For God and Country

Martin County Veterans Memorial www.mcvm.org

IWWI and WWII information was obtained from two books borrowed from the Martin County Historical Society. Martin County in the WORLD WAR 1917-1919. Compiled by Arthur M. Nelson and published by the Sentinel Publishing Company of Fairmont, Minnesota in 1920. Service Record World War II Martin County Minnesota, sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. The WWII book was narrated by by Ray F Kesler. Hopefully this compilation has been transcribed accurately and no one has been omitted. In the event that errors or omissions have occurred, please contact us with the correct information. This is an ongoing process and changes can be made at any time.

Civil War

Records found on the Civil War showed that 63 Martin County, Minnesota residents participated in the Civil War. Records show that 8 died during or just after the war. It is not know at this point if they died from combat, accident, or illness. These names will be listed here and if any information can added as to their demise, please let us know. 626 Minnesotans were KIA in the Civil War, 1677 died from disease, 159 died in POW camps, and 43 died in accidents.

Canfield, Daniel A. Died 1/20/1864

Canfield, James E. Died 2/4/1864

Cook, M.L. Died 1865

Hudson, James S. ?

Johnson, Issac ?

Personius, Horace Died 1/11/1867

Schultz, Christian Died 12/16/1864

Whitcomb, Milo S. Died 5/24/1865

Spanish-American War

April of 1898 saw about 3500 people see off about 80 soldiers from Martin Counties Co D, of the Minnesota National Guard. On May 9th, 1898 they were mustered into Federal service and trained at Camp Thomas at Chickamuga Park in Georgia. They trained hard under very severe conditions and suffered from typhoid, dysentery, and malaria. Equipment, uniforms and supplies were in short supply. After many hardships the men returned home on September 23 after seeing no action.

WWI Martin County Service Members Who Died Serving Their Country

Anderson, Alfred E. Sergeant Died October 8, 1918 Influenza

Anderson, Fredolph O. Private Died October 13,1918 Pneumonia

Anderson, Gust W. Corporal MIA October18, 1918. Reported missing in battle near Grandpre, France and was no doubt lost in battle.

Bast, , Henry A. Private Died October 6, 1918 Influenza

Brinkman, Carl E. Private Died October 11, 1918 Pneumonia

Brown, Wilber E. Private Died January 27, 1919 Pneumonia

Carlson, Elwin G. Private Died November 8, Influenza

Cary, Clifford L. Private KIA October 8, 1918 Killed in an explosion at Exermont in the Argonne, by a direct hit.

Cattnach, Ora F. Private KIA August 9, 1918 Shot in the chest and arm he died of his wounds. Place unknown.

Dahnke, Carl F. Private Died October 16, 1918 Pneumonia

Deitrick, Franklin J. Private January 3, 1918 Pneumonia

Donwen, Albert F. Private November 20, 1918 Railroad accident

Edman, Andreas T.J. Private November 2, 1919 Influenza/Pneumonia

Feller, Seward F. Private January 13, 1918 Influenza

Foster, Henry W. Private KIA October 23, 1918 Killed in heavy action near Grand Pre.

Giles, Burdette M. Sergeant February 27, 1919 Typhoid fever

Giles, Delaney S. Private November 15, 1918 Pneumonia

Graff, Arthur N. Private October 9, 1918 Influenza

Hammer, Thomas T. Private KIA October 7, 1918 Killed in action in the Argonnes.

Havn, Hans O. Private October 11, 1918. Pneumonia

Houghtaling, Elting W. Private June 15, 1918 Pneumonia

Jensen, Anton P. Private KIA September 26, 1918 Killed on the first day of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive

Jensen, Theodore C. Landsman September 12, 1918 Pneumonia

Johnson, Arden G. Private October 8, 1918 Influenza/Pneumonia

Jones, Galen H. Private First Class December 1, 1918 Motorcycle orderly died from injuries from collision with truck while stationed in France.

Klindt, Julius G, First Sergeant KIA November 1, 1918 Killed during action during Meuse-Argonne offensive.

