World War II Honoree

Elmer S. Powless

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JANUARY 18, 1944 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE TRANSPORTATION CORPS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LOCOMOTIVE MECHANIC (112). DEPARTED THE U.S. ON SEPTEMBER 20, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH COMPANY B, 741ST RAILWAY OPERATING BATTALION THROUGH THE ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE BATTLE STARS AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A TECHNICIAN 5TH GRADE ON NOVEMBER 12, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.