World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
William E. Blackledge
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Flora, Illinois
Honored By
Robert Medley Gatewood
ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JANUARY 4, 1944 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE TRANSPORTATION CORPS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF RAILWAY BRAKEMAN (033). DEPARTED THE U.S. ON AUGUST 11, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO SERVED WITH COMPANY C, 744TH RAILWAY OPERATING BATTALION THROUGH THE NORTHERN FRANCE, ARDENNES AND RHINELAND CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE 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 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON DECEMBER 16, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.