Donald C. Larson Staff Sgt. - U.S. Army - 1942-1945

By Larry Nelson

Veteran’s History Project

As was the case much of the time, the Cheyenne County Selective Service System was doing its job, drafting young men to help fill the ranks of the Army, mainly. After the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, the manpower needs of the military were very urgent.

There were six sons in the Larson household west of Gurley, NE and/or northeast of Potter. Three of the young men (brothers) were notified that they were going to be drafted. About the only questions were when and how many at a time?The timing was mostly decided. They were notified in February,...