernan would lose his life during fighting in France, in the final days of the Battle of Normandy. John McKernan would later be officially listed as, Overseas casualty, killed in action, in the field (France). Twenty-three year old John McKernan is buried in Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France, Grave IIA.E.14.
SOURCES: C, D, E, F, L, 2C, 2D