A heartfelt story about an unsung hero.

By Cindy K. McKinnon

 

He was born on February 14, 1921 in St. Louis, Missouri, the 19th Amendment had already passed and women were exercising their right to vote.  It was a time after World War I and the freedom from the wartime economy created a better lifestyle for Americans.  American people wanted an end to labor problems and racial strife, less immigration, conservative politics, a return to Christian values and less government interference in their lives.  It was a time before the first talkie motion picture was released, Warren G. Harding was President of the United States, the lie detector was invented and Adolf Hitler became Chairman of the Nazi Party.  It was also a gruesome time for lynchings that were celebrated in the south as The Ku Klux Clan activities became violent throughout the southern U.S.  The age before radio, television, aerosol spray cans and sliced bread.  A time before household luxuries  - electric irons, toasters, refrigerators, air-conditioners and vacuum cleaners.  It was a fascinating era for a young boy to be raised . . . this is a story about George Roberts - proud to be an American and an unsung hero. 

 

Young George grew up during the roaring 20's.  Al Jolsen and Rudolph Valentino were the hit sensations.  A time when Prohibition was enforced in hopes to lower crime and corruption, reduce social problems and improve health and hygiene in America.  Instead, alcohol became more dangerous to consume; organized crime blossomed; courts and prison systems became overloaded; and endemic corruption of police and public officials occurred.  George=s youth is filled with memories of when the nation was preoccupied with cultural and social difference.   

 

Wall Street crashed and money became scarce.  George witnessed the Great Depression and the effect it had on the entire nation.  George remembers the news of Al Capone being released from jail in 1930 when he was only nine years of age.  He remembers The Amos N Andy Radio Show that was the source of entertainment for the family as well as The Marx Brothers, Guy Lombardo and The Aunt Jemima Show.  This was a time when The Daughters of The American Revolution asked for deportation of jobless aliens because the American people were struggling to raise their families. This is what life was like when George Roberts was a boy.

 

George was a mere twelve years of age when the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped and later found dead.   He remembers Amelia Earhart becoming the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic.  He also remembers sitting in the family living room while listening to a record player of songs by Rudy Valle and Louis Armstrong.  George was a youth of innocence when Lou Gehrig tied the record with four straight home runs.  He lived during a time of 15 years of prohibition and in 1933 he remembers beer becoming legal again.  The repeal of Prohibition started the tradition of the Budweiser Clydesdales that were a St. Louis icon during George=s lifetime.  George smiles as he recollects his thoughts to reflect on the days of his youth as though it were yesterday. 

The onset of WWII saw the 30th reactivated in September,1940, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The 30th now comprised representatives from nearly every state in the union and was moved to Camp Blanding, Florida and received training at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, and Camp Atterbury, Indiana as well.

 

On June 10th, 1944, the 30th was employed as a replacement division to compensate for the losses to the 29th Infantry Division during the D‑Day landings and was almost immediately committed against the German Army.

 

The 30th distinguished itself during the French campaign by spearheading "Operation Cobra", opening the way for Patton's Third Army to drive into Brittany and onto Brest. It was during this campaign that the German High Command dubbed the 30th "Roosevelt's SS troops" due to the constant pressure on the German 1st SS Division.

 

Additional action saw the 30th involved in the "Breakout at Saint Lo", and again at Mortain.

 

The 30th was also an integral part of stopping the 1st SS' drive through the Ardennes in the "Battle of the Bulge", extracting so many casualties to the elite 1st SS Division, they were no longer able to do battle.

 

The 30th continued on through Germany and eventually linked up with elements of the Soviet Army.

 

During the two months immediately following the war in Europe, the 30th saw service in an occupational role in Czechoslovakia and was eventually brought back to the states and on November 25th, 1945, was deactivated at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. George was a Corporal.  

 

George never talks about it, but he received a bronze star for bravery and not many were awarded in those times.  In December of 1944 he charged and wiped out a machine gun nest.  George also received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle in France in the year 1944.  His best friend was next to George and B killed in action.  George doesn=t talk about the cold dark foxholes that he slept in on snowy nights with bombs exploding  around him while stationed in Europe, and he doesn=t mention the only thing he had to eat were K-rations. 

 

After the war, George returned home and later married a sweetheart from his new employment of the terminal and Union Pacific Railroad from where he eventually retired. 

Later In the 1950's  Playboy Magazine made its debut.  Life Savers Candy color TV, the aluminum can . . . yes, George saw it all.  George was married to his bride for more than 50 years, he paid his taxes on time and supported his family on a modest income.  He  raised a son who became a successful attorney with his own law firm.  George has enormous pride for his son that shines through every day. 

 

He was there for his wife, by her side to hold her hand as she drifted into the spiritual world, kissed her goodbye and walked home to adjust to a new life.  George was 84.