World War II Honoree

William G. Raley

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON OCTOBER 13, 1942 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF RIFLEMAN (745) AND LATER AMMUNITION NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER (505). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JUNE 19, 1943 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND FOUGHT WITH HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 130TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 33RD ‘ILLINOIS’ INFANTRY DIVISION, IN THE LUZON 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 WITH 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A SERGEANT ON DECEMBER 19, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.