Martin M. Hietala
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Martin M. Hietala of Aurora, Minnesota, was inducted into the Army on January 23, 1941 at Fort Snelling, Minn.
He served as a Technician 5th Grade and squad leader with Company C of the 501st Parachute Infantry, 19th Coast Artillery, 82nd Airborne Div. and 101st Airborne Div. in Europe.
He completed a combat jump in Sicily on July 9, 1943. He helped secure Sicily in 38 days.
He also fought in Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Italy; Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.
Mr. Hietala was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (101st Airborne), Distinguished Unit Citation (III Army), Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with seven bronze battle stars, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and four overseas service bars.
He was honorably discharged August 5, 1945 at Camp McCoy, Wis.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 112.
