City Times Staff

RUDOLPH — From the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ to Rudolph, Wis., Alois Van Asten has seen a lot.

For 70 years now, the World War II veteran has been a member of Elmer F. Blonien Post 485 American Legion of Rudolph — and not only that, but he is the last charter member.

Van Asten joined the army during WWII, and served in the Army Air Academy in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the academy was closed before graduation, and all cadets were transferred to the 75th Infantry to be assigned to scout duty.

Van Asten fought in the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ and was wounded in the small village of Beffe, Belgium to be airlifted to an England hospital. Van Asten would be awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge for his service.

Van Asten is the last charter member of Post 485, which was formed in April of 1946.