May 8, 1945 — The war in Europe finally ends and Victory in Europe or VE Day is declared
May 8, 2025On May 9, Phil was scheduled to depart on a specially equipped C-54 military hospital plane from Reims, France, to Mitchel Field. While waiting in a wheelchair to board the aircraft, several military vehicles rapidly drove up. One of the front sedans had flags attached, each displaying five stars in a pentagonal pattern with points touching. Phil knew instantly the flags meant it was General Eisenhower.[1]
“Ike,” as the general was known to the men—was in the car. The general quickly exited the sedan and began to work his way down the line of wounded men. His entourage followed as he greeted each man, ordering them to stay seated and “at ease.”
When he came to Phil, one of Ike’s men, reading from a clipboard, gave the general a quick summary of the soldier’s background. He shook Phil’s hand and bent over. “How are you feeling, Captain?”
“Better, sir. I’m getting great care. And I’m heading home today.”
Eisenhower smiled. “I served as a Marne Man in your 3rd Division slightly more than a year in ’40 and ’41. I hold General Truscott in high esteem. He served as one of my deputy commanders in my forward tactical headquarters. But what you men have done over here is spectacular. Some never saw the Germans; most saw too many. Not a single instance when your division failed; I can’t recall a single instance when the division gave up a foot of ground.”
“We had great commanders,” Phil said.
“Yes, that’s true. But more importantly, they had marvelous men. It’s you men that I look back to in our moment of triumph. But I can’t look back on you men without looking forward to the future for which you fought. It’s now our task to build the future on the solid foundation laid by those who have left us forever—and those forever wounded. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
“Thank you, sir,” was all Phil could think to say.
The general started to stand, but then he knelt on one knee in front of Phil. “I’m told that the most pleasant things that old soldiers can talk about among themselves are the memory of successful battles. I think the future reunions of the 3rd Division will be the most enjoyable affairs. I hope to see you at one.” Then the general stood and moved quickly to the next man.
The journey by air was a long one. After arrival in New York, where he spent the night, a U.S. Army military hospital transport plane flew him to the Naval Reserve Air Station near Atlanta.[2]
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[1] Larimore, At First Light, 270.
[2] Larimore, At First Light, 270-271.
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