Ward C. Ilse

Ward C. Ilse of Virginia, Minnesota, enlisted in the Army Air Corps on August 26, 1940 at Fort Snelling, Minn.

He served as a Master Sergeant and flight engineer with Headquarters Sixth Troop Carrier Squadron of the 374th Troop Carrier Group in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Papua.

Mr. Ilse was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars, Philippine Liberation Medal, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and five overseas service bars.

He was honorably discharged June 3, 1946 at Fort Snelling, Minn.

Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 122.

Support The Museum - Help us continue our work of saving and educating the public about our local veterans. Visit us on Facebook and keep up to date with us!

Sign up for eNews