Elmer was serving in the National Guard and was inducted
into that service on November 25, 1940. As Germany had attacked Poland in 1939 and
Japan had attacked China, the American military began mobilizing for war. Elmer,
like many others in the National Guard, enlisted into the regular Army. His
date of induction was July 3, 1940.
After his basic training, Elmer was trained specifically to
be a forward artillery observer, radioman and rifleman. This was extremely dangerous
duty since these men had to go forward of their own lines to observe and spot
the enemy and send back coordinates to their artillery commanders for fire control
missions.
Elmer served in almost all theaters in Europe and Africa
during WWII. Some of these were North Africa, Italy including Rome, Naples and
Foggia where the 15th AAF built a large airbase. He was also in
action at the Battle of Monte Casino in Italy.
Later in the war, Elmer was at the Battle of the Bulge,
Argonne Forest, Rhineland and all over central Europe. One of his most
terrifying and memorable experience was when a 155mm howitzer blew up and mutilated
the whole crew.
After over five years in the military, Elmer was discharged
with the rank of Tech-4 on August 15, 1945. He admits to have been awarded the
Good Conduct medal. Elmer also said that when a soldier was constantly on the
front lines, you don’t get medals!
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