World War II Honoree

Walter Neil Oates

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Headland, Alabama

Honored By

Jacob L. Bateman III

Relationship

Grandson

PART OF COMPANY F, 150TH ALABAMA GUARD, WHICH WAS FEDERALIZED INTO COMPANY C OF THE 1342D BATTALION OF ARMY ENGINEERS. HIS UNIT WAS IN ALASKA, WHERE HE NEARLY DIED FROM APPENDICITIS. BUILT AIRSTRIPS IN THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS. ALSO SERVED IN NORTH AFRICA, THE MEDITERRANEAN AND EUROPE. HE WAS WITH GENERAL PATTON AND WAS THE FIRST TO CROSS THE RHINE INTO GERMANY. AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR. DISCHARGED AS A SERGEANT IN 1946.