My name is Waldo Werft, and I am a World War II Veteran.

I enlisted on December 1, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. I was attending the University of Louisville, and was having trouble focusing on my studies .All my friends were leaving, so I decided to join the Army because I felt compelled to serve because it was the right thing to do. I have no regrets. I served from 1942 to 1945. My basic training was in Camp Wheeler, Georgia. I was sent as an overseas replacement to Arzew in North Africa in May 1943. I joined the Medical Detachment, 16th Infantry Regiment with the 1st Infantry Division.

In July 1943, we invaded Sicily and in October 1943, we shipped to England for the June 1944 invasion of Normandy (Omaha Beach). I served in 6 campaigns, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland (Battle of Aachen) and Central Europe with the end of the war in Czechoslovakia. I received 2 Bronze Stars and the Combat Medical Badge as a Staff Sgt. (T-3). My MOS was a Clerk Typist, but I mostly served as a medic in combat. The first photo was taken in England during November 1943 as Pfc. Waldo Werft, Medical Detachment, 16th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. The photo in full uniform was taken upon my discharge in October 1945.

My greatest fear was being severely wounded, as I saw some.of the terrible wounds of those I treated. My job was to stop the bleeding. And there was a lot of bleeding. I was especially fearful of enemy artillery barrages. I think the most terrifying experiece for me was being under an artillery and mortar attack on the second day around Gela, Sicily when 30 German tanks counter attacked behind our lines trying to drive us back in the sea. I don’t recall being as scared on D-Day, even though it was far worse. Maybe that was because it wasn’t my first combat, and I was so busy treating the wounded.
Let’s face it, I was scared all the time but able to do my job in spite of the constant fear! I didn’t know many who were not afraid. Some could hide their fear a lot better than others. Some just have more courage than others. My war experience really widened my view of the world, and life. I went in as an immature kid at 19, and came out at 22 a lot more mature, and motivated to prepare for my future. I was able to forget the war, and move on….

My older brother Paul, who was ten years older enlisted with me on December 1, 1942. Paul served with 104th. Infantry Division, and in German Prisoner of War Camp in Arizona. Paul did not go overseas and served from 1942 to 1946. Paul and I hardly talked about our war experiences. He did tell me about the German POWs though.

I had a great reception from my family who welcomed me at the bus station. At first I recall feeling strange, having been away so long. Some of the things they thought interesting seemed trivial to me, but I adjusted.

We did not discuss the war. Life went on…
~ Waldo Werft, WWII Veteran
Tucson, Arizona

We are very grateful to Waldo for sharing his personal story and invite you to share your family military service here as well.

God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.

AUTHOR’S BOOKS: www.amazon.com/Jenny…/e/B00NR36UYM/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

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