World War II Honoree

Herbert E. Eldridge, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

New London, Connecticut

Honored By

Ethel G. Eldridge

Relationship

Wife

HE SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS IN ITALY WITH THE 15TH ARMY AIR FORCE AS A BALL TURRET GUNNER. HE WAS SHOT DOWN IN YUGOSLAVIA ON 12-18-44 AND ESCAPED WITH THE HELP OF PARTISANS. HE WAS AWARDED 2 PURPLE HEART MEDALS, AIR MEDAL WITH 1 CLUSTER, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN RIBBON WITH 4 BRONZE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AMERICAN THEATER RIBBON, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL AND THE DISTINGUISHED UNIT BADGE WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER.