World War II Honoree

James M. Oates

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Indiana

Honored By

William E. 'Peter' Plank

Relationship

Soldier Buddy

SAILED OVERSEAS FROM SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA APRIL 22, 1942 ABOARD SS LURLINE AS A PRIVATE WITH COMPANY G, 126TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 32ND INFANTRY 'RED ARROW' DIVISION. ARRIVED ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA MAY 14, 1942 AND SERVED IN THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER. PARTICIPATED IN THE PAPUA AND NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGNS. CROSSED THE RUGGED OWEN STANLEY MOUNTAINS ON FOOT AND PARTICIPATED IN THE ASSAULT ON BUNA, NEW GUINEA. LATER PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT OPERATIONS AT SAIDOR AND AT AITAPE IN NEW GUINEA.