Klusendorf, Rudolph T. Corporal KIA October 5, 1918 Killed in the Battle of the Argonne.

Lade, Arthur Private KIA October 15, 1918 Killed during the Meuse-Argonne offensive.

Lucas, Arlo G. Private November 8,1918 Influenza

Nassen, Ernest G. Private KIA October 25, 1918 Was a stretcher bearer and severely wounded near Grand Pre. Died several days later of his wounds.

Nelson, Chris Private January 25, 1918 Pneumonia

Oles, Lee R. Private November 26, 1917 Pneumonia

Olson, Nels S. Private KIA August 17, 1918 Killed near Ypres.

Oselius, Hjalmer J. Private KIA October 12, 1918 Killed during operations for the relief of the "Lost Battalion" of the 77th Division.

Personius, Lester C. Corporal August 17, 1917. Died of disease in Fairmont at Camp Wm. Bird. First Martin County soldier to give his life in the war.

Prentice, Lee C. Second Lieutenant August 1, 1918 KIA Aviator last seen alive after landing in enemy territory near Vigny, France.

Reader, George E. Private KIA October 17, 1918 Killed in action in France.

Redman, Milton E. Private April 25, 1918 Died of disease.

Reis, Fred H. C. Private October 5,1918 Influenza

Robinson, Ray W. Private October 2, 1918 Influenza

Rodewald, Bert D. Private October 3, 1918 Pneumonia

Saxton, Thomas Corporal KIA September 29, 1918 Killed by shell fire near Bellecourt, France.

Schwieger, Arnold F. Private KIA October 4, 1918 Killed in the Meuse-Argonne.

Sengbusch, George H. Private October 15, 1918 Influenza

44 Martin County Soldiers Died during WWI

1 MIA

15 KIA

23 Influenza/Pneumonia

2 Disease

1 Typhoid Fever

1 Train accident

1 Motorcycle accident

WWII Martin County Service Members Who Died Serving Their Country

Abel, Donald H. Corporal KIA April 9, 1945 on Okinawa Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart

Andersen, Frank A. Sergeant KIA May 29, 1943 on Attu Island Purple Heart posthumously

Anderest, Arlo O. Private First Class KIA May 22, 1945 on Okinawa WWII Victory Medal, Purple Heart posthumously, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal w/1 Bronze Star

Andros, Rollo C. Captain of Infantry KIA July 13, 1943 in New Georgia, Southwest Pacific Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart

Barnett, Lloyd F. Private First Class KIA October 8, 1943 in Italy Purple Heart

Bernhardt, Daniel R. Private First Class KIA May 29, 1943 during ground fighting on Attu Purple Heart

Borchardt, Marlen H. Private KIA April 17, 1945 Wounded by enemy fire while on guard duty. Died in American hospital in France of his wound. Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal

Bosshart, Maurice L, Seaman 2nd Class KIA January 14, 1944 Lost at sea, Pacific Area. WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal

Brown, David N. Corporal KIA August 5, 1944 Killed by sniper on Guam. Expert Rifleman Medal, American Theatre Medal, Purple Heart posthumously, Presidential Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, WWII Victory Medal

Brown, John W. Private First Class KIA June 13, 1944 Aide and personal bodyguard to Gen. Taylor. Killedin France. Sharpshooter badge, GoodConduct Medal,American Theatre Medal, Purple Heart,Presidential Citation, WWII Victory Medal, European Medal

Brandt, James L. First Lieutenant KIA July 7, 1944 Killed on Saipan, Marianas Islands. Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, Purple Heart, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, American Defense Medal, WWII Victory Medal-all awarded posthumously

Carrol, James E. Private First Class KIA February 22, 1944 Killed on Iwo Jima. WWII Victory medal, Presidential Unit Citation w/1 Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, Purple Heart

Carver, Byron C. Unknown Rank KIA April 18, 1945 Killed on Luzon. Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, American Defense Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal

Claussen, Willis E. Private First Class KIA May 21, 1945 Killed on Okinawa. Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon w/2 Battle Stars, Bronze Arrowhead, Philippines Liberation Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, American Defense Medal

Evjen, Leroy R. Seaman First Class KIA Buried at sea. Date not known. Purple Heart

Fouts, Melvin C. Private First Class KIA March 1, 1945. Lost his life in Meuse River near Dinant, Belgium. European Theatre medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/2 clasps, Expert Rifleman's Badge, American Theatre Medal

Glasco, Don N. Second Lieutenant KIA June 22, 1944 Served in Burma. Purple Heart

Gorman, Robert S. Lieutenant KIA January 30, 1944 Killed in Germany. Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart

Gukeen, Harry A. Private First Class KIA April 26, 1945 Killed at Baruch, Germany . Expert Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Presidential Citation, European Theatre Ribbon

Hefler, Harold E. Private First Class KIA March 16, 1945 Killed on the Siegfried Line, near Absuciler, Germany. Infantry Combat Badge, Purple Heart

Heiser, Robert F. Sergeant KIA January 30, 1944 Killed at Cisterna di Littoria, Italy. Distinguished Service Cross awareded posthumously, Purple Heart

Jensen, Oscar Sergeant KIA September 13, 1944. In the skies over Germany, Purple Heart

Johnson, John G. Corporal KIA September 22, 1944 Killed at Aitape, New Guinea. Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, American Theatre Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal w/3 clasps, WWII Victory Medal, Infantry Combat Badge

Kahler, Vernon F. Electrician's Mate Third Class KIA November 25, 1944 Lost his life in an attack. American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Purple Heart

Keller, Edgar H.G. Platoon Sergeant KIA May 16,1945 Killed on Okinawa. Presidential Citation with Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/3 Battle Stars

Krohn, Lloyd A. Sergeant KIA October 25, 1944 Killed on Leyete, Philippines. Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Medal w/1 Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Medal w/1 Bronze Star, Purple Heart

Larimore, Merle S. Staff Sergeant KIA January 5, 1945 Killed by a sniper in Alsace-Lorraine. Good Conduct Medal, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Purple Heart

Lenz, Donald J. Private First Class KIA January 13, 1945 Killed in action over Belgium. Awards not available. Fought on "D-Day" and the Battle of the Bulge.

Lighthardt, Roland W. Private KIA March 8, 1945 Killed on Iwo Jima. Purple Heart

Lueck, Max F. Private First Class KIA January 18, 1945 Killed on Luzon, Philippines. Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal w/3 Bronze Stars

Lynch, Maurice J. Second Lieutenant KIA June 15, 1944 Killed at Saipan. Legion of Merit after Tarawa, March 1, 1944, Purple Heart (Saipan), Bronze Star (Saipan), Asiatic-Pacific Medal w/3 Stars, American Defense Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon Bar w/2 Emerald Stars

Mann, William D. Private First Class KIA January 22,1942 First Martin county boy to be killed in WWII and second boy from Minnesota to be killed. Killed in the Battle of Hacinda on Bataan. Purple Heart, Presidential Citation

Melby, Carl E. Staff Sergeant KIA Wounded July 11, 1944, returned to active duty August 22, 1944. Was killed November 10, 1944 in France. Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, Bronze Arrowhead

Mueller, James M. Sergeant KIA February 4, 1945 Killed at Luxembourg, Germany. Infantryman's Badge, Purple Heart (for wounds received in action), Purple Heart posthumously

Murphy, Paul C. First Lieutenant KIA August 10, 1943 Killed at Sicily, Italy. Purple Heart, National Defense Ribbon, Combat infantry Badge w/2 Battle Star

Olson, Bruce P. Second Lieutenant KIA October 7, 1945 Killed over Okinawa. Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal

Palmer, Dewey E. Private First Class KIA May14, 1945. Wounded on Leyete. Killed on Conical Hill, Okinawa. Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/3 clasps, Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, Expert Rifleman's Badge

