World War II Honoree

Howard E. Raatz

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Honored By

Mr. Mark Raatz

Relationship

Son

Served in the 86th Infantry Division, 1st Battalion, 341st Infantry, Company D. Arrived European Theater of Operations, March 2, 1945. Fought with the 15th, 1st and 3rd Armies. While under Lieutenant General Hodges in the 1st Army, fought at Cologne and crossed the Rhine. Participated in Ruhr Pocket fighting, injured in mine explosion after splitting the Pocket and returning to allied lines on April 9, 1945. Spent 13 months in a European Hospital recovering. Awarded the Combat Infantryman badge, a bronze star and the Purple Heart.