World War II Honoree

Kenneth Baxter

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Central Islip, New York

Honored By

Michael McTiernan

Before entering the service, he was employed at the Central Islip State Hospital. On February 18, 1941 he was inducted at Carmel New York, and then went to Camp Dix, New Jersey. At Fort Sam Houston, Texas, he completed his basic training, and for further training was sent to Camp Bowie, Texas and to Camp Polk, Louisiana. With the 52nd Signal Battalion, he left San Francisco for the Pacific Theatre of Operations, where he served for 34 months. He was stationed in Australia and spent some time in every Province: also one year in New Guinea with the Signal Corps. He served in General MacArthur's Headquarters as a cryptograph and message center clerk. After returning to the U.S. in 1944, he was stationed at Camp Crowder, Missouri, as an instructor in cryptographic work. He then transferred to Fort Slocum, Missouri; New Rochelle, New York and worked in the post Office until his discharge. His awards include the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two battle Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Ribbon. On August 20, 1945, he was honorably discharged from Fort Dix, New Jersey.