By HDN Staff
Louis C. Hary, 95, retired carpenter, died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2001, at a Havre hospital of natural causes.
Cremation has taken place. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn.
Louis was born Jan. 21, 1906, to Louis and Emma (Bodner) Hary at Stevensville. He received his high school diploma from Havre High School in 1925.
From 1927 to 1941, Louis owned one section of a "dry" wheat farm north of Havre, where he operated all types of farm machinery in tilling, planting, cultivating and harvesting. During this same time period, he also hired out as a tractor driver and did some acetylene welding.
He attended the Mechanical Vocational Training School in Havre. On Oct. 28, 1941, Louis enlisted with the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, he was trained as a bombardier and later as an airplane and engine mechanic at the ACTS Kessler Field Airplane and Engine Mechanics School. He was a private working as bombardier crew member on a B-26 medium bomber. During this time, he did some navigating and fused and released bombs in coordination with the lead ship of the squadron. The majority of Louis' comrades lost their lives before completing their 30th mission. Louis completed a total of 62 missions, earning him the admirable nickname of "Lucky Louie."
He was promoted to tech sergeant as an airplane and engine mechanic where he repaired engines and structures of the B-26 medium bombers. He received the AAF Aircrew Membership Badge and the AAF Tech Badge. He was in the following battles and campaigns: Tunisian, Sicilian, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, South France, and Rhineland. Louis received the following decorations: American Thea Ribbon, European-Africa-Middle East Ribbon with five bronze stars, four overseas service bars, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with nine bronze clusters, one service stripe, Dist. Unit Badge, Croix de Guerre Order French Airforce, Distinguished Flying Cross, American Defense Ribbon, and a lapel button. Louis returned to Montana in 1948 with the rank of tech sergeant.
From 1948 through 1962, Louis worked for the Denver City Hall in Denver. In 1962, he married Irene Byrnes in Denver. The couple moved to Minneapolis in 1962, where they retired. Irene died in 1994. Louis moved to Havre in 1996 to be near family.
Louis enjoyed woodworking, jack rabbit hunting, playing cards, and traveling the Western United States.
Louis was preceded in death by his father, Louis Hary in 1922, mother, Emma (Bodner) Hary in 1941, wife, Irene Byrnes Hary in 1994, sisters, Ella Hary in 1907, Irene Kops in 1969, Viola Hary in 1953, Adra Hary in 1931, Irma Teshner in 1980; brothers, John Hary in 1977 and Frank Hary in 1980.
Survivors include his sisters, Eva Adams of Havre and Louise Gamas of Fairfax, Calif., and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to a person's choice.
Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.
