World War II Honoree

Ranson R. Weidner

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Iola, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON AUGUST 26, 1943 AT CAMP GRANT ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LIGHT MACHINE GUNNER (604). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON MAY 30, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. AFTER D-DAY, ASSIGNED TO AND FOUGHT WITH HEADQUARTERS, 3RD BATTALION, 505TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 82ND ‘ALL AMERICAN’ AIRBORNE INFANTRY DIVISION, THROUGH THE NORMANDY, ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION ON MARCH 25TH IN GERMANY. EARNED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, PARACHUTE BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH BRONZE ARROWHEAD AND 4 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON DECEMBER 22, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.