World War II Honoree

Leroy F. Wilhelm

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Massillon, Ohio

Honored By

Eunice Wilhelm

RECEIVED A BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION WITH THE 99TH INFANTRY DIVISION IN GERMANY, SUBSEQUENT TO THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. TRANSFERRED TO THE 'BIG RED ONE' 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION. IN OCCUPATION, HIS UNIT, 1ST BATTALION OF 18TH INFANTRY, WAS SELECTED AS HONOR GUARD AT THE NUREMBERG TRAILS. HE SEPARATED IN SEPTEMBER 1946 AND WAS RECALLED FOR SERVICE DURING THE KOREAN WAR; HE SERVED ANOTHER YEAR IN COMBAT WITH THE 7TH INFANTRY DIVISION. HIS AWARDS INCLUDED A PURPLE HEART, THE BRONZE STAR WITH 2 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS, A PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, A KOREAN UNIT CITATION, AND THE SILVER STAR TO THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE PLUS OTHER AWARDS. HE RETIRED IN 1976 WITH THE RANK OF COLONEL AFTER 34 YEARS IN ACTIVE AND RESERVE ARMY DUTY. HE BELONGED TO THE 1ST, 7TH, AND 99TH INFANTRY ASSOCIATIONS; WAS A LIFE MEMBER OF THE RESERVE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE ASSOCIATION, AND THE NATIONAL ORDER OF BATTLEFIELD COMMISSIONS.