Bridge in South Dakota dedicated to the Harms brothers for their courageous service during the world’s most devastating war – Mitchell Republic

TRIPP – Donald and Fred Harms were brothers in arms during World War II who made the ultimate sacrifice in the deadliest war the world has ever seen.

On Saturday, the brave military relics of fallen soldiers from Tripp were cemented along the Highway 18 bridge near their hometown. The bridge was dedicated in honor of the Harms brothers, who died within months of each other in 1945 while fighting in enemy territory.

Officials from the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs led the ceremony to dedicate the bridge and honor the courageous combat operations in which U.S. Army Lieutenant Donald Harms and Sergeant Fred Harms died.

“Today we dedicate a bridge to the brothers. Don and Fred and their sacrifice and service must be remembered. It is obvious that our country is divided, but we can come together to honor and remember those who made sacrifices in the hope that they will protect our freedoms,” said Aaron Pollard, an official with the state Department of Veterans Affairs.

Fred Harms was killed on February 25, 1945 during a battle near Einruhr, Germany.

Sam Fosness / Republic

About three months after his brother was killed in action, Donald Harms was killed on May 18, 1945, while taking command of a military company in a battle east of Manila in the Philippines.

While Donald Harms’ company successfully repelled a counterattack along a ridge, the Army lieutenant was killed by flying shrapnel from artillery and mortar fire.

The Harms brothers received Purple Hearts and Bronze Stars for their military service.

Pollard, deputy secretary of state’s Department of Veterans Affairs, recognized the sacrifices of the Harms brothers and called it an opportunity to “gather and honor” all the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect freedom and America’s values.

Brian Harms, a surviving family member, sheds light on the type of character Donald and Fred Harms displayed as sons before they fought in World War II.

“They were born during the Great Depression. They went to school and earned more. They made $30 and had to send $20 home to their parents,” Brian Harms said of the late Fred and Donald Harms’ commitment to their family.

Sam Fosness / Republic

Speaking to a packed crowd at Tripp’s American Legion Hall, Brian Harms urged everyone to defend the freedoms and rights that are unique to America – the same freedoms and rights that his brave family members fought and died for nearly a century ago.

“We have to remember that we fought there for freedom and liberties. There is a difference between freedom and independence. It is something very important that we possess as Americans and that many people lack,” said Brian Harms. “We have to make sure that we never give that up.”

According to historical records, there were between 50 and 85 million deaths in World War II. The war began in 1939 and lasted until 1945. The United States entered World War II after Japan led the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

Brian Harms thanked the state Department of Transportation and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the bridge dedication ceremony.

The state Department of Veterans Affairs began dedicating bridges in South Dakota to fallen military personnel six years ago. Since then, 53 bridges have been named for 59 fallen South Dakota soldiers.

“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memories live on in the hearts of their loved ones and our state,” said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “Naming our South Dakota bridges in honor of our fallen gives us an opportunity to remember, reflect and pay respect – to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation. They valued freedom and loved it so much that they gave their lives to preserve our way of life.”

Sam Fosness joined the Mitchell Republic in May 2018. He grew up in Mitchell, South Dakota and graduated from Mitchell High School. He continued his education at the University of South Dakota at Vermillion, where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in English in 2020. During his time in college, Fosness worked as a news and sports reporter for The Volante newspaper.