I was born in Whitley County, Kentucky (near Corbin)  and went to a two room country school (public) before finishing high school, went into the Civilian Conservation Corps, C. C. C.

     I was inducted into the United States Army through Draft Board #77, Jefferson County, Kentucky (Louisville, Ky.) on April 29, 1943.  I reported to Fort Thomas for processing.

    I was then shipped to Fort Eustis, Va. assigned to an Anti-Aircraft Training Unit, where I took 13 weeks of basic then advanced Training, I was given the rank of Cpl. assigned to Cadre as Drill and Gunner Instructor, with the Anti-Aircraft Training Unit.  I went through two cycles of basic training with new recruits.  Our training unit was transferred to Camp Stewart Ga. and after about a month all the training Cadre was transferred to Fort Jackson S.C. where we were given six weeks Infantry training which ended about 18 December 1944.   I was given 12 day's to report to Fort Meade for ETO assignment, (my arrival was plus four). I left New York Harbor on the Queen Elisabeth 6th. or 8th. Jan. 1945,  Arrived in  Greenup, Scotland five day's later, making our way across the Channel on much smaller boats landing at La Havre France.

    I was assigned to the 1st. Squad, 1st. Platoon, 2nd.Batallion, 331 first Regiment of the 83rd Infantry Division, advanced to the rank of Sgt. assigned Squad Leader, Later I was advanced to the rank of S/Sgt. serving as Platoon Sgt.

   I served with the 83rd. in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Austria.

   The 83rd. was in all five ETO campaigns, (Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe), I  received three Battle Stars,( Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe), I was  awarded the Bronze Star with Cluster, Army of Occupation Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WW2, Combat Rifleman Bar, Good Conduct Medal,  along with Unit Citation's, and of course the Ruptured Duck. (don't forget the $300.00 muster-out pay)

    I served with the 83rd. from the battle of the Bulge to the Rhine (we were the first there) up to and across the Elbe, where we met the Russians. Company F of the 331st crossed the Elbe River Friday, April 13th. 1945.

  During December 1945 We made our way from Windensgarsten, Austria to La Havre France.  I arrived back in New York Harbor later part of Jan. 1946.  I was mustered-out (Discharged) Feb.2nd. 1946 At Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and given transportation to Louisville, Kentucky.   

  Returning to Civilian life as Floyd J. Richmond, Married my present Wife Feb. 17th. 1946, We have two Daughters, four Grand Children and four Great Grand Children.

   I finished High School, attended Bradenton JR. College in Bradenton, Fla. (night school), and     finished An Apprenticeship Carpentry / Millwright, Worked in Building Construction for more than 18yrs. Worked for General Motors (Delco Electronic, Kokomo, In.) as Millwright  for twenty two and one-half years,  retiring June 30th. 1987.  Have enjoyed more than twelve yrs and Love it, I stay  busy at something, don't let much bother my loafing.  involved in more than I should be.

     I love not only Family but everyone and look forward to every day.

  We lived in Kokomo, In.   part of 1946 all of 47, Lived in London , Ky.1948 through 1956, lived in Sarasota, Fl. 1957 through 1964, In Lexington, Kentucky 1965, returned to Kokomo, In  Jan. 1966,

   I built a new home, moved into it Jan. 1968 and been here all these years.