In Memory of Army Private
Martin Louis Hofemann
Tulare, South Dakota
Spink County
January 9, 1920 - January 20, 1944
Killed in Action in Italy
Martin L. Hofemann was born on January 9th, 1920, in Tulare, South Dakota. Parents of Martin were Ernest Conrad and Elizabeth Helen Hofemann. He had one brother named Earl K. Hofemann who also entered the army and died serving his country. Martin’s father died when Martin was only fourteen years old. He completed high school and then completed a course at Mankato Business College at Mankato, Minnesota. After completing his schooling, Martin was employed as a bookkeeper at the Hubbard Milling Company in Mankato, Minnesota before he entered the service.
Martin entered into active service of the Armed Forces on February 23, 1943, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He was trained at Camp Wolters, Texas, and left for overseas duty on July 25, 1943. Pfc. Hofemann first served in North Africa and from there went on to Italy.
On January 20, 1944, his unit crossed a river and attacked the enemy in Italy under heavy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire. “Advancing in the face of over-whelming enemy fire, he and the others crossed the river and moved valiantly toward their objective.” Private Hofemann was killed in the drive. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery.
Martin was survived by his mother, Elizabeth, who lived in Tulare, and his brother Earl who was stationed in France, but would later die in November of 1944. After the war, Martin’s remains were returned to Tulare where he was buried.
This entry was respectfully submitted by April Worlie, 9th grade, Conde High School, Conde, South Dakota March 8, 2002. Information for this entry was gathered from the bonus records and newspaper articles.
