World War II Honoree

Kenneth Elmer Draper

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Wilton, New Hampshire

Honored By

Thomas C. Schultz

Relationship

Great Nephew

SERVED WITH THE U.S. ARMY, FIRST FROM OCTOBER 1939 TO MAY 1941, AND THEN RE-ENLISTED IN JANUARY 1941, SERVING UNTIL OCTOBER 13, 1945. AS A MEMBER OF THE 502ND PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT HE QUALIFIED AS A PARATROOPER. THEN HE SERVED WITH THE CANNON COMPANY, 136TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, OF THE 33RD INFANTRY DIVISION. PARTICIPATED IN THE BATTLE OF LUZON IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS AND RECEIVED CAMPAIGN CREDIT FOR LUZON AS WELL AS NEW GUINEA. FOR HIS SERVICE WAS AWARDED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN THEATER MEDAL, THE AMERICAN DEFENSE MEDAL, THE ASIATIC PACIFIC THEATER MEDAL WITH 6 BATTLE STARS, THE PHILIPPINES LIBERATION MEDAL, THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE AND THE PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION. HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON OCTOBER 13, 1945.