Paul Arvid Partanen

2020-10-11T11:39:06-05:00
Army Badge
  • Name: Paul Arvid Partanen
  • Location of Birth: Butte, Montana
  • Date of Birth: November 19, 1916 (different on many records)
  • Date of Death: June 1, 1995
  • Parents: Arvid Partanen and Sanni (Posala) Partanen
  • High School and Class:
  • College:
  • Highest Rank: TEC 5 (Technical 5)
  • Branch: Army
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: June 2, 1942
  • Place Sworn In:
  • Date of Discharge: December 13, 1945
  • Place of Discharge:
  • Military Awards:

  • Military Highlights:
    As a young man, Paul Partanen served in the Finnish Army, where he was living with his parents and where he also attended school. He saw action in the war against Russia, was wounded and subsequently received an honorable discharge. He then returned to the United States where he was called upon to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II.

    Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - March 30, 1945 - "Before Paul Partanen went into the army nearly three years ago, he was making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Hanson and driving truck at the Canisteo mines. Since that time he has been doing a different sort of driving and that he has done well is indicated by a citation he received from his commanding officer. "You have been recognized by Headquarters, First Island Command, for exemplary performance of duty. That excellent Drivers Citation which you received the 31st of February 1945, is further proof of your keen understanding of the mission this unit must accomplish and to the appreciable contribution you have made toward that end." Paul has been serving in the Southwest Pacific. His mother is in Finland, and he had not heard from her since the war began."

  • Wars Involved:
    World War II

  • MIA / POW:

  • Civilian Life:
    Paul Partanen was discharged from the service and returned to the Bovey, Minnesota area where he worked in the mines, retiring from US Steel Company in 1978. He married Ellen V. (Hongisto) Morrisette in Bovey in 1950. She preceded him in death in 1989. Paul was a member of the Itasca Finnish Club, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1061 of Bovey, American Legion Post of Warba, Johnson-Hodgins VFW Post 4016 of Bovey and the West Range Senior Citizens Club.

    Paul died in Bovey, Minnesota and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine, Minnesota (Block 31, Lot 20). He is survived by two sons, Robert and James; one step-daughter, Jacqueline A. Morrisette Goetzman; two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; his fiancee, Lillian Kangas; and several cousins.

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):

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