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World War II Stories from Flight II - Honor Flight Northland Edited by Patra Sevastiades

Published by Veterans Memorial Hall A program of The St. Louis County Historical Society Duluth, MN - 2012 -

What is Honor Flight Northland?


Honor Flight Northland is a program established in Duluth, Minnesota, to honor World War II veterans. Veterans from the Northland are flown to Washington, D.C., for the day so that they can visit the memorial built to acknowledge their service to the nation in World War II. They are flown at no cost to themselves. The veterans are accompanied by guardians and medical personnel, but the day is all about them and their well-being. When the veterans arrive in Washing-ton, D.C., in the morning, they receive a sunny welcome of applause, smiles, and handshakes from military personnel, Honor Flight greeters, and other travelers, people who put down their bags to applaud these veterans as they make their way through the airport. When they return to Duluth in the evening, the veterans are greeted at the airport by a lobby full of cheering fans and an Honor Guard welcoming these twentieth-century heroes home. For a generation that fought hard and did not seek its own glory, these are bright moments of public recognition. Following are the stories of the veterans who flew together on October 4, 2011. Most are World War II veterans. A few are veterans of other wars whose health demanded that they be recognized for their service without delay. All are honored in this slim volume, which is dedicated to their astonishing courage, fortitude, resourcefulness and good humor in serving their nation.

The Veterans of Honor Flight Northland - Flight II Ardean T. Aakhus


Field Artillery Battalion, 41st Division. Mr. Aakhus drove military vehicles delivering supplies. After the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, Mr. Aakhus unit was sent to Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kobe to be part of the Army of Occupation for the better part of a year. While in Hiroshima, he visited the site of the bombing. He noted that it looked like the whole city had been bulldozed down. Among other assign-ments, Mr. Aakhus drove an ambulance with patients from Osaka to Kobe. He was discharged at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, on August 4, 1946. Mr. Aakhus rank was TEC-5. Mr. Aakhus received the World War II Victory Medal, the AsiaticPacific Theater Medal with one Bronze Battle Star, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Battle Star, two Overseas Service Bars, the Army of Occupation Medal Japan, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was born in Grand Rapids, Min-nesota, in 1926, the son of Olaf and Ruth Aakhus.
Source: Information provided by veteran and family member; veterans account (below)

Mr. Aakhus served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army. He was inducted on September 15, 1944, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He traveled to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and trained with the field artillery and with mule-pack trains. He was sent to Ford Ord, California, and then to San Francisco. Mr. Aakhus boarded the USS Eberle and traveled to New Guinea, then to Leyte, the Philippines. He was assigned to the 146th Field Artillery. His unit was sent to a replace-ment camp for the 146th

I was inducted at Fort Snelling, Minne-sota, into the U.S. Army on 15 September 1944. From there I went by train to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where I trained with the Field Artillery. I also worked with the

mule-pack trains. My next stop was Fort Ord, California, where I had a chance to meet up for ten days with my parents and my brother, Bryce, before I shipped out. I shipped out from San Francisco, California, aboard the USS Eberle to New Guinea and then on to Leyte, the Philippines. We went to a replacement camp for the 41st Division, 146th Field Artillery Battalion and on to Luzon and Manila and then on a landing craft to Mindanao. I drove military vehicles to deliver supplies and was in the field artillery. We then shipped out to Hiro-shima, Osaka, and Kobe to join the Army of Occupation following the bombings there. I drove an ambulance from Osaka to Kobe. I shipped out from Okinawa to Seattle following my tour of duty. I was discharged on 4 August 1946 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. During my service with the U.S. Army I received the Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with one Bronze Battle Star, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Battle Star, two Overseas

Service Bars, the Army of Occupation Medal Japan, and the Good Conduct Medal. My highest grade held was TEC-5. I qualified as MM with Rifle M-1. A typhoon hit the U.S. 6th Fleet when I was in Okinawa. Several ships were lost or damaged. I visited the site of the bomb-ings at Hiroshima and it looked like the whole city had been bulldozed down. Through letters from our mothers, I was able to meet up with my cousin Ralph Bud Aakhus while we were in Japan. He was in the Navy on a ship offshore. We have been friends all of our lives and it was good to see him. We went on the Honor Flight together in October 2011. Friends I made in the U.S. Army were Ralph Dowling, Pennsylvania, Bob Barks-dale, Oklahoma, Gabriel Serriente, New York, and John Black, Minnesota. It was an honor to serve the United States in the Army and a humbling experi-ence to participate in the Honor Flight.

Ralph Kermen Aakhus


Mr. Aakhus served in World War II in the South Pacific. He served with the U.S. Navy from May 17, 1943, until February 18, 1946. He was assigned to the 6th Fleet. Mr. Aakhus served aboard the Argus 16, the Argus 15, the USS Vulcan, and the USS Haynsworth (DDS 700). He received his training at the Naval Training Station in Farragut, Idaho. His rank was Radarman 2nd Class. Mr. Aakhus was born in 1923 to Olive and Halvor Aakhus in Erskine, Minnesota. He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1941.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Frank T. Abbott
Mr. Abbott served in World War II. He served in the U. S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Prince William, an escort carrier, and later aboard the USS Smart, a destroyer escort. He entered the service on

March 20, 1943, and was discharged on March 3, 1946. His rank was Gunners Mate 3rd Class. Mr. Abbott was born in Duluth, Min-nesota, the son of Thomas and Antoinette Abbott. He graduated from high school in 1941.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

I served aboard the USS Prince William, an escort carrier that

ferried Army aircraft to French Morocco in North Africa for the African Campaign. I also served on the destroyer escort USS Smart and made twelve trips, escorting large fleets of Liberty cargo ships to Oran, French Morocco, in North Africa. I also went to the Motor Torpedo Boat training service, but on the way to the Pacific Theater, the boats were being phased out, and I wound up on the carrier. I served 29 months at sea, Atlantic and Pacific.

Kenneth Anderson
Mr. Anderson served in World War II. He joined the U.S. Army on September 2, 1942, and he was discharged on Dec-ember 13, 1945. He was assigned to the 639th Quartermaster Company. His rank was Staff Sergeant. Mr. Anderson was born in 1918 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Edwin and Esther Anderson.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Ralph W. Andres
Mr. Andres served in World War II in the Pacific Theater and in the Cold War. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces, in the 431st Fighter th Squadron, 475 Fighter Group. His rank was Sergeant. After World War II, he joined the Minne-sota Air National Guard. He served for 29 years as a machinist. His rank was Master Sergeant. Mr. Andres also constructed detailed models of vehicles. Two examples can be seen at the St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center (The Depot) in Duluth, Minnesota. They are of the battleship USS Des Moines and a locomotive called the Mallet.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

I enlisted right out of high school (shortly thereafter). Two months later we were sent overseas. On the

way across the Pacific, we encountered a typhoon, which apparently was heading the same direc-tion as our troopship. We encountered 50-foot waves for eleven days. It was not too pleasant. Most of the 5,000 people on board were not feeling very good. The ships paper noted that on a couple of the days our average speed was minus 2 knots. We finally landed at Inchon, Korea, January 1947. I went to aircraft mechanics school and later to a propeller specialist school, which was in Japan. After this school I was placed in a shop that worked on propellers of all kinds of airplanes. One day, Gen. Douglas MacArthurs plane came to us for some work on #2 engine propeller (Batan is its name, and it can be seen at the museum in Wright Patterson, Dayton, Ohio. It is there now.) We took care of that

bird and many others. The 425th Fighter Group once had Major Bong in its ranks. But two-and-a-half years earlier, Major MacGuire had been there, too (great pilots were

rotated to various bases). I later joined the Air Guard and spent an additional 29 years there as a machinist. I had attended a night school for the machinist trade.

Francis Frank Antilla


Mr. Antilla served in World War II in the Pacific and European Theaters. He served with the U.S. Merchant Mar-ine (which served as a wartime auxiliary to the U.S. Navy) from September 28, 1943, until August 15, 1947. He was assigned to U.S. Army sea tugboats. Mr. Antilla was decorated with both Pacific Combat Overseas Service Bars and MediterraneanAtlantic Combat Overseas Service Bars. His rank was Able Seaman. Mr. Antilla was born in 1927 in Wing, North Dakota. His parents were Albert and Josephine Antilla. He graduated from high school in 1946.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below); article from Bovey Press, June 1, 1945 (below)

I sailed in the Pacific Ocean area from September 1943 to April 1944. I was sent to Europe in May 1944. I served in Europe from May 1944 to August 1945. We towed war materials and cranes from England to Omaha and Utah Beaches, to Le Havre and Cherbourg, France, and to various ports in Belgium. Our ship, the LT 363, was hit by a V-1 flying bomb December 29, 1944.
Rocket attack reported in Bovey Press:

Francis Antilla Survives VBombing Aboard LT 363 at Antwerp Headquarters, Transportation Corps, Paris Svend A. Christensen, Master

aboard the LT 363 civilian-manned U.S. Army Tug, survived a direct hit of a V-bomb when it landed not more than 10 yards away from the bow of the ship while at Antwerp. It happened when a V-bomb broke the rules and doubled back after its motor had stopped. In his quarters at the time Captain Christensen knew nothing of the V1s approach until his door and part of the bulkhead crashed in on him. A sliver of glass buried itself in his face as the mirror over his washbasin shattered, and the washbasin itself was hurled across the room. Scalding water from the burst radiator pipes streamed toward all directions as the captain groped his way to the wheelhouse. There he found his Navy Signalman and his Army Radio Operator both suffering from glass cuts. They had been sitting with their backs to the chart table when the shatterproof glass of the wheelhouse gave in. Most of it went over their heads, however, just above their head level there was a beading of 2-inch oak, and along its whole length there were big cracks filled with pulverized glass and other cracks where daggers of glass were driven through. After assuring himself that the ship was secure, Captain Christensen took all the injured men to the nearest U.S. dis-pensary, leaving the ship in charge of the first officer, who was not injured in the blast. After the boat had been

shifted alongside a repair boat another V-1 crashed directly into the slip, which she had just vacated. A west coast built wooden tug, the LT 363 had crossed the Atlantic under its own power last July. The boat has made nineteen operational trips from the United Kingdom to the Continent since coming

overseas. Shortly after the bombing, one of the cylinder heads cracked open. The boat is still operational. Francis Antilla of Bovey, a member of the crew aboard at the time of the blast, was only slightly injured.

Stig Antonson
Mr. Antonson served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from June 1943 until April 1946. He was assigned to the USA Hospital Ship Ernestine Koranda. His rank was T-5. Mr. Antonson was born in 1924 in Dahlsland, Sweden, the son of Ivan and Helga Antonson.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

James Edward Bartl


Mr. Bartl served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from March 1945 until October 1948. He was assigned to the USS Tulagi (CVE 72). His rank was Gunners Mate 3rd Class. Mr. Bartl was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, the AsiaticPacific Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Philippine Defense Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Philippine Independence Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan. Mr. Bartl was born in 1927 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Edward and Laura Bartl. He graduated from high school in 1945.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Nick Basarich

and Frances (Rukavina) Basarich.


Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Mr. Basarich served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from January 1946 until August 1947. His rank was Private 1st Class. He was a Radio Operator and a Paratrooper. Mr. Basarich was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Japan, Expert Rifle Badge, Parachutist's Badge, and the Silver Wings/Paratrooper. Mr. Basarich was born in 1927 in Hibbing, Minnesota, the son of Peter

During one of our parachute jumps in Sendai, Japan, shortly after our plane was in the air, the pilot turned on the red light, which means get ready to jump. We knew we were a long way from our two-drop zone; none of the jumpers moved. When the pilot turned on the green light, which means go, the jumpers still didnt move. The co-pilot came out and jumped, and we were quick to follow. As we descended, we looked up at the plane and noticed that one engine was burning. Some of the men landed on the beach, and some in the shallow water. None was seriously injured. Two transport trucks came to pick us up and bring us back to Sendai. The guy in the first truck drove down too far on the beach and his truck got stuck in the wet sand. The second driver had to tow the first truck out. After that, they brought us back to Sendai.

David F. Bergerson
Mr. Bergerson served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army in the 9th Infantry Division, 39th Regiment. He served from May 1943 until April 1946. His rank was Technician 5th Class. Mr. Bergerson was decorated with one Battle Star and one Infantry Badge. Mr. Bergerson was born in Two Harbors, Minnesota, the son of Benjamin and Marie Bergerson. He graduated from high school in 1941.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Duane Norman Booker


Mr. Booker served in World War II in the South Pacific and in the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to Milne Bay, New Guinea, and Mindanao, the

Philippines. His rank was Boatswains Mate 2nd Class. He was decorated with the Purple Heart (Korea), three Bronze Battle Stars, a letter of commendation, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation

Philippines. Mr. Booker was born in 1924 in Cook, Minnesota, the son of Agnes and Sam Booker. He graduated from high school in Moose Lake, Minnesota, in 1942.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Irvin Brittig
Mr. Brittig served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army from Feb-ruary 1, 1946, until June 30, 1947. He was assigned to the 3063rd Ordnance Com-pany, which served in Japan. Mr. Brittig was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan. Mr. Brittig was born in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, in 1927.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Herluf Christensen
Mr. Christensen served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He participated in the Okinawa and Philippine campaigns. Mr. Christensen served in the U.S. Navy from June 1944 until June 22, 1946. He was assigned to the light cruisers USS Mobile (CL 63), USS Springfield (CL 66), and USS Astoria (CL 90). His rank was Electricians Mate 3rd Class. Mr. Christensen was born in 1926, the son of Peder and Meta Christensen, in Aarhus, Denmark.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

for several months.

Enlisted in the Navy June/August 1944 - boot camp, Farragut, Idaho. August/December 1944 Electrician School, Seattle, Washington. January 1945 - to San Francisco and overseas to the South Pacific. February/March/April 1945 Philippines to USS Mobile (CL 63) in Okinawa. Escorted some of the fleet

September - War is over. The USS Mobile was the first ship to go in to Nagasaki (six weeks after the atomic bomb was dropped) to pick up prisoners who had been there for several yearsmost of whom had

been in the death march. We transported 2,500 of these war prisoners back to Okinawa for medical treatment. In October, we rode out a typhoon. In November, we left Okinawa and went to Sesabo, Japan. I was

transferred from the USS Mobile to the USS Springfield (CL 66). In December, we went to China, Korea, Russia, and then back to Japan. January 1946 - Left Japan to home. (About time!)

Aloysius Cismowski
Mr. Cismowski served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a pilot. In 1942, he was working in Chicago when he received his draft papers. He hurried back to Duluth and told the enlist-ment officer at the post office that he wanted to serve in the Army Air Forces. He was told he would have to qualify. Mr. Cismowski was sent from Fort Snelling, Minnesota, by bus to Big Springs, Texas, for basic training. Seventeen days later, he was a Private 1st Class. He was transferred to the bombardier training base at San Angelo, Texas, where he qualified for Army Air Forces training. Over the next ten months, Mr. Cis-mowski prepared for service overseas. Two months were spent in pre-flight train-ing at San Antonio, Texas; two months in primary flight training in Burnet, Texas; two months in Kansas City for basic flight training; and two months in San Antonio, Texas, for advanced flight training. Then Mr. Cismowski was assigned to San Angelo, Texas, where he completed two months of combat training as a transport pilot. In January 1944, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned to England. He piloted a Douglas C-47 military transport. He flew supplies such as ammunition, gasoline, and food from England to General Pat-tons 3rd Army in northern France. On his return trips, he carried the wounded to England. Mr. Cismowski crossed the Eng-lish Channel 100 times. Toward the end of the war in Europe, Mr. Cismowski towed two gliders, full of troops, over the Rhine River as part of the last big push. He also dropped supplies to the besieged Amer-ican troops who were surrounded by the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne, Belgium. After the war, Mr. Cismowski served as a Master Sergeant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recruiting for the Air Force. He was invited to be a 1st Lieutenant in active service and he accepted. He was trained to participate in the Berlin Airlift, but the operation ended before he had a chance to fly supplies there. Mr. Cismowski served as a contracting officer at Harmon Air Force Base, New-foundland, Canada; in Japan; and in Syra-cuse, New York, where he was part of Air Defense Command. He later relocated to the Air Defense Command base in Duluth, Minnesota. His final assignment was at Accord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Wash-ington. On October 31, 1965, he mustered out of the Air Force, having served just shy of 23 years in the service. His rank was Major.

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Mr. Cismowski was born in Duluth, Min-nesota. His parents were Adam and Agnes (ODaea) Cismowski. He graduated from Boys

Cathedral High School in Duluth.


Source: Interview with Veterans Memorial Hall staff; For this WWII pilot, not just another flight, Duluth News Tribune, October 3, 2011

Lawrence Walter Cooper


to Eniwetok, one of the Mariana Islands. A week later, they were sent to Saipan in the Western Pacific. That is where he spent the duration of the war. In Saipan, Mr. Cooper was one of three engineers who took care of the boilers in a steam plant. The steam plant produced energy to allow for the manufacture of military goods in an adjacent facility. Mr. Coopers unit was assigned to the plant and factory. Their operations ran seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and security was a priority. After the war ended, Mr. Cooper boarded the USS Saginaw Bay, an aircraft carrier badly damaged by a storm at sea, and returned to San Diego. Mr. Coopers highest rank was technical sergeant (T-5). He was discharged in Dec-ember 1946. The day Mr. Cooper boarded the trans-port to Honolulu, his first child, a son, Eugene, was born in Duluth, Minnesota. He didnt get to see his son until he returned to Minnesota two-and-a-half years later. Mr. Cooper received the Good Conduct Medal, the Western Pacific Medal, the American Theater Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, and three Overseas Service Bars. Mr. Cooper was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the son of Walter and Elsie Cooper. The family immigrated to the United States; they settled in Superior, Wisconsin, when Mr. Cooper was two years old. He graduated from Superior Central

Mr. Cooper served in World War II in the Western Pacific. He joined the U.S. Army on May 11, 1943. He went to boot camp in Baltimore, Maryland, and then to advanced ordnance training in Texarkana, Texas, and in Atlan-ta, Georgia. He was assigned to the 428th Army Ordnance Company. His approxima-tely 400-man unit boarded a troop trans-port in Seattle, Washington, and fifteen days later landed at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The 428th stayed there for three months, and Mr. Cooper worked as a stationary fire-man/powerhouse engi-neer. Then his company was transported

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High School in 1940. His family always hoped to obtain American citizen-ship. When he was 21, the draft board con-tacted Mr. Cooper and told him to choose: either he would have to return to Canada or join the service.

He was told that if he joined the service he would be granted American citizenship. He did receive it, shortly before being sent overseas.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall interview with veteran

Clifford Edwin Crosby, Jr.


York. I was the oldest of three Crosby sons who met our nations call. One brother was in the Marine Corps and another brother was in the Army. We were young, impressionable and very proud to be part of the war effort to free the world. Following boot camp, my group caught a Liberty ship to Shanghai, China. I was assigned to the USS Ashland (LSD-1) and became a shipfitter 3rd class, or a welder. We traveled from island to island, repair-ing PT boats and other craft such as landing craft tanks. On larger craft, we welded holes under the water and other kinds of repairs. There were many experiences for young people just out of high school like myself. We were never alone. We were fathers, mothers, sons, and daughterssome giving their lives as those who had gone before us for this great nation. We had leadership and a Constitution that was followed. We had God. The war was over while I was overseas. I went on to college and become a forester, thanks to the GI bill.

Mr. Crosby served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from June 20, 1945, until July 27, 1946. He was trained at Naval Training Station Sampson in New York. He was assigned to the Ashland-class USS Ashland LSD-1 (landing ship dock), then to U.S. Navy Repair Base San Diego. Next, he served on the USS Midas (ARB 5), an Aristaeus-class battle damage repair ship. His rank was Shipfitter 3rd Class. Mr. Crosby was decorated with the American Area Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal. Mr. Crosby was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1927, the son of Clifford, Sr., and Elda Crosby. He graduated from South High School in 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; undated Duluth News Tribune article; veterans account (below)

In 1945 I was in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. I enlisted right after high school and went to boot camp in Seneca, New

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Harold Ehlers
The 519th served in Antwerp, Belgium, from November 1944 until the end of the war. They served under the 13th Major Port Group in the American sector of Antwerp, moving supplies off of ships and guarding supplies going to the front. Mr. Ehlers rank was T-5. He was decorated with the Croix de Guerre, the Arrowhead device, and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Ehlers was born in Cornucopia, Wis-consin, to Herman and Esther Ehlers. He graduated from high school in 1942.
Source: Veterans' Memorial Hall veteran history form; vBulletin (http://www.ww2f.com/military-servicerecord-genealogical-research/32821-ustroops-were-stationed-antwerp-belgiumwhere-exactly-were-they-located.html); veteran's account (below)

Mr. Ehlers served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from July 15, 143, until March 19, 1946. He was assigned to the 519th Port Battalion.

No trouble getting Arrowhead or Croix de Guerre Medals. The Good Conduct (usually a gimme) was the hardest to get!

Clifford Price Emberg


Mr. Emberg served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from June 5, 1944, until June 1946. He received basic training in Farragut, Idaho, then trained at the Naval Aviation Training Command in Norman, Oklahoma. He was assigned to Fleet Air Wing 16, Carrier Aircraft Service Unit 50 (CASU-50). His rank was Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class. He was born in Proctor, Minnesota, the son of Clifford and Mabel Emberg, in 1926.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

I enlisted in the Navy in March 1944 un-der the V-6 Program (was allowed to finish high school before active duty). Graduat-ed on June 2, 1944, and was sent to boot camp on June 5th, Farragut, Idaho. After boot camp went to Norman, Oklahoma, to Aviation Ordnance School. Graduated in January 1945 and went to Norfolk, Virgi-nia, then to Bayonne, New Jersey. Board-ed the USS Merrick to Cuba and then to Trinidad. Flew to Recife, Brazil, then to sea and lane base in Natal, Brazil (Fleet Air Wing 16) in a patrol bombing squadron. After V-E Day, flew to Miami, Floridahome on

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leave. Then assigned to CASU-15 at Pasco, Washington. War finally over and discharged from Bremerton,

Washington, in June of 1946 as AOM 3/c.

Hans Eng
Peleliu Island. At that point, the invasion was already well underway. They remained on Peleliu Island for several months. Upon securing the island, 2,000 troops and a Navy gun crew traveled from Peleliu Island to Esperanto Santos rest camp in the New Hebrides Islands, near New Zealand. From New Hebrides, they traveled via convoy to Okinawa and arrived there on L-Day (Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945). The trip took 44 days. They remained in Okinawa until the war ended on August 15, 1945. They traveled back home to Treasure Island in San Francisco aboard Liberty ships built during World War I. Upon his discharge from the Marines, Mr. Eng traveled home by train, hoping to arrive by Christmas. He arrived in Chicago on Christmas Eve, but was not able to get home for Christmas. Mr. Eng was the lone survivor of the original group of seven men who departed from Duluth for Marine boot camp on February 7, 1944. Mr. Eng was born in 1925 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Dora and Milton Eng.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account. Note: Mr. Eng was on the Honor Flight of May 2011.

Mr. Eng served in World War II in the South Pacific. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from February 7, 1944, until February 14, 1947. He was assigned to the 4th Air Wing, Mar-ine Aircraft Group 33. His rank was Corporal. On February 7, 1944, Mr. Eng was among seven men who left Duluth, Minne-sota, for boot camp in San Diego, Cali-fornia. After eight weeks of basic training, they were given a ten-day furlough before leaving for Honolulu. From Honolulu they traveled to

Willard Wilho A. Esala


Mr. Esala served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from Sept-ember 22, 1942, until October 12, 1945. He was a SeaBee and was assigned to in Con-struction Battalion 92 on Hawaii and on Tinian Island.

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Mr. Esalas rank was Machinists Mate 3rd Class (CB). He received the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the AsiaticPacific Theater Medal.

Mr. Esala was born in 1915 to John Jacob and Hilma Esala in Sandy, Minnesota.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Donald Fjeld
Mr. Fjeld served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy until June 14, 1946. His rank was Fireman 1st Class. Mr. Fjeld was born in 1926 to C.B. Fjeld in Horse Creek Township, North Dakota. He graduated from high school in 1944.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Boot camp and service school Farragut, Idaho. Shipped to San Francisco. Went to New Hebrides. Stevedore on Guam. Ships company on USS Cascade (AD 16). Port Director, Kobe, Honcho, Japan. Ships company on USS Runels (APD 85).

Ruel F. Fleming
Mr. Fleming served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from Dec-ember 1944 until July 1945. He was assign-ed to the 82nd Airborne, 82nd Parachute Maintenance Company. Mr. Flemings rank was Technician 4th Class. Mr. Fleming was born in Viroqua, Wis-consin, in 1926, the son of James Fleming. He graduated from Viroqua High School in 1947.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Drafted from high school in junior year. Returned to complete high school after discharge. Completed high school edu-cation, 1947. Taught high school and coached for 37 years (South Shore). Regional EMT (emergency medical technician) training coordinator for 22 years.

James L. Foote
Mr. Foote served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from June 15, 1943, until May 26, 1946. Mr. Foote was inducted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with 35 others. Soon after, he boarded a train for Farragut, Idaho, for boot camp. After boot camp, he was sent to Bremerton, Wash-ington, to become part of the crew for a new Casablanca-class escort carrier, the USS Windham Bay (CVE 92, one of the Kaiser coffins), built by Kaiser Ship-yards. The crew took it on a shakedown cruise in Puget Sound, then traveled along the Columbia River and out into the Pacific Ocean, headed for San Diego. The Windham Bay was a support trans-port ship, carrying pilots, combat-ready airplanes, and supplies (including drop tanks and

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radio and radar tubes). Mr. Foote and his crewmates participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began in February 1945, and the Battle of Okinawa, which began in early April 1945. Through-out, the Windham Bay transported new or repaired airplanes and carried away damaged planes to be repaired in support of combat. The Windham Bay was for a time part of the 3rd Fleet and subsequently part of the 5th Fleet. Mr. Footes rank was Water Tender 2nd Class. He began as a water tender, was moved to the boiler room, then worked on the evaporators (which desalinated ocean water), working with superheated

steam in the engine room. He became the ships oil king, maintaining the ships balance by adjusting the ballast as fuel oil was used up or added. Mr. Foote was decorated with one Battle Star. He was born in 1924, the son of Clyde C. and Selma Foote. Mr. Foote was born in Superior, Wisconsin, and graduated from Superior East High School on June 6, 1943, nine days before being inducted into the Navy.
Source: Interview with veteran; History of the USS Windham Bay, Office of Naval Records and History

Ralph J. Geiger
Mr. Geiger served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from October 1942 until October 1945. He was assigned to the 1st Marine Division. His rank was Private 1st Class. He was decorated with the Purple Heart. Mr. Geiger was born in 1925, the son of Ann Alvado and John Rajich Geiger, in Mil-waukee, Wisconsin.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

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Robert J. Ginter
Mr. Ginter served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He attended boot camp at Farragut, Idaho, and was then sent to Radio School at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After graduation, he was assigned to Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) Flotilla 21 staff. The flotilla consisted of about 30 LCIs. These vessels were subsequently equip-ped with mortars to assist troops in landing operations. The ships were under the command of a flotilla commander, who operated off of a landing craft flotilla flagship, or LC(FF), along with his staff and the regular crew of the ship. LCI Flotilla 21 supported landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. It remained at Okinawa until the island was secure, about three months, serving in various capacities. The flotilla went to Pearl Harbor for repairs. They were there when the war ended. After the war, Mr. Ginter was sent to the Philippines. He was assigned to an LCI that transported Allied troops off of various islands and carried Japanese prisoners to Manila for processing.

After returning from leave, Mr. Ginter was assigned to the USS Panamint (AGC 13), which, along with the USS Appala-chian, was assigned to observe the atomic bomb tests at Bikini island. The Panamint had foreign observers aboard, and the Appalachian carried the news media. Each of the dignitaries was provided with special eyewear to observe the blasts. The crews (including Mr. Ginter), who were off duty, were topside, kneeling, with their heads down and eyes covered by their arms. Two tests were held: the first bomb was dropped from the air, and about two weeks later, another was detonated under water. Mr. Ginter was discharged in December 1946. His rank was Radio Operator 2nd Class.

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Mr. Ginter was decorated with the American Theater Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with two Battle Stars (Iwo Jima and Okinawa), the Good Conduct Medal, and the American Victory Medal. Mr. Ginter was born in 1925 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Joseph and Christine Ginter. The family moved

to Owatonna, Min-nesota, and Mr. Ginter graduated from Owatonna High School in 1943. He joined the U.S. Navy out of high school.
Source: Interview with veteran

William Grandlienard
Mr. Grandlienard served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army in the Signal Corps. His rank was Corporal. Mr. Grandlienard was decorated with an Individual Citation and with a Distinguish-ed Unit Citation. Mr. Grandlienard was born in 1920 in Adams City, French Township, Indiana. His parents were William and Eva Ica Lidadica Grandlienard.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans family members account (below)

My dad has many wonderful stories about his experience in the service, al-though he did not want to put them in print. Quite the storyteller and fellow. His stories are best told in his voice.

Raymond E. Gurske, Jr.

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Mr. Gurske served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from Sept-ember 1943 until December 1945. He was assigned to the 7th Flotilla in New Guinea (Amphibious Force), 7th Fleet. His rank was Machinists Mate 3rd Class. Mr. Gurske was born in 1926 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Raymond, Sr., and Louise Gurske.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Joseph Guski
Mr. Guski served in World War II. Mr. Guski served in the U.S. Army from February 20, 1945, until July 19, 1945. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was assigned to the Field Artillery. His rank was Private. Mr. Guski was born in Washburn, Wis-consin.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

James Edward Haenke


Mr. Haenke served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy beginning on May 9, 1945. He was assigned to the USS Chandeleur (AV 10), the USS Marlboro, and the USS B. W. Reid. His rank was Fireman 1st Class. He was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal and the Pacific Theater of Operations Medal. Mr. Haenke was born in 1927 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of William H. and Gladys Haenke. He graduated from high school in 1945.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans personal account (below)

Approximately four days out of San Francisco, I was on duty in the fire room when I heard some muffled booming noise. Just then our chief water tender came down the ladder. I asked him what was going on up topside. His reply was they had spotted a Jap mine, so one side of the ship started firing at it with the 20s and 40s. Dont know if we hit it or not. May have been a dud.

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Richard Haenke
and Gladys Haenke.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Mr. Haenke served in World War II in the South Pacific. He served in the U.S. Navy from June 6, 1944, until June 13, 1946. He was assigned to the USS Presidio (APA 88). His rank was Ships Cook 3rd Class. He received a number of South Pacific Theater decorations. Mr. Haenke was born in Duluth, Minne-sota. He is the son of William

I was inducted into the Navy in April 1944. The Navy let me finish the 12th grade. I graduated June 5th and left the next day for boot camp at Idaho Training Center. I then was sent to Cooks and Bakers School at Treasure Island in California for three months. I was assigned to APA 88 in Oct-ober 1944. We immediately were sent to the South Pacific where we were engaged in numerous operations. I received an hon-orable discharge based on points at Great Lakes N.T.C. I want to thank everyone responsible for the trip to Washington, D.C. It was the most wonderful experience, and I am so honored to be able to be included. Truly a first-class trip.

Melvin L. Hall
Mr. Hall served in World War II in both the European and Pacific Theaters. He served in the Merchant Marine (which served as an auxiliary of the U.S. Navy during the war), from December 1941 until October 1945. He served on a mine planter unit out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for six months in 1942, then transported supplies in the Mediterra-nean. Mr. Hall was born in 1921 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of William P. and Gladys Hall. He was decorated with Overseas Service Bars for several different campaigns.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran account (below)

I was involved from Christmas 1941 until October 1945. I was on an Army mine planter unit out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for six months in 1942. Then I went to the Mediterranean with sup-pliesthen ten months on the USS Polaris. To the Pacific and the Persian Gulf, Bombay, India, Australia, Argentina and New York for six months, then converted ship to carry troops and went back to Pacific Ocean and New Guinea and a few islands on the way. From there I went to Australia and back to New Guinea with a hospital group. Been to Saipan, Iwo Jima, southern France campaign, and brought troops home from Iwo Jima and southern France in 1945, most of the time alone.

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Edward Jacob Harder


Mr. Harder served in the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Army from April 1965 until July 1967. He served the lions share of his duty in Vincenza, Italy, and vol-unteered to serve the last three months (April July 1967) in Vietnam. In Vietnam, Mr. Harder was assigned to Cu Chi, a town in the Iron Triangle. The area was important because of its proxi-mity to Saigon and the American-backed government there. It also had a system of tunnels hundreds of miles long that allow-ed the Viet Cong to disappear when Americans were in pursuit. Mr. Harders rank was Sergeant (E-5). His served as a mechanic. He served as a utility lineman, climbing poles to work on electric power transmission lines and tele-phone lines. He also operated a one-ton wrecker. Mr. Harder received a Sharpshooter Award. He was exposed to Agent Orange while in Vietnam and subsequently developed cancer. He was and is a patriot and was honored to serve. He has no regrets. Mr. Harder was born in Duluth, Minne-sota, the son of Edward and Rosemary Harder. He attended Duluth Central High School.
Source: Interview with family member

Clinton R. Hawkinson
Bougainville, helping to defend the Cactus Fighter Command led by flying ace Joseph Foss. Mr. Hawkinsons rank was Machinists Mate 3rd Class. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Hawkinson was born in 1925 in Scanlon, Minnesota, to Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hawkinson. Mr. Hawkinson served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1943, and went to boot camp at Farragut, Idaho. He was assigned to Carrier Service Unit (CASU) 12, to CASU-40, and to the USS Beatty (DD 756). He was sent to New Hebrides and became part of a Construc-tion Brigade (CB) unit. He served on Gua-dalcanal. He was also assigned to the island of
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veterans account (below)

Had boot camp training at Farragut, Idaho. Was shipped overseas after boot camp to New Hebrides, South Pacific. They had lost my records, so they put me in with the CBs. Then they shipped me to Guadalcanal. After we secured the island, they shipped me to Bougainville. I cant remember how long I was living in a fox-hole. I was

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with the soldier Marines and Fiji Island Warriors; CASU-12 was who I was with. We took care of Joe Foss airplane squadron; he shot down the most Japs during the war at that time. They finally got my records

straight, and then I got to go home on leave. And was assigned to the USS Beatty (DD 756) for the rest of the time in the service. I remember 62 air raids and fourteen days of shelling during the time at Bougainville.

Robert D. Hodge
Mr. Hodge served in World War II in the South Pacific. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a pilot in Air Transport Command, Pacific Theater. He flew two- and four-engine DC-3's and DC-4's, hauling combat wounded to advance hospitals. He transported personnel at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Morobe, Wewok, Marati, Leyte, Manila, and Luzon, beginning in October, 1944. He also flew cargo and troops from island to island in the South Pacific in a twinengine C-47. He was discharged in May 1946. Mr. Hodge was a Pilot. His rank was Flight Officer. Once, Mr. Hodge was transporting a planeload of performers for a USO show to be held on the island of Biak, the Philippines, after it had been re-taken by the Americans. It was nighttime. As Mr. Hodge approached, the radio controller on Biak broke radio silence, which was not usually done in a combat zone. He ordered Mr. Hodge to descend to an altitude of 2,000 feet and then, when ordered, to bank sharply to the left. Mr. Hodge was surprised but brought the plane to the lower altitude. Then, look-ing out his starboard window, he was surprised to see the telltale flame of airplane exhaust. Squinting, he made out the shape of a Japanese fighter-bomber flying close to his right wingtip in the darkness. He suddenly understood the situation, but had no idea what would happen. He maintained radio silence as he approached the darkened airfield. When he reached Biak at an altitude of 2,000 feet, the runway lights flashed on and the radio operator said, Now! Mr. Hodge banked sharply to the left, making a 90-degree turn. Simultaneously, searchlights on the island illuminated the Japanese bomber, which was then hit by lethal anti-aircraft fire at the exact range of 2,000 feet. The enemy plane blew up, and Hodge landed his plane safely. The USO show was performed as planned. Mr. Hodge was born in 1921 in Chisholm, Minnesota, the son of Fred and Ann Hodge. He graduated from high school in 1939. After the war, Mr. Hodge worked for 37 years as a Minnesota conservation officer, using a pontoon plane in the summer and a skiplane in winter.
Source: Veterans' Memorial Hall veteran history form; Bush Pilots by Bob Cary, pp. 62-64; original entry on VMH website (below) Original entry on VMH website:

Robert D. Hodge entered the Army Air Corps in September, 1943. He was commis-sioned a pilot and first officer in the Air Transport Command, Pacific Theater. He flew two- and four-engine DC-3's and DC-4's, hauling combat wounded to advance hospitals. He transported

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personnel at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Morobe, We-wok, Marati, Leyte, Manila, Luzon, etc.,

from October, 1944. Separated May, 1946.

Harold Hokanson
Mr. Hokanson served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from June 6, 1945, until October 27, 1947. He was assigned to the USS Muir (DE 770), which was based out of Norfolk, Virginia. His rank was Fireman 1st Class. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Hokanson was born in 1927 to Albert and Mary Hokanson in Webster, Wiscon-sin.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall History Form; veterans family members account (below)

Harold joined the Naval Reserve at age seventeen in 1945. It was the first time he left the Webster area. He completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Base. He was then shipped to Camp Shoemaker in San Francisco. At this point, he volunteered for the regular Navy and enlisted for two years. Harold was then assigned to the USS Muir, based in Norfolk, Virginia. He stayed on the Muir during his service, with most of his time spent on the East Coast and in the Caribbean.

Joseph Hollinday
Mr. Hollinday served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from April 1, 1944, until April 2, 1946. Mr. Hollinday was assigned to E Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. His rank was Private 1st Class. Mr. Hollinday was born in White Earth, Minnesota, to Charles and Anna Hollinday.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall History Form; veterans account (below)

Participated in the Battle for Okinawa as a rifleman from April 1, 1945, to June 2, 1945. Went to Peking, China, for occup-ation duty from September 1945 to April 1946.

Bernard Hughes
Mr. Hughes served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from December 10, 1942, until September 13, 1945. He was assigned to the Army Special Training Program (ASTP) and later to the Rainbow Division. His rank was Private 1st Class. He received the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Hughes was born in 1924 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from Dunn County High School in 1942.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Inducted, December 10, 1942 Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Infantry basic - Ft. McClellan, Alabama. ASTP - Fargo, North Dakota. Infantry, Rainbow Division -

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Camp Gruber, Oklahoma. Air Corps, Sheppard Field, Texas; Os-coda Air Base, Michigan; Bradley Field, Connecticut.

Discharged, September 13, 1945.

