World War II Honoree

Albert T. Craig

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Paul T. Riggle

Relationship

Friend

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JUNE 12, 1942 AT EAST SAINT LOUIS, ILLINOIS. VOLUNTEERED FOR AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE INFANTRY OFFICERS CANDIDATE SCHOOL AT FORT BENNING, GEORGIA. HONORABLY DISCHARGED THERE AS A CORPORAL ON JANUARY 1, 1943 TO ACCEPT APPOINTMENT AS A SECOND LIEUTENANT. RETURNED TO ACTIVE DUTY THE NEXT DAY AS SUCH, SERVING IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF INFANTRY UNIT COMMANDER (1542). DEPARTED THE U.S. ON OCTOBER 22, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND FOUGHT WITH THE 289TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 75TH INFANTRY DIVISION, IN THE RHINELAND AND ARDENNES CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION ON FEBRUARY 8, 1945 IN VICINITY OF ANDOLSHEIM, HAUT-RHIN, FRANCE. REMOVED FROM THE BATTLEFIELD FOR TREATMENT OF WOUNDS. EARNED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE COAT OF ARMS FROM THE CITY OF COLMAR, FRANCE. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A CAPTAIN ON JULY 21, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI.