World War II Honoree

James Allen Geiger, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Elverson, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Kathy Geiger Avedissian

Relationship

Daughter

Service number 33075264. Entered active duty June 5, 1941; received basic training at Fort Riley, KS and subsequent training at Fort Riley, Fort Oglethorpe, Camp Polk, and Camp Kilner. On November 6, 1944, he shipped overseas to serve in the European Theater and fought in the Rhineland and Ardennes campaigns as a sergeant while assigned to the 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division. During one engagement, his tank was hit by enemy fire, killing his gunner and loader, and seriously injuring himself. He was held as a prisoner of war from February 5, 1945 until May 17, 1945. Upon liberation and after receiving medical care, he returned to the U.S. on July 8, 1945. He was honorably discharged on November 1, 1945 from Camp Gordon, FL. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the American Service Medal for his service to his country.