WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and John Hoeven (R-ND), and U.S. Representative Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), introduced bicameral legislation in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to rename the Casselton post office after hometown hero Commander Delbert Austin Olson. Located at 840 Front Street, the post office would be designated as the Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office.

Commander Olson served honorably in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was a member of Observation Squadron 67 during the Vietnam War, which flew low-flying missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos to place sensors to monitor hostile movements and listen in on conversations during the Vietnam War. On January 11, 1968, Commander Olson and his crewmen were killed in action when their plane went down. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in 2003.

He earned multiple awards for his service, including the Navy Commendation Medal with valor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Bar. His name is also inscribed along with all fallen comrades on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. This legislation will memorialize his service and sacrifice, while recognizing his connection to Casselton and his contributions to the nation. Last Congress, the bill passed the Senate unanimously.

“I’m honored to join the effort to rename the post office in Casselton after Commander Delbert Austin Olson,” said Cramer. “This renaming is not merely a gesture, but a lasting affirmation of Commander Olson’s indelible legacy—crafted through his selfless dedication during pivotal times in our history, including WWII, the Korean War, and his heroic sacrifice in the Vietnam War. This tribute is a testament to the profound bond between Commander Olson and the Casselton community, illuminating a solemn promise that his extraordinary contributions will forever be remembered. It’s time to get this bill passed to honor Commander Olson’s service and sacrifice.”

“Commander Olson honorably served our nation in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, ultimately giving his life in service to our country,” said Hoeven. “Given his lifetime of service, it is fitting that we name the post office in Casselton, North Dakota in his honor. This will ensure that his memory and sacrifice for our nation are not forgotten.”

"Commander Delbert Olson was a true North Dakota hero. He answered the call and served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Fedorchak. “Renaming the Casselton Post Office in his honor is a small way to show how much we value his sacrifice and to make sure his story lives on in the town he loved." 

Click here for bill text.