World War II Honoree

John S. Harper

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Bloomfield, Missouri

Honored By

Michael J. Charnisky

Relationship

Grandson

WAS DRAFTED IN 1940 WHILE WORKING IN GARY, INDIANA. FIRST TRAINED FOR DESERT COMBAT WITH THE 6TH ARMORED DIVISION, BUT WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE 41ST INFANTRY DIVISION, 162ND REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM AND WENT TO THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS IN EARLY 1944. SERVED AS FIRST SERGEANT WITH THE 41ST INFANTRY DIVISION, 162ND REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM, COMPANY L 1944 - 1945. AWARDED THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, 2 BRONZE STARS, 3 OVERSEAS BARS AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL (FOR SERVING THROUGHOUT THE 'JUNGLEERS' NEW GUINEA AND SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES CAMPAIGNS). FOUGHT AT HOLLANDIA, BIAK, ZAMBOANGA, MINDANAO AND VARIOUS OTHER 41ST ENGAGEMENTS. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AT JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1945.