World War II Honoree

Norman J. Padalino

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Bessemer, Alabama

Honored By

Bob & Gayle Mercer

Relationship

Friends

TRAINED AT CAMP LUNA, LAS VEGAS, NEW MEXICO. THERE HE WAS CHIEF DISPATCHER AIR TRAINING COMMAND. HE COMPLETED NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER (NCO) SCHOOL IN CAMP LUNA, NEW MEXICO ON MAY 29, 1943. HE WAS ATTACHED TO THE 1537TH ARMY AIR FORCES BASE UNIT. HE SERVED ON GUAM AS A HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 931 AND EARNED THE DRIVER AND MECHANIC BADGE AND THE ARMY AIR FORCES TECHNICIAN BADGE. HE WAS AWARDED THE AMERICAN THEATER MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. SPENT 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AND 11 DAYS ON ACTIVE DUTY. HE EARNED THE RANK OF SERGEANT.