African American. Alaska Highway. Medical Detachment. Born: 30 December 1919, Stanley, Gaston County, NC. Died: 6 September 1965, Washington DC. Enlisted: 8 October 1941, Ft. Jackson, SC.
Education: two years high school. Civilian occupation: cleaning, drying, pressing. His father was Moses Connor, a farmer and his mother was Dosha “Dedi” Rankin Conner. In 1940 census Torrence lived with his brother in law, Dennis W. Strong, a public school teacher. Torrence worked as a short order cook at a cafe. He married Delores M. Hickmen on 20 May 1946. His second wife recorded was Bessie Jane Glover Conner 1920-2006.
Pvt Conner was a member with the medical detachment assigned to the segregated 97th Engineers. They arrived at Valdez, Alaska on 29 April 1942. The 97th Engineers built the northern section of the Alaska Highway. Both returned to Camp Sutton, NC September 1943 and their next assignment was Milne Bay, New Guinea, Philippines.
Serial #34097801