World War II Honoree

Joseph Gerstein

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Brooklyn, New York

Honored By

Etta G. Bird

Relationship

Sister

INDUCTED INTO SERVICE MARCH 16, 1942 AND DID BASIC TRAINING AT FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA WITH THE 77TH DIVISION, 307TH INFANTRY. THEN ASSIGNED TO SERVICE COMPANY AND AFTER BASIC TRAINING, TRAINED TO BECOME REGIMENTAL AMMUNITION SERGEANT OF THE REGIMENT. INVOLVED IN THREE INVASIONS: GUAM, LEYTE IN THE PHILIPPINES, IE SHIMA AND OKINAWA IN THE RYUKYUS. RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING DECORATIONS: AMERICAN SERVICE MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL WITH 3 BATTLE STARS, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, AND BRONZE STAR MEDAL. WHEN THE WAR ENDED, DID OCCUPATION DUTY IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN AND WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED DECEMBER 13, 1945.