Edward Mohr, Distinguished World War II Veteran Of The PacificTheater, Honored By Senator Young For His Service To The Nation

OLEAN – World War II veteran Edward J. Mohr served his country honorably on the home front and across a variety of battlefields throughout the Pacific Theater.

During a private ceremony with his family, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) presented Mr. Mohr with several service medals and ribbons in recognition of his dedication to duty and his allegiance to the nation.

“Growing up in the shadow of the Great Depression, Edward Mohr learned from a young age the value and importance of hard work, dedication, and selflessness. His service to our nation, performed dutifully and honorably as member of the U.S. Army Air Force, stands as a testament to his beliefs. Without the sacrifices and loyalty of Mr. Mohr and others, all likely would have been lost for our great nation,” said Senator Young. 

“It is especially inspiring to hear how Sergeant Mohr continued his spirit of service and his commitment to the area even after he returned home from the war. As a school bus driver for Salamanca City Schools, a former Fire Chief and life-long member of the Salamanca Volunteer Fire Department, and an Usher for Our Lady of Peace Parrish for 54 years, Mr. Mohr devoted his lifetime to his beloved city and its people,” Senator Young said.

In recognition of his devotion to duty, Sergeant Edward Mohr received the Good Conduct Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, with one bronze service star attachment; the World War II Victory Medal; the Philippine Liberation Medal; and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.

From the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA), Sergeant Mohr also received the New York Medal for Merit.

Sharon Bailey, Sergeant Mohr’s daughter, said, “My father is very proud of his military service and we were very pleased with the medal ceremony. Hearing about my father’s deeds brought tears to my eyes. I learned things about my dad that I had never known, and on behalf of all our family, I thank Senator Young for hosting us and honoring Dad.”

Born in Salamanca in 1922, a child of the Great Depression, Edward Mohr attended Salamanca City Schools before dropping out in his sophomore year to find work and assist his family.

Mr. Mohr joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) where he was one of 150 CCC personnel working at Allegany State Park, cutting trails and building improvements that are still in use at the Park today. After a year and a half with the CCC, he left to take a Jackhammer Operator position with the Erie Railroad, doing track maintenance.

On September 15, 1942, Mr. Mohr was inducted into the U.S. Army at the rank of Private, reporting for active duty fourteen days later at Fort Niagara, he was just 20 years old.

Private Mohr completed the Army Metal Workers Course, and was assigned to the U.S. Army Air Forces. He shipped overseas on October 3, 1943, joining the 60th Depot Repair Squadron in New Guinea as a Fuel Cell Repairman.

AAF Depot Repair Squadrons were instrumental to the success of the Army Air Forces as World War II raged on three fronts. Repair Squadron personnel, mostly specialized mechanics serving in remote areas, were charged with third echelon maintenance responsibility of all Army Air Force equipment, including aircraft field repairs and salvage, replacement of major aircraft unit assemblies, and fabrication or repair of minor parts. As of September 1942, the 60th Deport Repair Squadron was one of only 130 such sub-depots in operation worldwide.

Upon demobilization at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, on December 1, 1945, now Sergeant Mohr had served three years, three months and 12 days on active duty, including two years, two months and 10 days of service overseas in the Pacific.

After returning to Salamanca, Ed went back to the Erie Railroad, working until he was laid off. He then took a position as a Machine Operator for Fancher Furniture, retiring as a Supervisor in 1987, with 40 years of service. He also drove a school bus for Salamanca City Schools for nine years, retiring in 1998.

A former Fire Chief, Ed has been a member of the Salamanca Volunteer Fire Department for six decades, and an Usher for Our Lady of Peace Parrish for 54 years.

He married the former Rose Frances Mohr of Perrysburg on April 12, 1946. No stranger to the Army Air Forces, she had worked for Bell Aircraft during World War II. The couple had celebrated 66 years of marriage until her passing on March 5, 2012. The couple was blessed with two children, Sharon (Bailey) of Olean, and James Mohr of Bullhead City, Arizona, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.