WWII
Korea
Vietnam
Avenicio "Ben" Celaya
Rate / Rank
CSM-8
Birthdate
December 11 1925
Date of Death
March 6 2016
Branch
US Army
Active Duty Service
February 1943 - June 1968
Conflicts & Campaigns
- Normandy Invasion, D-Day, Battle of the Bulge
Significant Duty Stations
- 3rd Infantry Division, June 5, "D Day" invasion Normandy; 15th Infantry, Co. B, 1945; Infantry, Korea, 1950; Vietnam, advisor to local tribes in Central Highlands, 1967-68; 3rd Army, Fort McPherson, enlisted aid to General Alexander R. Bolen.
Decorations & Citations
- Bronze Star with "V" and cluster; Purple Heart (Company B, 15th Infantry, Colmar Pocket, France, 1945); Army Commendation Medal 1946; American Campaign;
- Combat Infantry Badge w/star, Korea 1950; European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with 4 battle stars;
- Good Conduct with 4 knots and bar; Korean Service Ribbon; World War II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation;
- National Defense with cluster; Presidential Unit Citation
Notes
Born; Tempe, Arizona. Joined Army while underage, orders to Italy, served less than a year before being found out. Discharged. Rejoined when 18 yrs. old.