Jesse C. Willard

Jesse C. Willard entered into service on October 9th, 1942 at Fort Meade. From there he was assigned to the 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division where he served as a light truck driver transporting personnel and equipment. Jesse and his regiment saw more combat action than any other in the 1st Armored Division, spending 550 days in firing positions and firing 380,115 rounds of 105mm bullets. The 27th Field Artillery Battalion most notably participated in the amphibious landings of North Africa, the Italian Campaign, and the invasion of Southern Europe.

Breakdown of accomplishments:

1. Entered into service at Fort Meade October 9th, 1941

2. Assigned to the 27th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Armed Division

The 27th Field Artillery Battalion participated in the amphibious landings on North Africa, actions in the Algiers and Tunisia, the Italian Campaign, and the invasion of Southern Europe b. From 1942-1945, the battalion spent more than 550 days in firing positions, fired a total of 380,115 rounds of 105mm bullets and had more combat action than any other unit in the 1st Armored Division.

3. Military Occupation: Truck Driver Light #345 (2.5 ton capacity or less)

4. Battles and campaigns: Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley

5. Decorations and Citations: Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 6 Bronze Stars