Ace of Spades HQ

February 21, 2014

Walt Ehlers, RIP
— Gabriel Malor

Walt Ehlers received the Medal of Honor for his brave actions in France, shortly after the D-Day invasion. He was the last surviving medal of honor recipient to be part of the invasion and he passed yesterday at age 92. Longtime moron Jeffrey Carter knew Ehlers and wrote a stirring remembrance.

I'll just steal a little bit and then you should click over and read the whole thing.

I learned a lot about the Medal from Walt. It truly isnÂ’t about the people living with those blue ribbons around their necks. It is about their friends that arenÂ’t with us. It extends to all the soldiers in all the wars our country ever fought for freedom that are no longer. There are only 75 living left in the US. We need to cherish them, learn from them, and try to live up to the standards that they set for us.
Ironically, youÂ’d think wearing a medal like that with so much responsibility would be an albatross. It isnÂ’t. They are some of the freest people I have ever met. They have seen the worst humanity has to offer, survived, and more importantly helped others survive it. Somehow, going through what they went through and confronting your deepest fears changes you in ways that we wouldnÂ’t have imagined.

May he rest in peace.

Posted by: Gabriel Malor at 06:23 AM | Comments (82)
Post contains 228 words, total size 2 kb.

1 I hope Roland was the first one he saw.

Posted by: X at February 21, 2014 06:27 AM (KHo8t)

2 God speed soldier. Rest in peace, you've earned it.

Posted by: Kreplach at February 21, 2014 06:28 AM (PVNda)

3 God speed soldier. Rest in peace, you've earned it. Posted by: Kreplach Amen.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 21, 2014 06:32 AM (GjYxB)

4 92! Good man. Yes, RIP.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at February 21, 2014 06:32 AM (IXrOn)

5 RIP.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at February 21, 2014 06:33 AM (t3UFN)

6 May he rest in peace and may God's grace shower upon his family.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at February 21, 2014 06:33 AM (VtjlW)

7 Â“I got all 12 of my men off the beach without a casualty, which was the best thing I ever did in my life,Â” Ehlers said.

Bravo, Staff Sergeant.

Posted by: EC at February 21, 2014 06:34 AM (GQ8sn)

8 A humble badassed dude. What an amazing mix of qualities. RIP Walt. I bet his brother and he had a fine reunion.

Posted by: fastfreefall at February 21, 2014 06:34 AM (6A2U7)

9 RIP, Walt.

My father, like Walt, was also in Northern Africa and Italy. But he did not go on to Normandy, like Walt and his brother. What an amazing story.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 21, 2014 06:34 AM (Z7PrM)

10 At Omaha Beach, Walt, a 23-year-old staff sergeant, led his squad out of the Higgins boat and into the withering fire of German machine gun nests on the bluffs above. Laying a barrage of covering fire with their M1 rifles, the squad members enabled Army explosives engineers to clear the route to the German positions. Â“I got all 12 of my men off the beach without a casualty, which was the best thing I ever did in my life,Â” Ehlers said.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at February 21, 2014 06:35 AM (t3UFN)

11 It's really staggering to realize what that generation of Americans went through, from scraping by in the Great Depression to slogging up beaches in Omaha and Normandy. Then I look about and see this generation petulantly complain that their women's studies degrees aren't subsidized enough as if it were the human rights crisis of the century. That's a long ugly fall.

Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 06:36 AM (/XbB5)

12 Citation: 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.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at February 21, 2014 06:37 AM (t3UFN)

13 From the first link. Â“When the Germans saw me, my God, their eyes got big, and they started to take off,Â” Ehlers recalled. Â“Of course, I was as scared as they were. I didnÂ’t know there were eight or 10 of them back there at the time. Â“The bayonet really made the Germans, well, they didnÂ’t want any part of it. A man is more afraid of being stabbed to death than shot. Â“They ran and I shot as many as I could,Â” Ehlers said. RIP.

