John A. Haikio
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
John A. Haikio of Menahga, Minnesota, was inducted into the Army on April 16, 1943, at Fort Snelling, Minn.
He served as a Private First Class in Company B of the 3051st Engineer Combat Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. He participated in the D-Day landingon Utah Beach, Normandy. He also served in Rome-Arno, Italy; Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe.
Mr. Haikio was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with five bronze battle stars and bronze arrowhead, World War II Victory Medal and three overseas service bars.
"I often wonder how lucky I was when so many were not. I hope there never has to be any more invasions or wars."
He was honorably discharged December 2, 1945 at Camp McCoy, Wis.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 98.
John Alfred Haikio, 92, of Coon Rapids, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2016, in the Crest View Lutheran Home in Columbia Heights.
John was born in Menahga to John and Hilma (Tomperi) Haikio.
He entered the army in April 1943 and served as Co. B 51st Encr. Combat. On D-Day he was in Normandy at the Battle of the Bulge.
After he was married to Mildred Anderson in 1950, they made their home in Toivola for 40 years, and then moved to Hibbing in 1989. In 2011 they moved to Coon Rapids, Minn.
John liked hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and all sports. He will be sadly missed. John loved his family and his grandchildren and great grandsons. He was a good husband and father and grandfather.
He belonged to the V.F.W. Post 8510, American Legion and Narve 92.
Source: Duluth News Tribune: 06/22/2016
