Charles Henry Behre Sr. founded Pelican Ice & Cold Storage at the turn of the twentieth century, laying the foundation for what would become one of North America's oldest continuously operating ice companies.

His grandson, Daniel Behre, would later lead the company for 42 years until his passing on Christmas Eve in 1993. During his tenure, Pelican Ice navigated periods of significant growth and some of the Gulf South's most challenging moments.

Before joining the family business, Daniel Behre served as a tail gunner during World War II. On his 26th mission over Germany in 1944, his aircraft sustained heavy damage and the crew was forced to abandon the plane. After parachuting into Austria, he was captured and spent eight months as a prisoner of war.

He later survived a 750-mile forced march across Germany during the final months of the war before returning home to New Orleans. Upon his return, he documented his experiences in a memoir before dedicating himself to the family business.

His perseverance, resourcefulness, and commitment to service would later prove invaluable in guiding Pelican Ice through some of the region's most difficult challenges.