World War II Honoree

John Edward Coil

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENLISTED AND ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE FOR THE DURATION ON APRIL 2, 1943 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BOOT CAMP AND TRAINED IN THE SPECIAL MILITARY QUALIFICATION OF AIRCRAFT MECHANIC. SERVED AS SUCH WITH A MARINE AVIATION UNIT IN THE PACIFIC AREA FROM SEPTEMBER 25, 1944 THROUGH OCTOBER 24, 1945. PARTICIPATED IN AIR STRIKES AGAINST THE ENEMY AT IWO JIMA, VOLCANO ISLANDS, FROM FEBRUARY 15 TO MARCH 16, 1945. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A CORPORAL ON FEBRUARY 18, 1946 AT THE MARINE SEPARATION CENTER, GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS.