Elmer K. Torgesen was born on July 5, 1921, in New York. He was married to Gloria E. Torgesen. He enlisted in the US Army Air Forces during World War II. He served as a pilot in the 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, operating P-38 Lightning aircraft in the European Theater.

On the night of August 13–14, 1944, during a mission over France, Torgesen's aircraft was shot down near Violès in the Vaucluse region. Despite being wounded, he attempted to evade capture but was eventually apprehended by German forces. He was subsequently deported to Germany and imprisoned at Stalag Luft III, a prisoner-of-war camp located in Sagan-Silesia (now Żagań, Poland). Later, he was transferred to Nuremberg-Langwasser, another POW camp in Bavaria. He remained a prisoner until the end of the war, after which he was liberated and returned to military control.

After World War II, Torgesen continued his military service, participating in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as a full colonel. Col Torgesen died on November 30, 1981, and is now buried in the Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Hampton City, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: www.sonsoflibertymuseum.org, www.ancientfaces.com