World War II Honoree

James E. Fitch

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JULY 21, 1944 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. AFTER BASIC TRAINING, SPECIALIZED AS A HEAVY TRUCK DRIVER MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY 931. DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JANUARY 1, 1945 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO COMPANY C, 50TH ARMORED INFANTRY BATTALION, 6TH ARMORED ‘SUPER SIXTH’ DIVISION, AND FOUGHT WITH THEM THROUGH THE ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE BATTLE STARS AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE 1ST CLASS ON MARCH 31, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.