World War II Honoree

Carl J. Muelhaupt, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Des Moines, Iowa

Honored By

Ted Muelhaupt

Relationship

Son

He enlisted in the Army Air Force in December 1942. Basic training was at Drew Army Airfield in Tampa, Florida, followed by six months at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, where he learns radio mechanics and cryptography. He was attached to the headquarters squadron of the 5th Bomber Command in various sub-units, working communications. His basic job was radio operations and cryptography, i.e., coding and decoding message traffic for the 5th Bomber Command. He spent most of 1944 and 1945 in various locations in New Guinea and the Philippines, usually close to the front, but not on it. His company was not a combat unit, but did experience frequent air raid warnings. Carl was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries in the theater. He was discharged as a corporal at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in December 1945, serving nearly exactly three years. In addition to the Purple Heart, he received a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star, and a Good Conduct medal.