World War II Honoree

John H. Smith

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Clay City, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JANUARY 21, 1942 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND EVENTUALLY QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN (059). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON OCTOBER 22, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH COMPANY A, 1254TH ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION IN RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A STAFF SERGEANT ON DECEMBER 29, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.