William A. Ahrberg

Colonel Bill Ahrberg, US Army, was born on a farm in Stillwater, Oklahoma, 10 August 1927. He graduated Pawhuska High School in 1945 and enlisted into the US Navy. He served as a Seaman First Class for one year, then attended Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) on the G. I. Bill. He participated in the US Army Advanced Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. He was ordered to active duty and assigned to an Officer Control Group. On 4 January 1951 he was called up from the Officer Control Group to join American Forces fighting in the Korean War.

The Pacific Stars and Stripes military newspaper detailed the exploits of his platoon during the "Battle of Bloody Angle" (Hill 487/Old Baldy), referring to them as the "Bunker Busters." After his platoon's assault on the enemy position, only 10 of his men remained uninjured, with 34 being injured or killed in action. For his service in the Korean War he was awarded three Silver Stars for gallantry in combat action, and two Purple Hearts for wounds received.

COL Ahrberg's awards also include the World War II Victory Medal and the US Army Combat Infantry Badge. After returning from Korea, he taught Military Science at Oklahoma State University for two and a half years. He rejoined the US Army Reserve in February 1955 and was assigned to the 4003rd US Army Garrison. On 1 October 1961 he was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis and assigned to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, until 11 August 1962. Colonel Ahrberg retired from the position of Commander, 4003rd US Army Garrison in June 1979 after 24 years of service to his country.