World War II Honoree

Robert J. Gillaspy

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Anthony, Kansas

Honored By

Children and Grandchildren

ENTERED SERVICE AT FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS ON AUGUST 28, 1944 AT THE AGE OF 18. RECEIVED BASIC AND SPECIALTY TRAINING AT CAMP ROBERTS INFANTRY REPLACEMENT TRAINING CENTER IN CALIFORNIA, AND ON OCTOBER 12, 1944, QUALIFIED AS M1 RIFLE EXPERT. DEPARTED JANUARY 6, 1945 FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. SERVED AS AN AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN IN THE 271ST INFANTRY REGIMENT. WOUNDED IN ACTION FEBRUARY 28, 1945 DURING THE RHINELAND CAMPAIGN, AND SUBSEQUENTLY SENT BACK THE UNITED STATES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS INCLUDE THE PURPLE HEART, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH ONE BRONZE SERVICE STAR, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, AND GOOD CONDUCT RIBBON. HONORABLY DISCHARGED SEPTEMBER 18, 1945 AT CAMP CARSON HOSPITAL CENTER IN COLORADO.