World War II Honoree

Warren W. Behrns

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON SEPTEMBER 25, 1944 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE INFANTRY, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED AS A RIFLEMAN (MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY 745). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON FEBRUARY 17, 1945 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH COMPANY F, 136TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 33RD ‘GOLDEN CROSS’ INFANTRY DIVISION IN THE LUZON AND SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION ON MAY 12, 1945 WHILE ENGAGED IN BRAKING UP THE LAST ORGANIZED RESISTANCE OF THE ENEMY BY CAPTURING THE SAN NICHOLAS-TEBBO-ITOGON ROUTE. TREATED AND RECUPERATED AT THE 43RD FIELD HOSPITAL. EARNED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL, MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE ON APRIL 11, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP MCCOY, WISCONSIN.