Background
Olson"s family moved to South Dakota 10 years after he was born and he attended school in Toronto, South Dakota.
Olson"s family moved to South Dakota 10 years after he was born and he attended school in Toronto, South Dakota.
Olson attended the University of South Dakota from 1936 to 1940, and was commissioned through Army Reserve Officers Training Corps following graduation.
By October 13, 1943 was serving as a captain in the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. On that day and the following two weeks, he showed conspicuous leadership during the push across the Volturno River in Italy. Olson repeatedly led his men in attacks against German forces, personally capturing several enemy positions, until he was mortally wounded during a reconnaissance patrol.
Olson, aged 25 at his death, was buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.