Ernest J. Almer was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, on April 3, 1896. He entered the United States Army on June 15, 1918, to serve during World War I.

During his military tenure, Private Almer was assigned to the 518th Motor Truck Company, a unit within the logistical network supporting the American Expeditionary Forces in France. He served overseas on the Western Front through the conclusion of the conflict and the immediate post-war period.

Private Almer saw active combat across five distinct operations, as verified by the campaign clasps on his World War I Victory Medal shown in the file “Ernest Almer Medals.png”. He participated in the Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne offensives, as well as operations in the Defensive Sector. During his frontline service, Private Almer sustained injuries from enemy action, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.

In addition to his federal combat awards, Almer received foreign recognition for his presence in highly contested French territories, earning the French Verdun Medal and the French Marne Medal. His home state also awarded him the New Hampshire World War I Service Medal.

Private Almer was honorably discharged from the United States Army on August 11, 1919. Following his discharge, he returned to civilian life, residing in Massachusetts for a period before returning permanently to New Hampshire. He died on November 28, 1972, at the age of 76 and was buried in Exeter Cemetery.