Central ND News

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have introduced legislation in the House and Senate to designate the United States Postal Service facility at 840 Front Street in Casselton, North Dakota, as the “Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office.” The bill now awaits action in the House.

“North Dakotans are immensely proud of the service and sacrifice of Commander Olson,” said Rep. Armstrong. “On January 11, 1968, Commander Olson paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country along with his other crewmen and their mascot, a dog named Snoopy-Segrams. Today, as we introduce legislation, before Memorial Day, to name the post office at 840 Front Street in Casselton, North Dakota the ‘Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office,’ we ensure that Commander Olson will have a permanent place in our country’s history and that his memory will live on.”

“Commander Olson served honorably in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and is an example to all of us of the selfless sacrifice that has ensured our freedoms,” said Sen. Hoeven. “It is fitting that we honor Commander Olson, who ultimately gave his life in service of our country, by naming the post office in Casselton, North Dakota in his honor. This will ensure that his memory and sacrifice for our nation are not forgotten.”

“I’m honored to join the effort to rename the post office in Casselton after Commander Delbert Austin Olson,” said Sen. Cramer. “This renaming is not merely a gesture but a lasting affirmation of Commander Olson’s indelible legacy—crafted through his selfless dedication during pivotal times in our history, including WWII, the Korean War, and his heroic sacrifice in the Vietnam War. This tribute is a testament to the profound bond between Commander Olson and the Casselton community, illuminating a solemn promise that his extraordinary contributions will forever be remembered.”

Background:

Commander Delbert Austin Olson was born on January 4th, 1926 in Arthur, North Dakota. In 1943, while still in high school, he enlisted in the Navy Reserves, listing Casselton as his home of record.

Designated as a naval aviator in 1947, Commander Olson served honorably across three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His service included membership in Observation Squadron 67—a secret unit whose mission details were declassified only in 1998.

On January 11th, 1968 during one such mission along Laos's Ho Chi Minh Trail—an operation involving sensor placement to monitor hostile movements—Commander Olson's plane went down. He lost his life alongside fellow crew members and their mascot dog Snoopy-Segrams.

Initially listed as Missing In Action (MIA), Commander Olson's status was later changed to Killed In Action (KIA). Despite hazardous ground conditions impeding immediate recovery efforts at first—the U.S military conducted multiple operations leading to eventual retrieval of remains from all crew members involved. In 2003 Commander Olson was laid to rest with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Throughout an illustrious career marked by valor under duress he received numerous commendations: including Navy Commendation Medal with valor; Purple Heart; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic Of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Bar among others—with name inscribed upon Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall located within Washington DC’s National Mall vicinity.

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