World War II Honoree

Eugene J. Hillyer

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Xenia, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON NOVEMBER 15, 1944 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. AFTER BASIC TRAINING, SPECIALIZED AS A WRECKER CREWMAN (MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY 529) AND QUALIFIED AS M1 RIFLE EXPERT. DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON APRIL 2, 1945 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, COMBAT COMMAND B, 14TH ARMORED ‘LIBERATOR’ DIVISION AT THE END OF THE CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGN. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL (GERMANY). HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A TECHNICIAN 4TH GRADE ON OCTOBER 30, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.