Harold H. Hyde
Mr. Hyde served in World War II. He began his service in the U.S. Navy in September 1942. He attended boot camp at Great Lakes Training Station. Two months later, he was sent to Pier 92 in New York City. He was assigned to Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) 575. Beginning in January 1943 and ending ten months later, he was assigned to Solomons, Maryland, on Chesapeake Bay, where he helped train ships crews for landings. LCI 575 was redesignated the Landing Craft (Flotilla Flagship) 575, or LC(FF) 575. The ship then headed for San Diego by means of the Panama Canal. Soon after, it traveled to the South Pacific. There it served alternately in Pearl Harbor, Guam, the Philippines, Okinawa, South Korea, and New Guinea. In February 1946, Mr. Hyde began his journey back to the United States. He was discharged on April 1, 1946. His rank was Motor Machinists Mate 3rd Class. Mr. Hyde was born in 1924, the son of Martell Hyde. He graduated from high school in 1942.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Tauno Wayne Hyopponen


Mr. Hyopponen served in World War II. He served in the Merchant Marines (which served as an auxiliary to the U.S. Navy during the war) until June 12, 1946. He was assigned to a steam tanker. His job was oiler. Mr. Hyopponen was born in 1923 in Brimson, Minnesota, the son of William and Mary Hyopponen.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

We serviced fuel ships in the Medi-terranean war zone like Rome, Italy, Haifa, Palestine, Tripoli, Libya. We got our gas from Basra, Iraq. We also serviced ships in the Pacific war zone, Australia, New Guinea, and fueling stations in the South Sea islands.

William Raymond Ivy


Mr. Ivy served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army from 1939 until December 1945. He was assigned to the 5th Armored Division, Combat Com-mand A. His rank was Warrant Officer. Mr. Ivy was born in 1916 to Rebecca and William Robert Ivy in Meridian, Mississippi. He graduated from Hickory High School in 1932.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans family members account (below)

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All my life I remember my dad telling me about his time in WWII. As my daugh-ters grew up, he would tell the stories to them, too. He also went to their schools and talked to the classes about the war. This trip to our nations capitol, to see the WWII memorial, would be a very special time for grandfather and granddaughter to bond and remember for a lifetime.

My dad, William (Bill) Ivy, is a very proud American Army veteran of WWII. He served in the European Theater and always has stories to tell about the battles and the brave men he served with. Some of my favorite stories are about when he met General Eisenhower and General Pat-ton. I am very proud that he is my dad.

Joseph Jamros, Jr.


Mr. Jamros served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from Nov-ember 10, 1941, until October 28, 1945. He was assigned to Company F, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He was made an officer on March 6, 1943. His rank was 1st Lieutenant. He was decorated with a Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, a Distinguished Unit Cita-tion, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Mr. Jamros was born in 1918 in Cicero, Illinois, the son of Joseph, Sr., and Mary Jamros.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veterans account (below)

I enlisted along with three friends in Illinois. After my training in the States, I was transferred to the European Theater, where I saw combat in France, Belgium, and Germany. While in France, I received my shrapnel wounds from an artillery shell. After my wounds healed, I returned to the combat pool and was promoted. I was placed in command of my unit and led my unit well until I was severely wounded and lost my finger due to another artillery shell.

Joseph Janchar
Mr. Janchar served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from July 25, 1945, until November 3, 1946. He received basic training at Camp Crowder, Missouri, for sixteen weeks. He was sent to Camp Beal, California, for two weeks and then to New York. After his training, Mr. Janchar was assigned to the 120th Station Hospital in Bayreuth, Germany, where he was a hospital cook. His rank was Technical Sergeant. Mr. Janchar was born in 1926 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Mary Janchar. He graduated from high school in 1945.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

I got drafted on June 25th, 1945. I went to Camp Crowder, Missouri, for basic train-ing for sixteen weeks, then shipped to Camp Beal, California, for two weeks. Orders changed and went to New York. From there overseas to Germany. After I got back to the States, spent the rest of my time in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. (I also got drafted in February of

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1944 in the Navy. Spent one month and 29 days before I got a medical discharge because I had a bad eye,

then I was drafted in the Army in June of 1945.)

Everett L. Jenkins
Mr. Jenkins served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from June 4, 1944, until June 6, 1946. He did basic train-ing in Farragut, Idaho, and amphibious training in Shoemaker, California, for three weeks. He was sent to New Guinea, then to the Admiralty Islands, where they sup-ported the 7th Fleet as a repair unit. He spent two years on Los Negros Island. He returned to San Francisco for discharge. His rank was Yeoman 2nd Class. Mr. Jenkins was born in 1926 in Trom-mald, Michigan, the son of Cecil and Pearl Jenkins. He graduated from high school in 1944.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

sent to Great Lakes to await discharge. Seven of my high school classmates and myself enlisted in the Navy in March of 1944. We were placed on inactive duty until we graduated. After five weeks of intensive training in Farragut, Idaho, we were sent to Shoemaker, California, for five weeks of amphibious training. In early September, we started our trip to New Guinea aboard a troop transport ship. We had no escort. To provide as much safety as possible, the ship zig-zagged all the way trying to avoid torpedo attacks. We were told after landing to be very carefulheadhunters were a bigger threat than the Japanese. After five weeks, we received our orders to proceed to Manus in the Admiralties. This was a 600-mile trip, 120 men with full gear. K & C rations were our meals, and we slept on the open deck of a landing craft infantry (LCI)again, no escort. The Admiralty Islands are a circle of small islands, all protected with submarine nets stretched between the islands. This is the largest natural harbor in the world. It had hundreds of small dry docks to handle landing ship tanks (LSTs) and LCIs, and three big dry docks that could handle the largest battleships. I was working on Los Negros, which handled supplies for the fleet. The ammu-nition ship Mt. Hood, which was anchored at Manus,

1. Enlisted 2. 3.

4.

5.

6.

in March 1944; inactive duty until I graduated in June 1944. Five weeks intensive training at Farragut, Idaho. Short leave before reporting to Shoemaker, California, for five weeks amphibious training. Shipped out early September for a receiving station in New Guinea. After five weeks, we were sent to the Admiralty Islands, a huge re-pair unit for the 7th Fleet. The unit had three dry docks that could lift the Missouri out of the water. Spent two years on Los Negros, one of many small islands that made up the harbor. Left the island for San Francisco with a stop at Truk. After a 30-day leave, we were

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about 2 miles from us, blew up! We thought that it was an air raid and dashed out to our air raid shelters made out of 50-gallon drums filled with sand with a 1 steel plate on top and a lot of sand over that. History books state the explosion was due to enemy action, but no planes or subs were ever sighted. The Mt. Hood was destroyed, and ships on both sides received extensive damage several hun-dred seamen lost their lives. I was sitting at my teletype when the news came in that the Japanese had surrendered. The war was over, and we could finally look forward to going home. We were sent home according to how many points you had. Points were given for length of service, overseas duty, and combat zones. Mine came up in March 1946. I remember standing on the fantail watching the Admiralties fade out of sight. Our ship, the USS

Navarro, made one stop at Truk to pick up home-going sailors. They were delivered to the Navarro by small boats operated by Japanese! Over and back before my 21st birthday.

Emmert Johnson
Mr. Johnson served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from August 25, 1942, until October 20, 1945. His rank was Sergeant. He was decorated with the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal, and four Overseas Service Bars. Mr. Johnson was born in 1921 in Two Harbors, Minnesota. He is the son of John B. and Hannah Johnson.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

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George Jorgenson
Mr. Jorgenson served in World War II and in the Korean War. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in the infantry. He was trained at the Infantry Replacement Center (IRTC) in Camp Blanding, Florida. His rank was Corporal. He was decorated with the Silver Star Medal, a Bronze Battle Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and other service medals. He was presented the Silver Star Medal by Senator Paul Wellstone in 1999. Mr. Jorgenson was born in Warren, Minnesota, in 1924, the son of George and Hannah Jorgenson.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; letter from Sen. Paul Wellstone, July 10, 1999; veterans relatives account (below)

My grandfather, George Jorgenson, is my hero. Not because he served in World War II, not because he survived World War II, but because of who he is as a person. He started his World War II tour in Italy during the Anzio beachhead operation. He landed on the beaches of St. Tropez as a scout on one of the first amphibious boats to land on the beachhead. He crawled on his belly throwing a grenade into the pillbox, thus saving many lives. Later, his regiment was sent into the town of Utweiler, Germany, only to be ambushed. That day he led six fellow members of this company out of town by crawling in a drainage ditch and hiding out behind a cemetery wall. He was only one of 28 men that were not captured or killed in the entire regiment. He was on the front lines from the time he arrived in Italy until the end of the

war and came back without a scratch. In fact, so did his four brothers, who also served. He did not speak of the war until the last few years; he says that his trigger was when Gulf War veterans started coming back, telling their stories, and being decorated. He did not receive his Silver Star Medal until July of 2000 when Senator Paul Wellstone bestowed it upon him in a private ceremony. Senator Wellstone had wanted it to be public, but my grandfather had insisted on it being private. I learned of the award only days before the ceremony; until that point, I thought that he was there but didnt see front line action. As kids we would ask him what it was like, what he did, if he had to shoot anyone. He never provided any information; the closest that we got was when he told us that he fired a shot into the darkness while on night patrol. We now know a much different story. He turned 86 years old in December, getting ever more fragile. Weve tried to talk him into taking this trip for a couple of years now. He waffles at it every time; hed like to go but doesnt want anyone to make a fuss. He says that hed be too tired, but in the same breath says he could handle it. This is how he is. My grandpa is my hero because he is humble in himself and his accomplish-ment, glowing and proud of his family. Really, its just that simple. I know he doesnt have much time left, and Id like to honor him in any way similar to how he has honored me, my family, and my country.

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John Kallinen
Guam, where he served from September 1949 until January 1950. When the Korean War began, Mr. Kallinen was called up for active duty. He was at Camp Rucker, Alabama, from Sept-ember 1950 until October 1951. He was discharged in November 1954. Mr. Kallinen was born in 1925 in Iron Mountain, Michigan, the son of Joan and Mayme (Saari) Kallinen.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Mr. Kallinen served in the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Army from January 20, 1949, until November 18, 1954. He did basic training at Camp Breckenridge, Ken-tucky, training with the 101st Airborne. He was trained in Small Arms Repair at Aber-deen Proving Grounds, Maryland. He went to Camp Stoneman, California, and then to

I was drafted into service January 1949 and shipped to Camp Breckenridge, Ken-tucky, for basic training (eight weeks) in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne. Then they transferred me to Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, for Small Arms Repair Training. Then shipped to Camp Stone-man, California, and to Guam for over four monthsSeptember 49 to January 50. Came home and was recalled for active duty when Korean War broke out, and spent thirteen months in Camp Rucker now Fort RuckerAlabama, from Septem-ber 1950 to October 1951. Came home again and discharged in November 1954.

Harley Kiger

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Mr. Kiger was born in Steele, North Dak-ota, to Newton and Junia Kiger.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Mr. Kiger served in World War II in the European Theater. He served with the U.S. Army from March 20, 1943, until October 20, 1945. He was assigned to the 6th Armored Division, part of General Pattons 3rd Army. He was awarded a Bronze Star and other medals for his service. His rank was Technician 5th Class.

I started on November 1943 at Camp Campbell, Kentucky. Then to Camp Davis, North Carolina, for the final preparations to go overseas. At this time we went to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, to the port of embarkation, on April 18th, boarded the Dutch liner New Amsterdam, and sailed out of New York harbor. On April 28, dropped anchor at Greenock, Scotland, then by train to the Stonehenge, England. There for a few days, then to the landing ship tank (LST) loading for the trip to the beachhead in France, which was Normandy. A day later, we were on our way to Germany, across France, then to the fight at Bastogne, Belgium. Moving again to Clairvaux, then south to the river to meet the Russians at the border of Czechoslovakia, the end of the war, and finally back home.

Lewis Robert Klejeski


Mr. Klejeski served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army from July 12, 1944, until June 19, 1946. He was assigned to the 268th Evacuation Hospital. His rank was Technician 3rd Class. Mr. Klejeski was born in 1925 in Kettle River, Minnesota. He is the son of Felix and Ida Klejeski.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Steve J. Kovatovich
Mr. Kovatovich served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from August 20, 1942, until December 3, 1945. He was assigned to the Pacific Theater. His rank was Staff Sergeant. Mr. Kovatovich was born in Biwabik, Minnesota, in 1919. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kovatovich. He graduated from Gilbert High School.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

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My brother and I fought the Japs (we were Marines); two other brothers and one sister fought the Germans. I am 92 years old and am the only one alive of a family of

twelve and served with five in World War II. Harry Truman saved many lives with the two atomic bombs he dropped on Japan.

