Elmer Linenberger

Birthplace: Collyer, Kansas

Branch of Service: Army

Unit: Red Diamond

Theater of Operation: European

Battle: Battle of the Bulge

Enlisted / Commissioned: Aug 31, 1944

Discharged: Jul 2, 1946

Highest Rank: T.SGT

Military Honors: Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Three Combat Stars, Army Good Conduct Medal, EAMET Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and Army of Occupation Ribbon.

Honored By: Dennis J Brungardt, nephew

Elmer was the seventh of John and Mary Elizabeth Linenberger’s thirteen children. He grew up on farms in Western Kansas and Washington County Kansas where he learned many useful things, which included a limited amount of the German language.

Elmer’s induction was at Ft Leavenworth, Kansas. Then at Camp Wolters, near Mineral Wells, Texas, he received basic training to prepare him for the European Theater.

Elmer served under General Patton’s 3rd Army in Company G, 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division in the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland Offensive, and Central Europe Campaign. He was platoon leader in the European Theater. Being able to understand and speak the German language enabled him to gain information and assisted in getting German soldiers to surrender to him.

Elmer said the proudest moment for him during the war was when General Patton shook his hand and praised him for his leadership abilities.