Edward J. Olender US Army Schofield Barracks

I was a soldier, a rifleman stationed with I Company, 21st Infantry, 24 Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks on December 7, 1941. I received the Bronze Star Medal for 7 December, 1941, the citation reads: The United States of America To all who shall see these present greeting: This is to certify that the President of the United States of America authorized by executive order February 4, 1944 Has awarded The Bronze Star Medal To Sergeant Edward J. Olender, ASN For Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against the enemy on or about 7 December 1941 in the Pacific Theatre of Operations given under my hands in the City of Washington this 8th day of March, 1949. I left the 21st Infant. Regt. In September 1942 to join Co. e 161 Infantry Regt. 25th Infantry Division as a replacement. We served in Guadalcanal, New Gerogia campaigns in the Soloman Islands in 1942 and 1945.  In January, 1945, participated in the Luzon Philippine Islands campaign. I was wounded in January 1945 at San Manuel, Luzon. I was in Japan for approximately a year and a half when the Korean War started.  I went to Korea early July 1950 and served until June 1951. In 1969  1970, I served in Vietnam as a Battalion Command Sergeant Major of 3rd Battalion 21st Infantry. I was on a firebase named L2 Center for approximately 11 months.  I was wounded approximately six weeks prior to rotating to the states. I served in the Army 30 years.  I retired September 1, 1974 as a Command Sergeant Major.

Information provided by Edward J. Olender.