Technician (5th) Paul J. Hustedt was inducted into the U.S. Army in Chicago in May 21, 1945. After basic training, he attended Ordnance Automotive School in Atlanta, Ga., and the worked in the Washington, D.C.-area, servicing and building military vehicles.

Paul was assigned to the 703rd Military Police Battalion which took part in official ceremonies, including parades for visiting dignitaries, funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, and guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

While stationed in Virginia, he met his wife-to-be, who was serving her country as a civilian employee of the Department of the Interior. He left active duty on Oct. 3, 1946, and returned to Illinois where he received training for farming under the Facilities and Training program.

Paul loved his country and was a proud member of the American Legion. He died at home in August  2005 and received a military funeral. His widow and eldest child reside in Minnesota.