World War II Honoree

Hoyt N. Purcell

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Louisville, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENLISTED AND ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE ON FEBRUARY 11, 1942 AT SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF CANNONEER (844) AND DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON SEPTEMBER 5, 1943 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. AFTER THE FOLLOWING DIVISION'S ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND ON FEBRUARY 11, 1944 ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH BATTERY B, 212TH ARMORED FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION, 6TH 'SUPER SIXTH' ARMORED DIVISION, THROUGH THE NORMANDY, NORTHERN FRANCE, ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH SILVER BATTLE STAR AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON OCTOBER 3, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.