Harry E. Baumgartner was born on October 7, 1917 in Madison, Wisconsin and attended local schools, graduating from Central High School in 1936. He began working at Harry S. Manchester Department Store in downtown Madison in the floor covering department. He was a member of the 135th Medical Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard and, as such, was called into federal service in January 1941 as part of the 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Division.
Baumgartner received training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi and went overseas with his regiment in March 1942. Stationed in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, he served as a mechanic in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. He returned to the United States in December 1944 and was honorably discharged in August 1945, having attained the rank of sergeant. Baumgartner's service earned him the Asiatic-Pacific Theater service medal, the American Defense medal, five overseas service bars, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation badge.
Returning to Madison, Baumgartner worked at Petterson's Carpetland through 1958 and F.E. Seybold's floor covering business through his retirement in 1982. He was heavily involved in the 135th Medical Regiment Association, a veterans organization that kept him connected to his fellows following the war. He was also an active member of the community, being a life-long resident of Madison/Monona. Baumgartner passed away on February 8, 2003.