John E. Lahti
Company, 16th Armored Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Division. He served in North Africa, Tunisia, Italy, Austria, and Germany. His rank was T-5. He was decorated with a Silver Battle Star, four Bronze Battle Stars, the Euro-pean Campaign Medal, and the North African Campaign Medal. Mr. Lahti was born in Skelton Township, Carlton County, Minnesota, in 1921. He is the son of Hjalmar and Hulda Lahti. He graduated from Barnum High School.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Mr. Lahti served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army from Sept-ember 1942 until December 1945. He was assigned to A

Served as an armored engineer in North Africa, Tunisia, and Italy for approximately three years. Served in the following campaigns: Tunisia/North Africa; Naples; Foggia; Casino; Anzio; Rome/Arno; North Apennines; Po Valley. Served 22 months in front-line combat.

Bernard E. Lee
Mr. Lee served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from July 1, 1944, until February 18, 1946. He served aboard LST 960, a tank landing ship. Mr. Lees rank was Ships Cook 3rd Class. He had the honor of serving a hot meal to war correspondent Ernie Pyle. He was decorated with one Battle Star. Mr. Lee was born in 1924 to Albert and Clara Lee in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Amphibious service ships cook on LST 960, Pacific Theater. One Battle Star. Cooked Ernie Pyle hot meal.

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Lawrence Willard Lee


Mr. Lee served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from Nov-ember 23, 1943, until April 30, 1946. He was assigned to the 56th Combat Engi-neers, 11th Armored Division. Mr. Lee was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal, the American Thea-ter Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal, a Bronze Battle Star, and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Lee was born in 1925 in Knife River, Minnesota, the son of Christ and Mary Lee.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Rudolph Lipinski
Mr. Lipinski served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from Nov-ember 7, 1941, until October 28, 1945. He was assigned to the Headquarters Battery, 28th Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Division. His unit captured a submarine base in Brest, France. His rank was Corporal. Mr. Lipinski was born in 1918 in Duluth, Minnesota. He is the son of Fred and Pauline Lipinski. He graduated from Dul-uth Denfeld High School in 1937.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Frank S. Lopp
Mr. Lopp served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from August 23, 1944, until July 4, 1946. He was awarded the European Theater of Operations Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. His rank was Corporal. Mr. Lopp was born in 1926 to Frank and Josephine Lopp in Gilbert, Minnesota.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Entered the Army Air Corps in August of 1944. Basic training in Amarillo, Texas, went to gunnery school in Harlingen, Texas. Graduated, class of 45. Sent to France and then to Germany for occupa-tion.

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Alfred Lundquist
Mr. Lundquist served in World War II. He began his service in the U.S. Army in September 1942. He was assigned to the 21st Engineering Aviation Regiment. His rank was Technical Sergeant. Mr. Lundquist was born in 1921 to Erick and Cecilia Lundquist in Highbridge, Wis-consin.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Michael M. Malyuk
Mr. Malyuk served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from August 20, 1942, until January 14, 1946. He was assigned to the VB100 and VB-8 Bombing Squadrons in Carrier Aircraft Service Unit (CASU) 32. He served aboard the Essex-class aircraft carriers USS Bunker Hill (CV 17) and USS Bennington (CV 20). His rank was Aviation Radioman 1st Class. Mr. Malyuk was decorated with the Philippine Liberation Medal with one Battle Star, the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with three Battle Stars, Air Crew Wings with three Battle Stars, and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Malyuk was born in 1923 in Mellen, Wisconsin, to Peter and Kathrine Malyuk. He graduated from high school in 1942.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Orville Gayle Manion


Mr. Manion served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army. He was inducted into the Infantry on July 27, 1942, in Spokane, Washington. Mr. Manion was assigned to the th 8 Army, Detached Enlisted Mens List (DEML), which included service members who had a physical disability but were able to serve. He served for three-and-a-half years and was discharged on January 3, 1946. His assignments included fourand-a-half months serving as a member of the staff at the Reception Center, Fort Douglas, Utah; nineteen months at Post Head-quarters, Vancouver Barracks, Washing-ton; three months in the Adjutant General Section, 8th Army Area Command, Hawaii; and sixteen months in the Adjutant General Section, 8th Army Area Command, Leyte, Philippines. His rank was Master Sergeant. He was decorated with five service medals and three Battle Stars for the 8th Armys campaign in New Guinea and the Philippines. Mr. Manion was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1920, the son of Orville Monroe Manion and Martha Eva Manion.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

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When I was in Yellowstone Park and just four years old, a heavy, rough-sawn teeter-totter beam came down with a crash on my left arm and smashed my elbow into many pieces. In those primitive days of 1924 there was no doctor in Yellowstone and none in the Boise Valley who knew how to repair the damage. My father, a schoolteacher, did not have money to take me to Salt Lake City. In subsequent years, when my father was asked about my bashed arm, with bone-locked elbow at 45 degrees and obvious atrophy, he usually just said, Now aint it a shame! Aint it a shame! You can imagine that in my younger years I had very little selfesteem, confi-dence, or physical competence. I was a cripple (and still am). You cannot imagine that, just after I completed a bachelors degree in educa-tion I was drafted and inducted into the U.S. Army Infantry on July 27, 1942, at Spokane, Washington. Really? Really? You, a cripple, were drafted and inducted into the U.S. Army? Oh, I was so excited and pleased to be in the Army. This is a mans job (or womans now) and my chance to serve substantially and become a real heman and worthy citizen. How and why did my induction hap-pen? Well, by early 1942, most of the divisions and Special Forces of the United States had been assigned to Europe, while plans for defeating Japan needed more troops than could be available. So instead of being assigned to Infantry or other standard units, I and many other handicap-ped persons were inducted and assigned to DEML (Detached Enlisted Mens List). Most people and veterans I talk

to never knew or heard of DEMLs. One I knew in the Philippines had only one eye; but he was a damned fine chef and no one wanted to lose him. However, a two-star general from our unit wanted me to be sent back to the States because I couldnt do a respectable dressright-dress. We DEMLers did the same work, wore the same uniforms, had the same food, bunks, and promotions or demotions, and I wore the same shoulder patch (8th Army) and medals as regular soldiers. In my three-and-a-half years in the Army, I worked hard and tried my very best to be a good soldier and leader of others. And I did it! As an enlisted man (though crippled), I went from bottom to top (from Private to Master Sergeant). I didnt buy it or inherit itI earned it, using hard work, training, experience, and role models for guides. During my last year in the Philippines, I supervised 37 men as Master Sergeant, Adjutant Generals sec-tion of the 8th Army Area Command, on Leyte Island. After the war with Japan was over, I returned to my home state and completed a masters degree and two years of teaching English at the University of Idaho. Then, in 1953, I completed a Ph.D. degree and four years of teaching at the University of Michigan. Finally, because of previous experi-ences in the Army and in teaching, I was employed for 30 years at the University of Wisconsin, Superior: first as chairman of English and Communication departments, then the last eleven years before retire-ment as Dean, College of Fine and Applied Arts, and then Dean, Center of Continuing Education.

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I am now 91 years old. I look back more than I look forward. I must say that I am so proud of my wonderful wife of 65 years, Louise, and my three unbeatable daughters, Mary, Patty, and Bonnie, all of whom pushed me and guided me in my lifes endeavors. I could have not achieved very much on my own. I needed their love and guidance. My goodness! But its been a wonderful life journey with them. Respectfully, I can say I am so

proud of my U.S. Army experiences, training, and accomplishments. Without the Army be-ginnings, I would not have achieved much in the 65 years which followed. Certainly I could not have reached the Ph.D. without the taxpayers GI bill. This is my story. P.S. I left out all of my failures. Ah ha!

Joseph Alex Marcella


Mr. Marcella served in World War II. He was assigned to the Alaska Territory. He served in the U.S. Army from August 6, 1942, until October 25, 1945. He was as-signed to the 843rd Signal Battalion. Mr. Marcellas rank was T-5. He was decorated with four Overseas Service Bars. Mr. Marcella was born in 1921, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marcella.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Philip L. Martineau
Guam. According to Mr. Martineau, his awards and decorations were nothing extra-ordinary. His rank was Corporal. Mr. Martineau was born in 1925 to Edward and Mary Martineau in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He graduated from high school after the war in 1946.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Mr. Martineau served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from July 1, 1943, until January 1, 1946. He was assigned to a guard unit on Midway Island. Later, he served with the first Civil Affairs unit in the Pacific Theater, on

Led a patrol of native policemen on Guam, cleaning up all small Japanese camps in the area of Guam where later the airstrip for B29s was built. In about a month, we had killed 111 Japs and turned one very sick guy over to a medical unit. At this time, I was assigned as Chief

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Patrol-man Dedadoe.

of

the

town

of

William Jerome Martineau


Mr. Martineau served in World War II on the Aleutian Islands. He served in the U.S. Army from March 29, 1941, until October 11, 1945. He was assigned to the 215th Coast Guard Artillery, Anti-Aircraft, 84th American Ground Forces (AGF) Band. His rank was Technician 5th Grade. Mr. Martineau was born in 1927, the son of Edward and Mary Martineau, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Edward J. Modetz
Mr. Modetz served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from Sept-ember 6, 1944, until February 23, 1946. He was assigned to the USS Ranger (CV 4). Mr. Modetz was born in 1922 in Aurora, Minnesota. He is the son of John and Julia Modetz. He graduated from high school in 1941.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Robert Morton
Mr. Morton served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy, from May 15, 1943, until November 1945. He was assign-ed to landing ship tank (LST) 397, which was part of the 5th Fleet. LST 397 served as a support ship, carrying supplies to the front. Mr. Morton was involved in several different invasions: Bougainville, New Gui-nea, the Philippines, and Borneo. Mr. Mortons rank was Gunners Mate 2nd Class. When not in combat, his job was to repair the guns mounted aboard LST 397 and to release them when they be-came jammed. When the ship was called to general quarters, it was his job to load shells in the 40mm gun and fire. Mr. Morton was born in Duluth, Minne-sota, in 1924. He is the son of Rolland and Blanche Morton.
Source: Interview with veteran

Donald K. Nelson
Mr. Nelson served in World War II in the United States and in the Pacific Theater. He served with the U.S. Army from January 1, 1945, until August 5, 1947. He was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division and was a member of the 188th Parachute

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Infantry. His rank was Staff Sergeant. Mr. Nelson was born to Nellie and Olaf Nelson in South Milwaukee,

Wisconsin. He graduated from high school in 1944.


Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Eugene C. Niemi
Mr. Niemi served in World War II in the United States. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He enlisted on November 2, 1942. He was an airplane engine mechanic for B-24s, B-25s, and B26s, and he served in the Technical Training Command. He was assigned to Sheppard Field, Texas; to Liberal Army Airfield, Kansas; and to Greenville Army Airfield, Mississippi. He was discharged on February 7, 1946. His rank was Corporal. Mr. Niemi was born in 1923 to Oscar and Senia Niemi.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Verne M. Niemi
Mr. Niemi served in World War II. He served in the U.S. from September 3, 1943, until April 20, 1946. He was assigned to Company C, 253rd Infantry. His rank was Technician 5th Class. He was decorated with the American Theater Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal. Mr. Niemi was born in 1924 in Calumet, Michigan, the son of Matt and Lydia Niemi.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Joe Robert Nosie


Mr. Nosie served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from August 11, 1944, until September 24, 1946. He was assigned to the 3rd Bomb Group and later to the 8th Bomb Group operating out of Atsugi, Japan. His rank was Staff Sergeant. Mr. Nosie was born in 1926 in Rauch, Minnesota. He is the son of Joe Anthony and Mary Margaret Nosie.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Louis A. Novak

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His rank was Corporal. In 1954, Mr. Novak joined the Minnesota Air National Guard. He joined the 179th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. He won numerous awards and was selected to serve on the first Senior Advisory Counsel. He served as the squadron public relations photographer, in aircraft maintenance as crew chief, and in maintenance control. He retired from the 148th Fighter Wing as Master Sergeant in 1974. Mr. Novak was born in 1927 in Chisholm, Minnesota, the son of Louis, Sr., and Rose Novak.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veteran's account (below)

Mr. Novak served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from February 2, 1944, until December 7, 1946. He enlisted one month after turning seventeen. Mr. Novak graduated from Chisholm High School on June 5, 1944, and the following day he entered the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) for pre-flight training at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The program was disconti-nued owing to a surplus of pilots, so Mr. Novak was transferred to Keesler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi, to attend aircraft maintenance school. That school also closed, and he moved to Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, for radio gunnery school. That school closed as well, and Mr. Novak was sent to the European Theater on Decem-ber 30, 1945. In Europe, Mr. Novak was assigned to the 32nd Stat Control Unit, United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe (USSTAF), Wiesbaden, Germany. He was an IBM Specialist MOS 400. He left Europe on October 30, 1946, and was discharged on December 7, 1946.

