World War II Honoree

William H. Winchester

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Xenia, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON JULY 7, 1943 AT CAMP GRANT, ILLINOIS. SELECTED FOR DUTY WITH CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING, AND QUALIFIED IN THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY OF LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER (MOS 345). DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON NOVEMBER 10, 1944 BOUND FOR THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ASSIGNED TO AND FOUGHT WITH COMPANY B, 1261ST ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION, IN THE CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGN. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ON DECEMBER 28, 1945 AT THE SEPARATION CENTER, CAMP GRANT. EARNED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR, AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL.