Louis E. Haslouer
Louis E. Haslouer
LOUIS
E.
HASLOUER
SOLDIER DETAILS
BIOGRAPHY
Louis was one of three Haslouer brothers (Louis, Edward and Elvin) from Enterprise, Kansas, who fought in World War II. Louis served in the Infantry in the Northern Solomons and Guadalcanal campaigns. Late in 1943, President Roosevelt issued a Presidential call for volunteers for 'A Dangerous and Hazardous Mission'. The Unit was officially designated as the '5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)' Code Name: 'GALAHAD', later it became popularly known as 'Merrill’s Marauders' named after its leader, Brigadier General Frank Merrill. Louis volunteered for Merrill's Marauders and saw service in the China-India-Burma campaign. The Marauders were a completely volunteer outfit with the mission of retaking the Burma Road. They trained in secrecy in the jungles of Central India. They began the march up the Ledo Road, over the outlying ranges of the Himalayan Mountains into Burma. They had no tanks or artillery to support them and walked over 1,000 miles through dense jungles. They disrupted the Japanese supply and communications lines and climaxed their 'behind the lines' operations with the capture of Myitkyina Airfield. This would benefit the supply aircraft that no longer had to fly over “the Hump” to ferry supplies to China. By this time, they had endured four months of marching and combat in the mountains and jungles of Burma. They had to carry all of their equipment on their backs and the backs of pack mules. Air drops were made to re-supply them with food and supplies. For their accomplishments in Burma, the Marauders were awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation in July of 1944. In 1966, this was re-designated as the Presidential Unit Citation. Louis also received three Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, but was most proud of his Combat Infantryman Badge. Louis died in January of 1991.