World War II Honoree

Thomas A. Pentecost

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Lewistown, Montana

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JANUARY 21, 1942 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR THE ARMY AIR FORCES, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, ATTENDED MEDICAL DEPARTMENT SURGICAL SCHOOL AT ROBBINS FIELD, GEORGIA, AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF SURGICAL TECHNICIAN (MOS 861). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON APRIL 16, 1945 BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND SERVED WITH THE 11TH FIGHTER SQUADRON, 343RD FIGHTER GROUP, 11TH AIR FORCE, ENGAGED IN THE DEFENSE OF ALASKA TERRITORY. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A CORPORAL ON JANUARY 18, 1946 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL.