Walter Ehlers

 

June 6, 1944

Recently in class, we studied D-Day and the Siege at Bastogne...we explored several primary sources trying to get a non-textbook/ non-powerpoint understanding of the extraordinary sacrifices of ordinary men.  I am always deeply moved when we listen to Staff Sgt. Walter Ehlers (a Medal of Honor recipient) say,

"the biggest thing I ever did in my life
 was get those 12 men off the beach."

 

Roland and Walter Ehlers



Walter and his brother Roland, from Manhattan, Kansas joined the Army in 1940 and served together in North Africa and Sicily...veterans of 2 amphibious landings.  As they prepared for D-Day Walter was separated from his brother, "I went to L Company and he stayed in K.” The reason for the separation was due to the fact that five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa – the Sullivans – died when the light cruiser Juneau was sunk by a Japanese torpedo off of Guadalcanal. But as fate would have it...June 6, 1944 Walter and Roland ended up landing together on Omaha Beach.

“We were about 100 yards out. I was up to my neck in water.  For some, it was over their heads...they were firing all around us.  We’d drown if we stayed in the water.  We’d be dead if we stayed on the beach.  All we did was follow the beach master, telling us to follow the path...trying to move the Germans out of the way."



Walter didn't hear from his brother after the landing, but hoped he was only injured and somewhere in a hospital.  In July, he met the commander from Roland's company who brought the sad news that Roland had died at Omaha Beach.  Walter saluted the officer and said, "Okay". Completely devastated at the loss of his older brother he went off alone to cry. 

"He was my hero...I would have rather come back with no arms or legs

 than to come back without my brother."

 

 

Walter shares memories about WWII

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBJ6BOEb-aI (7:18)