Local Legend: Lawrence “Gump” Bolin


By Caroline Dudenhoeffer

On a sunny day in September, select members of Interact Club gathered together to enjoy breakfast at the North Fifth Street Diner.  But they were not meeting just for the food.  They came together to help an inspiring member of the McSherrystown community, Lawrence Bolin, more commonly referred to as Gump.

This man is so much more than a frequent visitor of McSherrystown’s beloved diner.  He was a part of one of the first classes to go through Delone Catholic High School. 

At only eighteen years old this man selflessly signed up to join the United States Army.  Not only was Gump involved in the invasion of Normandy, but he fought in every major battle in Europe and fought alongside General Patton, who Gump has been known to call “crazy.”

At age 92, Bolin is still full of energy and can always be counted on for a rousing war story. He also is a local artist, with one of his works of Annunciation B.V.M. Church hanging in a place of honor at the diner.

Interact’s role in Gump’s life is set many years after the ending of World War II.  The group of students walked through his front door and immediately went to cleaning.

Windows were thoroughly washed and floors were thoroughly vacuumed, with a vacuum model from many decades ago. 


The highlight of the day, however, was Gump’s return from a local ceremony where he was acknowledged for his service in WWII.  An avid artist full of personality, this man was an honor to meet.  All can agree, so much fulfillment was gained from this “fall cleaning” day.

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