RIP Walter D. Ehlers

[cdite]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_D._Ehlers

[ceyko]

So many stories of extremely good work by military personnel that we'll never hear about.

[Scott Mc]

God speed to another lost of the Greatest Generation, I so wish I could have heard both my Grandfathers stories. I am scared shitless of a world that has none of that Generation left.

[TX21]

Wow. Thats a mans man. True role model in my eyes.

[CJ]

Several years ago I read every medal of honor citation. It's always a shame to remember the story, and realize the man has passed.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 9–10 June 1944, near Goville, France. S/Sgt. Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, S/Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machinegun fire, he pounced upon the guncrew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to 2 mortars protected by the crossfire of 2 machineguns, S/Sgt. Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machinegun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which S/Sgt. Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. S/Sgt. Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by S/Sgt. Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.

[cdite]

The MedalOfHonorBook youtube host has over 100 video interviews with MOH recipients telling their stories. It's easy to get lost watching those for a few hours.

[SS Junk]

His Saving Private Ryan reference reminded me of seeing that movie in the theater and wanting the D-Day scene to be over with. But being there in person, I could not even come close to imagining the horror.

[DieselSmoke]

The Medal of Honor parade in Gainesville is on April 12th. There will be about 25 MOA recipients there if anyone would like to meet this men in person. I go just about every year, it's a great experience. Mr Ehlers was the last Medal of Honor survivor of D-Day, not many WW2 men left.