World War II Honoree

Herman C. Kessler

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Ingraham, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON OCTOBER 13, 1942 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER (345). ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH COMPANY M, 156TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 33RD ‘ILLINOIS’ INFANTRY DIVISION. DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. WITH HIS UNIT ON JULY 8, 1943 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS WHERE HE PARTICIPATED IN THE NEW GUINEA AND LUZON CAMPAIGNS. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AND THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON JANUARY 13, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI.