World War II Honoree

William E. Coatney

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Louisville, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON DECEMBER 18, 1942 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE COAST ARTILLERY CORPS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND EVENTUALLY QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF SUPPLY NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER (821). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JANUARY 21, 1944 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH HEADQUARTERS BATTERY, 751ST ANTI-AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY GUN BATTALION IN THE EASTERN MANDATES CAMPAIGN. 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 TECHNICAL SERGEANT ON DECEMBER 16, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI.