World War II Honoree

Charles Frederick Gillen

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Charles W. Gillen

Relationship

Son

ENTERED SERVICE DECEMBER 4, 1942 WITH THE 99TH INFANTRY DIVISION AT CAMP VAN DORN, MISSISSIPPI. TRANSFERRED TO THE 85TH INFANTRY DIVISION FALL 1943. DEPARTED HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA DECEMBER 24, 1943 ABOARD THE USS GENERAL ALEXANDER E. ANDERSON AND ARRIVED CASABLANCA, NORTH AFRICA JANUARY 2, 1944. ASSIGNED TO THE 339TH INFANTRY, COMPANY G, 2ND BATTALION. SERVED IN THE PO VALLEY, NORTH APENNINES, AND ROME-ARNO, CAMPAIGNS. WOUNDED BY A LAND MINE MAY 12, 1944 WEST OF HILLS 79 AND 53 IN THE EARLY HOURS OF OPERATION DIADEM TO BREAK THROUGH THE GUSTAV LINE. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS: GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER RIBBON, PURPLE HEART, BRONZE STAR MEDAL, DISTINGUISHED UNIT BADGE.