World War II Honoree

James Markham Olsen

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Hibbing, Minnesota

Honored By

David A. Olsen

Relationship

Son

SERVED IN COMPANY F OF THE 161ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION, 6TH ARMY. INDUCTED 6/26/43 AT FORT SNELLING, MINNESOTA. LANDED AT LINGAYEN GULF, LUZON, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 1/11/45 AND SERVED 165 DAYS CONTINUOUS FRONT LINE DUTY, INCLUDING THE BATTLE OF BALETE PASS (LATER RENAMED DALTON PASS). CONDUCTED MANY SOLO BEHIND ENEMY LINES RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS. PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF FIRST SERGEANT AT THE AGE OF 19. PART OF OCCUPYING FORCE OF JAPAN AFTER SURRENDER. DEPARTED JAPAN 12/31/45 AND DISCHARGED FROM ARMY 1/25/46.