World War II Honoree

Elmer W. Heindl

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Rochester, New York

Honored By

James O. Travis

Relationship

Fellow Veteran

SERVED AS A CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN IN THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. MEMBER OF THE 37TH INFANTRY DIVISION, BUCKEYE DIVISION. AWARDED THE LEGION OF MERIT, BRONZE STAR, A SILVER STAR AND THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (NATION'S SECOND HIGHEST COMBAT AWARD) FOR HEROISM IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS AND THE BLOODY BATTLE FOR MANILA IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. HE PRAYED OVER DYING SOLDIERS AND CARRIED WOUNDED MEN TO SAFETY WHILE UNDER INTENSE AND HEAVY ENEMY FIRE.