WWII as seen through a veteran’s eyes

On Dec. 7, 1941, Marie and Georges Schneider and their three teenage sons gathered around their new RCA radio, tapping their toes and slapping their knees to the big band sound of Sammy Kaye. 

A shocking announcement interrupted the program – and their lives. “President Roosevelt said in a statement today that the Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii from the air.” In that moment, everything changed.

The next day at school, George, the middle of the Schneider boys, and his senior class remained in homeroom all day listening to developments on the radio. They focused intently on Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech. Each of the 12 boys was eager to fight the Japanese and later the Germans, when on Dec. 11, Germany also declared war on the US.

Rene, the oldest Schneider son, soon graduated from college and joined the Army Medical Corps. He was among the first wave to hit the beaches of North Africa. 

Despite George’s pleas, Mr. Schneider wouldn’t sign him up to enlist. George was thrilled, however, when he was drafted after graduating from high school. He couldn’t wait to fight for his country. Marie, though proud of her son, broke into tears at the news.

Later, during the Battle of Normandy, George wrote in his memoir, “From my foxhole near St. Lo, I watched the sky black with B-17 Flying Fortresses and P-47 dive bombers. I saw many bombs falling short and killing our troops. The war was suddenly real, and it was horrifying.

“The following day, we were strafed and bombed again, and I saw my first up-close American casualties lying along the road, killed in the aerial attack. I badly wanted to return home to my safe little farmhouse bedroom.”

Like many who survived the war, Pvt. 1st Class George F. Schneider rarely talked about his time at war. His son, Tom, thinks perhaps his reluctance was due to his humble nature. But most likely, “the fact that my dad was incredibly traumatized by the war and his tragic loss of friends played a role.” 

Many years later, in his old age, his dad said, “The real heroes are the ones who didn’t make it back home from that faraway war.” 

With Veteran’s Day in mind, we honor Pvt. 1st Class George F. Schneider, his family and all those who have served in our military (past and present). 

I, along with countless Americans, thank you for your service.

(I appreciate Tom Schneider’s contribution to this week’s column, including excerpts of his dad’s memoir, “Survivor: Memoirs of a WWII Vet”) 

Sheryl H. Boldt, a Franklin County resident, is a faith columnist and the author of the blog www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net. You can reach her at SherylHBoldt@gmail.com.