World War II Honoree

William E. Dow

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Xenia, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON NOVEMBER 3, 1942 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF TANK CREWMAN AND LATER TANK COMMANDER (2746). DEPARTED THE U.S. ON APRIL 2, 1943 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND FOUGHT WITH COMPANY D, 2ND BATTALION, 66TH ARMORED REGIMENT, 2ND ‘HELL ON WHEELS’ ARMORED DIVISION IN THE SICILIAN, NORMANDY, NORTHERN FRANCE, ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL, DISTINGUISHED UNIT BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH BRONZE ARROWHEAD (ASSAULT LANDING A T GELA, SICILY), 1 SILVER BATTLE STAR AND 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A SERGEANT ON NOVEMBER 17, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.