Captain Jere L. Gottschalk was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 276, 14 July 1943. His first duty assignment was as Battalion S-4, 66th Replacement Battalion, Camp Roberts, California. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Battalion Supply Officer and Infantry Training Instructor, Camp Roberts, California; Infantry Platoon Leader, 76th Infantry Division, Camp Adair, Oregon; Infantry Platoon Leader, 76th Infantry Division, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Preparation for European Service, Fort George Meade, Maryland; 1/22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division; Platoon Leader and Battalion S-2, C Rifle Company, July 1944 - 7 February 1945. | Captain Gottschalk was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge in July 1944.