Carrol Joy

Personal Information

Birthplace: Alta Vista, KS

Service Information

Branch of Service: Army Air Corps

Unit: 406 Fighter Group, 516th Squadron

Theater of Operation: European

Battle: Battle of the Bulge, Normandy

Enlisted / Commissioned: Oct 13, 1945

Highest Rank: Staff Sgt.

Military Honors: Bronze Star, ETO Ribbon, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, Good Conduct Medal

Honored By: The Eisenhower Foundation

Biography

Carrol Ross Joy was born on the family farm as the youngest of Ross and Bertha (Hesser) Joy. He attended Pleasant Ridge School, and, in 1938, graduated from Alta Vista High School. At the age of 21, Carrol volunteered to serve his country in World War II. Joy was a staff sergeant in the Army Air Corp in the 514 Squadron/406 Fighter Bomber Squadron. The Squadron flew support for the D-Day landings and arrived as a group in France on Omaha Beach. Later in the war, his squadron participated in the Battle of the Bulge. As a crew chief for the P-47 Thunderbolt, his plane flew 115 missions without an abort.

Joy was awarded the Bronze Star, ETO Ribbon 2 presidential Unit citations, and the good conduct medal. He served in the reserves for 3 years after his discharge.