Norman Elness

Alaska, Marshall Islands, Phillipines(Luzon), Ryukyus, Korea, Aleutian Islands, Eastern Mandates
  • Military specialty: Medical Technician/surgical technician
  • Awards: Asiatic-pacific theater service medal, Philippine Liberation ribbon with 2 bronze stars, Lapal button with 5 overseas service bars, Good Conduct medal, Bronze service arrowhead

b. 21 Nov 1920, d. 23 Oct 1985.  Norman Elness was born to Alex and Gea (Engen) Elness in Christina Twp. Jackson Co., MN. He received his education in rural schools through the eighth grade.

During WWII, he served from 1942 – 1945 in the U.S. Army as a member of the Medical Division in the Pacific Theater. He was a medical technician and a surgical technician  in Alaska, the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Ryukyus, Korea, the Aleutian Islands, and in the Eastern Mandates (Luzon). For his service, he received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, the Lapel Button issued with 5 overseas service bars, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Service Arrowhead.

After his discharge, he returned to the Windom area and married Sadie Paulson on 20 Mar 1947.   They farmed south of Windom for several years and raised 4 children. In 1957, they moved to Windom where Norman worked for Elk River Concrete Company until he retired in 1980.

Member of the American Legion.

Buried at Hauges Cemetery, Jackson County, MN.

  • Obituary: Yes