After nearly 66 years, Montana native, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, Harold P. Haugland, who went missing in action on December 2, 1950, during the Korean War, was identified and is being brought home for a full military burial. Harold was 22 years old at the time of his death.
Thanks to recent technological advancements in forensic science, the U.S. Department of Defense positively identified his remains, which were recovered in 2004, in North Korea.
Nearly a lifetime after his death, Harold’s family learned November 2016 the mystery of his fate had been solved when they were notified of this positive identification. A public announcement followed, indicating that his remains would be returned to the family for a burial with full military honors.
Harold’s life began in Glendive. He was born on September 27, 1928, to Peter and Alma Haugland. Along with his four brothers and one sister, he spent most of his life residing near Hodges, Mont. in Dawson County. In 1945, the family moved to a ranch in the Springhill area of Gallatin County.
Growing up, Harold attended the Haugland School in Hodges and later attended Dawson County High School in Glendive, Montana.
Harold and his family were well known for their compassionate hearts and unrelenting work habits. His interests and passions included agriculture and anything mechanical in scope. Characteristically any endeavor he undertook, he accepted full responsibility and fully completed the task, chore or job with pride.
Harold’s military career began on January 1, 1949, with his enlistment in the U.S. Army. He received basic and artillery training at Fort Bliss, Texas, and was later reassigned to Korea from Fort Lewis, Wash. in the fall of 1950.
After serving just two months in Korea, Harold went missing in action, and his father Peter Haugland was notified of this status.
Harold was a decorated soldier, receiving a number of medals and citations, including:
• Distinguished Service Cross
• Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars
• United Nations Service Medal
• Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal
• Republic of Korea-Presidential Unit Citation
• Gold Star Lapel Button
• Cold War Recognition Certificate
• Korean Medal of Military Merit 4th Class/Hwarang Cordon
At the time of his missing in action notification, Harold was survived by his father, Pete Haugland; step-mother, Sybil Thompson Haugland; his sister, Dorothy (James) Tannehill; brothers, Clinton (Margaret) Haugland, Ray Haugland, Robert Haugland, and Edwin Haugland.
His mother Alma, who passed away when he was nine years old, preceded Harold in death.
Today he is survived by one brother, Edwin Haugland; and three sisters-in law, Arlene (Bob) Haugland, Betty (Ed) Haugland, Margaret (Clinton) Haugland Blair. He is also survived by seven nieces and ten nephews and their families.
A memorial service to honor Harold’s life and military service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Grace Bible Church, located at 3625 S. 19th Street, Bozeman, Mont. After the service, Harold will be laid to rest, with military honors at the Sunset Hills Cemetery, in Bozeman.
The family invites any who desire to honor Harold’s life and heroic military service to attend.
For those who desire, memorials may be made in his name to the American Legion or the VFW in Bozeman, or the Korean War Memorial.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com.