World War II Honoree

Earl R. Morehead

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Clay City, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON MAY 26, 1943 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LIGHT MORTAR CREWMAN (607), AND DEPARTED THE U.S. ON NOVEMBER 30, 1943 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH COMPANY E, 186TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 41ST ‘JUNGLEERS’ INFANTRY DIVISION IN THE NEW GUINEA AND SOUTHERN PHILIPPINE ISLAND CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION ON JUNE 5, 1944 AT BOSNEK, BIAK ISLAND, DUTCH NEW GUINEA. REMOVED FROM THE BATTLEFIELD AND TREATED BY THE 92ND EVACUATION HOSPITAL. RETURNED TO DUTY AND FOUGHT UNTIL WAR’S END. EARNED THE SILVER STAR MEDAL, PURPLE HEART MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A STAFF SERGEANT ON DECEMBER 1, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI.