Orin D. Haugen

World War II
-
Fallen

County:
Richland

Date of Loss:

Branch of Service:
Army

Rank:
Colonel

Regiment / Group / Brigade:
511th Parachute Infantry Regiment

Division / Fleet / Air Force or Equivalent:
11th Airborne Division
Listed on/in the:
Register of North Dakota Veterans World War II 1941-1945 and Korean Conflict 1950-1953, published 1968

Major Battle/Theatre:
Asiatic Pacific Theater

Circumstances:

Colonel Haugen was in Parañaque 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 Parañaque 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