World War II Honoree

Gene H. Akes

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Xenia, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON APRIL 3, 1943 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE INFANTRY, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LOW SPEED RADIO OPERATOR (776). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JULY 3, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH BATTERY C, 134TH ANTI-AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY GUN BATTALION THROUGH THE GROUND COMBAT, ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE 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 TECHNICIAN 5TH GRADE ON FEBRUARY 3, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.