Peterson, Sidney W. First Lieutenant KIA May 28, 1944 Shot down on his 60th mission. Distinguished Flying Cross, 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal, Purple Heart

Rosenberg, Herbert H. Private First Class KIA June 22, 1945 Killed on Okinawa. Silver Star, Infantry Combat Badge, Good Conduct Medal

Rowe, Jerris R. KIA November 26, 1944 Killed at Hellering, France. Rifleman's Badge, Purple Heart

Sandberg, Wayne Aviation Radioman Third Class KIA February 16, 1945 Killed in the skies over Tokyo. Air Medal

Schmidtke, Waldemar E. Staff Sergeant KIA January 22, 1945 Killed at Luzon, Philippines. Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Purple Heart, American Defense Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/3 clasps

Schultz, Donald L. Staff Sergeant KIA May 26, 1944 Killed in Italy. Combat Infantryman's Badge, 5th Army Commemorative Medal, Purple Heart

Senne, Harvey J. Seaman First Class Killed in Marine Disaster, North Pacific, near the Aleutian Islands, January 12, 1943. American Campaign medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, WWII Victory Medal

Sisson, Ronald C. Private First Class KIA December 5, 1944 Killed as the leading scout for his platoon, Leyete, Philippines. Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifleman, Purple Heart

Starr, Donald R. Sergeant KIA September 30, 1944 Killed near Mook, Holland. Silver Star, Bronze lion of Holland, Purple Heart-all awarded posthumously

Streit, Vincent L. Private KIA August 3, 1943 Killed in Sicily, Italy. Purple Heart

Style, James G. Staff Sergeant KIA December 29, 1944 Killed at Sadgot, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. Purple Heart posthumously

Style, Robert G. Private First Class KIA July 13, 1944 Purple Heart, European Theatre Medal

Sukalski, Edward J. Corporal KIA July 11, 1944 Killed in France.

Tomlinson, Jack R. KIA November 10, 1944 Killed in France. Purple Heart

Tonne, Raymond L. Sergeant KIA April 8 , 1943 Killed in Tunisia, North Africa during the Battle of Hill 609. Purple Heart

Trondson, Sheldon E. Private First Class KIA July 27, 1944 Killed in France. Purple Heart, European Theatre Medal, WWII Victory Medal

Uplinger, Charles J. Private First Class KIA October 5, 1944 Killed in Holland. Purple heart posthumously

Vincent, Glenn H. Private First Class KIA December 23, 1944 Purple Heart, European Theatre Ribbon

Wilson, Ralph H. Sergeant KIA February 23, 1945 Killed somewhere in the North Sea. Purple Heart posthumously

Winzenburg, George . Second Lieutenant KIA August 25, 1945 Reported MIA November 5, 1943 over Muenster, Germany. Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, European Theatre Medal

WWII Dead Other Than Killed In Action

Betin, James H. Private Died May 1944 in California. Cause unknown.

Davison, Ray Sergeant Army Air Force, Died in a plane crash. October 6, 1943

Detert, Fritz F. Private First Class August 5, 1943 Died in an automobile accident in California. WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Good ConductMedal

Giles, Harry D. Second Lieutenant December 2, 1942 While on a routine flight over Waco,Texas, he died in a plane crash. WWII Victory Medal

Kastning, Wayne W. Sergeant Died in a plane crash July 18, 1943 in Oregon.

Koefod, James R. Aviation Cadet Died of Disease in Chicago in January of 1943.

Mayo, Lloyd W. Second Lieutenant Died in an airplane crash at El Toro, California on January 31, 1944 while flying a F4U Corsair Fighter plane. Marines Corps.

