Elmer Richards was inducted into the United States Army on 10-10-1944 at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He was sent to Europe and arrived on March 18,1945 as a Rifleman PVT. He was assigned to carry the browning automatic rifle. He was then promoted to PFC as a scout and sent behind enemy lines to search for the German enemy. As a scout he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He spent many nights in cold fox holes living on nothing but C-rations. He survived many long nights under heavy artillery fire and heard the cries of many of his comrades crying out when hit by the bombardment. Elmer was lucky he survived the battle. Elmer was awarded several decorations and citations, including the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Germany. He successfully completed 240 hrs. of Automotive Mechanics Training at the Warton Technical School, Warton, England, as a student under the Army Educational Program. He was promoted to Motor Transportation Sergeant. Served with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion 3rd Inf. Regiment, Berlin, Germany. He supervised the work of 87 drivers, 6 mechanics and 4 clerks in a 62 light vehicle motor pool. Elmer was transferred back to the United States from Germany on 8/27/1946. He was awarded an honorable discharge on 10/24/1946. He received a letter from President Harry Truman for coming to the call of his country and further exalting our country in peace. Elmer married Lois Davis (Richards); they have several children and step-children: Vance Richards, Arlen Richards (deceased), David Allmon, Dean Allmon, Delbert Allmon, Deanna (Allmon) Gepner, and Dennis Allmon. His parents were Alvin L. and Irene Richards, deceased. Elmer and Lois reside in McPherson, Kansas and are both retired.