Beauford was drafted and entered the U.S.Army on April 17, 1945 at the age of 18.
Beauford was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division also known as “The Angels.” This division was activated on February 25, 1943. It first went overseas on May 8, 1944. The division’s campaigns included New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon.
After training, Beauford headed to the south Pacific, where his job was a field lineman. Eventually he landed in occupied Japan where he became part of the occupation forces under the command of General MacArthur.
Beauford’s memories included the fact that this 18 year old, who like many his age, had never been more than a few miles from home. But now, he and others were in a formally hostile country that had pledged to destroy the United States.
Beauford’s awards included the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Army Occupation Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and Overseas Service Bar.
He was discharged from the military on December 24, 1946.
No comments:
Post a Comment