My Uncle’s Experience Serving Our Country

Serving one’s country is a noble act that requires courage, sacrifice, and a sense of duty. My uncle, a proud veteran of World War II, epitomizes these virtues. Born and raised on a farm in Eastaboga, Alabama, he joined the Army at the age of seventeen, eager to participate in the war effort and defend his homeland against tyranny and oppression. His journey to become a member of the Army’s Combat Special Forces began with basic training in Camp McCain, Mississippi, and Camp Folk, Louisiana, where he honed his combat skills and learned the importance of teamwork and discipline.

His unit was then transported to South Hamilton, England, to prepare for the invasion of Europe. Little did he know, he was about to embark on a historic mission that would change the course of the war. On “D Day,” June 6, 1944, his unit crossed the English Channel and arrived on Utah Beach in Normandy, France, where they faced heavy resistance from the enemy. Despite the odds, he and his unit were relentless in their pursuit of victory and succeeded in establishing a foothold in Normandy.

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From there, he was assigned to General Patton’s Third Army, a legendary force known for its fearlessness and tenacity. He supported the Army’s Combat Forward Forces, which involved liberating cities across France, Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia. It was a perilous and demanding task that required him to endure harsh conditions, including extreme weather, terrain, and enemy fire. His unit was responsible for rebuilding bridges as they moved inland. Nevertheless, my uncle and his fellow soldiers never lost sight of their objectives, which were to defeat the enemy, protect their allies, and secure freedom for innocent civilians.

The Battle of Bulge was one of the most significant challenges that my uncle encountered while serving in the war. It was the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the Americans against the Germans, and it lasted for six turbulent weeks. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, my uncle and his comrades displayed extraordinary courage and tenacity, which helped turn the tide of the battle. They endured severe weather conditions, blizzards, and frostbite, but they never lost hope or determination. At one point he almost drowned while crossing a river but was saved by one of the prisoners that was moving with them across the country. Eventually, they emerged victorious, and my uncle received the Purple Heart and four Bronze Battle Stars, which acknowledged his bravery and valor.

After the war ended, my uncle returned home, a changed man. He had seen and experienced things that most people could never imagine, which had left an indelible mark on him. Nevertheless, he remained proud of his service, and he spoke of his experiences with reverence and admiration. He knew firsthand the sacrifice and dedication required to serve one’s country, and he held a deep respect for all those who had served before him, alongside him, and after him.

My uncle’s experience serving our country is a testament to the courage, sacrifice, and sense of duty that embodies the American spirit. He demonstrated unyielding resolve and determination in the face of adversity and helped secure freedom and democracy for countless individuals. As we mark another Veterans Day, we must recognize and honor the sacrifices of all those who have served our country, including my uncle, who is a true hero in every sense of the word.

We lost Uncle Howell in 2018 at the age of 93. There were many years that he would not speak about the war to anyone. Later in his life, he began to open up and tell the stories. In 2016 he participated in an oral history project with the World War II Museum in New Orleans. Below is a link to the video that he provided to me so that we could all hear what he had to say about his experiences during the war.