Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Arlo L. Olson
October 7, 2022
1. Arlo L. Olson Marker
Inscription.
Arlo L. Olson. .
Captain, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, 3d Division Crossing of the Volturno River, Italy, 13 October 1943 G.O. No.: 71, 31 August 1944 Born 20 April 1915, Greenville, Iowa; Entered service at Toronto, South Dakota. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 13 October 1943, when the drive across the Volturno River began, Capt. Olson and his company spearheaded the advance of the regiment through 30 miles of mountainous enemy territory in 13 days. Placing himself at the head of he men, Capt. Olson waded into the chest deep water of the racing Volturno River and despite point blank machine gun fire aimed directly at him made his way to the opposite bank and threw two hand grenades into the gun position, killing the crew. When an enemy machinegun 150 yards distant opened fire on the company, Capt. Olson advanced upon the position in a slow, deliberate walk. Although five German soldiers threw hand grenades at him from a range of five yards, Capt. Olson dispatched them all, picked up a machine pistol and continued toward the enemy. Advancing to within 15 yards of the position he shot it out with the foe, killing nine and seizing the post. Throughout the next 13 days Capt. Olson led combat patrols, acted as Company No. 1 scout and maintained unbroken contact with the enemy. On 27 October 1943 Capt. Olson conducted a platoon in attack on a strongpoint, crawling to within 25 yards of the enemy and then charging the position. Despite continuous machinegun fire which barely missed him, Capt. Olson made his way to the gun and killed the crew with his pistol . When the men saw their leader make this desperate attack they followed him and overran the position. Continuing the advance, Capt. Olson led his company to the next objective at the summit of Monte San Nicola. Although the company to his right was forced to take cover from the furious automatic and small arms fire, which was directed upon him and his men with equal intensity, Capt. Olson waved his company into a skirmish line and despite the fire of a machinegun, which singled him out as it's sole target, led the assault which drove the enemy away. While making a reconnaissance for the defensive positions, Capt. Olson was fatally wounded. Ignoring his severe pain, this intrepid officer completed his reconnaissance, supervised the location of his men in the best defense positions, refused medical aid until all of his men had been cared for and died as he was being carried down the mountain.
Captain, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, 3d Division
Crossing of the Volturno River, Italy, 13 October 1943
G.O. No.: 71, 31 August 1944 Born 20 April 1915, Greenville, Iowa;
Entered service at Toronto, South Dakota
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 13 October 1943, when the drive across the Volturno River began, Capt. Olson and his company spearheaded the advance of the regiment through 30 miles of mountainous enemy territory in 13 days. Placing himself at the head of he men, Capt. Olson waded into the chest deep water of the racing Volturno River and despite point blank machine gun fire aimed directly at him made his way to the opposite bank and threw two hand grenades into the gun position, killing the crew. When an enemy machinegun 150 yards distant opened fire on the company, Capt. Olson advanced upon the position in a slow, deliberate walk. Although five German soldiers threw hand grenades at him from a range of five yards, Capt. Olson dispatched them all, picked up a machine pistol and continued toward the enemy. Advancing to within 15 yards of the position he shot it out with the foe, killing nine and seizing the post.
Throughout the next 13 days Capt. Olson led combat patrols, acted as Company No. 1 scout
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and maintained unbroken contact with the enemy. On 27 October 1943 Capt. Olson conducted a platoon in attack on a strongpoint, crawling to within 25 yards of the enemy and then charging the position. Despite continuous machinegun fire which barely missed him, Capt. Olson made his way to the gun and killed the crew with his pistol . When the men saw their leader make this desperate attack they followed him and overran the position. Continuing the advance, Capt. Olson led his company to the next objective at the summit of Monte San Nicola. Although the company to his right was forced to take cover from the furious automatic and small arms fire, which was directed upon him and his men with equal intensity, Capt. Olson waved his company into a skirmish line and despite the fire of a machinegun, which singled him out as it's sole target, led the assault which drove the enemy away. While making a reconnaissance for the defensive positions, Capt. Olson was fatally wounded. Ignoring his severe pain, this intrepid officer completed his reconnaissance, supervised the location of his men in the best defense positions, refused medical aid until all of his men had been cared for and died as he was being carried down the mountain.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included
October 7, 2022
2. Arlo L. Olson Marker (right)
in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 13, 1943.
Location. 43° 33.658′ N, 96° 44.447′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker can be reached from North Walts Avenue south of West Bailey Street, on the right when traveling south. Located in Veterans' Memorial Park in Sioux Falls. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1021 W Bailey St, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2022. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 16, 2022.
