World War II Honoree

Kenneth F. Crandall

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Iola, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JUNE 17, 1943 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY 081 (OPERATING ENGINEER). DEPARTED THE U.S. ON APRIL 22, 1944 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 873RD ENGINEER (AVIATION) BATTALION, A CRITICAL SUPPORT UNIT OF THE 13TH JUNGLE AIR FORCE. PARTICIPATED IN THE NEW GUINEA, SOUTHERN PHILIPPINE ISLANDS AND RYUKYUS CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE STAR AND A MERITORIOUS SERVICE UNIT PLAQUE (41ST ‘JUNGLEERS’ INFANTRY DIVISION). HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A TECHNICIAN 5TH GRADE ON OCTOBER 26, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT LOGAN, COLORADO.