World War II Honoree

Garald Clifton Oathout

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Honored By

Mr. & Mrs. Shayne & Shari Ryerson

Relationship

Daughter & Son-in-law

SERVED IN THE FIRST ARMY, FIRST BATTALION, COMPANY D AND ASSIGNED QUARTERMASTER IN 3705TH TRUCK DIVISION. WAS SENT TO FRANCIS E. WARREN BOOT CAMP, 9 MILES SOUTH OF LARAMIE, WYOMING. WHILE THERE HE CAME DOWN WITH RHEUMATIC FEVER AND MISSED BEING SHIPPED OUT WITH HIS UNIT. HE REMAINED IN SUPPLY MOST OF THE WAR, DRIVING TRUCKS FULL OF 55 GALLON DRUMS OF OIL AND FUEL. WHEN SENT TO ENGLAND HE WAS ATTACHED TO THE 427TH COMBAT ENGINEERS GROUP. SHORTLY THEREAFTER HE BOARDED A CARRIER AND HEADED OUT ACROSS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL. LANDED AT OMAHA BEACH, D-DAY PLUS 1-1/2 AND CONVOYED INTO ST. LO, FRANCE. DURING THIS TIME HE PROVIDED SUPPORT FOR THE 82ND AIRBORNE. HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST AMERICAN SOLDIERS TO ENTER BERLIN AND REMAINED STATIONED THERE THE FIRST YEAR OF OCCUPATION. RETURNED TO THE U.S. ON THE SS AQUITANIA AND WAS DISCHARGED NOVEMBER 23, 1945.