A lifelong Smithtown resident, James "Jim" Gouras enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1944 at the age of 17. He served actively from April 1945 through December 1946 in the 221st Military Police. During his time in the military, Mr. Gouras participated in the occupation of mainland Japan. He assisted with the creation of housing units in Sasebo, Japan.
For his service he received the Army of Occupation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After completing his military service, Mr. Gouras entered the family furrier business. Mr. Gouras is an active member in the local chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Gouras' oral history interview was recorded in The Smithtown Library's Long Island Room on July 6, 2017.
The images below illustrate Mr. Gouras' service in the U.S. Army. Images courtesy of James Gouras.
