World War II Honoree

Vernon H. Fairchild

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Elgin, Illinois

Honored By

A Grateful American

Served in WWII with the 33rd Infantry Division (The Prairie Division), 123rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Company K, in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Campaigns: New Guinea, Philippine Islands. Awards: Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross. On Luzon, Company K was being held down for about two days by a well hidden Japanese strongpoint which controlled a narrow mountain trail. HE volunteered for the dangerous job of scouting the enemy. He then allowed himself to be seen which caused the Japanese to fire at him thus exposing their position. HE WAS then able to take out six Japanese and knock out two machine guns. This inspired his platoon to take advantage of the situation and achieve their objective.