LTC (Ret.) Ernest F. Landthorn, ’41

A graduate of The Ohio State University in June 1941, with a degree in Accounting.  He was an active member of ROTC and inducted into the Scabbard and Blade Fraternity.  A proud father of two young men who followed their dad’s lead and also graduated from The Ohio State University as Second Lieutenants.  ·

Colonel Landthorn received a commission as Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery and entered active duty.  Five years later, he was released from active duty with a very distinguished career including assignments at Fort Knox and Fort Sill where he was one of the first officers to teach tank units the techniques of indirect fire.

While in the 3rd Army during the European Campaign, he commanded artillery units, sometimes serving under General George S. Patton.  During this time, he personally received a salute from General Patton for a recommendation he made. Proud to serve, he accepted a field promotion to Major, the youngest in the European Campaign at the time.   Not afraid of conflict, he was actively involved in the Battle Of The Bulge and The Rhine River Crossing.

Upon completing his tour in Europe, he returned to the United States and remained in the Army Reserves until 1952, when he retired as a Colonel.

Not one to sit still, he put all of his energies and his leadership skills to work in building The Automobile Club Insurance Company from a small company of just three employees into a multimillion dollar business with 140 employees.  In 1985 he retired from the insurance company as President/CEO and Chairman of the Board. A significant accomplishment to any civilian, especially an individual with a late start following an outstanding military career.