Colonel Orin D Haugen in uniform head and shoulder photo

World War II (WWII)
-
Fallen

County:
Richland


Date of Loss:

Military Service:
    Rank:
    Colonel
    Branch of Service:
    Army
    Regiment / Group / Brigade:
    511th Parachute Infantry Regiment
    Division / Fleet / Air Force or Equivalent:
    11th Airborne Division
    Major Battle/Theatre:
    Asiatic Pacific Theater
    Conflicts Served:
    World War II (WWII)

Circumstances:

Colonel Haugen was in ParaƱaque when he was hit by a fragment from a 20mm anti-aircraft shell that the Japanese were firing at his troops. He was taken to the historic church in ParaƱaque that housed the bamboo organ where he was initially operated on by the regimental dentist. The surgeons were reportedly busy with other patients. He was then evacuated to Mindoro Island. He then was to be flown from Mindoro to New Guineas for additional surgery. He died from his wounds aboard the flight.

Biography:

born Wyndmere, NDak 18 Aug 07; resident Richland County, NDak; entered AUS Ft Snelling, Minn 12 Jun 30; served Asiatic Pacific Theater; died in service 22 Feb 45 Luzon, PI; buried in Grave 832, Section B, Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, Calif