ForeverMissed
Large image

This website was created to honor Clarence H. Eikmeier for his service to our country, as part of the Veterans Memory Park in Dodge, NE.

Tributes are short messages commemorating Clarence, or an expression of support to his closest family and friends. Leave your first tribute here, and others will follow.

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
His Life

Clarence H. Eikmeier Bio

October 1, 2018


SSgt. Clarence H. Eikmeier

531st AAA Battalion

Clarence Henry was born on April 12, 1930 to Conrad & Mary (Peitzmeier) Eikmeier on a farm two miles west of Dodge, NE. The Eikmeier family attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Olean. Clarence gained his elementary education at Sacred Heart Academy. During the 1940’s he worked on the family farm with his brothers, Albin and Roland. During this time their father Conrad took a job outside of the farm. He received his GED during his military service.

March 2, 1953 he was inducted into the US Army. Along with 11 other men from the Dodge, NE area he headed to Fort Omaha for testing prior to their departure for Camp Crowder, MO. March 9th they were transported to Fort Bliss, TX for basic training in the C Battery of the 531st AAA Battalion. His brother Valerian had previously spent 3.5 years in the same battalion.

During 8 weeks of basic training the men were trained on quad 50’s and the anti-aircraft 40’s. Clarence was assigned to go to the Sky Sweeper School on a new 75mm AAA gun. However someone pulled his orders and he was sent to HQ Battery. He was assigned to the motor pool and his duties included changing tires, cleaning batteries and whatever was needed. For a short time was a driving instructor of for 2.5 ton 6 x 6 trucks.

August 1953 Clarence was assigned to the meteorology department and sent to southern New Mexico for training. This was short lived and he was re-assigned to the Radar Section. One event he won’t forget was when their Chief of Section unhooked the cathode-ray tube. It was the main power cable from the base to the antenna. As soon as he started it a lightning bolt came out of the cable containing 12,000 volts missing him by a foot. It was a close call and something none of them will ever forget.

In November his battalion was sent to northern New Mexico firing ranges for a test of their skills. The 531st AAA battalion passed detection and firing with the best record in the 4th army, with 91% detection and 95% firing.

January 1954 his battalion was given orders to move to Ellsworth AFB, near Rapid City, SD. The 400 troops spent 2 weeks tearing down their unit and preparing for the train ride to SD.

The Ellsworth AFB “RECON Observer” newspaper dated February 12, 1954:

The 531st AAA (light 75mm) semi-mobile unit Battalion moved onto Ellsworth AFB with their fully automatic “skysweepers” this week to insure the base of a triple defense against possible enemy attack.

The unit, under the command of Lt. Col. Philip J. Gundlach arrived by troop train on Wednesday Feb. 10th from Ft. Bliss, TX. It was composed of approximately 400 men divided into three batteries.

The 531st Battalion is one of the 1st units to be equipped with the new Skysweeper, a fully automatic 75mm AAA gun with radar and computer on the same carriage. The gun can locate and track enemy planes within a 15mi. radius of the gun site, day or night regardless of fog, sleet, snow or rain.”

 

The next several weeks were spent driving around ranch country with the radar mounted trucks to find the best location to detect planes with the least amount of clutter. A blinding snowstorm hit the area in March and all felt fortunate that no lives or equipment were lost. Shortly after the storm the unit was able to set up the mobile radar site just east of the base.

March of 1954 was promoted to Corporal.

In May Clarence and another 20 soldiers from the unit were sent to Grandview AFB, Kansas City, MO to allow the public to view the “Skysweeper” technology. They flew on a C-124 Goldmaster. It was an impressive transport plane that could hold up to 400 equipped troops.His remaining time was spent in the radar section in various capacities. They were to keep all aircraft out of the area that might fly into the firing range. Ultimately the main job was to make sure the Russians never made it to SAC in Omaha as they would be flying right over Ellsworth on their way to SAC.

December 1954 was promoted to Sergeant.

February 25, 1955 departed Ellsworth AFB and headed to Colorado Spring for his discharge. Returned to Dodge upon discharge. He worked various constructions jobs locally over the next several years.

November 8, 1956 he married Anna Mae (Minarick) Eikmeier. Following their marriage they moved to Omaha where Clarence worked for the 7-UP Co. prior to returning to Dodge in 1958 and taking over the family farm. He remained on the farm until 2010 and has since retired to Dodge, NE.

Clarence and Anna Mae have raised 4 children: Mary Beth (Robin) Holtmeier, Patricia (James) Hertel, Susan (Michael) Franzluebbers, Richard (Susan Kumpf) Eikmeier. They have 7 Grandchildren.

For 25 years Clarence played softball in several leagues along Hwy 91. During this time and into his 80’s he was an active bowler.

He has been active in various organizations in the community over the years:

  • NFO- National Farmers Organization beginning in 1961.
  • Dodge American Legion Post 122; 62-year member, Commander in 1982 and 1983.
    • Sergeant at Arms for 30 years.
    • Instrumental in the creation of the Burial Flags Display in the Veterans Club.
    • Organized the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 122 in 2009.
  • Korean War Veterans; attended many reunions over the years with his comrades from around the country. In March 2014 he flew with the Korean Honor Flight to Washington, DC.
  • COF- Catholic Order of Foresters Court 1747; 75-year member, Chief Ranger for 26 years.
  • Knights of Columbus Council 5439; beginning in 1994.
Recent stories

Invite others to Clarence's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline