Three members of Manitowoc’s Otto Oas VFW Post 659 were honored at the City Council meeting on Monday.
The first to receive a commendation was Franny Orth, who served in the Army during the Korean War.
Mayor Justin Nickels read from the award, “His unit built four pipelines up to 23 miles long that carried jet fuel from the coast of inland Air Force bases, and the fuel went into 10,000 tanks used by Air Force Fire Fighters.”
Up next was Allan Karl, who joined VFW Post 659 while still serving in Korea in 1952. On top of his heroic actions overseas, Karl was instrumental in putting together a major landmark in Manitowoc.
“In 1985, Allan was a member of the founding group that organized the designing, and building of the Veterans Memorial in the City of Manitowoc,” Nickels stated. “That was dedicated on November 9th, 1986, and is a tribute to all Manitowoc County veterans that gave their last full measure of devotion.”
And last, but certainly not least, Harold Kummer, who served his country in the Army during World War II was also honored.
The commendation reads, “Upon returning to Manitowoc in 1946, Harold joined the Otto Oas VFW Post 659, where he has served as the Captain of the Post’s Honor Guard since 1996.”
Kummer spoke briefly to the group of his fellow veterans that were in attendance, where he praised his wife Evelyn and his family. He also joked that he is only two months older than Evelyn.
Congratulations to these and all veterans who have served our country, and represented the Lakeshore area with honor.
