World War II Honoree

James Addison Hadley, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Medford, Massachusetts

Honored By

CMSgt Howard A. Hadley, USAF (Retired) & Siblings

Relationship

Son

On January 28, 1941, he was inducted (drafted) into the United States Army at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He served as an enlisted soldier, being promoted up the ranks from Private to the rank of Staff Sergeant at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was assigned to Schofield Barracks, Territory of Hawaii. He participated in the Honolulu Bombardment of December 7, 1941 and operations until March 1, 1942. He graduated from Infantry Officers Candidate School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on November 26, 1942 and assigned to Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was then assigned to the 81st Infantry Division at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In 1944, he was posted overseas to the South Pacific Theater in the Caroline Islands. He fought in battles on Peleliu Island, Anguar Island, Ulithi Atoll and others in the island chain. During his combat service, he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry and a Bronze Star Medal for bravery. He was wounded in action several times and subsequently awarded two Purple Heart Medals. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge with 6 Bands. He was promoted to Captain prior to his medical separation from the U.S. Army. He earned several combat ribbons with battle stars, the WWII Victory Medal and 'Ruptured Duck' retirement pin.