Elden Charles Justus

Elden Justus was born on August 19, 1927 in Grady, New Mexico To Elmer and Lois Justus. He was killed in action in the vicinity of Hagaru-ru at the southeastern edge of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea on Dec.^, 1950. He was last seen directing his men in repulsing an enemy attack while covering for the withdrawal of American and Korean troops from the battlefields. His remains were unaccounted for until he was identified from remains recovered from communal graves in North Korea in 2004. In April 2029, the Department of the Army POW/MIA Accounting Agency completed DNA testing of those remains and issued a certification of his identity.

At the time of his death, Elden was survived by his widow Ruth Justus (later McCardie) and their children Jack and Lois; his mother Lois Childs; and their children Jack and Lois; his mother Lois Childs; and his sister Edna Smith as well as numerous aunts and cousins.

Today, he is survived by his children Jack Justus (Anna); Lois Justus Hyman (Paul); his grand daughter Jennifer Johnston Pete) and their children Colton and Kelly and Elizabeth Wolfe (Matt) and their daughter Johanna.

Elden was raised in Arcata, CA. He graduated from Arcata High School in June 1945 and the following October 29th 1945 enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to Fort Sill in Oklahoma where he completed basic training in artillery after which he was posted to the 33rd Field Artillery Unit and stationed with the American occupation forces in Darmstadt, Germany in 1946.

While in Germany, Elden met and married Ruth Boensal, a German native. Jack and Lois soon arrived completing their family. In January 1950, Elden was posted to Camp Carson in Colorado where his family joined him. On Sept. 14th, he departed the continental U.S. for Hokkaido, Japan for staging to Korea. Ruth and the children moved to Arcata to await his return nearer to his family.

SCF Justus will receive the following awards and decorations: Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, the two Bronze Service Stars, Presidential Unit Citation-Navy, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, and Republic of Korea-Presidential Unit Citation.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Paul's Chapel, 1070 H Street, Arcata, CA.

SFC Elden Justus' remains will arrive from Hawaii at the Sacramento International Airport on July 8th 2019, returning to Arcata immediately following and will lie in honor at Paul's Chapel for public visitation from 9 an to  pm on July 9th and 10th.

Funeral will be held on July 11th, 2019 at 11 am at the Elks Lodge at 445 Herrick Avenue in Eureka, CA 95503 with interment immediately following at Greenwood Cemetery, 1757 J Street, Arcata, CA 95521. Reception at Arcata Veteran's Memorial Building American Legion Post 274 at 1425 J Street, Arcata CA following burial.

Veterans attending the services are encouraged to wear your uniforms, caps and other insignia.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to American Legion Post 274, 1424 J Street Arcata CA 95521

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