World War II Veterans Medallion

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Cody Chiles
  • 325th FIghter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Brig. Gen. James Browne, 325th Fighter Wing commander, presented Mr. John Donnell the Noncommissioned Officers Association World War II Veterans Medallion during his promotion ceremony June 4 at Tyndall's Heritage Club.

Mr. Donnell accepted the medallion for his service as a lieutenant in the 7th Battalion (Anti-Aircraft), 77th Infantry Division, in the Republic of the Philippines and Japan during World War II.

Lieutenant Donnell and the 77th I.D. landed on the beaches of Leyte in the Republic of the Philippines in December 1944 and fought there until April 1945.

"Then, capturing the Philippines was a key strategic step in isolating Imperial Japan's military holdings in China and the Pacific theater," said Ted Roberts, 325th Fighter Wing historian.

After leaving Leyte, Donnell and the 77th I.D. prepared for the Okinawa invasion by performing an amphibious landing on the island of Ie Shima, Japan.

Their mission was to secure the airbase for planes to attack Kyushu, the southernmost island of the Japanese homeland; and they succeeded.

On Aug. 15, 1945 Lieutenant Donnell celebrated Japan's surrender in Ie Shima, marking the end of the war in the Pacific.

In June 1946, Lieutenant Donnell honorably separated from military service.

"The medallion recognizes World War II veterans who displayed valor, sacrifice and fidelity during service," said General Browne. "It is my honor and privilege to present this medallion to my father-in-law."