Prisoner of War recognized by Daines in arena

PLAINS – The rodeo arena at the Sanders County Fairgrounds was the scene of an emotional ceremony on Saturday to honor and celebrate the life of a prisoner of war during World War II. Montana Congressman Steve Daines was on hand to present the Prisoner of War Medal posthumously to the daughter of former prisoner and Montana resident Laddie Olson.

As an honor guard stood silently by, Rep. Daines handed the medal to Olson’s daughter Jeanne Crismore. Crismore and other family members held back tears as members of the armed forces presented her with a folded American flag. Montana National Guard Colonel Jeff Ireland was also in attendance.

The ceremony was a surprise for Crismore. The event was arranged by extended family member Brian Hamond of Spokane, Washington after he found out about Olson’s status as a POW. Hamond was assisted in arranging the surprise ceremony by Rep. Daines and members of his staff.

“I was honored to be able to help the family receive this award,” said Hamond. “I was lucky to be able to help arrange this for them.”

Laddie Olson was a soldier in the 109th infantry as part of the 20th Army Division that helped liberate Paris. Olson was captured on December 18, 1944 during the infamous Battle of the Bulge by German forces. His position was overrun and captured during a three-day battle sparked by a major German offensive.

Olson was transported with other prisoners by railcar enduring inhumane conditions before arriving at a German prison facility near a community called Bad Orb. The prison named Stalag IX-B was according to research conducted by Hamond one of the worst camps in Germany. Conditions at the prison deteriorated rapidly toward the end of the war when supplies dwindled.

According to Hamond, Olson was wounded but still managed to assist a fellow prisoner who also happened to be from Montana. Olson was rescued along with other inmates when American Forces liberated the camp on April 2, 1945. He would require three surgeries to repair the damage from his injuries during his time as a POW.

Olson returned to the states and moved to Missoula where he was employed as a railroad worker. Hamond said Olson worked as a railroad worker until the day he died on March 7, 1979.

Hamond said he petitioned the office of Rep. Daines to help arrange for the medal to be awarded posthumously to Olson’s next-of-kin when he learned of his experience during World War II. The petition was presented to the Congressman’s office in May and by June the arrangements had been set up for the award.

“Congressman Daines really was able to get this done,” said Hamond.

Crismore who accepted the award on behalf of her stepfather said she was completely surprised by the ceremony. Crismore said it was one of the proudest moments of her life.

“I don’t even have words. He was so proud to have served his country,” said Crismore. “I think it’s a wonderful idea to honor POWs like this. This would have been the proudest day of his life.”