World War II Honoree

Louis R. Emerson, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Austin, Texas

Honored By

John C. Burkhardt, SVC MOPH, Chapter 1919, Austin, Texas

0-681-037, ENTERED SERVICE ON MAY, 23, 1943. HE WAS TRAINED TO PILOT TWO ENGINE AIRCRAFT, MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY NUMBER 1051. HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 83RD TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON - 437TH TROOP CARRIER GROUP. HE WAS IN COMBAT ACTION OVER SOUTHERN FRANCE; NORMANDY; ROME - ARNO; NORTHERN FRANCE AND GERMANY. HE WAS WOUNDED WHILE IN COMBAT OVER FRANCE ON JUNE 6, 1944. AMONG THE NUMEROUS DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS HE RECEIVED; THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS; AIR MEDAL; MARKSMAN - .45 CAL. PISTOL; SHARPSHOOTER - .30 CAL. CARBINE; PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION BADGE; EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 6 BRONZE STARS AND PURPLE HEART MEDAL FOR WOUNDS RECEIVED OVER FRANCE.