World War II Honoree

Leo B. Guerrettaz

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON NOVEMBER 3, 1942 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, SELECTED FOR THE ARMORED INFANTRY, QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF TANK GUNNER (1736) AND ASSIGNED TO 55TH ARMORED INFANTRY BATTALION, 11TH ‘THUNDERBOLT’ ARMORED DIVISION, IN TRAINING (INCLUDING CHEMICAL WARFARE) STATESIDE. DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. WITH HIS UNIT ON SEPTEMBER 19, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ENTERED COMBAT ON DECEMBER 23, 1944 AND FOUGHT THROUGH ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, 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 CORPORAL ON DECEMBER 1, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP BEALE, CALIFORNIA.