World War II Honoree

Milton Cole

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Buffalo, Freestone County, Texas

Honored By

Erica Villavaso

Relationship

Granddaughter

The honoree, a drafted African American soldier, served with distinction in the U.S. Army from April 3, 1944, to May 21, 1946, during World War II. Trained at Camp Wolters, Texas, as a general clerk, he excelled in administrative duties and earned expert rifleman status. In the European Theater, he contributed to the Rhineland campaign (GO 105 WD 45) and Central Europe operations, in Germany. In the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, he served in Okinawa, aiding the Ryukyus campaign or post-war efforts. His meticulous clerical work ensured operational efficiency despite segregation’s challenges. He earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Ribbon (Japan), and two Overseas Service Bars.