World War II Honoree

Robert Joseph Hand, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Crosby, Texas

Honored By

John C. Burkhardt, SVC MOPH, Chapter 1919, Austin, Texas

01-010-454 ENTERED ON DUTY MAY 23, 1942, AND TRAINED AT THE ARMORED FORCE SCHOOL AT FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY. HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 87TH CAVALRY RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON (MECHANIZED) 7TH ARMORED DIVISION. HIS MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY WAS AS ARMORED RECONNAISSANCE UNIT COMMANDER, NUMBER 1204. HE SERVED IN THE NORTHERN FRANCE CAMPAIGN AND WAS WOUNDED ON AUGUST 25, 1944. AMONG HIS NUMEROUS DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS INCLUDED THE EASTERN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN SERVICE MEDAL; AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL; SILVER STAR MEDAL AND THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL.