Harry E. Bandow

1923 - 2011

Harry E. Bandow, 87, Green Bay, Wis., died Tuesday, May 10, 2011. He was born Dec. 11, 1923, in Peshtigo, to Louis and Elsie (Bartels) Bandow. Harry was a graduate of Green Bay West High School, Class of 1941.

Following high school and college, he then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was based in the United States, Netherlands, East Indies, New Guinea, Australia, Philippines and Okinawa and was overseas 11 months. Harry served with the 530th Bomb Squadron, 380th Bomb Group, 5th Air Force. He flew 31 combat missions totaling 294 combat hours, and flew 2 group lead missions and 2 squadron lead missions.

In December 1945, he left active duty status, retaining a Reserve status until recalled to active duty in May 1951. Since that time he served overseas in France from October 1954 to May 1958 and in Hawaii from May 1962 to May 1965. He has had stateside assignments in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Condon Air Force Station, Oregon, and reported to Hill Air Force Base in July 1965. The last 8 years of his military service have been in the Communications-Electronics Field.

During his military service, Lieutenant Colonel Bandow has received the following Decorations and Awards: Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with eight Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Award with one Bronze Service Star, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hourglass Device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation. Throughout his military service, Lieutenant Colonel Bandow has given faithful and conscientious service to his country. His standard of conduct and leadership has provided an excellent example for those who have been associated with him during his military career.

Following his military career, he and his wife, Beatrice retired in Syracuse, Utah, where they were avid gardeners, camped in the mountains, and took many road trips together across the United States in their "fifth-wheel", enjoying the country he defended.

Harry is survived by eight nieces, nephews and their spouses, Daniel La Count, Green Bay; David and Carol LaCount, Anston; Kenneth and Sue LaCount, Florida; Louis and Mary LaCount, Amherst; Lawrence and Leyane LaCount, Abrams; Carol and Steve DeClerc, Green Bay; Susan and Terry Alexander, Green Bay; Edward and Kris LaCount, Michigan; many other great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife Beatrice; his parents; his sister, Marie; his brother, Louis "Bud"; and his loving puppy, "Penny".

Friends may call at Grace Lutheran Church, 321 S. Madison St., Green Bay, Wis., from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 16. The Funeral Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. Bruce Pangborn officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Peshtigo.

Blaney Funeral Home, Green Bay, Wis., is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.