Mr. Harold E. Meiser, 91, of Rochester passed away at 3:40 AM, Monday, September 30th, at Peabody Retirement Center, of North Manchester where he had been a patient for a month. On December 28, 1921, Harold Erwin Meiser was born in Indianapolis. He was a treasured son of Joseph Sr. and Jennie E. Engel Meiser. As one of five children, he shared his with two sisters, Dorothy and Helen, and two brothers, Joe and Charles. In May of 1941 with great Hickory pride, Harold graduated with his class from Talma High School. Patriotism beckoned, and Harold answered the call serving with the United States Army Air Corp during World War II. He began training in Vernon, Texas at the pilot flight school. On February 8, 1944, he earned his pilot's wings at Altus, Oklahoma. A member of the 546th Bomb Squadron, 99th Bomb Group 15th Air Force, he flew numerous missions positioned as a co-pilot on the B - 17, Flying Fortress. This aircraft carried over 20,000 pounds of bombs. The crew wore oxygen masks and insulated suits due to the altitudes flown in the non-pressurized cabin. It's been said that the greatest influence on the outcome of WWII was the effects and dominance of the B - 17 and B - 24 aircraft and their courageous crew members. On Thanksgiving day of 1944, his B -17 was shot down, disintegrating in mid-air over Austria. Four crew members perished while Harold and 3 crew members were left to evade the enemy for about four days. The German's captured him and took him as a prisoner of war. He spent the next six months in the P.O.W. camp being conveyed minute rations for sustenance. On May 25 of 1945, the Russians liberated him gaining his release from Nazi Prison camp, Stalag Luft #1 near Barth, Germany. Highly decorated for his courage and bravery, Captain. Harold E. Meiser was awarded with European, African, Middle Eastern Theatre ribbons, 5 bronze stars, a purple heart and the Air Medal for "meritorious achievement in aerial flight while participating in sustained operational activities against the enemy". His participation included the battles of North and South France, Rome, Arno, Rhineland and Air Combat in the Balkans. On October 11, 1946, in Fulton County, Harold married the love of his life who later became his best friend, Miss Mildred "Millie" Mathews. They enjoyed over 62 years of life's adventures. Together they raised four sons: Bruce, Tom, Max and Mark. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of eight grandchildren. As an entrepreneur, Harold collaborated with brother Joe and improved and forever changed the landscape of the western shore of Lake Manitou. Harold and Joe created and developed the channels allowing more families to enjoy lake access and the solitude and serenity of the lake. Another development created by Harold is the Meiser Trailer Court situated on the shores of the Tippecanoe River, NE of Rochester on Indiana 25. He and his brother also owned and operated a gravel pit near Logansport for a number of years following the war. Although Harold exclaimed, "My biggest hobby is work," he did occasionally take time to bowl on the men's leagues at Quick's Lanes. As a young man he enjoyed fly fishing on the lake. Watching the sunset over the glistening waters with Millie as they tooled around the lake on an evening cruise held many special memories. A highly competitive croquet player, with great finesse', Harold held his family and friends to the heat. He and Millie enjoyed euchre and dominos. The day was never complete without keeping up on the latest and being locked on Fox News. Harold is lovingly remembered by four sons: Bruce Meiser and wife Jill of Mishawaka, Tom Meiser and wife Sue of Fort Wayne, Max Meiser and wife Kathy of Carmel, and Mark Meiser of Louisville, KY; 8 grandchildren: Kimberli, Kristine, Amber, Erica, Bradley Meiser, Josh Barker, Erik Barker and Justin Amber; and a sister Dorothy McPherson of Monument, CO. Preceding Harold in death are his parents, beloved wife Millie on October 23, 2008, a sister Helen Cox, and two brothers: Joseph Meiser Jr. and Charles Meiser, who passed away at age 22 following an illness. Pastor Phil Pratt will officiate services. Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the US Air Force Honor's Team from Wright - Patterson AFB. Interment will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.