World War II Honoree

Robert Theodore Olson

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Honored By

Mary Harfoot

Relationship

Granddaughter

ENTERED ACTIVE DUTY WITH THE WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD 32ND DIVISION IN OCTOBER 1940. SERVED IN WWII WITH COMPANY B, 150TH ENGINEERING COMBAT BATTALION, 3RD ARMY IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. RECEIVED 5 CAMPAIGN STARS FOR NORMANDY, NORTHERN FRANCE, CENTRAL EUROPE, ARDENNES AND RHINELAND. HE RECEIVED BRONZE STAR FOR ACTS OF HEROISM ON FEBRUARY 6, 1945 IN LUXEMBOURG FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF VITAL MISSION OF AN ASSAULT RIVER CROSSING OVER THE OUR RIVER. RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART FOR WOUNDS RECEIVED IN THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE ON FEBRUARY 7, 1945. RECEIVED BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION FROM 1ST SERGEANT TO 2ND LIEUTENANT. PROMOTED TO 1ST LIEUTENANT BEFORE DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY IN OCTOBER OF 1945.