World War II Honoree

Gerald H. Blair

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Clay City, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON AUGUST 27, 1942 AT SCOTT FIELD, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE COAST ARTILLERY CORPS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF SUPPLY CLERK (835). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON APRIL 15, 1943 BOUND FOR ALASKA. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH BATTERY A, 591ST ANTI-AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY (AUTOMATIC WEAPONS) BATTALION IN THE ALEUTIAN CAMPAIGN BASED ON ATTU. RETURNED TO THE U.S. IN DECEMBER 1944 AND RE-DEPLOYED TO THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS IN AUGUST 1945 AFTER THE WAR ENDED. 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 TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE ON NOVEMBER 16, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.