Posted by: ExSnipe at February 21, 2014 06:38 AM (LKJt3)

14 Definitely, although his actions on Omaha weren't what got him the Medal of Honor. Too many people are called heroes that aren't. He was the real deal, a real American hero.

Posted by: formwiz at February 21, 2014 06:38 AM (3rwvI)

15 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.

Bad. Ass.

Posted by: EC at February 21, 2014 06:39 AM (GQ8sn)

16 Godspeed, Mr. Ehlers.

Posted by: Andy at February 21, 2014 06:40 AM (S9dzP)

17 He was the real deal, a real American hero. Posted by: formwiz at February 21, 2014 10:38 AM (3rwvI) "Hero", another word cheapened by the libs! Sadly, we used to know what it meant.

Posted by: Hrothgar at February 21, 2014 06:41 AM (o3MSL)

18 It's really staggering to realize what that generation of Americans went through, from scraping by in the Great Depression to slogging up beaches in Omaha and Normandy. Then I look about and see this generation petulantly complain that their women's studies degrees aren't subsidized enough as if it were the human rights crisis of the century. That's a long ugly fall.

Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 10:36 AM (/XbB5)

Just thought this bears repeating. I can't say anything else without being banned.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at February 21, 2014 06:42 AM (zF6Iw)

19 RIP

Posted by: Blake at February 21, 2014 06:44 AM (HBuxY)

20 RIP Walt.

As someone who visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery recently, this hits home.

Posted by: Myron at February 21, 2014 06:45 AM (4WesI)

21 Morning. Yesterday and today when I get on the site, I get redirected a page that says I was trying to go to conviva dot com. That page reloads about every 10 seconds. I can back arrow and get back to the main AOS page, but the switch will happen again. Once I go to comments, there is no problem. Weird.

Posted by: Meremortal at February 21, 2014 06:46 AM (jTKU5)

22 RIP Mr. Ehlers, and God speed.

Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at February 21, 2014 06:49 AM (NSh5j)

23 It's really staggering to realize what that generation of Americans went through, from scraping by in the Great Depression to slogging up beaches in Omaha and Normandy. Then I look about and see this generation petulantly complain that their women's studies degrees aren't subsidized enough as if it were the human rights crisis of the century. That's a long ugly fall. Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 10:36 AM (/XbB5) Just thought this bears repeating. I can't say anything else without being banned. Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing Bears repeating again & again & again. Sad & shameful how far we have fallen.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 21, 2014 06:49 AM (GjYxB)

24 OK, my model has finished running. Back to abusing your tax dollar. Toodles.

Posted by: Sean Bannion [/i][/s][/u][/b] at February 21, 2014 06:49 AM (MPIX5)

25 May he rest in a well deserved peace.

Posted by: Tami [/i][/b][/u][/s] at February 21, 2014 06:51 AM (bCEmE)

26 Bad assed, indeed. RIP, sir.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit[/i][/u][/b][/s] at February 21, 2014 06:52 AM (0HooB)

27 May he rest in peace, indeed. As said upthread, the word "Hero" is tossed around way too lightly these days. This man's actions and humility define the word. May god take and hold you. May you rest in peace for eternity. Thank you for your service and sacrifices. You, sir, are a true Hero.

Posted by: shredded chi at February 21, 2014 06:54 AM (4ydPC)

28 I have always been moved by Walt Ehlers' story, not so much for his deeds that earned him the MOH (which are well-deserved and worthy of heralding) but for his incredible and visible sorrow at the loss of his brother Roland. I think that the good Lord has reunited them both and may they find eternal peace together in Heaven. RIP Walter Ehlers. The best of what America is really all about.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 21, 2014 06:55 AM (olDqf)

29 He was the last surviving medal of honor recipient to be part of the invasion - _ -

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at February 21, 2014 06:55 AM (jXLdj)

Last year I got a chance to meet the last few survivors of one of the prisoner of war camps. It was an astonishing experience, to be standing in the presense of these giants. Men of valor and sacrifice, the likes of which the rest of us will never know.

I've never met a MOH winner, and I don't know what I could say to such a person if I did. Probably nothing. Just tears of gratitude, and a profound sense of what it cost that person to reach that point of heroism...

Taps is such a fitting sound, when all else fails.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 21, 2014 06:57 AM (TOk1P)

31 Sorry. I'm just in tears right now...

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 21, 2014 06:58 AM (olDqf)

32 God bless, sir, and many thanks from a grateful nation. May you rest in peace.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/u][/i][/s][/b] at February 21, 2014 06:59 AM (4df7R)

33 I have this thought often. (Probably because my dad, and my two step fathers who followed were all ww2 vets, and all are gone) ww2 ended 69 years ago, so even if somebody joined at 16, that puts them at 85. The youngest possible are 85, there won't be any left very shortly, and we will be a lesser nation without them. My first step dad was a mean son of a bitch, and I hated him, until my mom died and we were going though all I'd her stuff and we found his things. He was in the Pacific, survived bataan, and earned two silver stars for valor. I felt low for having hated him. He earned the right to be a mean son of a bitch. This morning I woke up my wife reading sgt Ehler's story. She loves when I do something like that so she can see a tear or two from me.

Posted by: traye at February 21, 2014 07:00 AM (Cks07)

34 It's really staggering to realize what that generation of Americans went through, from scraping by in the Great Depression to slogging up beaches in Omaha and Normandy. Then I look about and see this generation petulantly complain that their women's studies degrees aren't subsidized enough as if it were the human rights crisis of the century. That's a long ugly fall. Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 10:36 AM (/XbB5) they still exist they also share the burden of guarding our country. I would allow they don't always get the hero's notice and welcome from many of our citizens and media, CIC , etc they deserve.

Posted by: willow at February 21, 2014 07:00 AM (nqBYe)

35 Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 21, 2014 10:55 AM (olDqf) He also always came across as quiet, reserved, and humble. Which for some reason seems common among those awarded the MOH.

Posted by: ExSnipe at February 21, 2014 07:01 AM (LKJt3)

36 anyway, farewell good man.

Posted by: willow at February 21, 2014 07:01 AM (nqBYe)

37 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.

Wow. Dusty in here.

Posted by: HR at February 21, 2014 07:02 AM (ZKzrr)

38 Medal of Honor Statistics http://www.history.army.mil/moh/mohstats.html FYI

Posted by: Nevergiveup at February 21, 2014 07:02 AM (t3UFN)

39 n the presense of these giants. Men of valor and sacrifice, the likes of which the rest of us will never know. Taps is such a fitting sound, when all else fails. Posted by: BurtTC at February 21, 2014 10:5 Seconded for giants.

Posted by: traye at February 21, 2014 07:03 AM (Cks07)

40 "I've never met a MOH winner, and I don't know what I could say to such a person if I did."

I had the privilege of meeting Bud Day.

He would occasionally correct people and note that he had been "awarded" the MOH. One does not "win" it.

Posted by: torquewrench at February 21, 2014 07:03 AM (gqT4g)

41 My mother was among the youngest to survive the Nazi horrors. She always said that when the last of them go, it really will be as if it never happened. The same can be said of the wonderful guys and gals who gave their youth, went through hell and in 400,000 odd cases gave their lives so we can be free. May they all find eternal peace, and may we all take strength and steal ourselves to somehow preserve what they fought for.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 21, 2014 07:03 AM (olDqf)

Back in the late '90s I was in the 82nd Airborne Division. My regiment used to get all the WWII guys from the regiment to come once a year and talk to the current crop of soldiers. Hearing them talk about what they did is quite a bit different than reading about it in a history book. Tough men, hard as shoeleather, but humble and friendly. It gave all of us that heard them talk a very high bar of performance to reach for. Not only that, but I bet every one of them would pick up a rifle and go to war for this country right now if they were able. We have much to learn from them.

