The Daily Wire featured a chapter from “At First Light” for Memorial Day

May 28, 2025

Summer Reading Special — Both of my Kissimmee books in signed-numbered first editions for a donation to the Life Network Walk for Life

May 31, 2025

From The Blaze: The Army called him a handicap. History calls him a hero.

Published by Walt Larimore at May 30, 2025

Op-Ed in The Blaze

Most of you know that my book about my dad’s heroism and exploits during and just after WWII, At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse, was updated and re-released a year ago. I wrote the Op-Ed below about him that was published earlier this week by Blaze Media.

Op-Ed in The Blaze

The Army called him a handicap.

History calls him a hero.

By Walt Larimore

May 24, 2025

Phil Larimore was discharged at 22 as a ‘highly decorated cripple.‘

Fifty years later, his legacy earned him a place beside Eisenhower and Audie Murphy.

You’ve probably never heard of Phil Larimore — a teenage hero of World War II whose story sounds too improbable to be true. But behind the unbelievable details stands a real young man with the leadership of Dick Winters (“Band of Brothers”), the resilience of Louis Zamperini (“Unbroken”), and the courage of Desmond Doss (“Hacksaw Ridge”).

Born in 1925, Philip B. Larimore Jr. excelled at outdoor pursuits — hiking, camping, horsemanship, sharpshooting, and hunting. But he also struggled with discipline and behavior, prompting his parents to send him to military school at age 13. There, Phil found his purpose. He emerged as a standout cadet and natural leader, graduating with honors shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

If Dad could speak to us this Memorial Day, I believe he would ask for just one thing:

Tell the stories of those who served.

At 17, he became the youngest cadet up to that point to complete the Army’s demanding Officer Candidate School. Days after his 18th birthday, he received his commission — becoming the youngest Army officer in the war. He then trained intensively with the 82nd Airborne.

By early 1944, Phil had landed on the beachhead at Anzio, Italy, with the 3rd Infantry Division. He had just turned 19.

A survivor

He fought in frontline combat almost immediately. He first led an ammunition and pioneer platoon, working shoulder-to-shoulder with his men. At night, often deep in no man’s land, Phil defused mines, strung barbed wire, delivered supplies, and engaged in brutal combat — sometimes hand to hand — as he advanced through Italy and into southern France.

During that phase of the war, the average life expectancy for a junior officer on the front lines was 21 days. Phil survived 415.

Days after his 20th birthday, he was promoted to company commander, the Army’s youngest at that post. He went on to become one of the most highly decorated junior officers, receiving every valor medal the Army awarded except the Medal of Honor — including the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and three Presidential Unit Citations. His bravery included volunteering to fly 200 miles behind enemy lines to find where Hitler had hidden the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions — a top-secret mission that led General George Patton to authorize Operation Cowboy to save the breed from extinction.

On April 8, 1945 — just one month before VE Day — Phil learned that a squad of his men were pinned down by more than 120 German soldiers. Without hesitation, he jumped on the back of a tank and coolly manned a .50-caliber machine gun under relentless enemy fire. He wiped out three German gun nests and scattered the surrounding troops. A sniper’s bullet shattered his leg before he could return to cover.

Surgeons in a field hospital amputated his right leg. Phil was then flown home to an Army hospital, joining more than 15,000 soldiers recovering from major limb loss. Army policy at the time mandated automatic discharge for all amputee officers after rehabilitation. Phil refused to accept it. He appealed the policy, calling it unjust, unfair, and unethical.

A shattering setback

During his appeal hearing on April 15, 1947, Phil discovered exactly how Army brass viewed amputee officers. One colonel told him, “You’re a handicap to the Army. You’re a highly decorated cripple — but still a cripple.” Another added, “The Army doesn’t need one-legged handicaps,” and “Amputee officers simply don’t have a place in our Army.”

The board denied his appeal by a single vote. Phil received an honorable discharge with the rank of major — at just 22 years old.

Though the Army later reversed the policy in 1950, the damage had been done. Phil’s self-image was shattered. His promising military career had been stolen — not only by a German sniper but by the Army and country he had faithfully served and loved. He fell into despair and contemplated ending his life.

Fortunately, he turned to an Army chaplain for help. With the support of family, friends, and faith, Phil rebuilt his sense of purpose and began healing.

I’m the oldest of Phil’s four sons. He never spoke about the war. Only after he and my mother celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary did I ask what it felt like to be a hero.

“Two million men fought in Europe,” he replied. “I was one of over 500,000 American casualties. But more than 100,000 are buried there. Those are the real heroes. Not me!”

