Willard S. Braddock was born on November 25, 1919, in Wayne County, Illinois. He was the son of Sam Robinson Braddock and Hattie Wood Braddock. He was married to Estella Mae King Braddock. He served as a Technician 5th Grade and combat medic with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during World War II, taking part in the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach in France.

After the war, T5 Braddock devoted his life to farming and remained an active member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau. He died on August 18, 1982, and is now buried in the Thomason Cemetery, Wayne City, Wayne County, Illinois, USA.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Willard S. Braddock (ASN: 36072824), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, from 16 to 19 September 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, valor.militarytimes.com