Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army PFC Hugo Gustav Voelker, Age 23 of Altamont, IL.
KIA Oct. 21, 1944
Hugo Voelker was born July 5, 1921, the son of David and Lydia (Stuemke) Voelker of near Mason, Illinois. He attended Bethlehem Lutheran Parochial School. Before entering the service, he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Pvt. Hugo Voelker, age 22, was killed in action on Leyte in the Philippines on October 21, 1944. He had only arrived in Leyte the day before. Hugo had entered the service two years prior and did his training at Camp Adair, Oregon. He was in the 382nd Infantry, 96th Division and was the recipient of a Purple Heart Medal.
Pvt. Hugo Voelker is buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, also known as Fort McKinley Cemetery in Manila, in the Philippines. There is also a memorial marker at Bethlehem Cemetery in rural Altamont, Illinois.
We had a great 6 Mile walk this morning. We walked by Lake Holiday and then headed up town to the War Memorial Park. We then headed back to the house. What a beautiful morning. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero today. We had 130 honks. It was amazing. Thank you.
Army PFC Hugo Gustav Voelker will not be forgotten !
