Donald F. Henkel

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Army

Donald F. Henkel was inducted into the Army on September, 1942 at Fort Snelling, Minn.

He wserved as a Technician 5th Grade. When he was in New Caledonia in May 1943 he participated in the construction of 8th General Hospital and was later sent to Bougainville Island to eradicate malaria-causing mosquitoes.

He was wounded in Bougainville and returned to New Caledonia.

He participated in rescue work when a large explosion in munitions storage area and dock caused many casualties.

Mr. Henkel was awarded the: Purple Heart, Soldiers Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

He was honorably discharged December 11, 1945 at Camp McCoy, Wis.

Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 112.