Harvey L. Mencke was born on August 28, 1922. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a Sergeant in Company K, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. He died from his wounds received in battle on February 5, 1945 in Belgium at the age of 22 and is now buried in Brooklyn Heights Cemetery, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Haaren, Germany for actions on 18 October 1944. The citation reads, "When communication wires were severed by intense mortar and artillery bombardment, Sergeant Mencke fearlessly crossed hazardous terrain and repaired the lines. Then, when a numerically superior German force supported by tanks launched a fierce counterattack, Sergeant Mencke repeatedly exposed himself to engage the foe and with accurate and rapid rifle fire held the opposition at bay until reinforcements arrived and repulsed the enemy thrust. Sergeant Mencke's gallant actions and unselfish devotion to duty reflect great credit upon the Army of the United States."