Hartsburg American Legion and community gather to honor World War II veteran

Cpl. Paul Lester Nichols, 98, donned his winter coat and Hartsburg American Legion Post 424 cap to attend his honors ceremony from his front yard.

Dozens of community members, family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Nichols’ Hartsburg home to recognize and thank him for his service in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947.

Nichols accepted four framed letters from the desks of elected officials and handwritten notes from friends and neighbors.

Legion and Auxiliary members presented Nichols with the frames, which included letters from the desks of Gov. Mike Kehoe and U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, as well as resolutions from the state Senate and House of Representatives, honoring him for his service in World War II.

“We are here to honor a man who has brought joy in everyone’s life,” Hartsburg Legion Cmdr. Gunny Kline said from the podium.

“A godly man, a loving husband, a loving father. … Also a man who made the best doughnuts ever,” he said as onlookers cheered in agreement.

Nichols and his famous homemade doughnuts — considered a delicacy by most of Hartsburg — could always be counted on to show up at nearly any community event, fundraiser or gathering.

“This is just a remarkable man that we need to honor,” Kline said. “I know he has touched my heart and he’s touched all yours. I’ve only known him for six and a half years, I can’t imagine the ones that have known him almost their whole lives.”

Nichols received training at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas before serving his country in Korea as a member of the 48th Field Artillery Battalion, where he earned both a World War II Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal for his contributions.

After being honorably discharged in 1947 at the rank of corporal, Nichols applied his military experience in laying and maintaining telephone communication systems to work in the manufacturing, construction and automotive sectors.

“I write it to you today to offer my gratitude for your lifetime of service to our state and nation. Your selfless, selfless work in the United States Army during the closing months and aftermath of World War II demonstrates how yours was truly the greatest generation,” Schmitt wrote.

Nichols is one of the estimated 9,000 veterans living in Boone County. World War II veterans comprised less than 1% of the total U.S. veteran population in 2023.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for the sacrifices you have made to protect the freedoms we hold dear,” Kehoe wrote.

“In America, I always carry the highest respect for you and every individual who has answered the call to serve in our armed forces,” he said. “Your courage has earned the gratitude of not only Missourians but of our entire nation.”

Kline decided to hold the ceremony in Nichols’ front yard after it was rescheduled twice due to his declining strength and health.

“We’re glad you’re still with us,” Kline said. “And maybe we’ll get you down to the Christmas dinner. If not— I’ll have to carry you. All right? That’s the way it works around here.”