Harold C. Mostrom

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Army

Harold C. Mostrom of Esko, Minnesota was enlisted in the Army on November 16, 1942.

He was a Staff Sergeant, an infantry squad leader and a platoon sergeant with Company C in the 242nd Infantry Regiment in the 42nd Infantry Division in Rhineland and Central Europe.

"On January 9, Germans attacked town...in France defended by my unit. All officers of Company C were casualties in the early hours of this fight. Despite continued assaults by the Germans, the 242nd held off the enemy, but at a terrible cost. After 52 hours, only 11 officers out of 43 remained, and 253 enlisted men out of 748. All the rest were killed, wounded or missing in action.

"Later, a German tank officer who was captured said this was the fiercest fight he was ever in.

The 1st Battalion of the 242nd was awarded" "A Distinguished Unit Citation."

Mr. Mostrom received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, European-African-Middle East Campaign Service Medal with two bronze battle stars, American Campaign Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and one overseas service bar

He was discharged on January 1, 1946.

Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 212.