Nicknamed the “Bloody Bucket” by the Germans, the 28th Infantry Division played a major role during the Battle of the Bulge.

Halvorson was also present when the German forces surrendered to the American 34th Infantry Division on May 1, 1945. For his service, Halvorson was awarded the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Unit ...

He was leader of a machinegun squad defending an approach to the village of Birgel, Germany, on December 14, 1944, when an enemy tank, supported by 20 infantrymen, counterattacked.