Harlan Jorgenson, a man of many offspring, many accomplishments and a humble heart. My grandpa, Harlan Jorgenson, was willing to lay down his life and serve in World War II in the 96th Infantry Division in the Pacific and Okinawa, Japan from 1942-46. He went in as a Private First Class and came out as a 2nd Lieutenant. In addition to his many awards, he earned two purple hearts and was a field commissioned officer.

Being in his position required strong leadership, and a leader he was. He was the first soldier out of his landing craft and the first on Okinawa island. "It was mighty lonesome there for a few seconds," he said to the Montevideo [Minnesota] American-News, the newspaper for the small town he was born in and later spent his last years.

Ten days after stepping foot on Okinawa, he was hit by shrapnel from a mortar bomb and was wounded. As he was laid up in the hospital for injuries sustained over the years, he became one heck of a cribbage player and was able to spend copious amounts of time perfecting the art of the wooden-pegged game. He was also able to write letters. Un-jaded by the war, he always kept his tender heart and had so much love to give to his wife, Dorothy, and family (with nine kids!) In one of the letters he wrote to Dorothy he said, "Well my darling, I'm praying and hoping that I can see you soon so don't take things too hard if something happens otherwise."

And "something otherwise" did happen...or at least that's what Dorothy was told. She received a letter from the Adjutant General's office of the war department that her husband was killed in action.

"Dear Mrs. Jorgenson:

It is with regret that I am writing to confirm the recent telegram informing you of the death of your husband, Technical Sergeant Harlan C. Jorgenson, 37, 313, 734, Infantry, who was killed in action on 28 October 1944 on Leyte Island, Philippine Islands."

If that doesn't send chills up your spine, then I don't know what would. What a shock it would have been to get that letter in the mail, saying your husband was dead. Luckily, Dorothy was a smart woman, and she realized that the letter she received from Harlan a few days earlier was dated after this death notice. She connected the dots and knew Harlan was, in fact, not dead. The war department corrected the error and informed her that he was alive and well...well, alive and injured, but alive nonetheless.

One of the things I've always admired about him was his optimism and perseverance. In a letter he penned, "...it is quite a miserable way of living but I don't mind it so much as I'm so damn glad to be here - if the rest of the men can take it, I sure as hell can." What a strong and resilient man!

Even though he was a decorated officer in the war and a courageous soldier, I will always remember him as my loving, easy-going grandpa. He always gave me the best hugs and the firmest pats on the back. My parents tell me he was the first to make me smile as a baby... and he always did throughout my life!

After the war, he settled down, bought pigs for Hormel for nearly 40 years, and crafted beautiful furniture for the famously local "Jorgenson carpentry shop." He lived a long, happy life and died in 2010 at the age of 94. I am so thankful for all that he has done for not only me, but for this country. His heroic service will always be remembered and valued. As I continue to hear stories about him, I am constantly amazed by his incredible personhood and the unwavering faith he had, not to mention his sense of humor. I am so proud that I get to call 2nd Lieutenant Harlan C. Jorgenson, my grandpa on this Memorial Day weekend.