RIP SSG Ehlers, your rest is well-earned

Infantry, "Follow Me!"

Posted by: Assassin6 at February 21, 2014 07:04 AM (FfukH)

43 Hell of a man.

Posted by: ScoggDog at February 21, 2014 07:04 AM (1RhAL)

44 "they still exist they also share the burden of guarding our country. I would allow they don't always get the hero's notice and welcome from many of our citizens and media, CIC , etc they deserve." Oh I didn't mean there aren't any great people left in the military, quite the opposite. I guess what I meant more precisely is I can't imagine the civilian populace around me rising to the occasion like those of prior generations did. The self-esteem movement in education along with the disintegration of the culture in general has created a generation of pussies.

Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 07:05 AM (/XbB5)

It bothers me - at a truly visceral level - that most people (not the Horde, duh, but most people) see that thousand year-old man walker-ing his way through a store aisle or down the sidewalk and don't realize that 60 years ago, that dude was a fucking tiger. He took beaches, raised flags, loved his woman, lost his buddies and won the war.

We tend to forget that, and it's an actual tragedy that twenty years after the last of them have died, almost no one will remember what they did...

Posted by: Washington Nearsider at February 21, 2014 07:05 AM (fwARV)

46 God Bless. Rest in Peace.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 21, 2014 07:06 AM (DmNpO)

47 He was a true gentleman. Not a bad ass. The beauty of being around him was the quietness and calm you felt. He loved people. He accepted the responsibility that comes with the honor. He never forgot who he was, or the people he fought with. He was genuinely concerned about the GI's from today and went to meet them several times. He talked with them, and was worried about their mental health when they came home. I saw a trading floor stop, and erupt in applause when he visited. People running up and hugging and kissing him. I saw an auditorium of people line up and wait 40 minutes just to shake his hand when it was announced by Glenn Beck that he was there. His physical presence will be missed. The lessons he taught are here for the rest of our history.

Posted by: Jeffrey Carter (@pointsnfigures) at February 21, 2014 07:06 AM (MOSsR)

48 Godspeed and Rest in Peace, Mr. Ehlers. Thank you for your service.

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, TX (@Teresa_Koch) at February 21, 2014 07:08 AM (PZ6/M)

49 I spoke to someone who was on the beach years ago. Someone in our group mentioned the word 'hero', and this man said, "I'm no hero. The heroes are the ones who are buried just off the beach."

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at February 21, 2014 07:08 AM (/i3Yt)

50 I can't imagine the civilian populace around me rising to the occasion like those of prior generations did. The self-esteem movement in education along with the disintegration of the culture in general has created a generation of pussies. Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 11:05 AM (/XbB5) Well wait till an American City goes up in smoke, then we will be able to tell if the genes have gone weak.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at February 21, 2014 07:08 AM (t3UFN)

51 I was looking at lists of the recipients on wiki the other day. It's amazing how many from WWI and WWII were awarded for single handily destroying one or two enemy machine gun nests. Then the next sentence on many citations were "killed while single handily assaulting another machine gun nest". Not much you can say to something like that.

Posted by: Adam at February 21, 2014 07:08 AM (Aif/5)

52 RIP, Sir.

Posted by: RWC at February 21, 2014 07:10 AM (fWAjv)

53 It's amazing how many from WWI and WWII were awarded for single handily destroying one or two enemy machine gun nests. Then the next sentence on many citations were "killed while single handily assaulting another machine gun nest". Not much you can say to something like that. Posted by: Adam at February 21, 2014 11:08 AM (Aif/5) Well now a days the ROE would not allow that with out specific Orders and due consideration of the rights of the enemy.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at February 21, 2014 07:10 AM (t3UFN)

54 RIP and thank you.

Posted by: grognard at February 21, 2014 07:10 AM (/29Nl)

55 Where is he being buried? Anyone know?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at February 21, 2014 07:11 AM (t3UFN)

56 I can't imagine the civilian populace around me rising to the occasion like those of prior generations did. ------ I say this not to belittle what that generation did and accomplished. The greatest generation is a well earned title. But I think every generation of America has it in them. Thankfully not every generation is called upon.

