World War II Honoree

James H. Lents, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON OCTOBER 8, 1943 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF CANNONEER (845). DEPARTED THE U.S. ON JULY 13, 1944 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND FOUGHT WITH A FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION IN THE NEW GUINEA, LUZON AND SOUTHERN PHILIPPINE ISLANDS CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WITH A CERTIFICATE OF DISABILITY ON SEPTEMBER 22, 1945 AT PERCY JONES HOSPITAL CENTER, FORT CUSTER, MICHIGAN.