SPECIAL EDITION • SPECIAL EDITION • SPECIAL EDITION • SPECIAL EDITION • SPECIAL EDITION
Badger
“For God & Country”
aire
March 17, 2016 Vol. 93, No. 3
www.wilegion.org
The mission of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.
TRIBUTE TO EINAR H. INGMAN, JR.
Einar Harold Ingman, Jr. was born on October 6, 1929, in Milwaukee. He grew up on a farm and joined the US Army from Kewaskum in November 1948, hoping to work with heavy machinery, but instead served as an infantryman. By February 26, 1951, he was a corporal serving with Company E, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division in Korea. On that day, he was among two squads of men tasked with assaulting a fortified ridge-top position. When both squad leaders were wounded, Ingman combined the squads and took command. After making a radio call for artillery and tank support, he led his soldiers against
the position, encouraging them and directing their fire. He single-handedly attacked a machine gun which was firing on his group, tossing a hand grenade into the emplacement and killing the crew with his rifle. While approaching a second machine gun, he was knocked to the ground and lost part of his left ear when a grenade exploded near his head. As he got to his feet, he was shot in the face by a Communist Chinese soldier; the bullet entered his upper lip and exited behind his ear. He continued his attack on the machine gun, firing his rifle and killing the remaining crew with his bayonet, until falling unconscious. His men went on to capture their objective and force the opposing troops into a disorganized retreat. Evacuated to Tokyo, Japan for medical treatment, Ingman regained consciousness seven days later. His left eye was destroyed, his left ear was deaf, and he had
suffered a brain injury which rendered him a complete amnesiac, unable to recall his own name. After having emergency brain surgery, his memories slowly returned, although he never regained any memory of being shot or of the events which immediately followed, and continued to have memory trouble for the rest of his life. Sent to stateside for further treatment, he spent the next two years undergoing twenty-three surgeries. In mid-1951, Ingman, recently promoted to Sergeant, was flown from his hospital to Washington, D.C., where President Harry Truman formally presented him with the Medal of Honor on July 5. Upon arriving home in Tomahawk, the townspeople gave him a new house and boat during a celebration of his return. Following his discharge from the Army, Ingman worked 32 years for a paper company, first as a security guard and then as a
Ingman Receives Medal from Truman
mail clerk. One year after receiving the medal, Ingman married; he and his wife the former Mardelle Goodfellow, went on to have seven children. The couple attended numerous government and military-related events through the years, including eleven presiden-
tial inaugurations and several trips to Korea. Ingman suffered a debilitating stroke in 2003 which affected his speech and mobility. He lived in Irma, just south of Tomahawk and died in a hospital on September 9, 2015 at the age of 85.
Medal of Honor Citation
Ingman’s official Medal of Honor citation reads: Sgt. Ingman, a member of Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. The 2 leading squads of the assault platoon of his company, while attacking a strongly fortified ridge held by the enemy, were pinned down by withering fire and both squad leaders and several men were wounded. Cpl. Ingman assumed command, reorganized and combined the 2 squads, then moved from 1 position to another, designating fields of fire and giving advice and encouragement to the men. Locating an enemy machine gun position that was raking his men with devastating fire he charged it alone, threw a grenade into the position, and killed the remaining crew with rifle fire. Another enemy machine gun
opened fire approximately 15 yards away and inflicted additional casualties to the group and stopped the attack. When Cpl. Ingman charged the second position he was hit by grenade fragments and a hail of fire which seriously wounded him about the face and neck and knocked him to the ground. With incredible courage and stamina, he arose instantly and, using only his rifle, killed the entire guncrew before falling unconscious from his wounds. As a result of the singular action by Cpl. Ingman the defense of the enemy was broken, his squad secured its objective, and more than 100 hostile troops abandoned their weapons and fled in disorganized retreat. Cpl. Ingman’s indomitable courage, extraordinary heroism, and superb leadership reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the infantry and the U.S. Army.
SPECIAL EDITION FEATURING WISCONSIN’S CANDIDATE
Denise H. Rohan • Candidate For National Commander 2017-2018 • Reno, Nevada
DENISE H. ROHAN CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Since its founding in 1919, The American Legion has had just one National Commander from the state of Wisconsin. It’s been over 30 years since Past National Commander Keith Kreul, a native of Fennimore, Wisconsin, and member of Post 184, lead our organization and it is time for Wisconsin to prepare for Denise H. Rohan of Verona Post 385 to become the next National Commander from this great state. Denise has very strong fam-
ily values and hopes that you will join her in supporting our “Family First” campaign. Denise believes that family comes first, integrity matters, justice should prevail, service not self, honesty is a given and humility is a gift. She lives these values every day as a member of The American Legion Family. In May 2015, the National Commanders Advisory Team selected Denise to be candidate for the office of National Commander of The American Legion during the 2017-2018 membership year. Members of the Department of Wisconsin American Legion family have a unique opportunity to show the millions of American Legion Family members worldwide the quality of leadership that comes
from Wisconsin. To ensure that Denise is elected as the National Commander in 2017, please consider donating to her campaign. A national campaign requires her to travel across the United States to meet with local leadership about the issues facing our veterans and the communities they serve. The cost of travel continues to be one of the top expenses of the campaign. We are highlighting some of the fundraising activities that are currently being offered around the state in hopes that you might participate in one or more. If you wish you can use the form on the adjoining page to mail a donation or go to www.deniserohan.org and click on the PayPal button at the top of the page.
Denise Rohan (r) meets with Past National Commander Keith Kreul in Fennimore, WI to celebrate his 30th anniversary of serving as National Commander of The American Legion.
DENISE’S OFFICIAL VISITS Candidate Denise Rohan visits the children’s activity room at the Department of Iowa Midwinter Conference last month in Des Moines.
VISIT COMPLETE PLANNED FOR 2016 PLANNED FOR 2017
Candidate Denise Rohan posing with MG Don Dunbar, the Adjutant General of Wisconsin, at the 115th Air WING annual family Christmas party.
FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN AT WWW.DENISEROHAN.ORG • Read more about our Candidate • Link to her Facebook page • Follow her travels • Purchase Team shirts
• See photos of events • Contact the Candidate • Make a Donation • Team Caps
• Team License Plates • Challenge Coins • Link From Your Web Site
SPECIAL EDITION
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
Reedsburg Golf Outing June 25th Past Department Commander Ted DeMicchi is once again serving as State Chairman of the Golf Outing Fundraiser for Denise H. Rohan, Candidate for National Commander of The American Legion. We are limited to 144 golfers. Use the form to the right to sign up to 4 golfers. If you only have 1, 2 or 3 people, we will pair them up with others. The golf outing is open for everyone; Legion, Auxiliary, SAL, Legion
Riders and any individual. The price is $70.00 per person and includes 18 holes, Cart, Lunch and Door Prizes. If you have non-golfers that would like to come, the cost for lunch would be $10.00 per person. The event takes place on June 25, 2016 at Reedsburg Country Club. We are also asking for donations of Raffle Prizes. The main item is for your post to sponsor a hole at the cost of only $50.00. Hole sponsorship is not just
GOLF REGISTRATION
for your Post but for Auxiliary, the SAL, Legion Riders, businesses and individuals. See the sketch below to see how the sponsorship signs will look. We need the money and prizes by June 10, 2016. Make checks out to “Wisconsin Candidate for National Commander” and send them to: Ted DeMicchi, PO Box 123, Somers, WI 53171 If you need any more information, contact Ted at deminkp68@wi.rr. com or 262-945-1496.
MARCH 17, 2016
2016 HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE During the 2016 Department Convention in Madison, Wisconsin, the American Legion Auxiliary will host a Holiday Boutique in the hotel. The proceeds will be divided equally between Denise Rohan, Candidate for National Commander and Diane Duscheck Candidate for National President.
HOLE SPONSORSHIP
Whether you have a foursome, or want us to pair you up with other golfers, please sign below. The prize is $70.00 per person and includes 18 holes, Cart, Lunch and Door Prizes. If you have non-golfers the would like to come, the cost for lunch would be $10.00 per person.
Present this card to any Hair House location when you get your hair cut and they will make a one dollar donation to Denise’s campaign. 430 Cardinal Lane • Howard W3169 Van Roy Road • Appleton 3444 W. College Ave • Appleton 1210 W Sunset Drive • Waukesha 3408 S Moorland Road • New Berlin 2940 S 108th Street • West Allis 260 N 18th Ave • West Bend Pilgrim & Main St • Menomonee Falls 17375 W. Bluemound Rd. • Brookfield
GOLFER #1 Name ___________________________________ Address _________________________________ City, St., Zip _____________________________ Phone # _________________________________
GOLFER #2 Name ___________________________________
$50 Please help suppost the event and sponsor a hole or take this form to businesses in your community and ask them to sponsor a hole. Thank you!
Address _________________________________ City, St., Zip _____________________________
Address _______________________________
GOLFER #3
City, St., Zip ___________________________
Name ___________________________________
Email _________________________________
Address _________________________________
Please make checks payable to Wisconsin Candidate for National Commander and send it to: Ted DeMicchi, PO Box 123, Somer, WI 53171 or call Ted at 262-945-1496
Phone # _________________________________
GOLFER #4
(Please print information) Legion Post # _______________________________________
Sponsor Name __________________________
Phone # _________________________________
City, St., Zip _____________________________
MEN’S HAIR HOUSE $1.00 DONATION
Post City ___________________________________________ Member Name_______________________________________
Thanks for participating... Team Wisconsin
CLUB 600 RAFFLE
Name ___________________________________ Address _________________________________ City, St., Zip _____________________________ Phone # _________________________________
Reedsburg Country Club
WIN BIG!!
3003 E. Main St., Reedsburg, WI (608) 524-6000
Wisconsin Team Duscheck & Team Rohan are pleased to announce “Club 600”, a fundraiser for Diane Duscheck for National President and Denise Rohan for National Commander. There will only be 600 tickets sold at $50 each. To get your tickets please mail a check made payable to “National Candidates Fund” to: Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan, 5400 Blue Bill Dr., Madison, WI 53704 (608) 246-9707. We will mail your ticket or tickets following receipt of payment. Denise & Diane thank you for your support!
WISCONSIN'S CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL COMMANDER Denise, I support your “Family First” Campaign! I want to be part of making history in electing the first woman to serve as National Commander of The American Legion. Your campaign is important to all veterans regardless of gender or war era. To help prepare the way for a National Campaign, I have enclosed my special gift of:
$10
$25
Please charge my gift to:
$50 Check
$100 Visa
Other $________ Mastercard
American Express
Please make checks payable and mail to: Denise Rohan for National Commander PO Box 930100 Verona, WI 53593-0100
Name on Card: ________________________________________________________________ Post/Unit/Squadron:_____________ Card No.: __________________________________________________ Expiration Date:_________________ CVV No.__________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________________________________ State:_____________ Zip:_________________
Thank you for your support!
SPECIAL EDITION
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
MARCH 17, 2016
Medal of Honor recipient Einar Ingman Jr. honored and laid to rest By Jed Buelow, Tomahawk Leader City Editor, reprinted with permission, initially printed in the Tomahawk Leader on September 22, 2015
Military officials from across the nation and state gathered in Tomahawk Wednesday, September. 16, 2015 to help family and friends lay to rest a true American hero and the pride of his hometown, Medal of Honor recipient Einar Ingman Jr. Sgt. Ingman was Wisconsin’s last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War. He passed away surrounded by family at Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital Sept. 9, just one month prior to his 86th birthday. At his funeral service held at Grace Lutheran Church, a number of high-ranking military officials spoke of the great sacrifice, leadership and true heroism Ingman displayed on the battlefield to take a heavily fortified ridge while serving as a corporal with Company E, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division that earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor. Also in attendance was Medal of Honor recipient Kenneth Stumpf, one of just four surviving Medal of Honor recipients from Wisconsin to have earned the nation’s highest military honor during the Vietnam War. “It is an absolute honor for us to be here and recognize one of our heroes who fought so bravely in Korea,” said Major General Thomas James, current Com-
mander of 7th Infantry Division based out of Washington State. “I mean, if you read his (Medal of Honor) citation, it sends chills up your spine. He was an incredible American, selfless serving man. Our motto is ‘Trust in Me’ and he lived that. We are the bayonet division and that is the way he was fighting with the bayonet. We are honored to be here to recognize a true warrior and American Hero.” Sgt. Ingman earned the prestigious Medal of Honor for his valiant actions on the battlefield Feb. 26, 1951, near Maltari Korea. Taking command after the leaders of two squads were injured while trying to take a strongly fortified ridge, Sgt. Ingman assumed command, reorganized and combined the two squads, then moved from one position to another, designating fields of fire and giving advice and encouragement to the men. His Medal of Honor citation describes what happened next as “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.” “Locating an enemy machinegun position that was raking his men with devastating fire he charged it alone, threw a grenade into the position and killed the remaining crew with rifle fire. An-
other enemy machinegun opened fire approximately 15 yards away and inflicted additional casualties into the group and stopped the attack. When Corporal Ingman charged the second position he was hit by grenade fragments and a hail of fire that seriously wounded him about the face and neck and knocked him to the ground. With incredible courage and stamina, he arose instantly and, using only his rifle, killed the entire gun crew before falling unconscious from his wounds. As a result of the singular action by Corporal Ingman the defense of the enemy was broken, his squad secured its objective, and more than 100 hostile troops abandoned their weapons and fled in disorganized retreat.” Major Paul Rickert with the Wisconsin National Guard said it was a true honor taking part in a service recognizing one of our state’s true heroes. “Today means a lot for those of us who served because we recognize the sacrifice Einar made and this gives us a chance to honor that sacrifice and his accomplishments,” Major Rickert said. “He would have been the first to tell you he did not wear the Medal of Honor for himself, he wore it for all the others who gave their lives for their country.”
