Walter D. Ehlers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter D. Ehlers
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Ehlers speaking at a 2007 ceremony commemorating the anniversary of D-Day
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| Born | May 7, 1921 Junction City, Kansas |
| Died | February 20, 2014 (aged 92) Long Beach, California |
| Buried |
Riverside National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star Purple Heart (3) |
Walter David Ehlers (born May 7, 1921 – died February 20, 2014) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the US military. He earned this special award for his amazing actions during World War II.
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A Hero in World War II
Walter Ehlers was born in Junction City, Kansas, in 1921. He joined the United States Army in October 1940. Walter served alongside his older brother, Roland. They both fought in the same unit during battles in North Africa and Sicily.
D-Day and Incredible Bravery
By D-Day on June 6, 1944, Walter Ehlers was a staff sergeant. He was a leader of a small group of soldiers called a squad. His squad was part of the 18th Infantry Regiment in the 1st Infantry Division.
On D-Day, Walter's squad was in the second wave of the invasion. They waited offshore in a landing boat. The first group of soldiers got stuck on the beach. So, Walter's unit was sent in early to help.
They fought their way off the beach. By June 9, they were near the town of Goville, about 8 miles (13 km) inland. On that day, Walter led his unit's attack against German forces. He bravely took on several enemy machine gun nests all by himself.
Wounded but Still Fighting
The very next day, Walter's group came under heavy enemy fire. Walter was wounded, but he still managed to help his group get to safety. He carried a wounded soldier to safety. Then, he ran back through enemy fire to get his own special rifle.
After his wounds were treated, Walter refused to leave the fight. He kept leading his squad. For all his brave actions, he was given the Medal of Honor on December 11, 1944. He received this award in Paris. By this time, Walter had been promoted to second lieutenant.
Sadly, on July 14, Walter learned that his brother Roland had died. Roland's landing boat was hit by a bomb at Omaha Beach on D-Day.
Life After the War
After the war, Walter Ehlers appeared in a movie called The Long Gray Line in 1955. He later worked for the Veterans Administration. This organization helps soldiers and their families.
He also worked as a security guard at Disneyland in California!
Later Years
Walter Ehlers passed away on February 20, 2014. He was 92 years old and died in Long Beach, California. He was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.
His Medal of Honor is now on display. You can see it at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Family Life
Walter Ehlers was married to Dorothy Decker. She passed away in 2017. They had three children and eleven grandchildren.
See also
In Spanish: Walter D. Ehlers para niños
