World War II Honoree

Buren E. Colclasure

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON NOVEMBER 28, 1942 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. TRAINED AND ASSIGNED TO HEADQUARTERS 46TH TANK BATTALION, 13TH ARMORED ‘BLACK CAT’ DIVISION. AFTER CONTINUING TRAINING, ADVANCED TO THE POSITION OF TANK COMMANDER (MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY 2736). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JANUARY 18, 1945 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ENTERED CONTINENTAL EUROPE VIA LE HAVRE, FRANCE AND BEGAN COMBAT OPERATIONS WITH 3RD ARMY ON APRIL 10, 1945. SERVED THROUGH THE RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS UNTIL WOUND BY ENEMY ACTION NEAR PLATTING, GERMANY ON APRIL 30, 1945. EARNED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL.