World War II Honoree

Gale S. Welch

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JUNE 7, 1945 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE INFANTRY, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF MORTAR CREWMAN AND LATER MORTAR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER (7607). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON FEBRUARY 12, 1946 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH COMPANY H, 187TH GLIDER INFANTRY, 11TH AIRBORNE DIVISION, ENGAGED IN THE OCCUPATION OF JAPAN. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A SERGEANT ON JANUARY 18, 1947 AT THE SEPARATION POINT, FAIRFIELD-SUISUN ARMY AIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA. EARNED THE PARACHUTIST’S BADGE, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL (JAPAN).