Elmer Floyd Stumpf answered the call to serve his country in the fall of 1949. With his draft number being 5, he chose to enlist in the United States Army, ensuring he had a say in his branch of service. On March 4, 1950, he began his journey at Camp Roberts in California, completing basic training that August. Soon after, he received orders to join the First Cavalry Division and deploy to Korea, which was on the brink of war.
In mid-August 1950, Elmer and his platoon departed from Oakland, California, with a brief stopover in Hawaii before landing in Incheon, Korea. The landing site was a marshy, makeshift airstrip in the heat and rain of the Korean summer. 
Assigned to a medical and supply unit, he supported the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) operations. When asked about his role, Elmer humorously said he "made ice cream." In truth, he played a vital role in lifting the spirits of the wounded soldiers at the hospital. Alongside this task, he assisted with the grim duties of transporting wounded soldiers to medical care and helping prepare the fallen for transport, which included tagging and bagging bodies. He also aided in loading and unloading supplies and occasionally pitched in with kitchen duties.
After six to seven months in Korea, Elmer's platoon was reassigned due to the high casualty rate. They were sent to Hokkaido, Japan's northern island, where he continued his service amidst the harsh winter conditions. During his time in Japan, he saw his rank fluctuate—hinting at occasional run-ins with military discipline. He tried skiing and visited Tokyo, taking in some local culture.
In early 1952, Elmer's platoon was flown back to Oakland, California, where they were discharged. Elmer's service concluded just shy of two full years, marking a period of resilience, adaptability, and humor in the face of difficult and often somber tasks. His time in the Army, especially in Korea, was a testament to the unique challenges faced by support personnel during the Korean War. Elmer Floyd Stumpf's story reflects the sacrifices and the lighter moments amid the demands of military service.