World War II Honoree

Claudie J. Herdes

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Clay City, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON MAY 29, 1943 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC INFANTRY TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF BAKER (017). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON NOVEMBER 30, 1943 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH COMPANY 'F', 186TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 41ST ‘JUNGLEERS’ INFANTRY DIVISION IN THE NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN. EARNED THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AND THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE ON FEBRUARY 2, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.