Posted by: SH at February 21, 2014 07:12 AM (c2q/b)

57 Ace is awake.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit[/i][/u][/b][/s] at February 21, 2014 07:12 AM (0HooB)

58 "Well wait till an American City goes up in smoke, then we will be able to tell if the genes have gone weak." I mean it already did with 9/11. How much more of the city needed to go up in smoke to prove the point that there are insane people in the world who will kill you if you don't kill them first?

Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 07:13 AM (/XbB5)

59 Well now a days the ROE would not allow that with out specific Orders and due consideration of the rights of the enemy. ---------- *its too early for a rage stroke. It's too early for a rage stroke.

Posted by: Adam at February 21, 2014 07:13 AM (Aif/5)

60 50 I can't imagine the civilian populace around me rising to the occasion like those of prior generations did. The self-esteem movement in education along with the disintegration of the culture in general has created a generation of pussies. Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 11:05 AM (/XbB5) That was a great concern of Churchills' at the start of WW II, as well. If he were alive today, I believe he would be doubly concerned.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at February 21, 2014 07:15 AM (jXLdj)

61 47 Mr. Carter - that was a wonderful way remember your friend. Thank you for it. This puts all my petty problems in perspective... there is a cemetary barely 1/4 mile walk from here with a Veterans section right in the center - I think I'll go pay a visit, and say "Thank You" now.

Posted by: shredded chi at February 21, 2014 07:15 AM (4ydPC)

62 May he rest in peace.

With all due respect, may he go to Heaven and raise Hell with all his long gone Brothers of Omaha Beach and beyond, now together again.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at February 21, 2014 07:16 AM (DQZLr)

63 55 Where is he being buried? Anyone know? Posted by: Nevergiveup at February 21, 2014 If it is orange county where he lived, I am going to ask my wife's cousin to please go. I'm sure even in California she wouldn't be the only one. I've attended many military funerals and each one felt like an act of giving thanks.

Posted by: traye at February 21, 2014 07:16 AM (Cks07)

64 very dusty in here. Godspeed.

Posted by: grognard at February 21, 2014 07:17 AM (/29Nl)

65 If he were alive today, I believe he would be doubly concerned. Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at February 21, 2014 11:15 AM (jXLdj) If you WANT a raging rage stroke this morning, go find the story of where returning British troops can't find a job "because they might be unstable and can't find people to kill as a civil." Why can't we let THOSE guys emigrate?

Posted by: traye at February 21, 2014 07:20 AM (Cks07)

66 Why can't we let THOSE guys emigrate? Posted by: traye at February 21, 2014 11:20 AM (Cks07) Because we need more muz that merely associated with known anti-American terrorists groups for DIVERSITY!

Posted by: Caliph Barky O'Choomba I at February 21, 2014 07:23 AM (o3MSL)

67 I think I'll go pay a visit, and say "Thank You" now. Posted by: shredded chi at February 21, 2014 My family was in Hawaii in January, they called me from the punchbowl, I asked them to find Daniel Inouye's grave and say thank you. He wasn't much as a senator, but he was a Hell of a fighter when freedom needed him.

Posted by: traye at February 21, 2014 07:24 AM (Cks07)

68 I mean it already did with 9/11. How much more of the city needed to go up in smoke to prove the point that there are insane people in the world who will kill you if you don't kill them first? Posted by: Roadrunner at February 21, 2014 11:13 AM (/XbB5) The "useful idiots" of the Progressive Overlords will never understand it. The honest LIbEralS can be awakened from their "all we need is love" stupor, but you just can't tell what the trigger will be. 9/11 woke quite a few up. We Conservative-types and those others that understand human nature from a non-emotional perspective, understand this inherently.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at February 21, 2014 07:26 AM (jXLdj)

69 RIP Sgt Ehlers. I hope you meet up with Roland, and if you see my Daddy, say 'hello' for me. He made if off the beach that day and to St. Lo where he was wounded 2 weeks later. As an aside, America could win a war again. But not with our current leadership, government nor military, and certainly not with our 'media'. Baby boomers, we did this crap, even those of us who were/are career military.

Posted by: Erowmero at February 21, 2014 07:28 AM (OONaw)

70 "There are only 75 living left in the US. We need to cherish them, learn from them, and try to live up to the standards that they set for us." you mean, like, when we call them "the greatest generation" and then we dont do ANYTHING the way THEY WOULD FUCKING DO IT?

Posted by: sound awake at February 21, 2014 07:29 AM (pk/NG)

71
The embodiement of whom the words "He was a good man" are written for.

RIP, Sgt.

Posted by: irongrampa at February 21, 2014 07:29 AM (SAMxH)

72 If you WANT a raging rage stroke this morning, go find the story of where returning British troops can't find a job "because they might be unstable and can't find people to kill as a civil." Why can't we let THOSE guys emigrate? Posted by: traye at February 21, 2014 11:20 AM (Cks07) Britain surrendered to itself. I have lost all respect for it as a nation. All. Respect. ...and we stepped on the accelerator to the same destination.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at February 21, 2014 07:30 AM (jXLdj)

I read those citations and I almost expect them to end with "... and then he took a break for breakfast."

Posted by: Max Entropy at February 21, 2014 07:38 AM (cgtTL)

74 67 -Traye Last summer, there was a discussion on the Memorial Day thread. I haven't been able to make the trip to Arlington in a few years, but one of the 'ettes offered to go by to pay respects to Dad. I don't know if she ever made it, but just the thought made me cry for an hour. It's good to know that we have friends and family across the country that can do these things... Gives me a little hope.

Posted by: shredded chi at February 21, 2014 07:42 AM (4ydPC)

RIP Sir.

May your name be spoken long after.

Posted by: Gmac-Pondering...something at February 21, 2014 07:56 AM (4pjhs)

76 Once there were giants . RIP soldier .

Posted by: awkward davies at February 21, 2014 07:58 AM (whqez)

I had this image of him living so long because Death kept looking at the assignment and thinking "Ain't no way *I* am going to collect him! You do it!"

Rest In Peace, sir.

(I loved the bit where it's halfway through the citation and says, "Then the *next* day...." Heh. Git 'er done!)

Posted by: GWB at February 21, 2014 08:47 AM (kEVTZ)

78 He will be laid to rest in California.

Posted by: Jeffrey Carter (@pointsnfigures) at February 21, 2014 08:53 AM (MOSsR)

79 good place to learn more and remember our WW2 vets is nationalww2museum.org If you have a WW2 member of your family, cough up a couple of hundred bucks and buy them a brick.

Posted by: Jeffrey Carter (@pointsnfigures) at February 21, 2014 08:54 AM (MOSsR)

80 61 47 Mr. Carter - that was a wonderful way remember your friend. Thank you for it. This puts all my petty problems in perspective... there is a cemetary barely 1/4 mile walk from here with a Veterans section right in the center - I think I'll go pay a visit, and say "Thank You" now. Thanks. I was lucky to know him. Introduced to him through a friend, and thanks to the generosity of people like Richard D. of Arlington Park, I was able to see him and other MOH recipients every summer. They are special. Walt was really cool.

Posted by: Jeffrey Carter (@pointsnfigures) at February 21, 2014 08:57 AM (MOSsR)

81 A true American Hero! We will not see his like again. Even during his last days at the VA Hospital, he was a true gentleman and always humble. Rest in Peace.

Posted by: Patricia Burr at February 21, 2014 11:23 AM (PK0Cm)

82 Once I had breakfast with Walt. His order, a waffle, with bacon of course. Have to love a man that likes bacon.

Posted by: Jeffrey Carter (@pointsnfigures) at February 21, 2014 03:37 PM (MOSsR)

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