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Wall honors Underwood natives, soldiers who gave their lives [UPDATED]
Published 1:30pm Sunday, May 1, 2011 Updated 1:32pm Monday, May 2, 2011Underwood native sons who gave their lives during times of war are honored at American Legion Post 489. Their photos and written tributes are on the wall at the lower level of the Legion in downtown Underwood, thanks to Ron Shebeck, a Vietnam veteran.
Eight hometown young men from Underwood gave their lives.
George Bergem, for whom Legion Post 489 is named, was 24 when he died in the Meuse Argonne Offensive during World War I. The Underwood native is buried in France.
“These are special men who deserve being recognized and honored here at our American Legion,” said Shebeck. The photos and tributes are well-secured on the wall at the lower level meeting room, thanks to Wayne Gschwend and Jim Erpelding, also Legion members.
Five Underwood natives who served during World War II gave their lives.
PFC Lyle Leeman, 22, died at the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. PFC John Jacobson, 25, died in the Solomon Islands in 1944. He is a Bronze Star recipient. PVT Joslyn Thompson, 21, died in 1943 in the South Pacific. George Olson, 26, a member of the Army Air Corp, died in 1943 in the Southwest Pacific Theatre. PFC Edgar Olson, who served in the U.S. Marines, died in the Battle of Saipan in 1944.
Underwood native and Korean War serviceman Duane Larson died in 1952 in the Sea of Japan. Master Sgt. Elroy Harworth, 24, died in Vietnam in 1966.
“Each of these men is special and gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Shebeck. “We are proud to have a very active American Legion post here in Underwood.”
