World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Captain in the United States Army in the 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on October 13, 1943 at crossing of the Volturno River and at Monte San Nicola, Italy. His citation reads in part "Continuing the advance, Capt. Olson led his company to the next objective at the summit of Monte San Nicola. Although the company to his right was forced to take cover from the furious automatic and small-arms fire, which was directed upon him and his men with equal intensity, Capt. Olson waved his compamy into a skirmish line and despite the fire of a machine gun which singled him out as its sole target, led the assault which drove the enemy away. While making a reconnaissance for defensive positions, Capt. Olson was fatally wounded. Ignoring his severe pain, this intrepid officer completed his reconnaissance, supervised the location of his men in the best defense positions, refused medical aid until all of his men had been cared for, and died as he was being carried down the mountain." He was reinterred from Toronto Cemetery, Toronto, South Dakota to Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Captain in the United States Army in the 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on October 13, 1943 at crossing of the Volturno River and at Monte San Nicola, Italy. His citation reads in part "Continuing the advance, Capt. Olson led his company to the next objective at the summit of Monte San Nicola. Although the company to his right was forced to take cover from the furious automatic and small-arms fire, which was directed upon him and his men with equal intensity, Capt. Olson waved his compamy into a skirmish line and despite the fire of a machine gun which singled him out as its sole target, led the assault which drove the enemy away. While making a reconnaissance for defensive positions, Capt. Olson was fatally wounded. Ignoring his severe pain, this intrepid officer completed his reconnaissance, supervised the location of his men in the best defense positions, refused medical aid until all of his men had been cared for, and died as he was being carried down the mountain." He was reinterred from Toronto Cemetery, Toronto, South Dakota to Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Bio by: Don Morfe
Inscription
CAPT, 15 INF, 3 INF DIV WORLD WAR II
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