John E. Thorstad
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Photo 1: John Thorstad at Headquarters Battery, 1941
John E. Thorstad enlisted in the Army 125th Field Artillery Battalion on December 8, 1934. Entered active duty in February 1941.
Mr. Thordtad attended Antitank Officer Candidate School in 1942. Joined the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion in May 1943 in North Africa. He left for Italy in October 1943 and made the invasion at Anzio in January 1944.
He was reclassified to limited duty after being caught in an all-night artillery barrage. Enlisted in 595th Engineer Boat Regiment and redesignated 595th Engineer Combat Group as the company executive officer and sent to Southern France.
His unit did bridge and road repair through France and Germany participating in seven campaigns. Returned to the States in September 1945. Retained in the Army and retired as Major in February 28, 1961.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 322.
