Vern enlisted in the Army on 8 October 1943.  Following the completion olf basic training and jump school he was shipped to England.

On 8 August 1944 Pvt Tharaldson was transferred from the 11th Replacement Depot to Hq 1st, 508th IR as a replacement for losses suffered in Normandy.

He was promoted to Pfc on 15 December 1944 and three days later was with the regiment when it was sent into the Battle of The Bulge.

Pfc Tharaldson was wounded in action on 31 January 1945 but was able to rejoin the company on 15 February 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart.

He was discharged on 11 February 1946..