OFF THE WIRE
BY
I am ceaselessly curious and seldom deprived of wonder and awe when, in the course of my searching – the remaining heroes of WWII are honored and memorialized.
These recent headlines bring sad news that elder warriors of fame have passed.
Sinatra said, cock your hat – angles are attitudes.
In honor of these two men, my hat is held squarely over my heart and my head is bowed.
Walter Ehlers lived to be 92. His passing, February 20, 2014 – like so many who sacrificed (more than any of us can imagine) to fight in WWII, was noted with distinction.
Headlines come and headlines go. The world and the American people have a lot going on.
Ehlers’ wife remembered her husband’s demeanor – as I watched an interview, she sang – ‘you are my sunshine, my only sunshine…’ She said, Walter was thesunshine in our lives, he always made us happy…he was such a good man.
Ehlers was awarded the Medal of Honor, the citation recalls his heroic actions inFrance, on June 9, 1944:
Staff 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.
Then, on June 10th, Ehlers, having advanced too deep into enemy territory, ordered his 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…[and] after having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad.
Such courage, brave disregard for self, bold and fearless – and 23 years old at the time. Ehlers was honored for his,
intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness…in the face of overwhelming enemy forces
He was the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from the June 6, 1944 D-Day Omaha Beach invasion. There are now less than 80 WWII warriors bestowed this honor, still alive.
On March 8, 2014 – William Guarnere, of Ambrose’s Band of Brothers fame passed away. He was 90 years old. Staff Sgt. Guarnere served in the 101st Airborne, 506 P.I.R. Easy Company, a famous and exceptional soldier. He lost a leg in the Battle of the Bulge, attempting to rescue fellow paratrooper Joseph Toye, wounded and trapped beneath the snow in the fury of German fire.
His commendations included the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.
Guarnere was only 21 years old when he jumped behind enemy lines in advance of D-Day.
Such valor, we now know – common among the greatest generation.
My hat, pressed against my chest, catching those tears that trickle from my eyes.
Greatness profoundly personified – thank you Walter Ehlers; thank you William Guarnere. To the hundreds of thousands, many of whom never returned – we give thanks for your example, and remorse for the sacrifices you bravely endured.
Bob Taft, the Ohio Republican once said these timeless words,
Many have left their families to defend our freedom. We salute their bravery; we express our appreciation and support to their families. And we pray for their safe return.
Ehlers and Guarnere returned to live many days past those that tested the soul of the Allies. Many more than we can fathom – did not. Bradley said, and many have echoed his sentiment – of the War’s dead:
the guys that didn’t come home are the real her heroes
Two more have been re-united with their brethren.
God bless, and welcome to your well deserved rest.
God Bless America, and may we remember, always.
Blade