World War II POW Veteran’s Story to be Presented at The Highground Veterans Memorial

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 -- 12:00 PM

On July 8 at 6pm, WWII POW Carl Nordin’s story will be presented by his daughters, Carleen Tjader & Susan Allan.

POW artifacts, including his secret journal that he brought back from the Pacific Theater after over 3 years as a POW, will accompany the presentation. On December 1, 1941, Sgt Carl S. Nordin, a 28-yr old from Siren WI, was sent as part of the Fifth Air Base Group to the southern Philippine Island of Mindanao to establish an air base.

The attack on Pearl Harbor happened just days later. The Japanese swept through the area and on May 10, 1942, Carl was among the hundreds who were taken prisoner. Carl lived with many unique health issues from his imprisonment, but his many strengths, including his Christian faith and positive outlook kept him going. He passed away at the age of 92 in 2005.

In October 2025, Carl’s daughter Carleen Tjader visited The Highground and later returned with her sister, Susan Allan, to donate their father’s collection of items from his time in service and from his imprisonment in the Japanese POW camps.

The items are not only a historically priceless collection but are the physical component of an amazing story of WWII, survival, hope, faith and strength. For more information or questions about the presentation, email [email protected] or call Theresa at 715-743-4224.

The Highground’s 2026 CAMO program is made possible thanks to grants from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the MDRT Foundation.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.