World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
John French Conklin
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Honored By
Pearl Thomas
Brigadier General Served as Corps Engineer, I Armored Corps and participated in Operation Torch in North Africa and fought against Afrika Korps as Chief Engineer, Western Task Force. Returned to the States and assumed duty as Army Engineer, U.S. Third Army after intensive training he returned to France and participated in the Battle of Normandy, Lorraine Campaign, Battle of the Bulge and the advance to Germany and Czechoslovakia. Received Army Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five service stars, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France), American Defense Service Medal, French Croix de guerre 1939-1945 with Palm, Belgian Croix de guerre 1940-1945 with Palm, and Soviet Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class.