Edgar J. Houglum was a World War II veteran who enlisted as a private and ended his career following a serious injury as a First Lieutenant of C Company, 324th Regiment, 44th Infantry Division. During the war, he received the unusual honor of receiving a field commission. Medals he received during his military career included the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. His war time efforts awarded him campaign medals of the European Theater of Operations with three Bronze Campaign Stars (Central Europe, Rhineland, and Northern France), American Defense medal, and the Victory Medal.
Like most veterans of his generation, he did not speak much of his experiences until the last few years of his life. Although he was proud of all his medals, he was most proud of his Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.
After his discharge from the US Army, he continued to serve his country, working as a rural mail carrier until he retired. He covered a hundred-mile route six days a week. Sometimes he would drive his 1930 Model A Ford on the route. This was especially the case during the winter when Minnesota snow storms would pile high snow drifts across the road. The Model A was light enough and had balloon tires that allowed him to drive over those drifts without getting stuck in the snow. After he retired, he continued to drive and care for the car. I remember him overhauling the engine and replacing the windshield more than once.
Dad (Uncle Ed) past peacefully away in his sleep in August, 2006. Since his 1930 Model A Ford was such a part of him as long as any of us knew him, we, his six children, wanted to keep the vehicle in the family. I have been entrusted to care for the vehicle until it is passed on to one of my nieces or nephews.
Since I no longer live in Minnesota, the car is being taken from western Minnesota to Pittsburgh this summer. Peggy Houglum, Shellie Monraen, Joel & Rita Houglum and Barry & Jeanine Houglum will be making the trek from Minnesota to Pennsylvania. Other members of the family will join us for brief sections of the trip along the way.
The trip is approximately 1125 miles. We are driving along double lane roads and hope to enjoy some of the Midwest countryside along the way. Our trip will take under two weeks.
We hope to raise money for a worthy cause. Since my father was a disabled veteran, we think he would be thrilled to know that we will raise money for the Fisher House in his name, using the Model A to do it. During his post-injury recovery, he spent several months in New York. If a Fisher House had been available at the time, I am sure he would have enjoyed the company of his family nearby, just as many disabled veterans today. |
