Elmer enlisted in 1945 as the war in Europe was ending. He needed to have a permission form signed by his mother, because he was only seventeen years old. Elmer entered the service on 6-MAR 1946 at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis MO.
His military records state he was a Heavy Weapons Crewman (MOS 812) in the 38th Infantry Regiment Company D. The Heavy Weapons MOS sets up, aims and fires 81 mm mortar for support in the attack and defense. The MOS supervises activities of a heavy weapons unit, comprising heavy (.30 and .50 caliber) machine guns and heavy (81-mm and 4.2-inch) mortars to provide fire power in support of other tactical units in attack and defense. Elmer was also a qualified military skier and trainer.
For the rest of Elmer’s story, click on the pdf below.
