In 1942, Kermit Brekke enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Oregon for training at Camp White and Camp Adair. On April 25, 1943, Kermit and his sweetheart, Evelyn, were married close to the Army training base where he was stationed. Kermit was sent to North Africa shortly after their wedding. After Kermit was deployed overseas, he and Evelyn exchanged many letters and remained in constant correspondence.

Kermit was a member of the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 363rd Combat Regiment, 91st Infantry Division. Throughout the Italian Campaign, the 91st Infantry Division continued to march north and drive the German troops out of Italy. While Kermit started out as a rifleman, he soon became a radio operator and repairman. Although he usually carried only a handgun, Kermit was often at the front lines. While he was shot at, nearly bombed to death, and almost captured or killed by Germans on several occasions, Kermit eventually returned home safely to his wife when he was discharged in 1945.

After he returned home, Kermit lived out his life as a farmer in Blair. He was active in the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post 231, as well as in his membership with the Sons of Norway and the First Lutheran Church.