John Joseph Hinchliff - View Obituary & Service Information

Obituary for John Joseph Hinchliff
John J. Hinchliff, 99, most recently of Robbinsdale, MN, passed away peacefully from complications of COVID-19 on November 17, 2020. Preceded in death by his wife, Muriel Hinchliff (nee Claflin), son, Kevin (Pat) Hinchliff, and granddaughters, Megan Hinchliff and Ann Wright. Survivors include his four children: Sherrill Ostergren (Wayne), Jon Hinchliff (Cindy), Timothy Hinchliff (Pam), Jacqueline Evers (Patrick), 9 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

John grew up in Park Rapids, MN. He joined the National Guard at age 16. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he volunteered for service with the newly forming Airborne Corps. Before leaving for Europe, he married the love of his life, Muriel, in 1943. After discharge from the Army in 1945, he settled in Minneapolis where he and Muriel raised their 5 children.

John was a long-time member of Teamsters Local 546 serving as Vice President of his Local. He retired in 1984. After his military service, he was a life-long member of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association. John was an avid sportsman.

John’s exploits during World War II are legendary. He served as a machine gunner with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, earning three Bronze Stars. He was awarded the French Legion of honor. John fought with distinction, parachuting into Normandy the night before D-Day. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He participated in Operation Varsity, a daring daylight jump into Germany and the largest Airborne operation in history. His heroics played a part in many books, articles, and recordings. He was featured in several documentaries including “D-Day Down to Earth: Return of the 507th” and Tom Brokaw’s Dateline NBC episode “Eyewitness to History.” His story has been preserved by the Minnesota Historical Society and remains on display at the Minnesota History Center as he narrates his D-Day experience inside a C-47 exhibit. John was the LAST surviving member of the 2,004 men of the 507th who parachuted into Normandy on D-Day.

To his family and friends, John was larger-than-life, a true hero of World War II, and an exemplary member of the greatest generation.