World War II Honoree

Lyle G. Banning

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Chautauqua, Kansas

Honored By

Cindy Koenig

Relationship

Daughter

ENTERED THE SERVICE ON JUNE 24, 1941 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO PEARL HARBOR. RECEIVED HIS BASIC FIELD TRAINING AT CAMP ROBERTS, CALIFORNIA. OVERSEAS UNIT WAS THE 965TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION, PARTICIPATING IN THE NORMANDY INVASION AND THE BATTLE OF RHINELAND. ASSIGNMENT WAS TO DRIVE TRUCK AND PULL A 155MM HOWITZER. HE RETURNED TO THE STATES EARLY IN 1945 ABOARD THE QUEEN MARY, FOLLOWING SERIOUS WOUNDS RECEIVED IN GERMANY ON FEBRUARY 14, WHEN HE STEPPED ON A LAND MINE. HE WAS TREATED FOR HIS INJURIES AT THE HOSPITAL IN AACHEN, PRIOR TO RETURNING TO THE STATES. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL AND EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN WITH 2 BRONZE STARS. HIS TOUR OF DUTY LASTED FOR 13 MONTHS AND HE RECEIVED AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE.