| Raymond P. Leuthy 139th Engineer Battalion |
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Raymond P. Leuthy, 17th ABN, 139th Engineer Battalion  War is a terrible experience for any one. Many people are killed and many families are devastated. I still, to this day feel sad about a incident that occurred in Belgium January 1945.My company „DUG IN“in a wooded area at night. We posted guards around the area. Charlie Wilhelm and I took up a position to observe an open field. The ground was snow covered and frozen. We could not dig in. So we brushed away some snow. Placed some pine needles on the ground, and layed down and, watched our assigned area. Several hours later we saw two figures crossing the field and coming in our direction. We knew they were not Americans. I raised my rifle to shoot but Charlie said „wait until they get closer“. When they got about 30 yards from us we stood up, and, fired on them. Charlie hit the first guy, and I shot the guy right behind him. The guy Charlie shot, feels down on the ground, and was screaming in pain. The guy I shot ran away wounded, and left a trail of blood on the snow. So now what in the hell are we going to do with this badly wounded German? Charlie said to me, Ray go up and kill him! I replied F…You! You shot him, you kill him! And he did. Charlie went through the dead guys pockets got his wallet, and rings and watch. The next day Charlie showed me the wallet and some picture he took off the German soldier. One picture was of a young woman and a little child (girl) about 5 years old. Another picture was of the soldier his wife and child. How very sad it makes me feel even today. I do hope that little girl has had a good life all the years growing up. It is a shame so many innocent people are hurt as a result of a few evil persons.  |
