World War II Honoree

Bernard H. Rudder

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Clay City, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON DECEMBER 29, 1942 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE FIELD ARTILLERY, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF SECOND ECHELON AUTO MECHANIC (MOS 014). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON AUGUST 14, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. PARTICIPATED IN THE RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED BY ENEMY ACTION ON DECEMBER 3, 1944. ASSIGNED TO THE SERVICE BATTERY, 252ND FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION WHEN HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON JANUARY 27, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, FORT DIX, NEW JERSEY. EARNED THE PURPLE HEARD MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL.