World War II Honoree

Joseph Erle Osborne, III

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Woodward, Oklahoma

Honored By

Libby (Ruth Elizabeth) Osborne Smith

Relationship

Daughter

After graduating from Oklahoma Military Academy, he enlisted in the United States Army on 18 May 1943 and was assigned to Headquarters Company, 65th Armored Infantry Battalion, 20th Armored Infantry Division. He served in combat operations as an infantry rifleman, ammunition bearer, machine gunner and eventually squad leader in support of Allied efforts in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Austria. He completed his enlistment and left the service on 18 February 1946 with the rank of Sergeant, having received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Good Conduct Medal.