World War II Honoree

Michael J. Wickouski

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Woodford, Virginia

Honored By

Richard E. Choma

Relationship

Nephew

He was assigned to the 434th Fighter Control Squadron as an Information Center Operator. He received radio calls from fighter aircraft in trouble over enemy territory and gave pilots the correct course to follow to return to ally territory. He served in campaigns in Rhineland. He received the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Meal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Prior to being inducted into the Army on March 2, 1943, Michael worked for Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipbuilders in Baltimore, Maryland for one year, as an electric welder; his job was acetylene and spot welding on Liberty ships and invasion craft. After his service in foreign war theaters, Michael returned to America on August 31, 1945 aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth. He was honorably discharged on December 6, 1945 at Richmond Army Air Base, Richmond, Virginia.