WWII European Theater: 1944-1946

Enlisted in the US Army Air Corps on February 2, 1944, one month after turning seventeen years old. Graduated from Chisholm High School on June 5, 1944, and entered the ASTP pre-flight training for pilots, navigators, and bombardiers at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The program was discontinued due to a surplus of pilots. Transferred to Keesler Field, Biloxi, Mis-sissippi, for Aircraft Maintenance school. When that school was closed, was trans-ferred to Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin, for Radio Gunnery school. After that school was closed, was transferred to European Theater on December 30, 1945. Assigned to the 32nd Stat Control Unit, USSTAF Air Force Headquarter in Wies-baden, Germany, as an IBM Specialist MOS 400. Left the European Theater on October 30, 1946. Honorably discharged as a Corporal, December 7, 1946.
Minnesota Air National Guard: 1954-1974

Joined the 179th Fighter Interceptor

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Squadron in 1954. Won numerous awards and selected for the first Senior Advisory Counsel. Served as Squadron Photographer in Public Relations, Aircraft

Maintenance as Crew Chief and Maintenance Control. Retired in 1974 as Master Sergeant from the 148th Fighter Wing.

Melvin H. Olson
Mr. Olson served in World War II in China and the Pacific Theater. He also served in the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Navy from November 1935 until July 1955. Before the war and after basic training at San Diego, California, he was assigned to the USS Monocacy to do patrol of the Yangtze River, then was assigned to the American Embassy in Chungking, China, for three-and-a-half years. In 1943, Mr. Olson was ordered out of China and sent to Bombay. He was then assigned to Navy vessels in the Pacific Theater. He served aboard the USS Argonne, USS Augusta, USS Steamer Bay (CVE 27), the USS Columbus, and the USS Missouri. He was later assigned to com-munications at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station Complex, Maryland; to Wash-ington, D.C.; and to Port Lyautey, French Morocco. Mr. Olson worked as a Radioman and Communications Specialist. He received the Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic/Pacific, China, Japan, and Philippines service decorations. His rank was Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Novak was born in 1918 to Jon and Anna Olson in Duluth, Minnesota.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall History Form; veterans account (below); Duluth News-Tribune, March 12, 1944 (below); original entry on VMH website (below) Veterans account:

Joined the Navy at seventeen years old. Trained in San Diego, California. Asia-tic Fleet Flagship, then the USS Monocacy, doing the Yangtze River Patrol. American Embassy, Chungking, China, then to the Philippines aboard the USS Steamer Bay. Radio stations at Patuxent River, Mary-land, Washington, D.C., and Port Lyautey, French Morocco. Worked as radioman, communications specialist.
Duluth News-Tribune, March 12, 1944:

Recently on furlough, visiting his father and sisters in Proctor and Duluth was Chief Petty Officer Melvin H. Olson, who has been in Chungking, China, at the U.S. Embassy for three-and-one-half years. He has returned to the West Coast for reassignment.
Original entry on VMH website:

Melvin H. Olson enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1935. He was transported by China National Airways to Chungking for duty at the U.S. Embassy. Chungking was under continuous Japanese bombardment until December 1941 when the U.S. dec-lared war on Japan. He was ordered out of China in November 1943 and transported by U.S. Army Air Corps over the Burma hump to India and then by British Over-seas Airways from Calcutta to Bombay. He then went by Army aircraft to Miami, Florida, via Dakar, North Africa, and Brazil. He was then

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assigned to USS Steamer Bay in the Pacific Theater, serving at Manus Island and the Lingayen Gulf. He was later assigned to the USS

Columbus (CA 74) and served in the Philippines, China and Japan. He was separated in 1955.

Vernon Edward Palach


Mr. Palach served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from March 21, 1944, until May 5, 1946. He was assign-ed to the USS West Virginia. While in the Pacific, his vessel was hit by a Japanese kamikaze, resulting in a significant loss of life on Easter Sunday, 1945. His rank was Seaman 1st Class. He was decorated with the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Area Campaign Medal. Mr. Palach was born in 1926 in Mora, Minnesota, the son of Frank and Lillian Palach.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

I enlisted when I was seventeen and left the farm. My whole life changed. Very exciting at first, until we went into com-bat, when my life changed again. We were hit by a suicide plane on Easter Sunday, 1945. We looked for bodies and parts all night long. Was glad when it ended. Never did go back to the farm.

Richard G. Patten
Mr. Patten served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from January 11, 1942, until January 15, 1946. He was trained in Chicago, Illinois, and was assign-ed to the USS Suomica (AO 49). His rank was Lieutenant (junior grade). His position was Midshipman. Mr. Patten was born in 1920 in Superior, Wisconsin, the son of James and Edith Pat-ten. He graduated from high school in 1939.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Elizabeth Pelzer (see Elizabeth Pelzer Schmidt) Donald Eugene Pennebecker

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Battle Stars. Mr. Pennebecker was born in 1924 in Marathon County, Wisconsin. He is the son of Benjamin and Effie Pennebecker. He graduated from Mellen High School in 1942.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans relatives account (below); unidentified, undated Wisconsin newspaper article (below)

Mr. Pennebecker served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was drafted on April 2, 1943, and discharged on February 11, 1946. Mr. Pennebecker went to boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Base. After training, Mr. Pennebecker was assigned to the 7th Division and served aboard the battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB 38). His unit left Bremerton, Washing-ton, in August 1943. His job was to load a 40mm quad (U.S. 40mm Bofors antiaircraft gun) at a battle station. The Pennsylvania engaged in battles as far north as the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, to the South China Sea, south of Australia. In the South Pacific, the Pennsylvanias job was to shell the beaches before the amphibious forces landed. His rank was Seaman 1st Class. He was decorated with the Navy Com-mendation Medal, the American Theater War Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and six

Donald crossed the equator on his birthday. There wasnt the usual celebra-tion, though, because they were under attack. During the Philippine Liberation cam-paign, he saw General Douglas MacArthur go to shore at Leyte Gulf, where he got his feet wet, stepped on shore, and said, I will return. He then went back to his ship, the USS Minneapolis. During the war, they bombarded Guam often. The Japanese would invade in-bet-ween so the ship would go back out to sea to hide for a couple of weeks. The chaplain announced a pause for a moment of prayer because they had heard the Japanese task force was coming. There were 100,000 troops on shore, and 100,000 in the transports to be unloaded. It was the Navys job to protect the troops. The Japanese had previously lost about 95% of their navy in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and Surigao Straits. About 100 kamikazis (Japanese suicide planes) came at the ship continuously, so the Navy started firing at them. Donald remembers this every time the American national anthem is played, bombs bursting in air. Their ship was torpedoed on August 12, 1945, three days before the unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945, at Buckner Bay in Okinawa. Possibly Tokyo Rose had gotten wind that the big shots were

41

on board. The admirals and generals were then transferred to another ship. They lost about nineteen lives and, without a big hole in the ship, they were without power, dead in the water. They were taking on water fast. After temporary repairs, they were towed by tugboats toward Guam. Amidst a terrible typhoon, the captain kept coming on the loudspeaker to remind them to continue to pray and thus make preparations to possibly abandon ship. Lord willing, they weathered the storm and arrived at Guam on September 6. After temporary repairs, they left Guam on October 4. Moving at 9 knots per hour, they arrived at Puget Sound Navy Yard on October 24. Needless to say, about 1,000 Army personnel who opted for a ride back to the States, who were being discharged, were none too happy to be riding with the Navy sailors at a snails pace. The USS Pennsylvania was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal by the Sec-retary of the Navy, James Forrestal. All crewmembers are entitled to wear this special Medal.
Pennebecker Had a Rough Time During Philippine Invasion By Dottie Evans

While aboard a battle wagon for 22 months, Don Pennebecker, 22, nephew of Bruno Poppe, Mellen, who is now on leave, admits he had

to rough it now and then, when participating in the invasions of Leyte Island and Lingayen Gulf on Luzon. We had a pretty close call last fall while our ship was anchored off the coast of Leyte, Don stated bluntly. About 122 Zeros popped out of the blue and let go with some heavy bombing. Those Japs dont rate high when it comes to getting their shots, though, because there wasnt much damage received, at least not much that I know of, he stated. Another time at Leyte, we really had to do some slugging. Three fleets sur-rounded the island and let those dirty little demons have what they deserve, he con-tinued. Living through one of those bombings is like coming through a hideous nightmare, only it isnt as easy to forget. According to Don, a fleet is composed of large numbers of battle wagons, cruiser destroyers, and PT boats, and when all start to fire away, nothing could out-bet the noise and excitement of it. While overseas, Don was in the Aleutian Islands, Gilbert Islands, Mariana Islands, West Caroline Islands, Palau, and Leyte Gulf. A graduate of Mellen high school in the class of 42, Don was employed at the Penokee Veneer company until entering the Navy on April 2, 1943. He received his boot training at Great Lakes, Illinois.

Lester Pufall
Mr. Pufall served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy beginning on April 3, 1943. Mr. Pufall was assigned to the USS Briareus (AR 12, a Delta-class repair ship), the C.S. Huston, and the C.S. Reno. Mr. Pufall was born in Ashland, Wiscon-sin, the son of Anthony L.

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and Helga H. Pufall. He graduated from high school in 1941.


Source: Veterans Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veterans account (below) U.S. Navy: 9 April 1943 - 11 April 1946

have been lucky enough to shake his hand.

I went aboard the Troop Ship USS Mon-ticello at San Francisco in April 1944, then to New Hebrides on the USS Briareus. The sad part was losing two shipmates at the Marshall Islands. We had a burial at sea, in white uniforms. Very impressive to me. I worked on the USS Mississippi to install new radar equipment. At the top of the mast, nine stories above the main deck. I found out just lately, that Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Tech Commander, was aboard. I could

Adolf Edward Romanek


Mr. Romanek served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army from July 18, 1944, until July 6, 1946. He had training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, for seventeen weeks. He was assigned to Fort Meade, Maryland, and later to Camp Miles Stand-ish, Massachusetts. On January 3, 1945, he boarded the USS Thomas H. Barry bound for Le Havre, France. They took a truck convoy to Germany. There he was assign-ed to the 99th Division, 395th Regiment, 1st Army. They served on the Siegfried Line and then marched toward Cologne, Ger-many. On March 4, 1945, Mr. Romanek was hit in the shoulder with shrapnel. He was flown to England and was in a cast for six weeks. The war ended as he made his way back to the United States aboard the USA Hospital Ship Ernestine Koranda. After the war, he was involved in prisoner and troop transport. His rank was Private 1st Class. He was a Bazooka Assistant. He was decorated with the Purple Heart, a Bronze Battle Star, and one Battle Star (European Theater). Mr. Romanek was born in Floodwood, Minnesota, in 1925, the son of Joseph and Mary Romanek.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans familys account (below)

Dad signed on to the Army, July 18, 1944. He went to basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, for seventeen weeks. It was a really hot summer for a Minnesota boy. In December he reported to Fort Meade, Maryland (he did KP on Christmas day), then on to Camp Miles Standish, Massachusetts, where he boarded a ship (the USS Thomas H. Barry) on January 3 headed to Le Havre, France. He was at sea for twelve days. When he arrived at Le Havre, France, they

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traveled by train in boxcars and traveled all night (freezing in the boxcars without heat). Then they took a truck convoy into Germany. They could not put the canvas over the back of the trucks in case German planes fired at them and they needed to jump out the sides of the truck. Dad said it was very cold, and the truck drivers would stop every couple of hours to throw some gasoline down on the ground to make a fire so the soldiers could warm their feet. Then their feet would get so hot they would stomp them in the snow to cool them off. They joined the 99th Division on the Siegfried Line, Germany. Dad was an infantry bazooka assistant in the 99th Division, 395th Regiment, 1st Army under General Hodges in Germany. They march-ed for several days, then had to dig fox holes, but never got to use them as they were ordered to leave at 3:00 a.m. and continued marching from town to town and through muddy farm fields with not much resistance. Their outfit was headed for Cologne, Germany. He was told they would have to cross the Rhine River. Dad was very con-cerned and knew there was a good chance he would not make it across the river because he could not swim. On March 4th, the town they were in was being shelled, and he was hit with shrapnel in the shoulder. The ambulance ride was horrible, as there was a wounded German soldier who smelled so bad that the ambulance driver had to stop to vomit! He arrived at the hospital in Ged-inne, Belgium, and was cast from the waist up with his arm sticking out. They flew him to England, but he couldnt fit in the bunk and had to lie on the floor of the plane. He was in the hospital for

six weeks before the cast was removed. On April 26, 1945, he left England by ship headed back to the U.S. The war ended while he was crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the hospital ship was the USAHS Ernestine Koranda, which was named after the first female nurse killed in the Pacific Theater. They docked in Charleston, South Carolina, then took a hospital train to Vancouver, Washington. He was in the hospital there for recovery, then on to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for a week of vacation and on to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, to guard German POWs . . . they picked potatoes and beets. In December, he went to Camp Carson, Wyoming, and took a trainload of German POWs to Seattle, Washington, boarded the USS Lucius Fairchild (a Liberty ship) with POWs down the West Coast through the Panama Canal to Liverpool, England, then to France to bring back troops, nurses, the Red Cross. (Prisoners on the ship: 1,600 . . . on the way back: 2,200 people, and they had less room on board than the prisoners had.) It was a 43-day roundtrip, landing in New York. Flew to Seattle, Washington, to Fort Lawton in Washington state, and was an MP there. Then to Fort Sheridan, Illinois, for dis-charge on July 6, 1946. Later, talking to a couple of GIs . . . they figured he was only 1 to 3 miles from reaching the [Rhine] river and Cologne. Many years ago, Dad had said he would like to have gone back to see Cologne, Germany, and cross the Rhine River because he never made it there. After hearing this, his grandson, Logan, happen-ed to travel to Germany in January, 2010, for college. He made a special trip

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by train to Cologne and walked across the Rhine River . . . in a way, completing the journey for his grandfather! On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered. Sixty-six years later on this day, Dad is receiving his Bronze Star. One year, eleven months,

sixteen days in the service.

