S. SGT. L. McGRUDER GIVEN MEDALS FOR GOOD WAR RECORD
S/Sgt. Lloyd McGruder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil McGruder of this city, was recently honored by his commanding officer for his splendid war record.
Mr. and Mrs. McGruder have received the following letter from Jack C. Betson, commanding officer of the 863rd Engineers aviation battalion:
“Because your son has demonstrated in this theater of operations that he possesses an unlimited amount of ability, co-operation and loyalty, am taking this means of commending him for meritorious service which he is now giving his country.
Your son has just been awarded the good conduct medal, the Philippine liberation medal, with one bronze star and the Asiatic Pacific ribbon with two bronze stars.
All the medals in the world could never repay him for the devotion to duty he has show in helping win back the islands needed to bring the enemy to their knees.
Our unit has been in the midst of the great movements which are determining the outcome of this war for freedom, and your son has been no small factor in this stellar performance of duty. I can assure you that your son has won the admiration and respect of all his fellow comrades in arms.”
Source: The Globe-Post, LeMars IA, May 3, 1945
S/Sgt. Lloyd McGruder arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. McGruder last night. He received his discharge from the Army after 31 months in New Guinea, Dutch East Indies and Luzon, Philippine island. After a visit at home he will return to California to his hotel work.
Source: LeMars Globe-Post, Monday, December 3, 1945
Cecil Lloyd “Cecil” McGruder was born July 2, 1900 to Cecil Linley and Cora Pinney McGruder. He died Mar. 24, 1962 and is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA.
Source: ancestry.com
Photograph of Lloyd McGruder (top) with Bill Laddusaw (bottom front) ~family pic submitted by Herb Reckinger, a grandson of Bill Laddusaw. Herb explains, "They were both born in 1900 and were cousin's cousins."
