On the road

On the road

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Profiles Spring-Summer 2013 HFDFW


 

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!    

No comments:

Post a Comment