Elmer was drafted in December 1942 2hie working at a munitions plant and initially trained as a truck driver at Kelly Field TX. While there the 2003 Ordnance -preparing for overseas- needed a mechanic and he was re-assigned. In England his duties were in support of the 8thAF, travelling all over England doing maintenance, making deliveries and servicing vehicles. After the war he first worked for John Deere and was then head of mobile equipment for a fertilizing firm.