United States of America
Headstone of Harold Erwin Warnecke
U.S. Navy · United States United States

Harold Erwin Warnecke

Died December 15, 1972

Harold Erwin Warnecke served in the U.S. Navy for 1 year and 4 months. Harold served during the years of World War II.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Police Officer Harold Warnecke was shot and killed by two robbery suspects outside of a Kroger grocery store at 4312 North Grand Boulevard. The two men had just robbed the store of $1,000 and were fleeing at approximately 8 a.m. when Officer Warnecke pulled up to the store to do a business check, not knowing a robbery had just been committed. As he was getting out of his patrol car the store manager pointed to the suspects and Officer Warnecke called out to them. One of the men approached Officer Warnecke and second man circled around and shot him in the back three times. Before fleeing, the suspects stole Officer Warnecke's watch, wallet, and revolver. Both men were apprehended a short time later. Officer Warnecke was a WWII US Navy veteran and was the sole survivor of a U.S. Navy gun crew on a U.S. Merchant Marine ship that was hit by a shell. Officer Warnecke had been with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for 27 years.

Survivors
survivor of a U.S. Navy gun crew on a U.S. Merchant Marine ship that was hit by a shell. Officer Warnecke had been with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for 27 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Media
Harold Erwin Warnecke
Harold Erwin Warnecke 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1943 – 1945
Also Served
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
Police Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 27-W · Line 16 cut as HAROLD ERWIN WARNECKE
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtneev8ak0wkjwd0v9a7k
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Police Officer Warnecke gave the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department 27 years.

Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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