World War II Honoree

Reuben W. Hartje

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Honored By

Ms. Holly Clanton

Relationship

Daughter

Was drafted April 1943 at 19. First camp was in Fort Sheridan, Illinois and then basic training at Greensboro, North Carolina. Assigned to England in September 1944 and later to France. Radio Operator and Waist Gunner for the 586th Bomb Squadron, 394th Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force. On March 22, 1945 while flying his 35th mission over Germany, he was shot down. Was caught by German soldiers in front lines 2 miles away from Canadian allies. Held as POW in Stalag 11B at Fallingbostel, Germany. Liberated on May 2 by the British and returned to Brussels, Belgium on May 8.