Doug Bishop
Baxter
Sept. 26 marked a very special day. Baxter resident and World War II vet Lawrence Halter celebrated his 95th birthday! Lawrence enlisted in the Army as a cook in June 1941. After Pearl Harbor, a rifle was placed in his hands and he was shipped to the South Pacific where he performed three beach landings and island hopped for more than three years. He was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his heroic actions and service.
I had the honor of escorting Lawrence to Washington D.C. in 2009 for the WW II Honor Flight. Lawrence and I spent many great moments while in D.C. together. One of the funniest was when we returned home from the trip. While there, Lawrence shook hands with every guy there and accepted hugs from all of the ladies who offered.
When we returned home to Iowa, and he to his bride Cora of 60 plus years, he stated, “Momma, you aren’t going to be very happy with me. I had girls hanging all over me in D.C.!” It was a day that I will never forget. And, as Lawrence stated while there, “I am here for my brothers.”
His three brothers, Louis, Harold and Wilbur all served in combat in WW II and all made it back home as well. Lawrence is the last surviving Halter brother.
Lawrence, you — and countless others like you — are great men and great Americans. We owe you many thanks for the freedoms we enjoy today, and we can never thank you enough. You have spent your entire 95 years living in honor of God, family and country, and you continue to be an inspiration to each of us. We hope you enjoyed the birthday cake, you definitely earned it!