When a favorite uncle of Allan's died a few weeks ago, we learned even more about him in death, than we had in life.  The large family traces its ancestry back to Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, but Harlan's calling wrote a different story, a story that seems perfect for us as we celebrate the Fourth of July and the many freedoms our men have worked so hard to obtain and maintain for us.
The following letter is part of the "artifacts" of Harlan R. Stevenson.  It came from the Headquarters of the United States Army Forces of the South Pacific Area, the Office of the Commanding General.  It was dated December 30th, 1943, and mailed to Alberta Stevenson, Harlan's bride of only two years at that time.  Allan and I received a copy of it on the day of Uncle Harlan's funeral, May 12th, 2002.  It reads ...

Dear Mrs. Stevenson,
It is a great pleasure to inform you of the award of a Distinguished Service Cross to your husband, Private First Class Harlan R. Stevenson, for extra-ordinary heroism while engaged in operations against the enemy in this Theatre.  The citation briefly describing your husband's accomplishment, of which I know you are justly proud, is published in General Orders No. 448, dated November 28th, 1943.
Harlan R. Stevenson, Private First Class, Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism at Baanga Island, New Georgia Group Solomon Islands, on 15 August, 1943, knowing that the hazardous mission involved almost certain heavy casualties, Private Stevenson volunteered to operate an assault boat for a party sent to secure information of or rescue infantry men who had been ambushed on the east coast of Baanga and had been cut off from escape, after quietly landing, he was ordered to stay in the boat under fire and be prepared for a fast get-away while the officer in charge went ashore.
Starting away with three wounded men also aboard, the motor failed and the boat became a still target for 37 mm and machine gun fire.  In the rain of shell fragments, Private Stevenson was struck about the face and head. Ignoring his wounds he coolly and competently worked on the motor until it was completely repaired.  Then crouching low, he piloted the boat through an arc of Japanese fire.  The Japanese shot a hole through the gas tank.  Private Stevenson put his finger on one hole, another soldier covered the other hole.  Private Stevenson refused first aid until he had safely landed the boat and the other wounded men were treated. 
M. F. Harmon, Lieutenant General, USA

Maybe, after reading that letter, you'd like to know more about Allan' uncle.  I was fond of him, and I think he was fond of me.  His obituary ...

Harlan Robert Stevenson, 85, of Britt, Iowa, passed away Sunday, May 12th, 2002, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.
Harlan, son of Minnie G. and Herbert R. Stevenson, was born at Brandt, South Dakota, on June 25th, 1916.  He attend-ed country school through eighth grade and graduated from the Morris School of Agriculture, Morris, MN,, in May of 1935.
He worked on road construction in Minnesota for a short time and then went to Weslaco, Texas, and worked at a grapefruit juice plant.  In 1938 he came to Britt and worked one season on a farm and then worked at Britt for his uncles, Wallace and Les Stevenson, who owned and operated the Stevenson Dairy.
On November 3rd, 1941, he married Alberta L. Clapsaddle from Britt at Web-ster, SD, First Methodist Church, with his mother and sister Bernice in attendance.
On January 24th, 1942, he was drafted into the army.  He trained at Camp Walters, Texas, then at Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, training as an auto mechanic.
On October 5th, 1942, he joined the 169th Infantry, 43rd Division, and his unit was shipped out to the South Pacific Islands where he served until May of 1945.  There were three ships of men and equipment.  They were attacked and one ship with men was sunk.  No one was lost.  The equipment was sunk so the group was sent to New Zealand to be re-manned and re-equipped.  They were there for three months.
When his unit was ready to go again they were sent to Caledonia.  He was there one month training new recruits how to drive large equipment.  Then they were on to Guadalcanal where he did police work while looking for Japanese.  He was then sent to Russell Islands for the North Solomon Campaign.  It was here where he earned the Bronze Star.
As Harlan could run large equipment, he was loaned to the Sea Bees for three months to help build an airplane landing strip.  When the company was headed for New Guinea he had enough service time in to go home.  He received his honorable discharge March 17th, 1945.
When he returned home he farmed, built and sold buildings, raised hogs, and built and operated the Stevenson Feed and Farm Supply from 1957 to 1974.  He loved farming, building, traveling, wood-working, square dancing, and camping.  Harlan retired from farming in 1990.  Harlan R. Stevenson is survived by his wife Alberta, son Gary and his wife Mary Ann of Moundsview, MN, grand-children Joshua and Katherine.  He is also survived by three sisters, three brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, including Vera Orsen, mother of Allan Orsen of Victoria, Minnesota.

Surely we want to keep in mind on this Independence Day those who have helped us retain that independence.  May you be resting in peace, dear Harlan Robert Stevenson. --Sue