World War II Honoree

Lee Loyd 'Blackie' Nicewander

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Perry, Oklahoma

Honored By

Dean Nicewander, Van Nicewander, Donna Riemer & Linda Nicewander

Relationship

Sons & Daughters

JOINED THE NATIONAL GUARD UPON GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL. IN 1942 AS MASTER SERGEANT IN THE HOWITZER ARTILLERY FIELD, HE WAS SENT TO THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER. PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT OPERATIONS IN NEW GUINEA AND IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS AT MINDANAO. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART, SILVER STAR, AMERICAN DEFENSE MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, GLIDER CORPS WINGS, SHARPSHOOTER MEDAL, FIELD ARTILLERY MEDAL, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE STARS AND THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON. HE WAS GIVEN AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE FROM THE ARMY AFTER THE WAR IN DECEMBER 1945. SERVED HIS COUNTRY FOR 13 1/2 YEARS.