Orland W. Erickson
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Coast Guard
Orland W. Erickson entered the Coast Guard on May 12, 1942.
He served as a Motor Machinist's Mate 3rd Class and landing craft engineer aboard USS LST 91 in the Pacific Theater.
He was based on Guadalcanal and Tulagi in the Solomon Islands. Participated in assault landings on Green Island, Russell Island, Bougainville and Guam.
He says: "On the third day we were ordered to check out odd activities on the east side of the island (Guam). When we reached the site we were prepared for action but were met by about 300 Guamanian citizens who had been held captive in an internment camp for three years. The youngest was six weeks old, the oldest were bed-ridden stretcher cases.
"We had been at sea for over two months and our meals consisted of mostly Spam and dehydrated potatoes. We had these people on our ship for three days. They thought our food was the best they had ever eaten. They had a very bitter hatred for the Japs and had good reason. I found these people to be some of the finest I have ever known.
"I went back to the States in 1944 and was assigned to shore station at Grand Marais and later to the CGC Woodrush in Duluth, Minn.
"I am proud to have served the United States and in my branch of service, the USCG."
He was honorably discharged on Oct. 6, 1945.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 76.
