A. J. Largent enlisted into the Army from Detroit, Michigan on February 17th 1942. His basic training was at Camp Walters, Texas. On July 4th 1942 he was accepted into the paratroopers. After 4 weeks of jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia he received his wings on August 4th 1942. He served with the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment in company B from August 5th 1942 until sometime in February of 1943. His records indicate he then enlisted into the aviation cadet program at Keesler Field, Mississippi. The program required some academic work at Springfield College in Massachusets. In 1944 the Allies had controll of the skies over Europe and no longer needed pilots. Many aviation cadets were transferred to ground forces. A.J. served in the 252nd Infantry Regiment of the 63rd Infantry Division. While with the 252nd in the European theatre, he rose to the rank of Sergeant and became a squad leader. He received a battlefield commission to 2nd Lieutenant.
A. J. Largent of B company.
A. J. Largent left the paratroopers in February of 1943. He then served in the 252nd Infantry Regiment of the 63rd Infantry Division (patch on left shoulder is the 63rd). While with the 252nd
in the European theatre, he rose to Sergeant and became a squad leader. He received a battlefield commission to 2nd Lieutenant.
Private First Class A.J. Largent was still training in the States when he received the commendation below.
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