Need help with notation on military records

Hello,

I am researching my grandfather's service during WW II.

We were able to get his Record and Report of Separation Certificate of Service. On the forms he is listed as being in the following campaigns and battles:

Rhineland GO 40 WD 45
Normandy GO 33 WD 45
Northern France GO 33 WD 45
Central Europe GO 46 WD 45

I have absolutely no clue what these notations mean, and would be very grateful for any help in discerning their meaning.

Thank you,
Kathy Foster

 

GO=General Order WD=War Department


General Order 40 War Department 1945, for the Rhineland...

Basically the authorization orders for the victory/campaign medals/battle stars.

 

Thank you!!

Still uncertain what the highlighted numbers 33 and 46 represent.

Normandy GO 33 WD 45
Northern France GO 33 WD 45
Central Europe GO 46 WD 45

very grateful,
Kathy Foster

 

Im sorry. The first number, after GO, is the order number. The second number, after WD, is for the year, 1945.(And in the event Im wrong, someone square me away on this please)

 

Okay, that makes a lot of sense - sorry that I was so confused.

Is there a way to find out what those order numbers mean?? Do they correlate to a specific action/event - or are they a standard coding?

Thank you for all your help!!

 

At the beginning of every year, the War Department started at the number 1, and went to whatever number till the end of the year, restarting again at 1.
Example:Jan 1st, 1944-General Order 1-Wash Hands After Using Bathroom--------------Dec 31st, 1944-General Order 178-Always Wear Dry Socks(You get it, lol)

 

Boy, I would have never guessed that one.

I deeply appreciate all your help.

Happy New Year.

 

Lol, I do what I can.
Happy new year to you and your family.

 

Thank you - and to you and your family too!!!

By the way, here are two photos of my grandfather. The first is in KY, as they are preparing.

View attachment 12337 .jpeg]

View attachment 12338 -1.jpeg]



take care,
Kathy

 

Again, your welcome. Nice pictures. Ive added my grandfather's one in my profile.
-James-