World War II Honoree

Edward S. Zak

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Honored By

Ronald Tadel

Relationship

Nephew

INDUCTED INTO U.S. ARMY ON JANUARY 28, 1944 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS. ATTENDED FIELD ARTILLERY BASIC TRAINING (521) AT FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA. ASSIGNED TO C BATTERY, 548TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION. SERVED AS A GUN CREWMAN (864) ON 155MM TOWED HOWITZER AND ALSO AS A LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER (345). DROVE ALL TYPES OF MILITARY TRUCKS, UP TO AND INCLUDING 2 1/2 TONS. HAULED ALL TYPES OF MILITARY SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL. DROVE OVER ALL TYPES OF ROADS AND TERRAIN UNDER BLACKOUT CONDITIONS AND EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS. PERFORMED FIRST RATE MAINTENANCE ON VEHICLES. ENGAGED THE ENEMY AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE, THE RHINE RIVER, RUHR POCKET, AND THE ELBE RIVER. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS: 2 OVERSEAS SERVICE BARS, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. RECEIVED AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE ON MARCH 15, 1946 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS.