Harold Ehlers
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Photo 1: Harold Ehlers in uniform. On the back of the photo, he wrote, "Guess I grew another inch." Photo 2: Mr. Ehlers in Berlin in front of a framed image of Josef Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union. He wrote, "Went all the way to Berlin. The Big Two."
Harold Ehlers served during World War II in the U.S. Army from July 15, 143, until March 19, 1946.
He was assigned to the 519th Port Battalion.
According to one source, "the 519th Port Bn. served in Antwerp, Belgium, from November 1944 until the end of the war. They were under the 13th Major Port Group in the American sector of the city. . . . The Port Companies in Antwerp moved supplies off of ships and guarded the supplies as they were sent to the front."
His rank was Technician 5th Grade.
Mr. Ehlers' was awarded the Croix de Guerre, the Arrowhead device, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He was born in Cornucopia, Wis, the son of Herman and Esther Ehlers. He graduated from high school in 1942.
Source: Veterans' Memorial Hall veteran history form; vBulletin (http://www.ww2f.com/military-service-record-g...); veteran's account (see below)
No trouble getting Arrowhead or Croix de Guerre ribbons. The Good Conduct (usually a gimme) was the hardest to get!
