World War II Honoree

Claude E. Fletcher

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Alton, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JULY 16, 1943 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF SHIP CARPENTER (202). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S ON JUNE 10, 1944 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH THE 1573RD ENGINEERS AND 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 TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE ON OCTOBER 15, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI.