World War II Honoree

Joy E. Henderson

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Xenia, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON MAY 13, 1943 AT FORT CUSTER, MICHIGAN. COMPLETED BASIC INFANTRY TRAINING, QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER (345) AND ASSIGNED TO HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 1ST BATTALION, 394TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 99TH INFANTRY DIVISION. DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. WITH HIS UNIT ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ENTERED COMBAT IN EARLY NOVEMBER AND FOUGHT IN THE ARDENNES, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, DISTINGUISHED UNIT BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE ON MARCH 4, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.