A role model for generations

Dad’s quiet but steady faith, humility, and lifelong service to others became a model — not just for my brothers and me but for the many students and Boy Scouts he mentored over the decades. Several even named their first sons Philip.

After retiring, Dad made peace with his past and with his Creator. The nightmares faded. The stench of war no longer haunted him. He died peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 31, 2003. He was 78.

After 15 years of research and writing, I completed my biography of him — “At First Light” — first published in 2022. The book led to his posthumous inductions into the Army’s Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame and the 3rd Infantry Division Hall of Fame, alongside legends like Audie Murphy and Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower, George C. Marshall, and Lucian K. Truscott.

After his most recent induction, I visited his grave. I thought: Dad, I always loved being your son. Now more than ever, I’m honored by it.

If he could speak to us this Memorial Day, I believe he would ask for just one thing: Tell the stories of those who served. Tell the stories of those who gave everything on the altar of war — those who sacrificed their tomorrows so we might have our todays.

And above all, remember the cost. The freedoms and liberties they preserved must not only be appreciated — they must be wisely stewarded.

Walt Larimore, a Colorado-based physician, is the author of “At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse” (Knox Press).

Phil Larimore was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross at age 22 – the Army’s second highest valor award

COMMENTS:

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story about your dad. I’m thankful for his sacrifices he made during his military career, and I’m very respectful and appreciative of every one that has served for our country. I’m from the Vietnam era and I’m still disappointed that our troops that fought in a senseless war never received the welcome home like previous soldiers. All military men and women deserve our respect and should be honored during peace time as well as war time.
They never gave a thought to how they would be remembered. Their only mission was to do the right thing, the honorable thing, the loving thing, in keeping with their uncompromising morality. You are blessed to have been his son, and as a complete stranger I am humbly grateful for his memory. Thank you for sharing him with us.
There seems to be no end to heroic stories out of WWII, like this one. We need more of them. I don’t think the current crop of young people could have won WWII. They feel too entitled, and don’t know hardship. Too often they need “safe spaces.” I can’t imagine those of that mindset storming the beaches of Normandy under withering German fire. There are exceptions, of course, but with a majority of young people being overweight and unqualified for military service, it doesn’t look too promising
Wonderful story, your Dad was a great man.
Amen. Thank you, Walt for sharing this story of courage and love of our country! I wish I could have known Phil! What remarkable men! I thank him and all who have sacrificed so much for our freedom! I also thank the families of those who served and continue to serve! Without family support, I’m sure many would chose something else. I will be praying for all this Memorial Day weekend.
A Memorial Day story worth repeating over and over, year after year. Yes, to honor Maj. Phil Latimore, but more so to honor and pay tribute to all the men and women who have served their country, the USA. And this story is worth sharing with any young person who should be informed as to what it is to be a patriot. God, please bless all the souls who sacrificed to make mine a better life.
God Bless Him!!!!
An American Hero. A heart warming story in times such as these.
Dr. Walt, Thank you for sharing your treasured memories of your dad’s heroic service. He is the best of what America has to offer. Very humble; not seeking fanfare over his military accomplishments. Physically, he left a part of himself in WWII Europe in its defense. Mentally, he had the resilience to recover, with support from his family, friends, and faith, and find a new purpose for his life, continuing to serve. Your dad was a model American and Patriot. Thanking God for him.
Your Dad didn’t want to be singled out as a hero, seeing himself as one who served and survived, while so many others served and lost their lives. To me, they are all heroes and we owe them so much. We need to follow their example and do what is needed to defend our republic from those who seek to destroy it from within. Thank you for sharing his story, a remarkable man.
Walt, your father wasn’t only a hero, but a true American badass! Thank you for keeping his and other’s memories alive. May he rest in the peace he earned.
Magnificent story. Your dad ‘s a real hero.
Thank you for this story!
HEAR, HEAR! MAY THE HEROES OF YESTERYEAR NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!
I will buy the book this week.
Thank you for sharing the sacrifice he made for freedom for future generations. Major Philip Larimore we thank you for your service and sacrifice. We will honor you by remembering your name 🇺🇸 & read the book!
God bless his memory! The article makes me so proud to be here in our Land of the Free and Home of the Brave! Thank you for telling us about your Father, Walt. I know he is smiling on you.
What a great man. I would like to see a movie made about him also. These are the people kids need to be emulating – not rock stars and sports players…..
Simply amazing. God was behind us at one time and this story proves it. RIP young man, may your memory live on.
RIP HERO. Thank you for our freedom!
A BIG Thank YOU to all the Men and Women who served in the Arm Forces of the United States of America. I am so privileged to be an American. God Bless!!!
