raymond_schildt T5 RAYMOND J. SCHILDT - Hdq Co.

"They would let the infantry ride on the tanks so we could gain more miles every day in France."

 

 

standing on Left


Medals and Special Honors I received while in the Army:

5 Battle Stars and Good Conduct Medal

 

1. Some funny things I remember about the war:

Once there was a soapy dish rag left in a coffeepot and everyone that drank that coffee got sick (had diarrhea) during the night.

 

2. My memories of the way we lived in Europe:

In the winter in Belgium we had to cover up with snow to keep warm. Also concerning our travels, I drove a jeep for the officer and every night we had to report to Patton how many miles that we had traveled that day and what he expected us to make in the days ahead. We could not drive with our lights on and had to hold our arms out to feel where the trees were. It was nice when there was a full moon because we could see where to drive.

 

3. My most vivid memories from World War II:

They would let the infantry ride on the tanks so we could gain more miles every day in France.

 

4. My memories about the conditions of the countries I was in during the war:

The countries were mostly destroyed.

 

5. Something from the war that is difficult to talk about, but I'd like future Americans to know:

They would put a wire across the road about four feet high from tree to tree to try and cut off our head.

 

6. In spite of the hardships of war, I'm proud to have served my country in World War II because:

We were called for duty for our country and I was proud to have served my country in that way during World War II.

 

7. My message to my lifelong Buddies in the 818th:

It was a wonderful feeling to finally make it back home to the USA.

 

Article from the "Seward County Independent, World War II-----remembered".
Seward, NE. Nov. 9, 1994, p.15.

 

Schildt saw European Theater battle action

Editor's note: The following was submitted by Raymond J. Schildt, rural Seward, for publication in this special edition.

    

I was drafted into the service on June 13, 1942, when I was working in the Consolidated Air Craft Factory in San Diego, Calif. I took basic training at Fort Robinson, Ark., until July 12, and then moved on to the 818 Tank Destroyer at Camp Bowie, Texas. I then moved to Camp Pickett, Va., and Fort Dix, N.J., and left to go overseas on Oct. 20, 1943, from Camp Shanks, N.Y.

 

We arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Nov. 1, 1943, and went to England and left for combat on July 16, 1944. We landed in Normandy, France, and went through Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria and Czechoslovakia.

 

I was in five battles in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. My job was driving for a liaison officer and reporting to Gen. Patton every night. Our division was commended for driving ahead in subzero weather and deep snow, and went without rest for seven days and seven nights in Belgium.

 

We moved back to England on July 10, 1945, and waited until Sept, 1 to sail back to the United States, but had to stop at Newfoundland for three days to get our ship repaired. We landed in Boston, Mass., on Sept. 28, 1945. I was discharged on Oct. 4, 1945, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and went back to my home on a farm by Pleasant Dale. Raymond J. Schildt Rural Seward



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