World War II Honoree

George E. Cooper

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON MAY 26, 1943 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS (DEMOLITION), COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND LATER QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF UTILITIES NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER (822). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON DECEMBER 14, 1943 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH THE 461ST REINFORCED ALERT COMPANY THROUGH THE NORMANDY, NORTHERN FRANCE, 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 STAFF SERGEANT ON NOVEMBER 3, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.