World War II Honoree

Theodore Winka

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON MAY 13, 1941 AT EAST SAINT LOUIS, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED TRAINING, ASSIGNED TO THE COAST ARTILLERY, AND SHIPPED OUT FOR THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS VIA PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII. DURING THE ATTACK THERE ON DECEMBER 7, 1941, SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND EMOTIONAL TRAUMA FROM INTENSE JAPANESE MUNITIONS EXPLOSIONS. RETURNED STATESIDE FOR CONVALESCENCE LEAVE, OBSERVATION AND TREATMENT. FOR REASONS OF CONTINUED POOR HEALTH DOCUMENTED BY AN INDORSED CERTIFICATE OF DISABILITY FOR DISCHARGE DATED JUNE 26, 1942, WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE ON JULY 21, 1942 AT LETTERMAN GENERAL HOSPITAL, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. AFTER MEDICAL DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY, TRANSFERRED TO THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HOSPITAL FACILITY AT DANVILLE, ILLINOIS, FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF FOLLOW-ON MEDICAL EVALUATIONS, TREATMENTS AND REHABILITATION. ENTITLED TO THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL FOR HIS SERVICE WITHIN THE ELIGIBILITY PERIODS FOR THOSE AWARDS.