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Soldiers and civilians who helped win World War II earned the destinction as The Greatest Generation.

Carrel H. Dykes: One of The Greatest Generation Poem by Marilyn Read Poem

 

United States   Army Air Forces 551st Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion   Carrel H. Dykes was inducted into the U.S. Army October 9, 1941, at Camp Shelby, MS as a Private. He reported to Camp Wheeler, Macon, GA , for Basic Training, Infantry. From there he went to Drew Field, Tampa, FL for Radar Training. He was promoted to Corporal May 6, 1941, and to Sergeant August 15, 1942. He was stationed in New Orleans, LA, operating the radar station in Buras, LA. On January 1, 1943, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He departed USA to South Pacific, Guadalcanal, APO 706 October 26, 1943, and was promoted aboard ship to Technical Sergeant. He arrived in the Northern Solomons, Guadalcanal, APO 709. He was promoted to Master Sergeant at Guadalcanal on November 27, 1943, and to Warrant Officer Junior Grade June 4, 1944. Eligible for return to the USA September 2, 1945, he departed the Phillipines November 20, 1945, and was relieved from all assignments APO 706. Arriving in Los Angeles, CA, December 10, 1945, he was changed from Active Duty to Terminal Leave. He returned to Camp Shelby, MS, where he was changed to Inactive Status for the duration plus 6 months. Click here for Chronology of Service. Some of the places he served in the Pacific were Bouganville , Treasury, Vella Lavella , New Georgia , Guadalcanal , Mindanao , and Leyte .   Map More about the 551st SAW More about the Signal Corps in World War II Information about SCR-270 Radar / Radio Information about The World War II Memorial and Registry

Mary Dykes was presented a memorial United States flag in honor of his military service.

	Medals Earned

	American Campaign Medal - World War II
	The American Campaign Medal was awarded for qualifying service between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946. It was awarded for for thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period.
	The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
	The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded to personnel for service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between 7 December 1941 and 2 March 1946 under any of the following conditions: (1) On permanent assignment. (2) In a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 days not consecutive. (3) In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that he actually participated in combat.
	The American Defense Service Medal
	The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service.
	World War II Victory Medal
	The World War II Victory Medal was awarded for active duty service at any time between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946.
	Army Good Conduct Medal
	The Army Good Conduct Medal was awarded to enlisted men have honorably completed three continuous years of active military service subsequent to Aug. 26, 1940, and who are recommended by their commanding officers for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity. Persons awarded this medal must have had character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout the qualifying period, including time spent in attendance at service schools, and there must have been no convictions by court martial. *During wartime the Army Good Conduct Medal may be awarded on completion of one year of continuous service rather than three.
	Army Flag and Jeep
1941 Original World War II Jeep... ...Most Famous Vehicle In Military History It carried GI’s and Generals to ultimate victory in all three theaters Africa, Europe, Asia. It was Ike’s front-line ‘limo’ and Patton’s go-for-broke, command post on wheels. Nothing could stop it. Not axle-high mud, not hood-high snow, not drifting desert sands, not soggy jungle swamps, not even the sand-mired beaches of Normandy or the raging swollen streams of Germany’s Black Forest. Its 4-wheel drive and 1/4-ton capacity out-raced, out-flanked, out-maneuvered enemy troops in all 33 major land battles of WWII.

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