Wikner, Eric E., 1908-1987.

Eric Wikner was born on Dec. 15, 1908 near the arctic circle in Swedish Lapland. He emigrated to the U.S. with his family and lived in Richmond, N.Y. before entering military service in 1931. Wikner later helped organize and train the First Experimental Ski Patrol in Dec. 1940. When the 1st Battalion of the 87th Infantry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Wash. was activated, Wikner was assigned as the supervisor of ski training. He served with the 44th Infantry Division Ski Patrol, Headquarters and Company E of the 87th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company of the 86th Infantry Regiment, and Headquarters Company of the 85th Infantry Regiment. Wikner was assigned to Fort Lewis, Wash., Camp Hale, Colo., and Camp Swift, Tex. before being sent to Italy. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his actions at Mt. Belvedere in February 1945, and an Oak Leaf Cluster to the medal at the Po River, April 1945. Wikner attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from the military. He died in July 1987 in Colo. Springs, Colo.