World War II Honoree

J. C. Alexander

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Riverside, California

Honored By

Chris Alexander

Relationship

Grandson

MEMBER OF THE 856TH ENGINEER BATTALION. ORIGINALLY STATIONED IN TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA. UNIT WAS A CONSTRUCTION OUTFIT, DID NOT SEE COMBAT. RESPONSIBLE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ALONG COAST OF NEW GUINEA, BY THE ARAFURA SEA. BUILT ROADS, BRIDGES AND AIRSTRIPS WHICH WERE NEEDED FOR MOVEMENT OF ALLIED FORCES. UNIT MOVED AS FAR NORTH AS MANILA, PHILIPPINES. APPROACHING V-J DAY, UNIT WAS LOADING SHIPS IN MANILA, PREPARING TO INVADE JAPAN. SINCE THE WAR ENDED SHORTLY THEREAFTER, UNIT WAS RETURNED HOME TO THE U.S. FROM MANILA.