Joseph Ronchak
Mr. Ronchak served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from January 10, 1944, until August 20, 1946. He was assigned to the 1st Recon-naissance Squadron (Very Long Range, Photographic). He was decorated with five medals for his service. His rank was Staff Sergeant. Mr. Ronchak was born in 1926 to Joseph J. and Mary E. Ronchak in Superior, Wis-consin. He graduated from high school in 1944.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall History Form; veterans account (below)

Served in Fort Sheridan, Illinois; Keesler Field, Mississippi; Lowre Field, Colorado; Truax Field, Florida; Keesler Field, Missis-sippi; Guam Air Strip, Guam; Kadena Field, Okinawa. Discharged, Fort Lewis, Washington. Our squadron photographed islands of the Pacific as well as atom bombing of cities in Pacific.

Rolland Royer

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Mr. Royer served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Royer grew up in West Duluth, Min-nesota. He graduated from St. Jeans High School in 1943. After working at a local shipyard for about six months, he was inducted into the Army during World War II, on November 11, 1943. Mr. Royer was trained as a medic. He was then assigned to Europe as a medical specialist. He left the United States on December 18, 1944, arriving just after Christmas (December 27) 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge.
Serving on a Medical Train

hospitals in Europe and to hospital ships in the ports of Le Havre and Cherbourg; they evacuated patients to ships to return to the United States. Many of their patients had been wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. During Mr. Royers time on the medical train, the train traveled through France, Germany, and Belgium. Mr. Royer said seventeen medical personnel specialists were on the train, including a doctor, four nurses, and a pharmacist. The specialists like Mr. Royer gave medication, changed bandages, checked blood pressure, and provided other medical services. We were about an inch short of being male nurses, he recalls. We lived on the train. The train was made up of ten cars or less. The litter car had beds three high. The saddest medical case Mr. Royer handled was a nineteen-yearold new re-placement soldier who lost both hands and his eyesight to a German hand gre-nade.
Creating a Photographic Record

Once in Europe, Mr. Royer was assigned to the 77th Hospital Train Unit, which treat-ed and transported wounded U.S. military personnel from field hospitals to general

What made Mr. Royers wartime experi-ences unusual was that he was an experienced photographer and was able to document his experiences in France, Belgium, and Germany during the eleven months he was there. He took photos wherever they went. The train was our home. Besides recording some of the devastation of war, the photos show Americans in the medical unit relaxing dur-ing brief breaks in their duties. The strongest photos show the young-sters who gathered around the train when it stopped to pick up the wounded near Stuttgart, Germany. He says the young people would beg for food and offer to wash clothing of the Americans in ex-change for food. The medical

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personnel were happy to oblige them. In the Rhineland, most of the children were a combination of French and Ger-man. They were friendly to the Americans.
After the War

Mr. Royer left Europe on November 19, 1945. He was discharged on January 29, 1946. His highest rank was T-5, Medic. When Mr. Royer returned to the United States, he had prints made of his photo-graphs.
Source: Discussion with Virgil Swing, Veterans Memorial Hall; Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

After the war ended, Mr. Royers unit transported wounded soldiers to hospitals and on return trips carried wounded Ger-mans, who had been prisoners of war (POWs) of the Allies, back to Germany.

One of seven brothers that served their country: three Army; two Navy; two Marines.

Vernon Roy Rustad


Mr. Rustad served in World War II in the South Pacific. He entered the U.S. Navy on July 14, 1943, and served until November 2, 1945. Mr. Rustad was assigned to the USS Preble (DM 20) destroyer minelayer. He served in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands in the South Pacific. In 1944, he returned to the United States and attended Gyro Compass Navy School at Lake Union, Washington. While being reassigned for overseas duty, a physical exam showed that he had a spot on his lung. He was sent to the Naval hospital in Sampson, New York. He was discharged from the hospital and the Navy in November 1945.

Mr. Rustad was born in 1926, the son of Louis Nicklus and Agnes Rustad in Duluth, Minnesota.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Enlisted at sixteen years old with fathers permission. July 14th, 1943, joined the Navy. Boot camp was at Camp Farragut, Idaho, from July 17, 1943, to September 27, 1943. Shipped out on USS Preble (DM 20), San Francisco, sailed to Pearl Harbor and then to South Pacific region. Planted mines, convoy duty, picked

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up downed pilots. Served two years, three months,

nine-teen days.

Elizabeth C. Pelzer Schmidt


Lieutenant. She was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal. Mrs. Schmidt was born in 1922 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the daughter of John F. and Kathryn A. Pelzer. She graduated from high school in 1940.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans accounts (below)

Mrs. Schmidt (then Ms. Pelzer) served in World War II in the European Theater. She served in the U.S. Army from Oct-ober 5, 1944, until January 24, 1946. She trained as a nursing student in the Cadet Nurse Corps. After graduating, she enlist-ed in the Army Nurse Corps. Mrs. Schmidt was assigned to Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado. She was transferred and sent overseas. She served at the 137th Evacua-tion Hospital and the 85th Evacuation Hospital, both of which were in the European Theater of Operations. Mrs. Schmidts rank was 2nd

In 1943, they started the Cadet Nurse Corps. I joined as a nursing student. They paid for our books, tuition, and a small stipend. It was understood that we would enlist in the Army Nurse Crops after graduation. I did join. I enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant (October 1944). Following basic training, I was assigned to Fitzsimons General Hospital, in Denver, Colorado. I was sent to the European The-ater of Operations in March of 1945 with the 137th Evacuation Hospital. Later, I was transferred to the 85th Evacuation Hos-pital. I was separated from service on January 24, 1946. It was a great experience. Im glad I did it.

Francis E. Scott
Mr. Scott served in World War II in the Eu-ropean Theater, specifically, in Normandy and Central Europe. He also served in the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Army from Feb-ruary 10, 1942, until July 31,

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1968. Mr. Scott was assigned to the 5th Arm-ored Division, 32nd Division, U.S. Armored School, I Corps Group, 47th Division, 196th RCT, 3rd Armored Division, and to the 1st Calvary Division, 6th Army. During the Korean War, Mr. Scott served at the Freedom Gate Bridge. His rank was Lieutenant Colonel. He was decorated with the Legion

of Merit, a Bronze Battle Star with Oak Leaf, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Combat Infantry Badge. Mr. Scott was born in 1923 to Evert and Laura Scott in Menomonie, Wisconsin. He graduated from Bruce High School in 1941.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Glen A. Smith
Mr. Smith served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army. When he retired from the Army, he was a Master Sergeant. Mr. Smith was born in 1921.
Source: Photo and caption

Richard Herbert Soderberg


Mr. Soderberg served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Marines from December 29, 1943, until March 6, 1946. He was assigned to Fire Team 126, 5th Division. He participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima from its beginning on February 19 until March 1945. His rank was Corporal. He was a Browning Auto Rifleman. He was decorated with the Purple Heart, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the Navy Occupa-tion Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Medal, and Combat Action Medal. Mr. Soderberg was born in Frederic, Wisconsin, in 1925. His parents were Hugo Clause Soderberg and Ruth Maureen Soderberg. He graduated from Frederic High School.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Cyril Pershing Sorrels

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Mr. Sorrels served in World War II in the European Theater and in the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Army from April 3, 1942, until January 6, 1946. He served again in the Army from November 1950 until May 1952. Mr. Sorrels rank was Major. He was decorated with two Purple Hearts and an Infantry Badge. He was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, the son of C. R. O. and Selma Sorrels.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veterans account (below) World War II

At that time, I was shipped out on the luxury liner Mariposa: 10,000 troops sent to Casablanca, Morocco, Africa. We were transported by train to Bizerti, Algeria, and stayed until the fall of 1943, when we went to Naples, Italy. I was on the front lines of the 2 nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. August of 1944, we made the invasion of southern France, went up through France into Germany until the war ended, May 5, 1945. I was in Turkheim, Germany, at the time, which was 20 miles from the borders of Italy and Austria. October 1945 I returned to America on the Queen Mary and was in the hospital aboard ship all the way home. I was discharged January 6, 1946, as a Captain. I received two Purple Hearts for injuries received during World War II.
A Funny Story from the Front Lines

I, Cyril Pershing Sorrels, entered the U.S. Army in April 1942, at the age of 23. After basic training, I went to Infantry Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia (November 1942 until February 1943). As a 2nd Lieutenant, I went to Camp Little Rock, Arkansas (February through April 1943). Then on to Camp Shenango, Pennsylvania, until July 1943.

A very polite young recruit just joined the platoon, and we were on a hill above Tendon, France. The mission was infantry protection for anti-tank guns on the hill. As the men dug in to their foxholes, Germans spotted us and started shelling the hill. The new recruit came running over to me saying, Lt. Sorrels, what must we do? What must we do? I replied, Get back in your hole before you get hurt! After a little experience, the young recruit became a pretty good soldier.
The Korean War

In 1950, I was recalled for the Korean War. I reported at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on Thanksgiving Day. In March 1951, I left Seattle on the Liberty ship where I was the mess officer. I arrived at Camp Chitose, Japan, in April, where I was in charge of maintenance for four months and

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for seven months was the Motor Officer for the camp. The final six months I was on the Defense Council for the Court Martial Board. Upon arrival at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, in April 1952, I had a

double hernia. I was released the end of May after my second hernia surgery. Within months of my discharge, I was pro-moted to Major as part of the U.S. Army Reserves.

Kenneth Stephen
Min-nesota, in 1927, the son of Martin and Marie Stephen. He left high school to join the Navy. When he returned to Duluth after the war, he went back to school and graduated the following spring.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Mr. Stephen served in World War II in the South Pacific. He served in the U.S. Navy from May 11, 1945, until July 29, 1946. He was part of the 91st and 63rd Construction Brigades (SeaBees). He served in the motor pool for each of the construction brigades. His rank was Seaman 1st Class. After the war, Mr. Stephen joined the Naval Reserve for four years. Mr. Stephen was born in Duluth,

Upon finishing the eleventh grade in high school, and the war was on, I decided to join the Navy. That is, if my father will sign for me; I was only seventeen years old. We discussed the pros and cons of the service, and he let me join up. On May 11, 1945, I was inducted into the Navy, sent to Great Lakes Naval Training Station for training and then on to Rhode Island and to California and from there to a place unknown. I finally landed in the Philippine Islands. I served in the motor pool until the war was over. I was lucky: there was not any other action where I was. I was sent back to the States and on July 29, 1946, I was discharged. I then joined the Naval Reserve for four years. In the fall of 1946 I went back to school and graduated from Duluth Denfeld High in the spring of 1947.

Harris Lee Stillwell


Mr. Stillwell served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from January 19, 1943, until December 12, 1945. He was assigned to the USS Corvus (AKA 26).

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His rank was Gunners Mate 1st Class. He was responsible for the maintenance of the vessels guns. He was also the Gun Captain of a pair of 40mm guns. Mr. Stillwell was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with one Battle Star (Okinawa), and the Occupation Service Medal. Mr. Stillwell was born in 1923 to Milo and Dolly Shepard Stillwell in Park Rapids, Min-nesota. He graduated from high school in Cloquet, Minnesota, in 1940.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

On January 19, 1943, three young Cloquet menWally Johnson, Elwood Ferguson and Iwere driven to Duluth by my mother so we could catch a bus to Minneapolis to enlist in the service. In Minneapolis, we went to the Federal Building where we were sworn in. The same day Wally and I were sent to Farragut, Idaho, for basic training, but Elwood was sent to Camp Pendleton, California. Upon completing basic training, I was sent to San Diego for advanced training and taught electric hydraulics for one year. I was then assigned to the USS Corvus (AKA 26) at Providence, Rhode Island. We went from Providence through the Panama Canal to the Pacific theater of action. The Corvus had 32 officers and 275 enlisted men, and we had 30 missions, covering 56,000 miles during the year I was on board. I was gun captain on twin forties and was responsible for the maintenance of all guns. During general quarters, I stood on top of the gun turret and ordered when they should fire. Some of our high profile missions included the Invasion of

Okinawa, where our ship carried 200 soldiers, 23 officers, and trucks and other mobile equipment. They were the first to unload and hit Naha Beach. This took a period of nine days. A kamikaze was heading for our command ship, the El Dorado, so our twin forties shot it down. Many other kamikaze came in during the week and were either shot down or were able to hit our ships. We received orders to go to Pearl Harbor, where new engines were installed. Why? We then got orders to go to San Franciscothen received orders to go to Seattle/Bremerton, where our engines were fine-tuned. The new engines were to give the Corvus more speedimportant for the next mission. We took on men and equipment for the 20th Air Force and departed for Tinian. While en route, there was hush-hush talk about our cargo. When we arrived at Tinian, all other ships had pulled out of the harbor so we could pull in to unload. It took four days to unload, and our crew wasnt allowed to do the job this was done by Port Battalion and all of the men we had taken on in Seattle also left the ship. We spent time walking around Tinian and looking at the B-29sone was the Enola Gay, and our ships book has a picture of the plane. When unloaded, we went to Gua-dalcanal. En route to Guadalcanal, the Indianapolis crossed our bow. They had unloaded at Tinian before we did. Shortly after we saw them, the Indianapolis was sunk by torpedoes from a Japanese sub-marine, with 1,000-plus men losing their lives. While at Guadalcanal, we got orders to go to Samar, Philippines. We were in Sa-mar when we got the news that a new bomb had been

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dropped on Hiroshima on August 6th then a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9th, which brought the surrender of Japan. Had the war not ended then, we were part of the fleet preparing for the invasion of Japanand the loss of many, many more lives. We later found out that our cargo, picked up in Seattle and unloaded at Tin-ian, had a direct bearing on the fate of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Our next mission was to place occupa-tional troops in Amori, Yokahama, and Tokyo. We then departed for Los Angeles, and I was

discharged at Fort Snelling on December 12, 1945. Happily, all three of us who enlisted together came home, but Elwood was seriously wounded. We all were proud to have served our country to try and pre-serve our freedom. Tomorrow is Memorial Day and a time to remember and honor all who have served our country throughout the many years and wars. Let us pray that some day countries and individuals will get along peacefully so there are no more wars.

