World War II Honoree

Elza Welty

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JANUARY 4, 1944 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED FOR THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF RIFLEMAN (745). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JULY 26, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ENTERED COMBAT DURING THE NORTHERN FRANCE CAMPAIGN AND WAS WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION ON SEPTEMBER 18, 1944. AFTER TREATMENT AND RECUPERATION WITH THE 48TH GENERAL HOSPITAL, REASSIGNED TO COMPANY C, 291ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, 75TH INFANTRY DIVISION. FOUGHT THROUGH THE ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 4 BRONZE BATTLE STARS AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE 1ST CLASS ON DECEMBER 3, 1945 AT CAMP MCCOY, WISCONSIN.