Norman E. Olson

Early life He was born in Winnipeg, Canada and lived in Fargo, North Dakota. He graduated from Fargo High School. He spent two years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin attending Marquette university. Before moving to Fargo, Olson spent time as a commercial photographer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1941 Olson enlisted in the United States Army. Olson and his unit were returning from a mission over a Nazi airdome Brunswick, Germany, when Olson was shot down by ground fire. The other fighters in Olson's unit only made one pass, but Olson made three.

Awards

Air Medal American Campaign Medal Army Good Conduct Medal Congressional Gold Medal (2015) Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Army Presidential Unit Citation Purple Heart United States Aviator Badge Army World War II Victory Medal