Wallace Streed
Mr. Streed served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army. He received a letter from the draft board when he was twenty, in 1943. He boarded a bus in Proc-tor, Minnesota, and went with other recruits down to Fort Snelling. He was assigned to the Army Air Forces in Lincoln, Nebraska, and was subsequently reas-signed to the ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program). He studied mechanical engineering at the Colorado School of Mining in Golden, Colorado, and com-pleted a years coursework in six months. At that time, the ASTP of which he was a part closed down, and he was sent to the infantry instead. Mr. Streed had been a meat cutter in civilian life, and in the Army he was often assigned to be a cook. He was sent to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he joined the 66th Infantry Division. They were moved to Camp Rucker, Alabama, and then to Camp Shanks, New York. They boarded the USS George Washington and traveled to Dorchester, England, where they stayed for about a month. He was assigned to the L Company of the 264th and crossed the English Channel to Cherbourg, France. In France, Mr. Streed was a runner, carrying messages and maps up to the front line. After the war, Mr. Streed was in Arles, France, and later in Austria. He oversaw a POW camp in Austria. He was discharged on March 12, 1946. Mr. Streed was decorated with a Bronze Battle Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the American Campaign Medal, the EuropeanAfrican-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Battle Star, the World War II Victory Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars. Mr. Streed was born in Proctor, Minne-sota, in 1922. He is the son of Axel and Mary Streed. He graduated from Proctor High School at age seventeen in 1940.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; oral interview with Veterans Memorial Hall

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Mr. Streed recalled an incident at the POW camp that he administered in Austria:

A lady came walking into the camp, and she had a little boy about nine or ten years old with her. I asked her what she wanted, and she said she heard her husband was here. I said, Oh, what is his name? She told me, and I said, Yes, he is here. He will be back after a little while when they come back from work. I said, You are welcome to stay. So she stayed there, and they came back, and they had their little reunion. I asked her, What are you going to do now? Well, she didnt know what she was going to do, so I

said, Wow would you like to cook for these GIs? There are twenty of them. Oh, I can do that. I told her, I will have the menu printed for you in German so you will know what to fix. We can fix up a place in the storage room so you have a place to stay. And she said that would be fine. I told her, We have twenty GIs, 150 prisoners, and you will be in a shack all by yourself at nightI dont think we can do that. I think probably we had better have your husband stay with you. They were there until I left the company and was on my way home.

Graydon Stromme
Mr. Stromme served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from February 12, 1943, until February 6, 1946. He was assigned to the 16th Weather Squadron. His rank was Sergeant. Mr. Stromme was born in 1924 in Kenyon, Minnesota, the son of Arthur and Bertha Stromme. He graduated from high school in Kenyon in 1942.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Isadore C. Sznaider
Georgia, Solomon Islands, at Munda Point. His rank was T-5. He worked in Commun-ications. Mr. Sznaider was born in the town of Hughes, Bayfield, Wisconsin, the son of Albert and Salomea Sznaider. He gradu-ated from high school in 1936.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Mr. Sznaider served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 925th Signal Company of the U.S. Signal Corps. He served on the island of New

I was on Munda, island of New Geor-gia, Solomon Islands, in the Southwest Pacific for fifteen months for communi-cations at a base that had Air Force, Seabees, Marines, Navy, and Army. Major Richard

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Bong flew off this island while I was there. Made a few stops en route and also on way to Manila, where I was with troops to invade Japan. Thanks to Presi-dent Truman, who ordered the atomic bomb twice and

stopped the planned invasion. I got to Yokohama for two months, from where I came home to San Francisco and was discharged at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

Raymond G. Tessier
Mr. Tessier served in World War II in the South Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from June 6, 1944 until April 6, 1946. He was assigned to the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV 31). His rank was Seaman 1st Class. Mr. Tessier was born in 1926 to Bertha and Joseph Tessier in Duluth, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Jean Baptiste in 1944.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

Boot campFarragut, Idaho. Fire Control SchoolFlorida. Picked up USS Bon Homme Richard in New York. Sailed to Pacific Ocean, picked up and joined 3rd Fleet. Went to Philippines, then Oak. Served In the fleet that bombed Japan with atomic bomb.

Donald George Tveit


the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army from January 4, 1945, until December 8, 1946. He was assigned to Battery C, 198th Field Artillery Battalion. His rank was Technician 5th Grade. He was decorated with the Good Con-duct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal - Japan, and two Overseas Service Bars. Mr. Tveit was born in 1924, the son of Thomas George and Ottila Francis Tveit, in Floodwood, Minnesota.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Mr. Tveit served in World War II in

Norman H. Vollmer
Mr. Vollmer served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served with the U.S. Navy from June 6, 1944, until June 18,

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1946. He attended boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Station, Illinois. He received flight training at the U.S. Air Base at Grosse Ile, Michigan. He was assigned to the U.S. Naval Air Station in Springfield, Illinois, and the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia. He received Naval Aviation Technical training in Norman, Oklahoma. Mr. Vollmer was a member of Torpedo Squadron 97 and Patrol Bombing Squad-ron 103, Squadron

FAW8, Headquarters Squadron Air Wing 4. He served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS White Plains and the USS Suwannee. His rank was Fireman 1st Class V6. Mr. Vollmer was born in 1926 to McLuin E. Vollmer and Martha Bohrer in Mann-haven, Mercer County, North Dakota. He graduated from high school in 1944.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Charles Waldemar Walli


Mr. Walli served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army in the infan-try, from approximately 1943 until the end of the war in Europe. After basic training, he was assigned to Pattons 3rd Army. He saw combat in Germany. Mr. Walli is the son of Jacob and Sophie Walli. The couple emigrated from Norway and settled on a farmstead near Tamarack, Minnesota. Mr. Walli graduated from high school in 1942. He was the first in his family to serve in World War II. When Mr. Walli was on the Honor Flight Northland trip to Washington, D.C., he commented, I dont know why theyre making such a fuss over me. Im just an ordinary man. Mr. Walli is proud of his service to his country in World War II.
Source: Interview with family member

Terrill Jesse Welty


Mr. Welty served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces. After training, he was assigned to the 337th Air Service Group and served in the 301st Fighter Squadron. Although Mr. Welty wa trained to be a B-29 flight engineer, he was assigned to a P-47 fighter squadron in Okinawa. His rank was Corporal. He was a Flight Engineer. Mr. Welty was born in 1927 in Washburn, Wisconsin. He is the son of George and Villa Welty.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; veterans account (below)

I went to school to be a flight engineer on B-29s. When I got to Okinawa, they did not need us. So I was put into a fighter squadron of P47s. I told them I had never seen one, but having been the top of my class, was told I could adapt.

Edward Ronald Wiiliainen

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Mr. Wiiliainen served in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy from Sept-ember 1943 until August 1945. He was assigned to the USS Birmingham and sur-vived the Battle of Leyte Gulf. His rank was Seaman 1st Class. Mr Wiiliainen was born in 1925 in

Hib-bing, Minnesota, the son of Heikki (Henry) and Hilja Wiiliainen. He graduated from high school in 1943.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Albert William Wilander


Mr. Wilander served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947 and was assigned to the 77th Infantry, 306th Regiment. He received his basic training in Kentucky. He served in Hawaii and in Japan. His rank was Corporal. Mr. Wilander was born in 1926 to Martin and Frances Wilander. He graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1944.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form

Mariann Wilson (see Mariann Wilson Wood) Loren Dean Wood, Sr.
China, and in the Korean War. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1st Marine Field Artillery. He was assigned to the L Battery, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. His rank in World War II was Private 1st Class. Mr. Wood was born in 1928 in St. Joseph, Illinois, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Wood.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; WWII Vets Loren and Mariann Wood and Gerald Yourczek take Honor Flight, Cook News-Herald, October 20, 2011, p. 1; veterans account (below)

Mr. Wood served in World War II, in

Enlisted at age seventeen in Spring-field, Illinois, July 20, 1945. Sent to Parris Island, South Carolina, six weeks basic training, then advanced training, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. For advanced

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training on the 155 Howitzer, went to Camp Pendleton, California. Shipped out on SS Young America to Goo, China, and then troop train to Tientsin (now Tianjin). Spent one year in China guarding Japanese prisoners and taking them to work details. I was in the Anping Incident in July 29, 1946, in which three Marines were killed and several were wounded by Chinese Communist forces. Came home on the USS Breckenridge through the Panama Canal. I got to see a lot of China and to get to our main base. We went by

the Great Wall of China. Discharged October 1946. I was also called back for the Korean War for a short time. I was happy and proud to serve my country. I married Mariann Wilson October 31, 1947. Have been happily married for 64 years as of December 2011. Honor Flight was a very special mem-ory. I think you for it. Our daughter, Shirley Nicholas, being our guardian was special also.

Mariann Wilson Wood


Mrs. Wood (then Ms. Wilson) served in World War II. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps from June 29, 1945, until July 3, 1946, and did her basic training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After training, she was assigned to the Navy Annex mailroom in Arlington, Virgi-nia. She sorted, delivered, and addressed mail. Her rank was Private 1st Class. Her job was Clerk Typist. Mrs. Wood was born in 1925 in Lincoln, Illinois, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison F. Wilson. She graduated from high school in 1943.
Source: WWII Vets Loren and Mariann Wood and Gerald Yourczek take Honor Flight, Cook NewsHerald, October 20, 2011, p. 1; veterans account (below)

Went to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for basic training. Then to Henderson Hall, Arling-ton, Virginia. I worked as a clerk typist at the Navy Annex in the mailroom, sorting, delivering, and addressing mail. I met many good friends and we were able to visit Washington, D.C., and New York on weekends. Discharged July 1946. Back to Lincoln, Illinois. I was proud to serve. Married Loren Wood October 31, 1947.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps June 1945 at age twenty. Wanted to go before that, but the age for women was 21 until 1945, when I enlisted. I worked for a war plant in Illiopolis, Illinois, making ammunition for the war effort, so I had to get a release from the factory to join the Marine Corps.

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Have been happily married for 64 years as of December 2011. Honor Flight was a very special memory. I thank you for it. Our daughter being our guardian was special also.

Gerald Yourczek
Invasion of Okinawa. During the Korean War, Mr. Yourczek participated in the blockade of Wonson Harbor. He attended the Navys nuclear power school, where he trained to repair nuclear submarines. His rank was Chief Petty Officer. When he retired, he was Chief Recruiter for the Navy in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Mr. Yourczek received a Presidential Unit Citation for the blockade of Wonson Harbor. He received one Battle Star for his service in World War II and four Battle Stars for his service in the Korean War, in addition to other service medals. Mr. Yourczek was born in Little Falls, Minnesota. He received his high school diploma in 1945 on Guam.
Source: Veterans Memorial Hall veteran history form; WWII Vets Loren and Mariann Wood and Gerald Yourczek take Honor Flight, Cook News-Herald, October

Mr. Yourczek served in three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Navy from Novem-ber 1944 until August 1967. During World War II, he was assigned to Naval Construction Battalion 27 (NCB 27). He served on the destroyer USS Gregory (DD 802) and on the Baltimore-class repair ship USS Toledo (CA 133). Mr. Yourczek participated in the

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20, 2011, p. 1; veterans account (below)

Enlisted in 1944, made invasion, Okinawa. Served on U.S. Navy destroyer repair ship USS Toledo (CA 133). Went to Navys nuclear power school for repairs on nuc subs and spent 1 1/2 years training in

Washington, D.C. Ended career as Chief Recruiter in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

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