World War II Honoree

Manuel Peter Banakis

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Honored By

Susan Margaret Prinke

Relationship

Daughter

FELLOW SOLDERS CALLED HIM PETE. HE SERVED IN THE PACIFIC THEATER FOR 29 MONTHS. WAS IN THE NEW GUINEA AND PHILIPPINE ISLAND CAMPAIGNS; SECTION CHIEF OF A MACHINE GUNNER SECTION. SET UP PERIMETER GUARDS, DISPERSED PERSONNEL TO BEST ADVANTAGE, SENT OUT SCOUTS AND PLANNED LAYOUTS FOR THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT BATTERY POSITIONS. HE EARNED THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC SERVICE MEDAL, FOUR OVERSEAS BARS, A BRONZE ARROWHEAD AND A GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL.