Renard, Henry F. 1919-1998,

Renard (1919-1998) grew up on a farm near West Bend (Wisconsin) where he worked in a cheese factory after high school. His great-grandfather was German, from Alsace-Lorraine, and his family spoke German at home. In 1942, Renard joined the Army Air Force and became a pilot for the 773rd Squadron, 463rd Bomb Group, 15th Air Force. On December 25, 1944, his plane was shot down over Czechoslovakia, and Renard became a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft One (Germany). In May, 1945, the camp was liberated. Renard returned home, married his first wife Carol Peterson, and attended college and law school at the University of Wisconsin. Eventually, Renard moved back to West Bend to practice law. He was an active member of the American Legion, serving as county commander, state commander, and national executive committeeman. He earned a Purple Heart and an Air Medal.

From the description of Oral history interview with Henry F. Renard, [sound recording], 1996. (Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center). WorldCat record id: 407182892