Pastor Mark Ziemer read a touching eulogy that spoke to the life of Einar Ingman beyond being a Medal of Honor recipient. “Einar was just one of us in Tomahawk. He never saw himself as a hero. He saw it as just doing his job for the love of his men and country,” Ziemer said. “Einar was wounded before in the kneecap and could have walked away from the war.” Zeimer drew a laugh from those gathered when he said Einar would only have had to learn to walk with a limp after receiving the first of two Purple Hearts, but instead, he insisted he needed to get back to his buddies. “He was the next one up. He took charge and did his job,” Ziemer said. The Tomahawk community came out to pay final respects to Sgt. Ingman in gathering along the procession route that passed by the schools and down Einer H. Ingman Parkway. Fittingly, his casket was carried aboard a refurbished military jeep from the era that led the long line of vehicles that followed on the way to the cemetery. Drill sergeants from Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri served as pallbearers for the funeral, while the Patriot Guard Riders stood silent at the church doors and
placed flags outside the church, along Einar H. Ingman Parkway and at the cemetery. Also in attendance among the many high ranking officials were representatives from the Milwaukee Military Processing Station, which was Sgt. Ingman’s MEPS location. At Oak Hill Cemetery, Sgt. Einar Ingman Jr. was laid to rest with the highest military honors. Four Blackhawk helicopters flew over in formation at the exact moment the American flag was between its third and fifth fold. With meticulous detail the flag was folded 13 times and presented to the Ingman family as part of the very moving tribute. At his side once again was the woman he married one year to the day after receiving the Medal of Honor. Together they raised seven children. Just over the hill from Einar and Mardelle’s final resting place is the log cabin overlooking tranquil Silver Lake the Ingman family called home for many years. A true American hero and the pride of his hometown was laid to rest September 16, 2015 following a ceremony fitting of his sacrifice. Gone but never to be forgotten, Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Einar Ingman Jr. from Tomahawk.
awarded to enlisted members who have honorably completed three continuous years of active military service subsequent to Aug. 26, 1940, and who are recommended by their commanding officers for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity. Persons awarded this medal must have had character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout the qualifying period, including time spent in attendance at service schools, and there must have been no convictions by court martial. National Defense Service Medal: It is awarded for honorable active military service as a member of the armed forces of the United States including the Coast Guard, between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954, (Korean War), between Jan. 1, 1961 and Aug. 14, 1974, (Vietnam War), between Aug. 2,
1990 to Nov. 30, 1995 (operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm), and currently from Sept. 11, 2001 to a date to be determined (terrorism attacks on the United States). Service members who earned the medal during the first qualifying period, and who again became entitled to the medal, wear a bronze star on the ribbon to denote the second award of the medal. United National Service Medal: The medal was earned for serving one day under United Nations’ command in Korea or adjacent areas, including Japan and Okinawa. The medal could also be awarded for an aggregate of thirty days, which need not have been consecutive, spent on official visits of inspection to the qualifying area. The qualifying period was 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1954 (one
year longer than for the Canadian Korean War Medal). Korean Service Medal: Members of the U.S. Armed Forces must have participated in combat or served with a combat or service unit in the Korean Theater for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days during the designated period. Bronze Star: The Bronze Star Medal is a 1-½ inch in circumscribing width star made of Bronze. Overlaid in the middle of the star is a 3/16-inch wide bronze star. All rays of both stars come together at their centerline. “HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT” is engraved on the reverse side. There is a space available for the recipient’s name to be engraved. A rounded corner, rectangular metal loop holds the star on the ribbon.
A TEACHING MOMENT
The funeral procession for Sgt. Einar Ingman made a point of traveling past local schools, giving Tomahawk’s youngest citizens their own chance to pay their respects, and educators an opportunity to use it as a teaching moment. Tomahawk Elementary School Principal Penny Antell provided her staff with the following information on the day prior to the funeral. Following the motorcade she noted, “The students were silent during the procession. Amazing somber experience.”
NOTICE GIVEN TO STUDENTS Einar H. Ingman Jr. was an American war hero. Sergeant Ingman saved many, many American soldiers lives through his incredible bravery. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor that could be awarded. He also received two purple hearts, a Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and three Bronze Stars. He is the picture of a true American hero. Tomorrow, a motorcade will progress past our school allowing us to recognize him for his many achievements. The motorcade will include police and military vehicles. We are also expecting Black Hawk Helicopters to be present in celebration of Sergeant Ingman’s life. As the motorcade passes the school, we will all gather, place our hands over our hearts or salute out of respect to this great war hero. By Principal Penny Antell Tomahawk Elementary School
Here is further information about the medals Einar Ingman received: Medal of Honor: The Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. The medal is awarded by the President of the United States in the name of the U.S. Congress to U.S. military personnel only. Purple Heart: The Purple Heart is awarded in
the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded. Good Conduct Medal: The Army Good Conduct Medal was authorized by Executive Order 8809, on June 28, 1941, and is