Clousie Henry Grimm

1914 - 1972
Iowa S Sgt Cannon C 61 Infantry
SS-BSM Wife --- Betty Grimm 1922 - 1986

Clousie was awarded the Silver Star

Clousie was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 8, 1941. His training started at Camp Walters, Texas, continued at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and he participated in the Tennessee Maneuvers from September 8 to November 8, 1942. He left for Desert Maneuvers November 27, 1942, through March 17, 1943, at which time he was transferred to San Luis Obispo, California. Staff Sergeant Grimm served overseas from September 20, 1943, until November 3, 1945, with Cannon Company, 61st Infantry and his occupational specialty was Gun Crewman, Light Artillery. He was awarded the following ribbons: Asiatic and Pacific Theatre Campaign, American Theatre Campaign, American Defense Service, Victory W/4 Overseas Bars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. Clousie received the Silver Star on September 1, 1944, for Gallantry in Action in July 1944. He also received two Bronze Stars for the New Guinea and Luzon Campaigns.
He was discharged on November 12, 1945.

Clousie's daughter, Sharon, married Thomas MacDonald-Williams who originally was from Scotland but now lives here in Manning.
Since we are making family Veteran histories we want to include Tom's family military history and include it with Clousie's story to make the connections.

I will be working with Tom to get some family history and their military history.

John Williams

Tommy MacDonald

Manning Monitor Businessman feature 1959

Another businessman who is a native son is Clousie Grimm, 45, partner of Grimm and Vinke on Main Street.

Clousie was born in Manning and went through eighth grade at Manning public school.

He was a farm laborer until World War II and spent four and a half years in the army infantry. Returning from the war he was in construction work until July 1, 1949 when he bought into a partnership of the late Pete Siem. In June of 1957, Julius Vinke bought Siem's share of the business.

Clousie and his wife Betty have been married 13 years and have three children, Sharon, 12, in seventh grade, John, 8, in third grade and Susan one and a half years old. The businessman is a member of the local VFW post and the Chamber of Commerce. He belongs to the Presbyterian church.

He lists his hobbies as hunting and horses.

Manning Monitor article------ 1943

Clousie Grimm writes from the Desert Training Center in California notifying us of a change in address, stating he did not I want to miss any issues of the paper.
"We finished our desert maneuvers on March 5th but never moved off the desert until the 23rd.

"At the present we are in Camp San Luis Obispo, which is quite near the coast. It has a capacity of 25,000.
We are considered garrison soldiers now, and wear our wool clothes at all times.
"The days are quite warm here, but the nights are damp and cool. "This camp consists of small wooden huts which quarter six men each. We have small oil burners that come in quite handy at night.

"It is much different from the desert here. The mountains are all green and it really looks swell.
"Thanks very much for the paper. Have received each issue prompt, and hope to do in the future.
"Wish to say "Hello" to all my friends, and "Thanks again."
Pfc. Clousie Grimm, Camp San 'Luis Obispo, California.

Clousie Grimm Would Trade California Sun For Iowa Snow

January 22, 1943
Dear Friends:
"First of all I want to thank the Legion and Monitor for the paper. I receive every issue promptly and look forward to them.
"This week on the desert has been quite miserable. Haven't seen the sun since last Sunday. This cold out here goes through a person worse than in Iowa. "Spent the last week on the artillery range, firing howitzers. We used up enough ammunition to get a lot of Japs, but we need some practice to make perfect.

Our camp is 10 miles west of Yuma, Arizona in the state of California. Hope that everyone in Manning is enjoying the winter's ice and cold. Wish I were there with them. I would gladly trade California sun for some Iowa snow.
Thanks again to everyone.
Clousie Grimm.

On Maneuvers
Clousie Grimm writes from camp at Nashville, Tenn.:
"I received my first issue of the Monitor and want to thank the Legion and all very much.
To date we have finished our first week of maneuvers in Tenn., which are to last until the 1st of Nov. I have enjoyed it very much but it has been terribly wet and cold for outside living conditions. The land here is similar to that of Leonard Wood. It isn't very suitable for farming. Would like to say "Hello" to all my friends in Manning.
Pfc. Clousie Grimm, Co. C, 1st Inf. 6th Div. A.P.O. No. 6, Nashville, Tenn.

