World War II Honoree

Charles S. Rusk

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Clay City, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON DECEMBER 21, 1943 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE INFANTRY, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF RIFLEMAN (MOS 745). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JULY 1, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND FOUGHT WITH COMPANY A, 121ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, 8TH ‘PATHFINDER’ INFANTRY DIVISION, IN THE NORMANDY, NORTHERN FRANCE, AND RHINELAND CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION ON AUGUST 13, 1944 IN VICINITY OF LESNEVEN, FRANCE. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WITH A CERTIFICATE OF DISABILITY ON JUNE 16, 1945 AT PERCY JONES HOSPITAL CENTER, FORT CUSTER, MICHIGAN. EARNED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL.