Olivar E. Sandahl

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Army

Olivar E. Sandahl entered into the Army on February 24, 1946 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Home at entry: Vining, Minnesota.

He served as a Technician Fifth Grade with the 781st Engineer Depot Company in Japan.

Mr. Sandahl shared the following story: "I joined the Army when I was 17 years old but Dad wouldn't sign me up until after all the hostility ended. I spent six months in Fort Belvoir, VA., with the Army Engineers for eight week infantry, two weeks demolitions, and eight weeks dozer operator." "In Japan, I kept about 20 dozers running on the field scattered around Japan. I had weapons carrier vehicle, wrenches, tools, one GI helper, and trained five Japanese to carry on when we left."

He was awarded the following: World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal.

He was honorably discharged on August 24, 1947, at Fort Lawton, Washington.

Source:  Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 281.

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