Peace Garden News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak and U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven have introduced legislation to rename the Casselton post office in honor of Commander Delbert Austin Olson. The proposal aims to designate the post office at 840 Front Street as the Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office.

"Commander Delbert Olson was a true North Dakota hero. He answered the call and served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Fedorchak. “Renaming the Casselton Post Office in his honor is a small way to show how much we value his sacrifice and to make sure his story lives on in the town he loved."

Commander Olson served in three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, he was part of Observation Squadron 67, conducting missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. On January 11, 1968, Commander Olson died when his plane went down. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in 2003.

“I’m honored to join the effort to rename the post office in Casselton after Commander Delbert Austin Olson,” said 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."

Commander Olson received several awards for his service: Navy Commendation Medal with valor, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Bar. His name is also on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

“Commander Olson honorably served our nation in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, ultimately giving his life in service to our country,” said Hoeven.“Given his lifetime of service, it is fitting that we name the post office in Casselton, North Dakota in his honor."

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate last Congress.