Thank you, Walt. Your father’s story defines what is a true American hero. He didn’t think he was a hero, he just did what was necessary to complete the mission. That is why we have Memorial Day, so we can all remember the sacrifices of our service men and women.
Thank you. I just ordered the book.
Every gutless politician who is hell-bent on disowning and destroying the greatness of our nation, should be forced to read this heart wrenching and humbling story of a true American unsung hero! RIP in peace, Sir!
My first job after completing college was in the newly formed computer graphics section of the cartography division of the school of geoscience at LSU. Phil Larimore was in charge of the cartography division. We worked on many projects together assisting graduate students. Two major projects led by Phil were the graphical presentation of data from the 1970 census and the official maps of the three mile line separating state waters from federal waters. I spent many hours on the couch in Phil’s office, taking advice from a man I greatly admired. He was certainly a hero who had lived a full life at an early age, but also in my experience someone who continued to contribute to society through his work at LSU.
Great article. I’m glad I read it. Going to enjoy reading the book.
What a fantastic tribute to an honorable man. Thank you for introducing his story to us. May his memory ever be a blessing to you and all his descendants.
You did your Father proud Walt. You both did America proud, and we offer eternal thanks and gratitude.
That man was a leader … the kind of leader described by those who served under Gen. Lee. They said they’d “charge hell with a bucket of water for that old man.” Thank God for men like them.
What an injustice! Bless him and all the others who fought and died to keep our country free!
Talk about unsung hero! I only wish the military would have found something else for him to do. Sounds like they just turned their back on him.
Impressive story of one who cared. Those who care more for others than they ever did for themselves are our true treasures. And they are many. Not all of them served in the military. Some served in hospitals, on ambulances, in fire departments and on police forces. Others no one ever sees except the family members they served during their dying days or years. But every one of them is special. Most will never hear a word about it, never receive a medal, or get their name posted in a museum. But we should remember they are or were there and be ever thankful, so thankful they exist or did. They keep us more human by their very presence among us
What a wonderful tribute to a Hero!
This made me tear up. What an example of manhood!
There is an expression for this. It’s F.T.A. While the Top Brass is out of shape they do demand that the lower ranks be in top condition. As an amputee the brass saw him as unfit. Which he wasn’t and there were a lot of jobs in the Army he could do but they do not see it that way. What a shame. Ask today’s members to take a run around the base they will have running shoes and the whole 9 yards.. Back all the way to Vietnam you did your PT in Combat boots and fatigues.
I’m 78 and served my country. I love to read stories of our brave men and women who fought and kept us free. I need to find a copy of the book you wrote. God bless you and your family.
I just purchased a copy. It is not too hard to find. Put in Larimore and At First Light. It is available online both new and used.
God bless the men and women who bless us with their sacrifices.
AMEN! Rest in peace Phil. A great patriot!
From those of us who served, but not with his distinction, God bless him & thank you.
I got something in my eye as I finished this. I hope my sons say the same about me.
An amazing stroy and so touching. He WAS a true hero.
Wow! Thank you for sharing an incredible story and yes a real Hero!
Great Memorial Day story.
Truly an American Hero. God Bless all our Heroes who fought for our freedoms. Sad that our country and military branches didn’t recognize or appreciate our brave soldiers. Thankful for each and every one of brave fighters. God bless their families.
There should be a kleenex warning on stories like this … Thanks for honoring your Dad and all our WWII heros.
Thank you, Walt. To your Dad and to you. Stories like this make me even more proud to be an American. #respect.
What a man. A great man. Remember what Memorial Day is about.

You can order the book here.

From The Blaze: The Army called him a handicap. History calls him a hero.

The Daily Wire featured a chapter from “At First Light” for Memorial Day

Summer Reading Special — Both of my Kissimmee books in signed-numbered first editions for a donation to the Life Network Walk for Life

The Daily Wire featured a chapter from “At First Light” for Memorial Day

Summer Reading Special — Both of my Kissimmee books in signed-numbered first editions for a donation to the Life Network Walk for Life

The Army called him a handicap.

History calls him a hero.

By Walt Larimore

Phil Larimore was discharged at 22 as a ‘highly decorated cripple.‘

Fifty years later, his legacy earned him a place beside Eisenhower and Audie Murphy.

If Dad could speak to us this Memorial Day, I believe he would ask for just one thing:

Tell the stories of those who served.

A survivor

A shattering setback

A role model for generations

COMMENTS:

Walt Larimore

Related posts

Summer Reading Special — Both of my Kissimmee books in signed-numbered first editions for a donation to the Life Network Walk for Life

The Daily Wire featured a chapter from “At First Light” for Memorial Day

MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE – My Dad’s story was featured on Shaun Thompson’s Show on Salem Radio last Friday

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