Loren Elmer Love Full Narrative

Musician, schoolteacher, posthumous Silver Star awardee:  Loren E. Love’s life forces us to reconsider our stereotypes about what constitutes a “war hero.”  Born in Connell, Washington but raised in Colville, Love attended WSC from 1935-40, graduating with degrees in Music and Education.  While at WSC he was a leader in numerous music-related performance groups and clubs.  After graduating from WSC he taught music in Omak, WA for the 1941-42 school year.  He joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1943.  He first saw action at the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943 before being in the initial assault on the island of Saipan in June 1944.  There, Love earned a posthumous Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery and leadership of his platoon under heavy fire and counterattack despite what turned out to be fatal wounds.  He was buried at sea.