World War II Honoree

Raymond Ward Westbrook

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Benton, Arkansas

Honored By

Arnold A. Wright

Relationship

Friend

ENLISTING INTO THE ARMY ON APRIL 8, 1943, HE WAS SENT TO FORT LEWIS, WASHINGTON FOR BASIC TRAINING. HE WAS SENT OVERSEAS TO THE ISLAND OF NEW GUINEA AND ASSIGNED TO COMPANY C, 153RD ENGINEER CONSTRUCTION BATTALION. HE WAS WOUNDED IN THE HAND AND ALMOST LOST HIS HAND FROM BLOOD POISONING. HE AND HIS UNIT WERE BUILDING A LARGE AIRFIELD ON LEYTE IN THE PHILIPPINES WHEN HOSTILITIES ENDED.