Emil B. Korpela

Emil B. Korpela was inducted into the Army Air Corps May 2, 1942, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.

He served as a Sergeant and airplane maintenance technician with the Sixth Aerodrome Squadron. He served in Northern France, Norman, Rhineland, and Central Europe.

Mr. Korpela states: "Followed Engineers as they made an airfield, took care of the fighter planes 'til the fighter squadron came', then moved on to the next new field. This was mostly in support of First Army. Came back for discharge with the 379th Fighter Squadron."

Mr. Korpela was awarded the: Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze battle stars, World War II Victory Medal and four overseas service service bars.

He was honorably discharged on September 9, 1945, at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 153.

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