WWII As Seen Through The Eyes Of A Veteran
On December 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. Life was good in Sterling, Ohio.
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 twelve boys was eager to fight the Japanese and later the Germans when, on December 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, Private 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 Private 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 George F. Schneider.”)
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
- I would love to honor others who have served in the United States military in future columns. Do you have a story about your (or a family member’s) experience that you could share with us?
If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be tickled if you would consider sharing this post.
We would love to honor others who have served in the United States military. Do you have a story about your (or a family member’s) experience that you could share with us?
Thank you, Sheryl, for honoring Tom’s dad, George for his courage, bravery and service as a veteran from WWII! We should honor all our men and women in uniform, especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country, as George pointed out in his book, “Survivor: Memoirs of a WWII Vet George F. Schneider”; they are the true heroes. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13.❤️✝️
I appreciate your and Tom’s help in writing this article, Kim. I especially appreciate your father-in-law (and all those who served in the military) for their service!
And thank you, Kim, for sharing this tribute to your father-in-law (and other vets) on your Facebook page.
Thank you, Sheryl, for giving me this opportunity to honor my father who served 20 years in the Army. Tragically, he was shot by his stepson. My brother served in both the Army and the Air Force. He flew jets over Laos during the Vietnam War. He now has a war in his head called dementia. But praise be to God for making all things work together for good.
Hi, Carlos. It’s so NICE to see you again.
I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s tragic death and your brother’s new “war” with dementia ~ which makes me mean it all the more when I say I so appreciate their service while defending our country.
Please stop by often, Carlos. I’ve missed seeing you.