Back From Manuevers
Clousie Grimm writes from Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and says they are now back from maneuvers and that he will have a short furlough.
He adds that he has received every issue of the Monitor and expresses his thanks to the Legion and Monitor for getting it.

Clousie Grimm at San Luis Obispo
Just a few lines to let you know I am now receiving the paper again. Have received the last two issues after missing 6 weeks. I really look forward to and read every line of the paper. Brings me a lot of news from the good old home town.
Like to hear what the boys have to say in the service.

"I'm still at the same camp but not for long I guess. At the present, we are having plenty of gun drill and target practice. Guess they are not working too hard though.
"The weather has been the same here for the past four months Warm days and cool damp nights. Never have had ashower of rain.

"Want to thank the Legion and Monitor office for the paper. Really enjoy it. Best wishes to all.
Cpl. Clousie Grimm,
Camp San Luis Obispo, Cal.

Clousie Grimm in Pacific
Clousie Grimm writes from the far Pacific to the Monitor this week. He says he writes while sitting under a palm tree and thinks of us with our snow and cold.
He would like, however, to have some of our snow. The weather on the Islands is very mild and he has enjoyed occasional visits to the beach.
On a recent pass he visited Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. They are both nice places, he writes.

Clousie states he receives the Monitor regularly and promptly. He enjoys the servicemen's column and likes to know what his many friends are doing at home. He has received many cards from friend's, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Auxiliary.
He sends his thanks for the paper and wishes all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Manning Monitor article------ 1944

Clousie Grimm Writes
The following poem was received by Mrs, Ray Mohr, sent to her by her brother, Sgt. Clousie Grimm. She states that Clousie is now in New Guinea, as is Paul.
They haven't been able to locate each other but are hoping they might, some time soon.
Clousie has been advanced to Sergeant and Paul to Private First Class. They both send their best regards to all their friends and say letters and cards are greatly appreciated.
The poem was written by Lt. Dan Shatlain, Tank commander, while on the battlefields of Africa.

What Did You Do Today??

What did you do today,
My friend, From morning till the night?
How many times did you complain
That rationing is too tight?
When are you going to start to do
All of the things you say?
A soldier would like to know, my friend,

What did you do today?
We met the enemy today
And took the town by storm.
Happy reading it will make
For you tomorrow morn.
You'll read with satisfaction
The brief communique,
We fought, but are you fighting?

What did you do today?
My gunner died in my arms today,
I feel his warm blood yet;
Your neighbor's dying boy gave out,
A scream I'll never forget.
On my right a tank was hit,
A flash and then a fire;
The stench of burning flesh
Still rises from the pyre.

What did you, do today, my friend,
To help us with the task?.
What right have I to ask you this,
You probably will say.
Maybe now you'll understand,
You see ... I died today.

From New Guinea
New Guinea. Aug. 8, 1944. Dear Friends:
Guess its time for me to drop a few lines to let you know I still exist; also wish to say "Hello" to all my friends at home, and on all parts of the globe.
Received three papers yesterday, including the June 1st issue.
They are really appreciated here as the only reading material we have is a small scandal sheet issued daily. Also like to find out what the many boys in the service are doing, and the people at home.

Seems as though there are always many promotions among the boys in each issue. I have also been promoted again from sergeant to Staff Sergeant.
My time spent in New Guinea has almost covered the entire island, making our initial stop at Milne Bay.
Since then we have made two landings, encountering plenty of Japs and action. Our equipment is very superior to theirs, so it gives us about ten to one odds.
I still say this place was made for animals to live, not man. Hope the day will come soon when we can leave it.
In closing, I wish to thank the Legion and Monitor office for making this paper possible. Sincerely, Clousie Grimm.

Clousie Grimm has been recommended for the Bronze Star Medal made for excellent leadership while under fire.

