Elmer enlisted in the Army at Philadelphia, PA on 9 November 1943.

Pvt Bouchelle was transferred to Company I, 508th PIR from the 11th Replacement Depot on 10 August 1944.  He made the jump into Holland where he was wounded in action on 23 September 1944. 

Pfc Bouchelle was wounded a second time on 27 December 19044 in Belgium.  He was evacuated to a field hospital but rejoined the company on 9 February 1945.

His military decorations include the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Bronze Service Arrowhead device for the Holland campaign and Airborne operations.

Elmer died on 3 October 2003 in Marion station, MD.  His final resting place has not yet been determined.