Herman Heilemann- Drexel Institute of Technology

Herman Walter Heilemann was born on November 21, 1914, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. His parents, John Conrad Heilemann III (1887-1926) and Elizabeth L "Beth" Felten (1890-1966), raised him alongside his siblings John Conrad Heilemann IV (1913-1997), Martha Heilemann (1916-2001), and Anna Heilemann (1917-2003). At the age of 25, Herman registered for the draft on October 16, 1940, in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During this time, he was employed by E G Budd. The following year, in 1941, he entered into the bonds of marriage with Jane Frances Dillon (1920–1988) in Philadelphia, beginning a new chapter in his personal life. Answering the call of duty, Herman enlisted in the military on September 30, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He joined the Selectees (Enlisted Men) component and held the rank of Private, demonstrating his dedication to serving his country. During his military service, Herman endured injuries that required medical care. In August 1944, he was admitted for treatment, diagnosed with various conditions, including a fibula shaft injury, a leg scar, and a bone disease resulting from artillery shell fragments. His medical treatment involved the application of splints or casts to address a compound closed fracture. Herman's injuries were recognized as having occurred in the line of duty, leading to his discharge under Section II of AR 615-360, signifying a discharge that reflected his duty-related circumstances.