Alvin Beadleston

Birthplace: Oak Hill, KS

Branch of Service: Army

Unit: Light Artillery

Theater of Operation: American

Enlisted / Commissioned: Jun 2, 1945

Discharged: Nov 8, 1946

Honored By: Barbara L. Beadleston

I served in the US Army from 6-02-1945 to 11-08-1946. I was drafted in November of 1944 after my 18th birthday. My military service was deferred until June 2, 1945 so I could graduate from Abilene, Kansas High School. The day after graduation I reported to basic training at Fort Hood, Texas. I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas for 4 and 1/2 months. Due to illness, I had a longer time in basic training. After basic training I was promoted to Corporal and stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in their basic training center. Two weeks after arriving at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, I was promoted to Sergeant and became a basic training instructor. I also was a Clerk Typist instructor teaching keyboard, finger control, and construction of military correspondence and other types of forms for 4 months. After that I was transferred to Fort Knox, Kentucky as a Sergeant Gun Crewman light artillery instructor. I trained recruits in the handling, maintenance and firing of 105mm Howitzers. Also I instructed in driving and maintenance of 6X6 2 and 1/2 ton trucks. I also taught the handling and firing of carbine, rifle and machine guns. On November 20, 1946, I received my Honorable Discharge from the Army due to the end of the war.