Zeigler, Illinois Website

Private Adam Otni Lakso

Otni Lakso was born July 23, 1908 in Finland. He was inducted into the US Army on May 19, 1942 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana at the age of 33 years, 9 months, 27 days. After basic training, Private Lakso departed the U.S. on April 28, 1943 and sailed to the European Theatre of Operations. Upon arrival in Europe, he was assigned to Battery b of the 435 Anti-Aircraft BN stationed in Italy. While there he fought in battles at Naples, Rome, and Foggia. On November 28, 1944, the German army captured Lakso and 34 other American soldiers and held them prisoner at Cremona on Mount Belvedere, Italy. On January 27, 1945 Lakso was moved to Stalag 7- A near Mossburg, Germany, a few miles from the Austrian boarder.
After liberation on April 29, 1945, Lakso departed Europe May 29, 1945 for America. He was discharged September 20, 1945 at Fort Sheraton, Illinois at the age of 37 years, 1 month, and 28 days, an advanced age by World War II standards.

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