World War II Honoree

Lawrence Vincent Estrada

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Bend, Oregon

Honored By

Julia Glueckauf

Relationship

Daughter

ENTERED THE U.S. ARMY FROM FRESNO, CALIFORNIA ON MARCH 8, 1943. COMPLETED PARACHUTE TRAINING AND SERVED AS A LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER IN THE 504TH PARACHUTE REGIMENT, 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION. PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT IN ITALY BEFORE D-DAY AT NORMANDY AND THEN HOLLAND. HE WAS WOUNDED IN BOTH CAMPAIGNS AND AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER. HE WAS ALSO AWARDED THE 'MILITARY WILLIAM ORDER' MEDAL BY THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, DISTINGUISHED UNIT BADGE, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN, WWII VICTORY AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDALS. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS PRIVATE AT CAMP BEALE, CALIFORNIA ON CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24, 1945.