My name is George Lawson, and I served aboard seven Aircraft Carriers as an Aviation Ordinance man.

I am a retired Chief Petty Officer (Aviation Warfare Specialist) United States Navy. My family has served in every war from the American Revolutionary war to current day. Some were POW’s, some came home, and some gave all. I am an Active Firefighter/EMT and WWII Researcher. This all started with a simple thank you to a WWII Veteran who fought in the Hürtgen Forest with the 28th Infantry Division.

I heard about the passing of Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. on May 2, 2014 and that he served in WWII. I looked up his phone number, called and Stephanie, his daughter answered. I offered my condolences and thanked her for her father’s service. I also offered my assistance with her father’s military paperwork and had Prayer with her.

I wish to honor a man who stood the watch, 2nd Lieutenant Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Company L 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division Rifle Platoon leader. A Synopsis of the Battle of Hürtgen Forest where Efrem Fought 19 Sep 1944 – 10 Feb 1945. The Magnitude of sacrifice for the U.S.Military losses in WWII was 407,000.
The Battle of Hürtgen Forest was the longest battle the Americans had ever fought in the history of the United States military. The Forest itself is a 70-square-mile section of heavily wooded terrain The American forces suffered 33,000 casualties (9,000 of which were attributed to non-combat causes such as illness and friendly fire), while the Germans suffered 28,000 casualty (12,000 of them died). The battle itself began on September 19, 1944 when the 3rd Armored Division along with the 9th Infantry Division moved into the forest. The lieutenants and captains quickly learned that control of formations larger than platoons was nearly impossible. Troops with no more than a few feet apart couldn’t see each other. There were no clearings, only narrow firebreaks and trails. The 9th Infantry Division became the first Infantry Division to test the German defenses…

The division’s 60th Infantry Regiment was at less than 40 percent strength. The other two regiments, the 39th and 47th, were also under strength. The 9th had fought in North Africa and then across France. Like manyAllied divisions, its ranks had been severely depleted during prolonged combat. After nearly a month of fighting, the Americans suffered 4,500 casualties after pushing only a few miles into the forest. The Germans booby-trapped a three-mile wide zone in the forest with mines planted every eight paces to slow any possible American advance. To top it all off, on top of potential death delivered by shelling and mines, German snipers dotted the forest, taking out unsuspecting American soldiers who became lost in the directionless snow-covered landscape.

The Siegfried Line or (the West Wall as the Germans called it) did not rely on large fortifications but used terrain features andseveral belts of mutually supporting bunkers, pillboxes, and firing positions. These defenses, combined with minefields and antitankbarriers such as “dragons’ teeth” and deep ditches, protected theGerman border region. The forward defenses were backed by hardened bunkers for troops, supplies, and command-and-control facilities.
This is where 2nd Lieutenant Efrem Zimbalist was wounded and 5,000 American troops sacrificed their lives. The Foundation of my life is stronger because of men like Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.
I thank you for your service; I thank you for my Freedom.
~George Lawson, Retired USN Veteran

Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. (November 30, 1918 – May 2, 2014) was a Golden Globe-winning American actor known for his starring roles in the television series 77 Sunset Strip and The F.B.I. He is also known as recurring character “Dandy Jim Buckley” in the series Maverick and as the voice behind the character Alfred Pennyworth in Batman: The Animated Series and associated spin-offs. He also voiced Doctor Octopus from the 1990s Spider-Man animated series, and Justin Hammer from the second season of 1994 Iron Man animated series. Mr. Zimbalist died on May 2, 2014 from natural causes at the age of 95. His daughter Stephanie announced the news, saying, “He was 95 years old, a devout Christian. He actively enjoyed his life to the last day, showering love on his extended family, playing golf and visiting with close friends.

May 2nd marks the annual marker for the passing of Mr. Zimbalist. His daughter, Stephanie quoted on this day, ” Daddy was a Christian, but a good friend of mine mentioned that today is his “yahrzeit,” in the Jewish faith. In looking it up, and reading about the Kaddish which is read, I came across this —
<> It’s a lovely thought for this special day — spread the word… Again, on bended knee. Make your life an act of love. ”

It is a great privilege and honor to collect these stories from our veterans of war, all of whom I have found to be a humble group of men and women. These stories are their stories. We offer special gratitude to George Lawson for submitting this very special story.
~ Jenny Lasala
about.me/jennylas51

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