World War II Honoree

Wilson A. Cross

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Ferguson, Missouri

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON FEBRUARY 15, 1943 AT JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI. SELECTED FOR THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF SECOND ECHELON AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC (014). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JANUARY 20, 1944 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND FOUGHT WITH HEADQUARTERS AND SERVICE COMPANY, 1879TH ENGINEER AVIATION BATTALION IN THE BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO, NEW GUINEA, LUZON AND SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, MERITORIOUS SERVICE UNIT PLAQUE, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 4 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH BRONZE BATTLE STAR. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A TECHNICIAN 4TH GRADE ON DECEMBER 24, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, JEFFERSON BARRACKS.