American Legion Post #437 Honors Mazomanie WWII Hero

 

The Mazomanie Geening-Buelow American Legion Post #437 rescued the Citation of

Honor from the United States Air Force of July 29, 1943, to Private Harlan G. Buelow,

who gave his life in the performance of his duty. There being no direct relatives, the Post

gave the framed citation to the Mazomanie Historical Society, to honor and save in his

memory. Private Harlan G. Buelow (1920-1943) was a World War II veteran whom the

Mazomanie American Legion Post #437 is partially named after. He died in a Japanese

prison camp.

 

The Citation of Honor read: “He lived to bear his country’s arms. He died to save its

honor. He was a soldier … And he knew a soldier’s duty. His sacrifice will help to keep

aglow the flaming torch that lights our lives … That millions yet unborn may know the

priceless joy of liberty. And we who pay him homage and revere his memory, in solemn

pride rededicate ourselves to a complete fulfillment of the task for which he so gallantly

has placed his life upon the alter of man’s freedom.” Signed by H.H. Arnold, General US

Army, Commanding General Army Air Force

 

Harlan George “Buff” Buelow was born in Sauk County, the only son of Mazomanie dairy

farmer, World War I veteran George Buelow and Ethel Talbot. Harlan graduated from

Mazomanie High School in 1938 and was prominent in athletics.

Harlan enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 19, 1940, prior to the war. He served as a

Private, 14 th Bomber Squadron, 7 th Heavy Bomber Group of the US Army Air Force stationed at

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was in the Philippines at the time Corregidor fell, becoming a prisoner

of war (POW) of the Japanese Army in May 1942.

His widowed father George received a card from Harlan in March 1943, that was dated December

12, 1942. The card said he was well and safe in Japan and his health was as usual. Two weeks

later his father was notified from the War Department through the International Red Cross that

Harlan had died in a Japanese prison camp about April 15, 1943. Harlan probably died of beriberi

as he had been hospitalized for it at the time. He is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and

Memorial, Manila, Philippines. Harlan was awarded the Prisoner of War medal and the Purple

Heart.

 

Post Commander Virgil Smith presenting Historical Society              

President Lynn Szudy with the Citation of Honor

 

 

1938 Graduation Picture