Walter E. Haanpaa
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Walter E. Haanpaa was inducted into the Army March 29, 1942, Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Home at entry: Chisholm, Minnesota.
He served as a Sergeant and communications chief with Company I of the 359th Infantry Regiment in Northern France, Normandy, Ardennes, and Rhineland.
He was twice wounded in action on August 20 and December 14, 1944, in the European Theater of Operation.
Mr. Haanpaa was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze battle stars, World War II Victory Medal and two overseas service bars.
He was honorably discharged June 19, 1945, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 97.