Elvin Jones Tells of Citation for Clousie Grimm
Dear Folks:
Just read some orders that may interest you.
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved July 9, 1918 a Silver Star medal is awarded by the Commanding General, Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted man: Staff Sergeant Clousie Grimm 37046639, Infantry, United States Army.
For gallantry in action near * * * * 7 July 1944. As section leader of a platoon of self-propelled howitzers, he moved from position to position under intense enemy fire, to designate targets to the gunners. His bravery and devotion to duty contributed greatly to the accomplishment of the mission.
I happen to know about that particular part of the battle and I know that Clousie is certainly very deserving of the award.

The infantry takes the brunt of the battle in these jungles and in my opinion doesn't receive nearly the credit they deserve. All of the men in the artillery that took part in the same campaign have only the highest respect for the infantry and feel that they cannot be praised too highly.
I'm always so far behind the lines that I'll probably go through the war without receiving a medal, but it doesn't stop me from giving credit where credit is due.

Clausie Grimm Sends Greeting
We are in receipt of a Christmas greeting from Clousie Grimm who is in the Pacific area.
Thank you, Clousie, and we hope to see you home soon.

In Memory Of CLOUSIE H. GRIMM

Born December 28, 1914 Manning, Iowa
Entered Into Rest November 19, 1972 Manning, Iowa
Age 57 years, 10 months, 21 days
Services Held At Ohde Funeral Home Manning, Iowa Wednesday, November 22, 1972. 2 P.M.
Clergyman Rev. Joel Wright Manning Presbyterian Church
Interment Manning Cemetery
Casketbearers Don Mohr, Dale Jons, Wayne Schroeder, Dennis Grimm, Fred Podey, Robert Grimm
Military Honors
American Legion Post No. 22
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3517
All friends and relatives are invited to the Presbyterian Church parlors for lunch and fellowship following the committal services.

CLOUSIE HENRY GRIMM:
November 21, 1972 Times Herald Newspaper
(MANNING)

Funeral services for Clousie Grimm, 57, of Manning will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. The Rev. Joel Wright of the Manning Presbyterian Church will officiate.
Burial will be in the Manning Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the V.F.W. Post No. 3517 and Emil Ewoldt Post No. 22, American Legion. Nephews will be pallbearers.
Mr. Grimm was born Dec. 23, 1914 at Manning a son of Edward and Dora Vinke Grimm. He received his education in Manning schools and then worked on various farms until World War II. He entered the armed services and served overseas in the Pacific. He was awarded the Silver Star.
Following his discharge, he returned to Manning and worked for the Dultmeier Manufacturing Company. His marriage to the former Betty Grelck took place June 29, 1947.
He worked as a part time mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office and for Hass Construction Company. In 1948 he entered into partnership with Pete Siem in a tavern and later was a partner in the establishment with Juel Vinke.
For the past year he was the sole owner of the tavern.
Mr. Grimm was a former mayor of Manning, a past member of the Manning Fire Department and a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Sharon of Omaha, Neb., Jon of Denison and Susan at home; and the following brothers and sisters; Mrs. Herb (Leona) Schroeder, Ed Grimm, Ernest Grimm, Mrs. Ray (Dorothy) Mohr, and Mrs. Delores Balukoff, all of Manning; Paul Grimm of Moline, Ill., George Grimm of Ormand Beach, Fla., and Willis Grimm of Missouri Valley.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Melvin.
Mr. Grimm was found dead at his tavern Sunday, November 19, about noon.

Businessman, Former Mayor, Passes Away
Clousie Grimm, 57, of Manning died unexpectedly about noon Sunday, November 19. He was a former mayor of Manning. Clousie was born in Manning and went through eighth grade at Manning public school. He was a farm laborer until World War II and spent four and a half years in the army infantry.
Returning from the war he was in construction work until July 1, 1949, when he bought into a partnership of the late Pete Siem, later with Julius Vinke. The past year he was sole owner of the tavern.
He served as mayor of Manning, was a past member of the Manning Fire Department, a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Clousie Grimm is buried in the Manning Cemetery.
Section B Row #11 north - south.