In Memory of Army Captain
Arlo L. Olson
Toronto, South Dakota
Deuel County
April 20, 1918 -- October 27, 1943
Killed in Action at Volturno River Crossing, Italy
Arlo L. Olson was born to Frank and Vera Olson on April 20, 1918, in Greenville, Iowa. Arlo was educated in Toronto schools, graduating in 1936. While in school, Arlo was active in sports and music. He also attained the rank of Eagle Scout, a coveted Scouting honor. After high school, Arlo obtained his college degree at the University of South Dakota in 1940. While at USD, he was a cadet for ROTC.
Arlo entered the Army on June 28, 1941, as a second lieutenant; in less than a year, he had risen to 1st Lieutenant and then Captain. On Christmas Day in 1942, Arlo married Myra Bordeaux of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Shipped overseas in 1943, Arlo never met his daughter, Myra (Sandra) Lavern, who was born in December of 1943.
Captain Arlo Olson began to lead his men in a drive across the Volturno River in Italy on October 13, 1943, under heavy enemy fire. Through mountainous terrain for thirteen straight days, Capt. Olson “spearheaded the advance of the regiment.” Later it was observed, “He was one who did not send any of his men into the kind of thing he wouldn’t walk into himself.” On October 27, 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 machine gun 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....
Capt. Olson went on to lead the assault, forcing an enemy retreat. However, before the skirmish was over, Capt. Olson was severely wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Despite great pain and severe wounds, Capt. Olson directed his men to defensive positions and refused medical attention until his men had been attended to. Capt. Arlo L. Olson died of his wounds as he was carried down Monte San Nicola.
For “his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty,” Capt. Olson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, and the Italian Cross of Valor. A transport ship was also named for him. As his pastor had once said, “Arlo went to war fearless.”
The remains of Capt. Arlo Olson were returned to the United States and reburied at Fort Snelling, Minneapolis, Minnesota. His daughter, Myra, lives in Baton Rouge with her own daughter, Danielle, and her granddaughter, Faith.
On June 20, 1999, a monument was dedicated in Toronto, South Dakota, for Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Arlo L. Olson. Gov. Janklow has vowed that all seven South Dakota Medal of Honor recipients will be similarly honored.
This entry was respectfully submitted by Ashley Barnhart and John Voyles, 8th Grade West, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota, December 12, 2000. Information for this entry was provided by Delaine M. Nelson, Toronto, South Dakota.
