Wallace "Wally" Firestien was born in Bracewell, northwest of Greeley, Colorado. He attended Bracewell School and graduated from Greeley high school in 1941. At the time of his induction, he was farming with his father, Conrad Firestien. Wallace received basic training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas and advanced training at Fort Ord, California. He left for overseas duty in the South Pacific December 19, 1944, and served with the 77th infantry division. Wallace is the son of Conrad and Mabel Firestien. He had five brothers and sisters - Wilbert "Chuck", Wynona, David, Gerald, and Shirley.