World War II Honoree

William J. Baker

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Ingraham, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JUNE 17, 1943 AT FORT CUSTER, MICHIGAN. SELECTED FOR THE AIR CORPS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, ATTENDED AIRPLANE MECHANIC AND RADIO SERVICE SCHOOLS AND SERVED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF DUTY SOLDIER III (591). DEPARTED THE U.S. ON MARCH 13, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH THE 417TH HEADQUARTERS AND BASE SERVICE SQUADRON. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON SEPTEMBER 13, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.