Leo Keskinen
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Leo Keskinen entered the Army on March 20, 1943, in Duluth, Minnesota. Home at entry: Fond Du Lac, Duluth, Minnesota.
He served as a Captain, chemical warfare unit commander, and military government administrative officer with 4th Division and 399th Infantry of 100th Division in Rhineland, Ardennes, Normandy, Northern France, and Central Europe.
As chemical warfare unit commander: served as a platoon leader in a 42 mortar platoon for about eight months. Platoon included about 40 enlisted men and two officers. Responsible for training, administration, and general welfare of the men.
Served as Executive officer for a 42 mortar company of about 135-140 enlisted men and nine officers. Performed all supply functions, mess, transportation, ammunition, summary court, censor, battalion special service officer and athletic and recreation officer.
As a military government administrative officer: Served as food and agriculture officer, denazification officer, transportation officer, supply officer and civilian summary court officer.
Was the only officer in Landkreiss, Wolfheagen responsible for 45,000 German Civilians for a two month period. Participated in the invasion of Utah Beach on June 6, 1944, H plus 90 with the 4th division.
He was awarded the: American Theater Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five bronze battle stars, and Army Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.
Mr. Keskinen was relieved from active duty on May 1, 1946, at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, page 358.
