Henry's twenty-four year journey took him to a major historical event, but oh at what a cost.

Henry C. Voelker was born in San Francisco, California, on November 5, 1920, to Ferdinand and Frieda Voelker. The Voelker family later moved to Soquel, California, where he attended Soquel Union Grammar School. After completing grammar school, he attended Mission Hill Junior High School in Santa Cruz, which he completed in 1935. In the fall of that year, Henry enrolled in Santa Cruz High School and took a general college preparatory course of study. In high school he became active in the Stamp Club in addition to serving as a sophomore commissioner. Voelker was also a member of DeMolay, a Masonic youth organization.

After graduating from high school in 1938, Henry Voelker attended Salinas Junior College for a short period before returning to San Francisco. While living in the city, he was employed as a plumber. Voelker married and later the couple had a daughter.

On November 27, 1942, Henry Voelker was inducted into the US Army in San Francisco. Following basic training, he underwent desert training exercises in Southern California and in June 1943, was sent to Camp Bowie, Texas. Henry was a member of the 25th Cavalry Recon Squadron (Mech.) of the 4th Armored Division, when it was shipped to England.

During the Normandy invasion in June 1944, the 25th Cavalry was among the first units to be committed. In late August, allied forces had broken out of the Normandy perimeter and by September, Voelker's unit had penetrated deep into France.

On September 11, 1944, near the French town of Vauville, Sergeant Henry Voelker was engaged in a combat mission that earned him the Bronze Star for bravery, but which cost him his life. His remains were returned to the United States and interred in the Golden Gate National Cemetery at San Bruno November 4, 1948. His other awards include the Purple Heart.

(NARA2; USDVA; 1930 Census, CA, Santa Cruz; SCHSC Pg. 19, SCSn December 11, 1944 1:5)