Metz, Robert A. Second Lieutenant Flew P47 Thunderbolt for combat duty. Flew 23 missions over France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. While testing a plane on August 11, 1944, his plane crashed and he was killed. Purple Heart, Air Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster

Meyenburg,Paul W. Technical Sergeant Was killed May 6, 1944 in a car accident at Fort Knox, Kentucky. WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal

Myking, Arnold G. Private First Class Died December 16, 1945 in Denver,Colorado. Asian-Pacific Theatre Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/3 clasps, Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon

Roehler, Helen Ensign Navy Nurse Corp Killed in an airplane crash in the Aleutian Island area of Alaska. Red Cross Medal

Scheef, Willis E. Private First Class Died on active duty May 10, 1945 in Germany. Cause of death not stated. Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Medal, European Theatre Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Medal, Purple Heart

Stoneback, Clinton F. Second Lieutenant Killed on November 8, 1942 while ferrying materials and soldiers across the Carribean Sea.

Thiede, Alfred L. Lieutenant Killed in a plane crash near Jacksonville, Florida, November 6 , 1944. American Theatre Medal, WWII Victory Medal

Welchlin, Wilbert Sergeant Died in Monroe, Louisiana, on April11, 1945. Cause not stated.

71 Young Men and 1 Woman Lost Their Lives During WWII.

57 KIA

14 non battle deaths

Korean War Martin County Service Members Killed in Action

Bringle, Dale E Sergeant Killed on October 5, 1951 U.S. Army 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division

Ziemer, Jack R. From East Chain Missing on July 30, 1950 U.S. Army MIA POW 19 Infantry Division 2nd Battalion Missing in Action near Pusan perimeter. Presumed dead February 17, 1954.

Vietnam War Martin County Service Members Killed in Action

Carson, Edwin E Private First Class Killed on October 21,1968. From Fairmont U.S. Army Killed North of Saigon less than six months in country.

Hamsmith, Allan F Sergeant Killed on July 22, 1968. From Fairmont U.S. Army 101st Airborne, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, B Company. Located Bunkers Vic Trang Bang, South Vietnam, Hua Nghia province.

Harber, Stephen J Sergeant Killed on July 2, 1970. From Fairmont U.S. Army MIA Killed on Hill 902during the Battle of Ripcord

Harper, Timothy V Staff Sergeant Killed on February 17, 1971 From Ceylon U.S. Army Killed at Phuoc Long, South Vietnam. 1st Cav Division Airmobile

Jorgenson, Jerome D Sergeant Killed on May 15, 1969 From Fairmont U.S. Army killed by grenade at Thau Thien, South Vietnam. 101stAirborne Division

Lindberg, Brian V Lance Corporal Killed on April 4, 1968 From Dunnell U.S.M.C. 3rd Marine Division 1st Battalion 9th Marines A Company Killed Quang Tri province, Hill 471 near Khe Sanh Combat Base.

Schanck, Henry E Lance Corporal Killed on January 3, 1968 From Fairmont U.S.M.C. III Marine Amphibious Force, 2nd Civil Affairs Group. Killednear Phouc Trach East of Hoi An Quang Nam province by explosive device.

Smithson, Craig D Private First Class Killed on December 20, 1969 From Welcome U.S. Army 199 Light Infantry Bde Killed at Binh Thaun.

Wolter, James L Specialist 4th Class Killed on January 7, 1969 From Granada U.S. Army 11 Light Infantry Bde Killed by small arms fire Quang Ngai.

Wood, Robert H. Sergeant Killed on July 15, 1969 From Fairmont U.S. Army 11 Light Infantry Bde Killedby exp[osive device Quang Ngai.

Worthley, Kenneth W. Staff Sergeant Killed on August 8, 1969 From Sherburn U.S. Army 5th Special Forces Killed in Laos from small arms fire.

Iraq/Afghanistan

Deeds, Roger W. Lance Corporal Killed November, 2005 From Truman USMC Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendelton

Killed in Obeidi, Iraq

Posivio, Robert Lance Corporal Killed May 23, 2006 From Sherburn USMC I Battalion, Ist Marine Regiment, Ist Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendelton Killed in Karmah, Iraq

Iraq/Afghanistan Died Other Than KIA

Posivio, Daniel Fireman Apprentice Navy From Sherburn USS Carl Vinson Killed in automobile accident July 27, 2004.