Reinhold W. Holmer
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Coast Guard
Photo 1: Reinhold Holmer in 1945. Photo 2: Mr. Holmer's unit. Mr. Holmer is in the second row, sixth from the left. ------
Reinhold Holmer served in World War II enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard Temporary Reserve in Seattle, Washington, on November 11, 1944.
He served in the Coast Guard from 1944 until the end of the war in the Pacific. He was assigned to Port Security. His rank was Seaman
He was discharged on September 30, 1945. .
Mr. Holmer was born in 1916, the son of Nels and Hilda Holmer, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Cook (MN) High School in 1934. After graduation, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s son’s account (below); veteran’s account (below); original VMH website entry (below)
---- Veteran’s son’s account: "After basic training at the Seattle Armory, they were issued side arms. The Commanding Officer told them at that time to keep them in the holster, but after a long pause, he said, 'But if you have to pull it out, you are to empty it into whoever it may be.'
"My father started guard duty along the Seattle waterfront and piers. Standing one-man night patrols was often very scary until they had two men on patrol.
"He helped in the capture of an Alaskan Indian who had murdered some women in Seattle. He was hiding under a small boat, sneaking out at night to get food and had plans to hop a ship going back to Alaska. He was looking for food at the back door of a waterfront café.
"These are a couple of his memories. He can keep your attention for a long time telling you of his many experiences."
---- Reinhold Holmer's personal account: “I was born May 26, 1916, in Minneapolis. At the age of five, my parents, sister Evelyn, and I came to Alvinia, Minnesota (now Gheen). Attended schools in Gheen area through the 10th grade. Junior and senior years were spent at Cook. After graduation, I joined the Civilian Conservation Corps.
“In 1937, I was joined in marriage with a sweet girl, Lucille Sopof, of Cusson, Minnesota. “Worked on WPA projects; attended government sponsored classes in mechanical and architectural drawing.
“September 1941, we moved to Seattle, Washington, and worked in the Engineering Department at Boeing Airplane Company.
“Enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Temporary Reserve. World War II ended. We came back to Gheen and operated Silver Sign Service.
“In 1952, we returned to Seattle and continued my occupation in painting.
“The decisive year of 1969, we moved back to Gheen, where are roots are deep. “I have had membership in many organizations. Holmer Sign Service and numerous hobbies brings me into my retirement.
“Life has not been without adversities. Of five children, we have two living, namely Allen and Carole.
“My most unusual experience was in 1935. A cyclone and tornado lifted me a short distance off the ground.”
--- Original website entry: Reinhold W. Holmer S1-C enlisted in the Coast Guard on November 11, 1944 in the Seattle regiment. He was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard Reserve on September 30, 1945.
