Vet receives VFW award

SANDPOINT — In a few short years during World War II, Staff Sgt. Henry Bergdorf did more living than most people manage over decades.

His wartime duties had him jumping from the Pacific Theater in 1942 to the European Theater in 1944, taking on tasks from his role in the 25th Medical Battalion of the 25th Division to overseeing sanitation for a base hospital in France. His efforts didn’t stop with the surrender of Germany and Japan in 1945, either — almost 20 years of his post-war life were dedicated to helping veterans as commander of the Priest River VFW.

Bergdorf was just one of several veterans honored at a special ceremony held Monday at The Bridge Assisted Living. In addition to the commendations the facility gave to all its veteran residents, Bergdorf also received a VFW Lifetime Achievement Award complete with a personal letter of congratulations from Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.

“The service and sacrifice you demonstrated helped continue our American way of life,” Otter said in his letter.

Indeed, The Bridge’s dining room contained more than its fair share of  individuals who demonstrated that service and sacrifice. Lt. Ward Tifft, for example, saw history unfold before his eyes at the Battle of Midway — the critical Pacific Theater engagement that crippled the Japanese naval fleet. He also saw time in a submarine patrolling the South Pacific.

Sgt. James Toomey, meanwhile, experienced just about as different a set of circumstances as one could imagine. Far away from the heat and humidity of the Pacific Theater, Toomey was instead stationed in the mountains of Northern Italy. He served as a member of the 10th Mountain Division, a specialized ski patrol infantry unit trained to fight through the harsh, wintery mountain terrain. That service earned him a Purple Heart and Silver Star with two leaf clusters for his valor.

Yeoman Second Class Helen Paulsen proved a pioneer in female contributions to the armed forces as a member of WAVES, or Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services. A division established due to the extreme need for manpower regardless of gender roles, WAVES helped pave the way for women in military service. Similarly, Marjorie Sellers-Olin was also a WAVES member as a photography specialist, taking pictures of ships all along the West Coast.

Residents Elbert Gunter and Clyde Hoekema were also honored. Both operators of complex machinery during their service, Gunter flew reconnaissance aircraft, while Hoekema handled heavy equipment and trucks. The brothers of Don Engle received a special mention as well, and Engle accepted a token of gratitude on their behalf.