World War II Honoree

James A. Connett

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Mrs. James A. Connett

Relationship

Wife

AN ORDAINED METHODIST MINISTER, HE VOLUNTEERED FOR THE CHAPLAIN CORPS IN 1943. ATTENDED THE CHAPLAIN SCHOOL AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY AND WAS THEN ASSIGNED TO THE 222ND INFANTRY REGIMENT, 42ND (RAINBOW) INFANTRY DIVISION. ENTERED COMBAT ON DECEMBER 24, 1944 NEAR STRASBOURG, FRANCE DURING THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. PARTICIPATED IN THE RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS (INCLUDING THE LIBERATION OF DACHAU) AND WAS NEAR PALLING, BAVARIA AT WAR'S END. EARNED THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH TWO BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AND THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL (GERMANY).